A new era for Bliss Industries
Bliss Industries, LLC, a leading manufacturer of hammermills, pelletmills, coolers and other related equipment, has announced the retirement of its founder, Mr. Bill Bliss. Greg Alles, President of Bliss Industries, will assume his operational duties.
“Bill Bliss has been a pioneer in the hammermill and pelletmill industry, and as our founder, has been the leader and visionary for our company,” stated Greg Alles. “I have had the great privilege of working with Bill both early in my career and again for the past seven months, and I consider Bill a great mentor and friend. We wish him all the best on his well deserved retirement.”
Bill Bliss started Bliss Industries in 1981 in Ponca City, OK and quickly established Bliss as an industry leader in the production of hammermills, and later in the production of pelletmills, coolers and related equipment.
“The success of Bliss Industries is due in large part to the employees that worked with me to make our dream a reality,” said Bill Bliss. “I would like to thank all of the employees, customers and vendors that made Bliss the industry leader that it is today. Looking back, I have realized that ‘Team Bliss’ has accomplished more than we ever could have imagined, and though I am retiring I am looking forward to watching the continued growth of Bliss under the direction of Greg Alles. Greg’s experience and expertise in this industry will keep Bliss thriving and growing, and he has the ingenuity to take Bliss on to even greater things.”
In July of 2007, Pennington Allen Capital Partners, a private investment firm, established a partnership with Mr. Bliss by acquiring 75 percent of Bliss Industries. The two partners of the firm, W. Lane Pennington and Mark H. Allen, became active senior executives of Bliss as well as members of the Board of Directors. With Mr. Bliss’ retirement, W. Lane Pennington will serve as Chairman of the Board, Mark H. Allen will serve as Chief Executive Officer and Greg Alles will continue in his role as President.
“Bill Bliss had the knowledge and vision to create and grow a thriving business, as well as the foresight to see the different industries in which these products can be used,” said Mark H. Allen.
“Bill has continued to be instrumental in the success of the company since we made our investment and in helping us recruit a talented and experienced management team that will take the company into the future and allow it to reach its full potential,” added Mr. Allen. “We have the utmost respect and affection for Bill, and we hope that he and his wife Katie have a long and fulfilling retirement. While Bill will be sorely missed, we are excited about our future as we broaden our product lines and distribution channels, and position the company to better serve the many industries currently using Bliss products, including the emerging alternative/renewable fuels industries where our products will play a key role.”
About Pennington Allen Capital Partners
Pennington Allen Capital Partners is a private investment firm focused on the acquisition of manufacturing, distribution, and business service companies and providing private equity to fund growth and other transformational needs of its business partners. The firm couples its capital resources with strategic and operational services to allow small and medium sized businesses reach their potential. Pennington Allen was formed in 2003 in Dallas, TX under the name of Whiterock Affiliates, and now maintains its headquarters in Tulsa, OK. The principals of Pennington Allen Capital Partners include W. Lane Pennington and Mark H. Allen. During the past five years, Pennington Allen has participated in transactions exceeding $800 million in total enterprise value.
