Ecore International has acquired Pro-Techs Surfacing, LLC, a prominent playground surfacing installer based in Copley, Ohio, in a strategic move to expand its presence in the safety surfacing market.

The acquisition bolsters Ecore's recreational and playground brands—Surface America, SpectraTurf, and Duraplay—by adding specialized installation capabilities to complement its existing product manufacturing operations. Ecore, known for transforming reclaimed rubber materials into high-performance sustainable products, sees the deal as advancing its mission to reduce environmental impact through circular manufacturing processes.

Pro-Techs brings substantial experience to the partnership, having installed more than two million square feet of safety surfacing with a national reputation for excellence. The Ohio-based company specializes in International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) certified solutions that meet or exceed American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards for performance and safety.

As a longtime Ecore customer prior to the acquisition, Pro-Techs has demonstrated expertise with the company's environmentally safe surfacing products, creating a natural fit for integration.

"This acquisition is another important step toward fulfilling our vision for Ecore to rid the world of rubber waste with the capabilities and scale to grow into key markets," said Art Dodge, CEO of Ecore International. "What sets Pro-Techs apart is not only their quality and technical expertise, but the heart and strength of their team."

The acquisition positions Ecore to offer comprehensive solutions from manufacturing through installation, potentially streamlining the process for customers seeking playground and recreational surfacing projects. This vertical integration could provide competitive advantages in both residential and commercial markets.

Kal Krishan, President of Ecore's Outdoor Surfacing Unit, emphasized the strategic importance of the human capital aspect of the deal. "Success starts with people, and Pro-Techs has established itself as a trusted partner to playground surfacing stakeholders, sharing Ecore's commitment to quality and safety," Krishan said.

The acquisition aligns with Ecore's broader environmental mission of transforming waste rubber into useful products. By expanding its playground and recreational surfacing capabilities, the company can potentially increase the volume of reclaimed materials it processes while serving communities, schools, and parks with safer surfacing solutions.