ST. CLOUD, MN — Woodcraft Industries has acquired the assets of Técnica Maderera Especializada's (TME) cabinet door division in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The St. Cloud Times reports this is the wood component manufacturer's first venture into Mexico. Founded in 1945, the St. Cloud, MN-based Woodcraft Industries manufactures hardwood, veneer and laminated components for the kitchen cabinet, store fixture, healthcare and office furniture markets.

“TME’s proximity to U.S. markets, combined with its high-volume production capabilities, will allow Woodcraft Industries the ability to access new customers as well as develop new programs to serve our existing customers,” Woodcraft Industries President and CEO John Fitzpatrick said in a statement.

Woodcraft has said Rodrigo and Alfonso Obregon, who started TME's cabinet door division in 1996, will remain with the company in an advisory role.

The purchase of TME's cabinet door division marks Woodcraft's fourth acquisition since 1998. Previous acquisitions included PrimeWood in 1998, Brentwood in 2002 and Grand Valley Door in 2004. In addition to the Mexican plant, Woodcraft has 12 production facilities and seven distribution locations throughout the United States and Canada.

According to information from TME, 100 percent of its cabinet door production was exported to the United States. Prior to the sale of its cabinet division, the company's website claimed TME was the largest wooden cabinet door manufacturer in Mexico and Latin America. Founded in 1988, TME also manufactures kitchen countertop blanks, which are sold in Mexico and Central America.