Orbus Visual Communications (PPAI 428128, Gold) has acquired CRĒO Industrial Arts, a full-service custom fabricator that works with a broad range of venues.
- Last year, the Illinois-based supplier rebranded to Orbus Visual Communications, having previously done business under Orbus Exhibit & Display.
- In 2020, Orbus acquired the fabric architecture design firm Fabric Images.
- Two years later, it would acquire SEG Systems & Services, which specializes in the engineering, design and manufacture of lightboxes, merchandising and display systems.
The acquisition is said to allow Orbus to support the work of CRĒO, and the technical capabilities that CRĒO excels in will open up new possibilities for what Orbus offers to clients.
“We are excited to collaborate with CRĒO’s remarkable team,” says Gary Keefer, CEO of Orbus. “Their outstanding capabilities in technical design, metal fabrication, woodworking, lighting and more are best in class. Further, CRĒO’s custom interior and exterior solutions complement and supplement Orbus’ existing custom offerings.”
‘Strategic Growth Plans’
While Orbus will now be able to draw from the CRĒO team, the Seattle-based fabricator has plans to build upon its portfolio. Some of the company’s work includes:
- The Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma
- The Ice Age Fossils Museum in Las Vegas
- Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle
“Being a part of the Orbus family will enable CRĒO to serve its clients even better than we do today, and it will significantly fuel our strategic growth plans,” says Jeff Braaten, president of CRĒO. “Access to a larger platform of manufacturing operations enables our company to expand our reach throughout North America and increases the breadth of capabilities we can provide.”
CRĒO, which has operated for over 40 years, worked on projects that are often intended to be presented in an artful context and typically are placed in public spaces meant to be interacted with.
“CRĒO and Orbus collectively have a passion for visual storytelling and a collaborative spirit that produces remarkable results,” says Mark Matthews, director of exhibits at CRĒO. “Our partnership enhances our ability to build unique permanent exhibits and environments for the public that are inspiring and educational.”
