Atlas and Atlas O consolidate

[Bob Keller]

From a news release from Atlas:

 

Atlas Model and Atlas O to Merge

Hillside, NJ-December 28^th, 2011- The merger of Atlas O, LLC and Atlas Model Railroad Co. Inc. was announced today by Thomas W. Haedrich, Atlas Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Atlas O, LLC will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlas Model Railroad Co. Inc., effective January 1^st, 2012. “The merger accomplishes family business planning and makes for a more effective and unified organization in the short and long run”, Haedrich said. 

“On a day to day basis, the merger provides a more efficient structure for sales, marketing, distribution and administration. Atlas distributors and dealers will benefit by having only one company to transact business with”, Haedrich explained. 

Atlas O, LLC was established as a separate business entity in 1997 and is dedicated to producing multiple lines of O model railroad products including track, freight cars, locomotives and accessories. Atlas Model Railroad Co. Inc., is the successor to Atlas Tool Co. Inc., founded in 1949 in Hillside, NJ by Stephan Schaffan Jr. Both companies have been dedicated to producing broad lines of quality N and HO model railroad products.  Atlas Tool Co. Inc. is the successor to Atlas Tool Co. founded in Newark, NJ in 1924 by Stephan Schaffan Sr. After 88 years and four generations, the Schaffan family remains actively involved in the day to day operation of Atlas.

Diane Schaffan Haedrich, spouse of CEO Thomas W. Haedrich, is President of Atlas Model Railroad Co. Inc.  Jarrett Schaffan Haedrich serves as Vice President of Marketing and Jesse Schaffan Haedrich, a recent college graduate, is active in Design and Development.