Netform Merges with Tapemaster, Forging an End-to-End Parts Powerhouse

SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI – January 09, 2026 – In a significant move set to reshape the advanced manufacturing landscape, Netform, a portfolio company of Torque Capital Group, has announced its merger with Lavalier Corporation, which operates as Tapemaster. The deal unites Netform's expertise in advanced component forming with Tapemaster's precision machining capabilities, creating a vertically integrated powerhouse poised to offer comprehensive, end-to-end solutions for the world's most demanding industries.

This strategic union is designed to provide customers in the aerospace, defense, automotive, and industrial sectors with a single, streamlined partner for manufacturing complex, highly engineered components. By integrating the entire production lifecycle—from initial material formation to final, precision-finished parts—the combined entity aims to enhance efficiency, shorten lead times, and deliver unparalleled quality control.

A Strategic Union for End-to-End Manufacturing

The core of the merger lies in the powerful synergy between two distinct but complementary manufacturing disciplines. Netform is a recognized leader in advanced flow-forming and cold-forming processes, which create components that are near-net shape, meaning they require minimal secondary work. This method is celebrated for producing parts with high strength-to-weight ratios while reducing material waste and cost. These components are critical in transmission, propulsion, and safety applications, particularly within the mobility markets.

Tapemaster, on the other hand, brings to the table a deep specialization in precision CNC machining. Its capabilities include advanced 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling, turning, and grinding, all supported by a state-of-the-art CMM inspection lab. This allows for the transformation of near-net shape parts into final components with the tight tolerances and complex geometries required for critical applications. By bringing these capabilities under one roof, the company eliminates the logistical and quality-control challenges that often arise when parts are transferred between separate forming and machining vendors.

Mike Putz, CEO of Netform, highlighted the strategic fit. "Tapemaster's precision machining excellence and strong presence in aerospace and defense align perfectly with our focus on precision, innovation and quality manufacturing of highly engineered critical products and components," he stated. "Together, we will deliver expanded capabilities to our customers, driving advancements in both traditional and emerging markets."

Targeting the Skies: A Push into Aerospace and Defense

A key driver of the merger is the significant opportunity it unlocks within the aerospace and defense sectors. Tapemaster's AS9100D certification is the cornerstone of this strategic push. AS9100D is the internationally recognized Quality Management System standard for the Aviation, Space, and Defense (AS&D) industry, and holding this certification is often a non-negotiable prerequisite for suppliers.

This certification, which Tapemaster achieved in 2021, demonstrates a rigorous commitment to quality, safety, and reliability that goes far beyond standard manufacturing protocols. By integrating this certified capability, the new entity can now offer its advanced forming technologies to a market where every gram of weight and every micron of precision matters. The merger positions the company to compete for high-value contracts for flight-critical components, defense system parts, and other sensitive applications where supply chain integrity is paramount.

The vertical integration offers defense and aerospace clients a more resilient and secure supply chain. Having a single partner responsible for the entire manufacturing process simplifies procurement, enhances traceability, and reduces the risk of disruptions, a critical consideration for national security and mission-critical programs.

The Torque Capital Blueprint for Industrial Value

This merger is the latest step in a deliberate strategy executed by Torque Capital Group, the private equity firm that acquired Netform in December 2022. Torque Capital specializes in investing in middle-market manufacturing and supply chain companies at what it calls "critical inflection points," deploying capital and operational expertise to build long-term value.

The firm's approach involves identifying companies with unique technological capabilities and then building them into more comprehensive platforms through strategic acquisitions. This pattern was previously demonstrated in April 2024, when Netform merged with Vickers Engineering Inc., a specialist in precision-machined parts and advanced automation for the automotive and industrial markets. That move strengthened Netform's position in the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) sector.

The addition of Tapemaster now extends this platform into the lucrative aerospace and defense markets, diversifying the company's customer base and capabilities. This methodical build-up showcases Torque's blueprint: acquire a strong foundational company, augment it with complementary technologies like automation and machining, and then expand its reach into high-barrier-to-entry industries.

Reflecting on the partnership, Tom Laviolette, Tapemaster's President and Owner, commented, "This is an exciting opportunity for the entire Tapemaster team and our blue-chip customer base. Our partnership with Netform provides important strategic resources allowing us to better serve and grow with our customer base. The Torque and Netform teams provide the cultural and long-term focus our employees and customers deserve."

A Foundation of Quality and Advanced Technology

The combined company stands on a formidable foundation of technical prowess and certified quality. Netform's advanced forming processes are particularly suited for the automotive industry's shift toward electrification, where lightweight, high-strength rotor shafts and other propulsion components are essential. Its ability to create near-net shapes reduces the extensive machining typically required, saving both time and material.

Together, the new entity holds an impressive portfolio of certifications that underscore its commitment to excellence across multiple sectors. These include:

• AS9100D: The gold standard for aerospace and defense quality management.
• IATF 16949: The mandatory global quality standard for the automotive supply chain.
• ISO 9001: The internationally recognized framework for general quality management systems.
• ISO 14001: The standard for effective environmental management, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.

This comprehensive suite of certifications not only opens doors to new markets but also assures existing clients in the automotive and industrial sectors of a continued and enhanced focus on quality and process control. By combining these certified processes, the company is uniquely equipped to handle the most complex manufacturing challenges, from safety-critical automotive parts to flight-ready aerospace components, all from a single, integrated source.