Rock Pros USA, a Southwest U.S. supplier of decorative rock for commercial and residential landscaping, announced the acquisition of Tucson, Ariz.-based Kalamazoo Materials Inc. With the purchase, Rock Pros USA now owns 13 quarries boasting 18 unique colors across the Southwest.
“We are thrilled to make Kalamazoo part of the Rock Pros family,” said Kelly Shepherd, Rock Pros’ owner and founder. “This acquisition enables us to expand our service territory and offer clients across the Southwest a huge array of gorgeous colors and world-class service.”
Shepherd, an industry veteran of nearly 25 years, co-founded Granite Express in 1998. The company, renamed Rock Pros in 2019, mines and supplies high-quality decorative landscape rock, construction aggregates and gravel, rip rap and boulders for commercial and residential landscaping. With the acquisition of Kalamazoo, Rock Pros USA will now serve four states: Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah.
Rock Pros said it has built its reputation on strong business processes, excellent customer service and top-notch product. As a result, the company has developed long-standing relationships with architects, contractors and landscapers throughout the Southwest. Now, clients will have many more color options for their projects, from browns and reds to golds and greys and everything in between.
“This acquisition will bring together Rock Pros’ strong customer service and operational expertise with Kalamazoo’s extensive product offerings,” said Shepherd. “Kalamazoo chose its quarries for their unique color and long-term reserves. Now under the Rock Pros umbrella, clients across the Southwest will benefit from many new options to fit any industrial or residential project. We believe we will be stronger together.”
Rock Pros will temporarily operate Kalamazoo as a separate company out of Rock Pros’ Mesa, Ariz., headquarters as the companies complete the transition
“Rock Pros is a first-class operation in every way,” said Paul D’Alessio, Kalamazoo’s founder who is now retiring. “Not only will they continue to build and strengthen their business, but they’re an excellent employer and treat their staff like family. That was an extremely important consideration for me.”
The acquisition, which was finalized on Jan. 3, is part of Rock Pros’ long-term growth strategy.