DES PLAINES, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cozzini Bros., Inc. and Carolina Cutlery Service, Inc. announce the completion of their merger. The joint company will operate under the Cozzini Bros. name.
Carolina Cutlery, based in Pineville, NC, is the leader in knife sharpening rental and exchange services in the Carolinas. The Povinelli family, which has been in the knife sharpening business in the United States since 1890, founded Carolina Cutlery in 1993. Joe Povinelli, co-founder and President of Carolina Cutlery, will join Cozzini as Mid-Atlantic Regional General Manager to continue providing sales and operational leadership in the region.
“Carolina Cutlery and Cozzini joining forces is a transformational event in the cutlery services industry and a significant milestone in Cozzini’s strategy to provide exceptional, consistent service to customers nationwide,” said Ed Finnegan, CEO of Cozzini Bros. “By partnering with Joe and his team, we expand Cozzini’s footprint into the Mid-Atlantic and will benefit tremendously from Joe’s expertise and leadership. We’re honored to have Joe join our team.”
“I am excited to be part of the largest, most organized, and advanced sharpening company in the U.S. while keeping our regional offices and employees close in the Carolinas” said Joe Povinelli. “It is a great opportunity for this combined company to grow and become a better company for both our employees and customers.”
Carolina Cutlery brings Cozzini long-term customer relationships, market leadership, and operational expertise in the Mid-Atlantic, positioning the combined companies well in an area traditionally underserved by Cozzini. Carolina Cutlery will maintain its existing operations and employees in Pineville, NC and distribution centers throughout the Carolinas.
Ed Finnegan continued: “We will now be able to serve customers directly in the Carolinas; further, there will be no changes or interruptions to Carolina’s customers as Joe will continue leading the business with his exceptional team. After this significant step for us and the industry, we look forward to further partnerships and for what’s next to come.”
About Cozzini Bros.
Cozzini Bros, Inc. is the largest commercial knife sharpening company in the country, serving independent restaurants, restaurant chains, grocery stores and other foodservice institutions across the country. The company provides knife exchange, various ancillary services and kitchen supplies to over 30,000 customers nationwide. Established in 1905, Cozzini is headquartered in Des Plaines, Illinois.