After 16 years at the helm of Forgemaster Furnace Co. Inc., Bob Kientzy is retiring. Joe Kovacs has acquired the company from Kientzy Machine and Fabrication.

“Joe Kovacs, the new owner, is very familiar with Forgemaster and its reputation,” according to a letter to distributors attributed to Kientzy. “He and his staff are committed to providing the same great quality products and services.”

In a separate letter to distributors, Kovacs is looking forward to making his mark in the industry.

“You can be assured that you will continue to receive the same fine quality U.S. manufactured product that you have come to expect along with the highest quality and best value portable forges in the industry,” according to the letter attributed to Kovacs.