Ozark awning company buys KC firm’s assets

Five years after buying a Springfield company, Ozark-based Welhener - H.B. Wall Awning has closed on the purchase of a Kansas City firm’s assets.

The Sept. 4 acquisition of the assets of Kansas City Tent & Awning Co. was finalized for an undisclosed amount via Lake Country Investments Inc., the investment firm owned by father and son Ron and Scott Neville. The Nevilles bought Welhener in 2008 from Jim Conley, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

Scott Neville, Welhener’s president, said the name and current 13-employee staff of the Kansas City-based company would remain. He said Welhener acquired Kansas City Tent & Awning Co.’s backlog of work, materials, equipment and staff.

“This was a logical step for us to get into the Kansas City market,” Neville said, adding discussions for the asset purchase had been ongoing for about two years. “It helps us serve our customer base better. We are more of a regional supplier now.”

He said the long history of Kansas City Tent & Awning Co., founded in 1901, was a primary reason to retain its name after the asset purchase.

“It’s a tremendously valuable name to have up there,” he said.

Welhener manufactures and installs awnings, as well as canopies, patio covers and shade structures. Neville said Welhener employs 14 at its 12,000-square-foot headquarters at 1580 W. Skyline Ave. in Ozark.

While operating as Welhener Awning & Shade in 2014, the company purchased Springfield-based H.B. Wall & Sons for undisclosed terms. At that time, the company’s name changed to Welhener - H.B. Wall Awning, Neville said.