A Tennessee-based industrial company has reached an agreement to acquire a longtime Albert Lea manufacturing company.

In a move announced Tuesday via press release, JPW Industries Inc. announced it had reached an agreement to acquire Edwards Manufacturing Co.

Edwards Manufacturing President Alexis Friend said all current Edwards Manufacturing employees will keep their jobs. She said the acquisition will enable the company to increase its production based on JPW Industries’ global reach.

Friend said JPW Industries is committed to being a leading employer in the community, noting she will remain as president and her husband, Doug, will remain as chief operating officer.

“Joining forces with JPW will enable Edwards to leverage its respected brand, innovative product designs and highly skilled employees,” Alexis Friend said in the release. “With JPW’s professional sales and marketing capabilities, we expect to significantly strengthen and expand our position in existing and new markets.”

Edwards Manufacturing, which has about 35 employees, was founded in 1875 by Charles Douglas Edwards and has been owned by the Hanson family since 1953, according to the press release.

The company manufactures industrial ironworkers, hydraulic tools, ironworker tooling and other items.

“In Edwards Manufacturing, JPW has acquired a strong brand, outstanding, American-made products and a skilled workforce,” JPW Industries CEO Robert Romano said in the release. “We will maintain the Midwestern manufacturing facility in Albert Lea, Minnesota. When combined with JPW’s sales and marketing reach, we expect to significantly expand Edwards’ presence in its core markets.”

The company will retain the Edwards Manufacturing Co. name.

A company with headquarters in La Vergne, Tennessee, JPW Industries manufactures and markets machinery and equipment under JET, Powermatic, Wilton and Promac brands. It has operations in Europe and Asia and sells its products through a worldwide network of distributor partners.