Garwood-based pen company makes pair of acquisitions

Pen Co. of America, a Garwood-based maker of writing instruments, has acquired a pair of companies, it announced Wednesday.

The family-owned pen business said in a news release it has acquired Rhode Island-based Garland Writing Instruments, a maker of metal writing implements, and Connecticut-based Ben-Art Manufacturing, a maker of metal accent pieces for ballpoint pens.

Financial terms of the two separate transactions were not disclosed.

“The three companies’ history, in terms of dedication to USA manufacturing, product lines and customer base, is very similar,” Colleen Shea, vice president of sales and fourth-generation member of the family, said in a prepared statement. “The ability to bring all three together in one location, and under one umbrella, will give customers a single source for USA-made writing instruments, from economical plastic pens to high-end metal pens.”

PCA is the largest manufacturer of American-made plastic ballpoint pens, making more than 40 writing implements annually.