The Charles Machine Works Inc. (CMW), manufacturer of Ditch Witch underground construction equipment, has acquired 100-percent ownership of HammerHead Trenchless Equipment, manufactured by Earth Tool Co. (ETC) of Oconomowoc, Wis. This acquisition makes ETC a wholly owned subsidiary of CMW. Hammerhead designs and manufactures piercing tools, bursting systems, pneumatic hammers and horizontal directional drill tooling.

"Our decision to acquire HammerHead/ETC was based on our long-term, strategic commitment to grow our core business," says Tiffany Sewell-Howard, CEO of CMW. "We plan to fully leverage HammerHead's products and expertise to strengthen our position in the water and sewer rehabilitation markets globally."

HammerHead/ETC and the Ditch Witch organization both have expressed confidence that the acquisition will ensure long-term sustainability. "Both companies have spent years developing customer confidence in our brands," says Brian Metcalf, CEO of ETC. "Joining together reaffirms a commitment customers can depend on."