5 Shocking Transformations Of Plimpton & Hills Corporation After Its 125-Year Family Legacy Ended
The Plimpton & Hills Corporation, a name synonymous with plumbing and HVAC distribution across the Northeast for over a century, has undergone a seismic shift that fundamentally altered its identity and market reach. As of late 2024 and into the current date of December 19, 2025, the company’s long-standing, four-generation family ownership has concluded, ushering in a new era of aggressive expansion and strategic rebranding under a powerful private equity firm. This transition is not merely a change in ownership; it is a dramatic repositioning of a regional powerhouse into a major player in the national distribution landscape.
This deep dive explores the full, updated story of Plimpton & Hills, detailing the pivotal 2024 acquisition and the subsequent moves that have cemented its new identity as a rapidly expanding distribution platform. The core of the story lies in how a beloved, multi-generational business is leveraging new capital to execute a rapid-fire series of acquisitions, significantly bolstering its presence in the highly competitive Northeast wholesale market.
The End of a 125-Year Era: Acquisition by Grove Mountain Partners
For over 125 years, Plimpton & Hills Corporation stood as a pillar of the wholesale distribution community, particularly in Connecticut and the wider Northeast region. Founded on a commitment to customer relationships and a comprehensive inventory of plumbing, heating, and cooling (HVAC) products, the company proudly bore the legacy of four generations of the Hills family.
A Strategic Partnership, Not Just a Sale
The monumental change occurred in 2024 when Grove Mountain Partners, an Atlanta-based private equity firm specializing in home service and specialty business service companies, acquired a majority stake in Plimpton & Hills. This strategic transaction, often described as a Buyout/LBO, was not viewed by the new owners as a simple asset purchase but rather a “strategic partnership.” Grove Mountain Partners emphasized their respect for the company's deep, multi-generational customer relationships and its first-class supplier base.
The acquisition was a significant development in the wholesale distribution sector, signaling a trend of private equity investment aimed at consolidating regional market leaders. The Meriden, Connecticut-based company, which reported revenues in the tens of millions, became the foundation for a much larger, ambitious distribution platform.
- Key Entities in the Deal: Plimpton & Hills Corporation, Grove Mountain Partners, Hills Distribution (the new platform name).
- Old Headquarters: Meriden, Connecticut.
- New Strategy: Use the established brand and infrastructure to drive aggressive regional expansion through strategic acquisitions.
The Birth and Rapid Expansion of Hills Distribution
Immediately following the acquisition by Grove Mountain Partners, the new ownership group began operating the platform under the name Hills Distribution. This move effectively transformed the regional Connecticut company into an expansion-focused entity with a mandate to dominate the Northeast's plumbing and HVAC distribution market. The pace of expansion in late 2024 and 2025 has been nothing short of dramatic, marking the most significant transformation in the company's history.
Acquisition Spree and Geographical Dominance
Hills Distribution wasted no time in executing its growth strategy. The company’s first major moves focused on bolstering its operations across the Northeast, particularly in the critical New York market.
One notable development was the announcement of the acquisition of a pair of New York companies, including a Staten Island plumbing supply distributor. This move immediately extended Hills Distribution’s reach and market share outside of its core Connecticut base, where it maintains several branches in locations like Berlin, Danbury, and East Canaan.
Furthermore, in a deal dated November 14, 2024, Plimpton & Hills (now Hills Distribution) completed a Buyout/LBO with Coastal Supply Group. This further solidified the company's position as a key supplier of a diverse range of products, from hydronic heating products to essential plumbing supplies and accessories.
This strategy of acquiring established regional suppliers is a clear indicator of Grove Mountain Partners’ intent to build a national-scale competitor, using the strong foundation and brand recognition of Plimpton & Hills as its core. The new structure allows the company to leverage economies of scale and cross-sell a wider array of products to a larger customer base of contractors and commercial clients.
What Plimpton & Hills (Hills Distribution) Offers Today
While the ownership and strategic direction have changed, the core business of Plimpton & Hills Corporation remains focused on being a premier wholesale distributor. The company’s product offerings are comprehensive, catering to both residential and commercial applications, making it an essential link in the construction and home services supply chain.
Comprehensive Product Lines and Market Focus
The inventory offered by Hills Distribution is extensive, covering all critical components for modern building and renovation projects. This broad range ensures topical authority in multiple sub-sectors of the distribution industry. The primary product categories include:
- Plumbing Supplies: A full range of piping, fittings, and essential fixtures.
- HVAC Equipment: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units and components.
- Hydronic Heating Products: Specialized equipment for water-based heating systems.
- Valves and Fittings: Industrial and commercial-grade components.
- Kitchen and Bathroom Products: High-end fixtures and accessories for residential and commercial spaces.
The strategic partnerships and acquisitions, such as the deal with Coastal Supply Group, allow Hills Distribution to deepen its inventory and service capabilities, providing a one-stop-shop for professional contractors. The company’s focus remains on providing exceptional sales and support, with consistent operating hours for its branches across Connecticut and its newly acquired territories.
The Future Outlook in a Consolidated Market
The transformation of Plimpton & Hills into Hills Distribution reflects a broader trend of consolidation in the wholesale distribution industry. With the backing of a major private equity firm like Grove Mountain Partners, the company is well-capitalized to continue its expansion trajectory. Future developments are likely to include further acquisitions in the Northeast and potentially a move into adjacent markets.
The legacy of the Hills family, built on reliable service and quality products, is now the launchpad for a much larger, more aggressive entity. This strategic shift ensures that the name—whether Plimpton & Hills or Hills Distribution—will remain a dominant force in the supply chain for contractors, builders, and developers across the region for years to come.
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