Forward Energy Purchases Propane Division of Hirschman Oil

, a subsidiary of Forward Corp. (Standish, Mich.) has acquired the propane division of Hirschman Oil and Propane, an 85-year-old company headquartered in Reese, Mich. Details regarding the transaction were not released.

Forward Energy said the purchase boosts its strategic growth, both in number of customers and service area. Now primarily serving customers in central and northern Michigan, the acquisition expands Forward Energy’s reach farther south and into

the state’s Thumb region.

Forward said it will now serve more than 6000 propane customers across 23 counties, making it one of the largest locally owned suppliers in Michigan. “This is a very exciting time for Forward Energy,” said Abby Moniz, president of Forward Corp.

“Our propane division continues to thrive, and acquiring a quality, well-respected company such as Hirschman will make us stronger and give us more opportunity to serve our customers.”

Family owned and operated since 1934, Hirschman Oil and Propane will continue to do business as Hirschman Oil Supply, focusing on fueloil, diesel, gasoline, and lubricants. The company will move to a new office building later this summer at 2727 W. Vassar Road in Reese. Forward Energy will maintain an office in Reese in the current Hirschman building, in addition to its main office in Standish and a satellite office in Roscommon. “We couldn’t ask for a better partner in this transition,” said Mark Hirschman, president of Hirschman Oil Supply. “We wanted to make sure our propane customers were well taken care of, so we’re happy to be passing the torch to another local, family-owned company such as Forward.”

(SOURCE: The

, July 22, 2019)