December 20, 2011 - Kaman acquired the business of Catching FluidPower, a distributor of fluid power products based in Bolingbrook, IL. In conjunction with the acquisition, Parker Hannifin recognized Kaman nationally as a value-added reseller of Parker hydraulics, fluid connector and automation products.
Catching FluidPower
Founded in 1954, Catching is expected to generate sales of $43 million in 2011, and has approximately 90 employees. Catching is one of Parker’s premier tri-motion distributors and covers a wide variety of product technologies including: hydraulic and pneumatic pumps, motors, valves, cylinders, manifolds, precision automation, instrumentation, hose and fittings, connectors, filtration products, seals and all other necessary fluid power components. The business operates six locations in Illinois and Indiana and will become part of Kaman’s Industrial Distribution Segment. Steven J. Smidler, President of Kaman, commented, “Catching is the leading player in the critical Chicago market for fluid power products.
This acquisition significantly expands our capabilities in that important category. Similar to last year’s acquisition of Minarik in the automation and motion control space, we view Catching as an excellent platform which expands our range of technology-driven products demanded by customers. We are pleased that the senior management team of Catching, including its President, Richard J. Guminski, has agreed to join our team.” Mr.
Guminski said, “Catching and Kaman are a great strategic and operational fit. This combination will benefit our customers by expanding our product offering and through the additional resources of Kaman, allow us to further strengthen the business. We plan to continue to operate out of all existing locations as a full-line Parker distributor and we are also pleased with the expanded suite of opportunities this provides to our employees. Our team is very excited by the possibilities for growth that joining the Kaman organization represents.” Terms of the purchase were not disclosed.
About Kaman Corporation
Kaman Corporation, founded in 1945 by aviation pioneer Charles H. Kaman, and headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut conducts business in the aerospace and industrial distribution markets. The company is a leading distributor of industrial parts, and operates more than 200 customer service centers and five distribution centers across North America. Kaman offers more than four million items including bearings, mechanical power transmission, electrical, material handling, motion control, fluid power, automation and MRO supplies to customers in virtually every industry.
