From aftermarketNews Staff & Wire Reports

AVON, OH – Bearing Technologies, Ltd. (BT), a manufacturer and private labeler of wheel hub assemblies and clutch release, racing, repair and industrial bearings, has acquired North Coast Bearings, Inc. (NCB), a supplier of differential and transmission rebuild kits, bearings and related components. It is BT’s third major acquisition in the past five years.

“Last year, we solidified a corporate growth plan called ‘One-Ten by Twenty-Ten,’ and this acquisition signifies a major step towards reaching our goal of $110 million in annual sales by 2010,” said BT President and CEO Laz Tromler. “This is a very synergistic relationship and we anticipate a virtually seamless transition with no effect on customers or suppliers.”

BT’s purchase of NCB will enable both companies to expand their product offerings in the automotive and heavy-duty truck aftermarkets and diversify into other mobile markets.

“Our goal has always been to supply our customers with the most comprehensive product offering,” said NCB President and CEO William “Bud” Hagy. “Now we can give them a wider range of products and services, all available from a single point of contact.”

Management of the two companies will remain the same. In addition to Tromler, BT’s key personnel include Finance Director Jeff Hrehocik and Business Development Director Brian Graziadei. At NCB, executives include Hagy and CFO John Gross.

For the past 14 years, BT has been manufacturing hub assemblies and wheel end components sold under private label by the world’s leading suppliers. Their brands include the Green Bearing line of clutch, rear axle repair, specialized racing and industrial bearings, as well as the PressureGuard line of central tire inflation systems. Additionally, BT manufactures OEM driveshaft center support bearings for the heavy-duty market.

For more information, visit: www.bearing-technologies.com.