BALDOR PURCHASES

BALDOR ELECTRIC COMPANY ANNOUNCES that it has completed the acquisition of Power Systems, a division of Rockwell Automation. Power Systems consisted of Dodge mechanical power transmission products and Reliance Electric motors, and is located in Greenville, SC. The acquisition positions Baldor as the largest industrial electric motor manufacturer in North America, with products ranging from 1/50hp to 15,000hp. The addition of the Dodge product line moves Baldor into the power transmission products business with a leading and preferred brand.

"This was a unique opportunity," explains John McFarland, Baldor's Chairman and CEO. "Baldor has lead the industry for years with a core strength in small motors, where as Reliance's strength has been in larger motors. Now, both products will compliment each other nicely. Adding the Dodge power transmission products will also provide customers an end-to-end solution from one supplier: Baldor."

Combined, these companies provide almost 300 years of expertise in the motor and power transmission business.