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Posted May 09 2008

Kerk, based in Hollis, N.H., USA, designs and manufactures a unique line of high-precision motion control products that include lead-screw assemblies, slides, linear rails, and actuators. The company's products are designed for maximum life and quiet operation in tight tolerance applications. Known for its innovative solutions, such as patented anti-backlash designs, Kerkote® TFE coating, and Kerkite® materials, Kerk has distinguished itself as a technical leader in the motion control industry.

"This acquisition presents significant benefits to our global customer base," Mr. Dubois commented. "We will be able to leverage the finest aspects of each company to present an even greater value proposition to our customers. By sharing best practices across our product development and manufacturing organizations we will also enhance our technological leadership."

Jeff Fox, Harbour Group's chief executive officer, said, "The combination of Kerk and Haydon is a marriage of two global industry leaders. The sales, service, assembly, design and manufacturing capabilities of these two companies will be unmatched in the linear motion control market. We look forward to working with the Kerk team and building upon their long track record of success."

Ken and Keith Erickson, co-presidents of Kerk, commented, "We couldn't be happier with the efforts of our employees and management team over the years. They helped us build an outstanding company and we were very careful in locating the right partner to help it grow to its full potential. We found that ideal partner in Haydon and Harbour Group." They added, "The combination of these two premier organizations creates a global leader in the motion control industry. This is a very positive step for our employees and customers."

Haydon is a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance fractional horsepower linear actuators, lead screw assemblies, rotary stepper motors and hermetically sealed switches for niche-market applications. The company, founded in 1951, operates 11 facilities on three continents. It is based in Waterbury, Conn.

Harbour Group is a privately owned company based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Harbour Group and its operating companies are engaged in the manufacture and distribution of a wide variety of consumer and industrial products, including decorative kitchen and bath hardware, specialty LED systems, linear actuators and switches, automotive-enthusiast products, lubricating systems and equipment, abrasives, diamond cutting products and related tools, entertainment and music products, and auxiliary plastic processing equipment. Since its founding in 1976, Harbour Group has acquired 157 companies in 34 different industries.