Kaman Industrial Technologies Corporation has acquired Catching FluidPower Inc. The business operates six locations in Illinois and Indiana and will become part of Kaman’s Industrial Distribution Segment.
“Catching is the leading player in the critical Chicago market for fluid power products,” said Steven J. Smidler, president of Kaman Industrial Technologies. “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.”
Catching plans to continue operating out of all existing locations as a full-line Parker distributor.
Epicor Software Corporation reports that at their annual Distribution Executive Forum, an audience representing 60+ wholesale distribution companies was treated to an unprecedented gathering of industry thought leaders as they recently discussed enterprise resource planning (ERP) and the technology-enabled distributor of the future.
The theme of the 2011 Executive Forum, held in Napa, Calif., was “Distribution 2.0,” an exploration of the form and format of the next-generation wholesale distributor, focusing on technology, industry trends, business models, and organizational culture.
“Technology is the linchpin of Distribution 2.0,” said Kevin Roach. “Distributors need to have a defined strategy around this key aspect of their business. Technology can and will make a real difference in how you compete in the market.”
During the panel discussion, the experts observed that most distributors are currently using only 20-30 percent of the technical functionality in the ERP systems they have bought and paid for; and today’s consultative selling model requires more than just product knowledge, but a more technically competent and adept sales force, as well.