Baldor Electric Acquires Canadian Components Supplier

Baldor Electric Co., a Fort Smith, Ark.-based manufacturer of industrial electric motors, power transmission products, drives and generators, announced on Sept. 2 that it has acquired Poulies Maska Inc., of Ste-Claire, Quebec, Canada.

Maska manufactures sheaves, bushings, couplings and related mechanical power transmission components. The company has 180 employees, primarily located in Canada and a new facility in China. Maska’s 2007 sales were approximately $33 million.

“We are excited to announce the addition of Maska to our line of mechanical power transmission products,” said John McFarland, Baldor chairman and chief executive officer. “Over the past five years, the management team at Maska has increased sales and profits by nearly 50 percent. Their two automated and efficient facilities produce a large variety and some of the highest quality products available in the marketplace. Maska’s sheaves and bushings complement our Dodge line, with each having success in different parts of the market.”

In announcing the deal, Baldor listed a number of benefits of the transaction. Among other things, the acquisition gives Baldor the leading North American market share in sheaves and bushings, the company said, while also providing a second plant in China for Baldor to support international growth.

The transaction was funded by cash and an existing credit facility, Baldor said. Additional terms were not disclosed.

Baldor Electric Co.
www.baldor.com