Exotic Automation & Supply — Parker Hannifin distributor based in New Hudson, MI — announced it will acquire Muskegon, MI-based West Michigan Rubber & Supply Co., effective Dec. 1.

West Michigan Rubber & Supply Co. was founded in 1955 as an industrial supplier of hose & rubber products. The company is an authorized Parker Hannifin distributor and offers custom-made hose assemblies onsite at its retail ParkerStore location. In addition to fluid connector products, the company also specializes in manufacturing custom rubber & belting products.

“Joining the Exotic Automation family is an exciting moment for our company, but an even more important one for our customers.” Joe Veltman, Co-Owner of West Michigan Rubber & Supply said in an Oct. 21 news release. “The acquisition opens exciting opportunities for West Michigan Rubber to expand into new markets and product lines, such as pneumatics, hydraulics, compressed air and engineered systems, which will dramatically increase our product offering to customers.”

Exotic Automation & Supply was founded in 1963. The company has store locations throughout Michigan and Indiana offers a comprehensive selection of solutions including custom hoses and fittings, pneumatic and hydraulic components, filtration, lubrication equipment, engineered power units, compressed air equipment and more. Like West Michigan Rubber, Exotic also designs & manufactures custom urethane & rubber parts, and this remains the focus of the company’s Engineered Rubber & Plastics division.

“When we first explored this opportunity with West Michigan Rubber & Supply, I was amazed by our many shared principles, visions and core values,” Exocit CEO Tom Marino added. “I am very excited to welcome West Michigan Rubber to the Exotic Automation family and I have no doubt this partnership will be a success.”

This acquisition of West Michigan Rubber & Supply will expand Exotic’s network to 19 locations.