Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT), Cleveland, OH, No. 8 on MDM's list of the top 40 industrial distributors, has acquired UZ Engineered Products, Cleveland, OH. UZ is a distributor of products for maintenance, repair and operational needs. The business was acquired from State Industrial Products Corp., also in Cleveland. UZ employs more than 170 people and generated 2009 annual sales of $23 million

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"UZ is an important addition to our government business sector," said Todd A. Barlett, Vice President – Acquisitions and Global Business Development for Applied. "Their product mix, experience and geographic coverage will enhance our existing support for this important market and help us expand our reach across North America."

David DeBord, currently president of UZ Engineered Products, will continue to serve in that position and will report to Michael L. Coticchia, Vice President of Government Business for Applied. "Government business, including Federal, State, County and Local, is an important growth sector for us," said Coticchia, "and UZ will definitely help strengthen our position with our many customers. We will now have a significantly expanded sales presence."

Founded in 1982, UZ serves a broad range of MRO customers, primarily in the government sector, throughout the U.S. and Canada. The company's single Cleveland location supports industrial, commercial and institutional operations with product lines that include fasteners, fittings, lubricants, electrical components, welding supplies, cutting tools, and other specialty maintenance products.

Applied Industrial Technologies posted sales of $1.9 billion in its year ended June 30, 2009.