Kaman Corp. (NASDAQ-GS: KAMN), Bloomfield, CT, No. 15 on MDM’s list of the top 40 industrial distributors, has acquired Catching FluidPower Inc., a distributor of fluid power products based in Bolingbrook, IL.

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With the acquisition, Parker Hannifin Corp. has recognized Kaman nationally as a reseller of Parker hydraulics, fluid connector and automation products.

Catching is expected to have sales of $43 million in 2011 and has 90 employees. Catching is a Parker distributor, covering hydraulic and pneumatic pumps, motors, valves, cylinders, manifolds, precision automation, instrumentation, hose and fittings, connectors, filtration products, seals and all other necessary fluid power components.

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.

Parker’s national recognition of Kaman as a value-added reseller of Parker hydraulics, fluid connector and automation products will allow Kaman to have access to the Parker motion technologies portfolio of products across all of its U.S. locations utilizing Parker’s Integrated Partners.

Neal J. Keating, president and CEO of Kaman, said: “Our agreement with Parker is a major milestone in the history of Kaman. We now have a unique market opportunity with the global leader in fluid power and motion control. Our customers, who are looking for complete, integrated solutions, will benefit from this enhancement to our portfolio of hydraulic products.”