Husky acquires aftermarket firm

PACIFIC, Mo. (March 2, 2016) – Fueling equipment maker Husky Corp. has completed the asset acquisition of S.U.R.& R. of Akron, a supplier of fuel, brake, air conditioning and transmission fluid line repair kits as well as automotive aftermarket specialty tools.

Husky said the acquisition is part of its “strategy as the industry leader in petroleum dispensing nozzles and related equipment to serve customer needs in the broader transportation sector.

“Husky is excited to be part of future growth in the fluid transfer business,” said Husky Corp. President Grenville Sutcliffe. “The S.U.R.&R. product line features the right combination of high quality and exceptional value that our customers have grown to expect.”

S.U.R.&R. was founded in 2000 by Joseph Wathey, who developed technology to provide fuel line replacement kits that are safe, easy to use and reduce repair costs. The company expanded its offering to include kits for repairing and replacing air conditioning, brake, coolant and transmission lines, according to Husky, along with specialty tools that include brake line flaring tools, fuel injection cleaners, fuel pressure testers, hose clamp kits, and brake bleeder removal kits.

“I feel very comfortable that Husky will take our product line to a new level,” said Mr. Wathey, who will serve as an advisor facilitating the transition and for new product innovations. “S.U.R.&R. complements Husky's diverse offerings quite well.”

Husky Executive Vice President Brad Baker said the automotive aftermarket “is a new channel, but is adjacent to the business sectors where we operate. This acquisition will allow us to further leverage our manufacturing and back office capabilities.”

Other acquisitions by Husky in the past six years include BJE, an oil and lube products marketer, and Hewitt USA, which markets aviation fueling products. The company also has formed strategic partnerships or alliances with Benecor Inc. (DEF dispensing and storage solutions), Enevo Inc. (logistics optimization systems) and Roman Seliger (liquid loading arms).