PRESS RELEASE:

January 1, 2004

Hubbard Supply Co., headquartered in Flint, Michigan, and one of southeast-lower Michigan’s oldest businesses, has extended its geographic reach to the west side of the state with the acquisition of the Kendall Industrial Supply Division of Kendall Electric, Inc. The division currently operates out of locations in Battle Creek, Benton Harbor and Traverse City. The deal was finalized Jan. 1, 2004, giving Hubbard a statewide presence as a full-line industrial distributor.

“Established in 1865, Hubbard Supply Co. historically has had strong ties to the automobile industry. While maintaining these previous alliances, the firm has sought to broaden its outreach and serve a greater portion of Michigan’s industrial base”, said Bob Fuller, company president.  “Michigan has been good to us and we want to be good to Michigan,” he said. “We have developed strong long-term customer relationships by way of commodity management and integrated supply programs.  This was a logical next step for us. It is a win-win situation. We have evolved proven core competencies in this sector of industrial manufacturing, which we can now take to new markets and new customers.”

Hubbard’s largest vendors are Kimberly-Clark, Norton, Loctite, Talbot, Greenfield, Snap-On, Craftsman and Weiler.

Hubbard Supply Co. will service its western Michigan customer base from existing Kendall locations in Benton Harbor and Traverse City, and a new facility at 4560 W. Dickman Road in Battle Creek operating under the name Hubbard Supply Co., Kendall Industrial Division.  The management of Kendall Electric, Inc. is working closely with Hubbard personnel to ensure a smooth transition.