FIR Group, leader in design and development of custom motors

Addition of GE commercial refrigeration motors product line will broaden scope of energy efficient solutions provided by Kinetek’s Merkle-Korff unit.

Deerfield, IL., November 17, 2010 -- -- Kinetek, a US-based designer and manufacturer of motor, control and system solutions for commercial and industrial markets announced today that it has acquired the commercial refrigeration motors product line of GE Energy’s Industrial Solutions Division. The GE motors product line will be manufactured and marketed by Merkle-Korff Industries, an Elk Grove Village, Illinois-based operating unit of Kinetek. Merkle-Korff is a well-recognized manufacturer of advanced solutions for commercial food and refrigeration equipment, pellet stove, door opener, and custom applications.

Randy Bays, Kinetek Chief Executive Officer, expressed excitement about the synergy the new product line brings to Kinetek. “There is significant demand in OEM and replacement markets for high efficiency solutions that reduce operating costs and improve the carbon footprint of supermarkets, cold warehousing and other large refrigeration solutions. The addition of the GE motors product line to Kinetek’s already strong position in advanced variable speed products will help augment our product offerings and market leadership in this area.”

The GE motors product line acquired by Kinetek is specifically designed for refrigeration, coolers, display cases, blowers and fans, and similar applications, according to Norman Bates, Merkle-Korff President. “Energy efficiency is a major concern for these refrigeration units as many of them operate 24-hours a day, seven days a week. We believe that our experience in this segment — including our R&D capability and resources — can build on the GE motor technology to provide a tremendous value for current and future customers.”

About Merkle-Korff Industries
Merkle-Korff is a pioneer in the development of small motors and gear motors known as “sub-fractionals” and has contributed to the success of countless commercial, industrial and consumer products since its founding in 1911. Merkle-Korff’s product line includes advanced brushless DC motors and gearmotors, PMDC planetary and PMDC right angle gearmotors; high efficiency PSC motors, and PMDC and AC parallel shaft gearmotors. Learn more at www.merkle-korff.com.

About Kinetek
Kinetek is a privately held global manufacturing company with 28 facilities in North America, Europe and Asia. At the core of Kinetek’s expertise is the design and production of custom engineered control, motor and drive system solutions. Kinetek companies hold market leading positions in several diverse market segments. Learn more at www.kinetekinc.com.