Distributor Haggard & Stocking of Indianapolis joined distribution alliance IBC as one of its industrial supply distributors. In related news, IBC announced that Permatex, Inc. has been added as a preferred supplier to its BearingSupplyPlus^® Division. Permatex makes anaerobic adhesives, silicones, lubricants and cleaners for the automotive, consumer and industrial markets.

Minnesota-based distributor SJF Material Handling formed a systems integration division, headquartered in East Hanover, N.J. Called Genesis Systems, the new division provides "innovative turnkey" material handling solutions to customers, according to the company.

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The RG Group of York, Pa., acquired Van-Air & Hydraulics, Inc., a distributor of fluid power/motion control components based in Maple Shade, N.J. … Bearings and power transmission distributor Miller Bearings, Orlando, Fla., acquired Horizon Industrial Supplies of Lake City, Fla. …TriMas Corp., a manufacturer based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., acquired the automotive fasteners manufacturing business of Metaldyne Corp. for approximately $24 million.

Several Do it Best Corp. members and vendors were honored at the 7^th Annual INCOM Distributor Supply^™ awards dinner. They were: Ron Smith, Sim Supply, Hibbing, Minn., Distributor of the Year; Mike Caron, Caron Commercial Supply, Berlin, N.H., Rookie Distributor of the Year; Holly Burns, Rustoleum, Vendor of the Year; and Mike Passaglia and Steve Constantine, Grand Sales, Chicago, Manufacturer's Representative of the Year …Saint-Gobain Abrasives received a Customer Focused Quality (CFQ1) Award from W.W. Grainger … Electrical distributor Graybar received the Best of the Best Overall Distributor award from the National Assn. of Electrical Distributors …Systematic Fluid Power, an S.B. Simpson Group company located in Kitchner, Ontario, won an Indirect Supplier Award from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc. for the second consecutive year …Hansler Smith Ltd., a distributor member of IDI Independent Distributors Inc., celebrates its 50^th anniversary this year …Anderol, a maker of specialty synthetic and mineral-based lubricants, received ISO 9001 certification.

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W.W. Grainger is lending a helping hand to the citizens of Jackson, Tenn., who were devastated by the F4-grade tornado that swept through the city's central business district on May 4. Grainger donated $50,000 to the Jackson Downtown Development Corp. to help local businesses rebuild. The tornado damaged more than 300 businesses, government facilities and historic buildings in Jackson. Grainger's donation is part of its Grainger Rebuilding America^SM program.

In addition to the $50,000 donation to the JDDC, Grainger made a $4,000 donation of products, including protective eyewear, disinfectant and batteries, to the American Red Cross Jackson Area Chapter to help them rebuild in the wake of the tornados.

"From hurricanes to ice storms to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Grainger helps businesses rebuild after disasters," said Brian Bannon, Grainger Regional Branch Services vice president. "We hope this money helps communities in Jackson get back up and running again soon."

Grainger has seven branches in Tennessee, including one in Jackson.