Two sealing distributors have made plans to merge, creating one of the largest independent distributors of sealing and related custom products in North America.

E.S. Dygert Co. of Minneapolis, and R.T. Enterprises of Skokie, Ill., became R.T. Dygert International in November. The company's headquarters is in Minneapolis, with offices in Skokie, and Milwaukee.

The merger creates a $19 million company with 40 employees and customers throughout the United States and abroad.

E.S. Dygert's focus has been providing customers in the Upper Midwest with standard and custom seals and packings since 1958. The company specifies, stocks and supplies thermoplastic and elastomeric seals and shapes, and works in partnership with some of the leading seal manufacturers in the industry to provide problem solving, engineering and design assistance. E.S. Dygert serves the needs of OEMs in the fluid power, chemical processing, mobile hydraulics, agricultural and industrial markets.

R.T. Enterprises has specialized in molded rubber components, O-rings, insert moldings, and related products since it was founded in 1969. With its strong emphasis on customer-designed shapes, R.T. Enterprises provides rubber molding solutions from project inception through material selection, prototyping, production and delivery. The company partners with OEMs in the appliance, automotive, furniture, food and beverage, fluid power, hydraulics, lawn and garden, lighting, marine, military, plumbing, pneuamtics, and warehouse supply industries as well as a large international network of independent distributors.

"Both companies share a responsive, service-driven culture, and are known for their core values of quality, honesty, and integrity," said Larry Goode, CEO of R.T. Dygert International. "Both also are ISO 9001 registered and committed to a process of continuous improvement. R.T. Dygert International offers a broader product base, enhanced logistics and distribution capabilities, more tailored programs to meet customer needs, unbeatable product knowledge, progressive engineering skills, and the benefits of global resources."