Broken Arrow, Oklahoma — BlackHawk Industrial, a market-leading distributor of metalworking and industrial supplies, today announced the acquisition of two Chicago businesses: Chicago Hi-Speed Tool & Supply and Quaker Tool Grinding.

• Chicago Hi-Speed, based in Chicago, Illinois, is a premier industrial distributor of cutting tools, abrasives, fluids, and engineered products along with a wide variety of MRO supplies. Chicago Hi-Speed has been serving end-user customers in the metalworking industry since 1951.

• Quaker Tool, based in Chicago, Illinois, has built and reconditioned high-performance special tools for world-class manufacturers since 1946. Chicago Hi-Speed and Quaker Tool represent the ninth acquisition of strong local industrial distributors by BlackHawk Industrial since the fall of 2010. This follows BlackHawk's recent acquisition of Precision Supply three weeks ago. BlackHawk has now made nine acquisitions of 18 companies in just 37 months.

Chicago Hi-Speed and Quaker Tool represent the ninth acquisition of strong local industrial distributors by BlackHawk Industrial since the fall of 2010. This follows BlackHawk's recent acquisition of Precision Supply three weeks ago. BlackHawk has now made nine acquisitions of 18 companies in just 37 months.

With the acquisition of Chicago Hi-Speed, BlackHawk broadens its geographical footprint and sales penetration in the Chicago and Illinois marketplaces. The additional field-sales talent at this location further strengthens our presence in Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Bill Scheller, CEO of BlackHawk Industrial, said: "We continue to attract and acquire the best local distributors in a given market to become part of our business we are building in North America."

We believe that strong local sales talent, like the team found inside Chicago Hi-Speed, wants to be aligned with a strong distributor with a culture that truly values their contribution to the business.

Mr. Scheller also added: "BlackHawk Industrial will look to Morry Levin to continue leading BlackHawk Industrial – Chicago Hi-Speed in the local market. Mr. Levin will be the General Manager of one of our two Chicago locations. Frank Bertucci will continue to be General Manager of our other Chicago location. Dale Jensen will continue to be General Manager of our Rockford, Illinois location. Morry, Frank, and Dale will work as a strong team as we grow the business in the marketplace. All three will report to Lisa Mauer, Senior VP of Regional Development."

Mr. Scheller also said: "Quaker Tool Grinding is also an exciting addition to BlackHawk Industrial's Manufacturing Services Group. Quaker becomes part of our ever-growing focus in providing value-added manufacturing services to our end-user customers. Quaker Tool Grinding joins BlackHawk Pumps and Services, BlackHawk Fluid Services, Tool Fabrication, STS Grinding, and X-Press Tool along with four BlackHawk Weld Centers as growing and important service offerings. We will continue to target and acquire businesses that provide unique services to our customers and can be expanded to the entire BlackHawk Industrial customer base across the United States."

About BlackHawk Industrial

BlackHawk Industrial is a market-leading industrial distributor with "BaseCamp" in Broken Arrow, OK. BlackHawk is focused in metalworking such as carbide cutting tools, abrasives, saw blades, fabrication and machining equipment. We also provide a full-line MRO product offering. BlackHawk has a deep ability to provide custom industrial vending solutions and creative design, build, and supply chain solutions. By going above and beyond expectation, our knowledgeable and experienced FAMILY strives to deliver world-class service while providing AMAZEMENT for our customers, our vendors, our partners, and our coworkers.

Sales locations in: Broken Arrow OK, Chicago IL (2), Cleveland OH (2), Del Rio TX, Denver CO, Duncan OK, Fort Smith AR, Hawthorne NJ, Kaukauna WI, Menomonie WI, Mexico, Milwaukee WI, Oklahoma City OK, Omaha NE, Peoria IL, Rockford IL, Searcy AR, Seattle WA, St. Cloud MN, Tulsa OK...

Contact
Bill Scheller
President / CEO
BlackHawk Industrial Distribution, Inc.
1501 SW Expressway Drive
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012
Cell: 918-360-1810
Work: 918-610-4710
Fax: 918-994-5483