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8 JANUARY 2015 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT www.outdoorpowerequipment.com INDUSTRY NEWS HOT News Rotary acquires filter manufacturing company Rotary Corporation announced on Nov. 21 the acquisition of Parker Filter Division Inc., a longtime manufacturer of pleated paper air filters for small engines. The family-owned business originated as a division of Tomi Industries, a New Jersey- based company that was considered one of the nation's leading manufacturers of filters for the automotive industry. In 1993, Tony Bello relocated his company to Parker, S.D., citing its "pro- business" environment. According to Ed Nelson, Rotary president and CEO, the acquisition was a strategic move that will keep jobs in the United States and allow Rotary to improve its overall supply chain for a variety of pleated filters for outdoor power equipment. "We have been buying filters from Tomi/Parker Filters for more than three decades," said Nelson. "Over the years, Parker Filter Division has built a strong reputation for doing things the right way. It's a family-owned business like ours. They take exceptional pride in their work, and it shows in the quality craftsmanship of their filters." In 2013, three out of every four parts shipped by Rotary were made in the United States. Nelson said his company is pleased to do its part to support the U.S. workforce. "Our country continues to lose more and more jobs to outsourcing with overseas suppliers," noted Nelson. "I am proud that Rotary is more committed than ever to relying on American workers to manufacture quality parts that are second to none." Founded in 1957, Rotary is recognized as a leading manufacturer of lawnmower and edger blades, monofilament trimmer line and foam air filters at state-of-the-art facilities in Glennville, Ga. Considered a leading supplier of outdoor power equipment parts, tools and accessories, Rotary serves customers in all 50 states and 68 countries around the globe. Rotary provides next-day delivery to 80 percent of the U.S. with eight distribution centers, plus alternate shipping sites located throughout the nation. Husqvarna sells BlueBird to TEC International On the heels of announcing the discontinuation of its Dixon brand in North America, Husqvarna Professional Products Inc., the Charlotte, N.C.-based division of Husqvarna Group, announced the sale of BlueBird International to TEC International on Dec. 10. The transaction transferred the BlueBird brand, sales and manufacturing to TEC, which is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich. Under the terms of the agreement, which closed on Dec. 5, TEC International will continue to produce Husqvarna-branded specialty turf equipment. "The decision to sell BlueBird International is part of the Husqvarna Group's strategic plan, a strategy that seeks to reduce operational complexity, improve efficiency, and give additional focus to our end customers (consumers and professionals) and our core brands," said Jeff Dewosky, vice president-general manager, North America, Husqvarna. "The acquisition of BlueBird International complements our existing product lineup with an established line of turf equipment," said Nick Salvatore, executive vice president/COO, TEC International. "We look forward to further developing this well-established brand and giving our customers a wider range of product offerings." BlueBird products will continue to be sold through distributors, dealers and rental organizations, and all impacted partners have been notified of the change. In a similar strategic move, Husqvarna Professional Products announced Aug. 15 that it would discontinue the distribution of products under the Dixon brand name in North America by the end of 2014, with Husqvarna Group continuing to process Dixon warranty claims and provide service parts for an extended period of time. Although Husqvarna Group decided to discontinue Dixon's line of zero-turn mowers, walk-behind mowers and tractors, it will continue to manufacture and market similar products under the current family of Husqvarna Group brands.