United Central Industrial merges with GHX Industrial
Bristol, Tenn.-based United Central Industrial Supply has merged with Houston, Texas-based GHX Industrial, forming the United Distribution Group Inc.
The companies say the merger makes the new entity one of the largest energy focused industrial distribution and service-related companies in North America.
Both entities will continue to operate independently and serve their respective markets and customer bases but will utilize a combination of shared administrative, strategic and management services.
Since its inception in 1974, United Central has served mining industries in the U.S. and Canada. It currently operates 26 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.
For more than 70 years, GHX has provided fluid transfer hoses, fluid sealing gaskets, and other products to a variety of oil and gas upstream companies, refineries, power generation, petrochemical, mining, agriculture and marine enterprises. GHX currently operates 39 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.
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Darrell Cole |
The United Distribution Group was formed to manage United Central and its subsidiaries, Gooding Rubber Co. and National Mine Service and GHX and its subsidiaries McCarty Equipment Company and McCarty Equipment of Canada. “All entities will operate as standalone business divisions,” said United Central CEO Darrell H. Cole, who has recently been appointed president and CEO of The United Distribution Group Inc.
Henry E. Looney, senior vice president of sales and marketing of United Central and a 31-year industry veteran, has been promoted to president of United Central. Richard A. Harrison, a 30-year industry veteran will continue in his role as president of GHX.
“The merger of these two leading organizations allows the combined companies to provide a greater depth of resources to the respective industries they serve,” said Cole.
Daniel D. Ahuero, a founder and former executive chairman of GHX Industrial, has joined The United Distribution Group as vice president of mergers and acquisitions. Benjamin B. Andrews, also a founder and former executive vice president of GHX Industrial, has joined The United Distribution Group as vice president of corporate development.
The combined organization now has a nationwide network of 65 branches and more than 800 employees.
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The May/June issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about GHX Industrial. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dr. Bharani Nagarathnam and Frank Hurtte, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
