RICHARDSON, TX — The Air Systems Components Division of Tomkins PLC, a global manufacturing and engineering group, has acquired Ward Industries Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of W.W. Holdings LLC.

Ward manufactures and sells ductwork accessory products for the residential and commercial HVAC market under the Ward brand, which will be retained. Its products include ductwork connectors, access doors, fire dampers, gaskets, sealants, hangers, and ductwork tools. It has annual sales of approximately $15 million from its manufacturing facility in Monessen, PA.

Ward will be integrated into Hart & Cooley Inc., Holland, MI, the group’s residential HVAC business.

Gary Henry, president of Hart & Cooley, stated, “This is the second strategic acquisition that we have made in the past 12 months. Following our recent acquisition of American Metal Products, Ward provides us with a new and complementary product offering in the residential and commercial construction markets, and is in line with our growth strategies in niche markets.”

Publication date: 09/16/2002