MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., (January 7, 2004) - USP Structural Connectors, a Gibraltar Company (Nasdaq: ROCK), announced today the signing of an agreement with Bolt Rite Inc. in Redding, Calif., to become the exclusive national distributor of the Bolt Rite concrete products effective January 1, 2004. As a result of the agreement, USP becomes the first company to offer a complete line of anchor bolt mechanical fasteners to assist the concrete industry in the proper placement of anchor bolts in concrete.
"The success of a home really starts at the foundation. With the usage of these products with anchor bolts, concrete workers now have an opportunity for proper anchor bolt placement of products immediately," said USP Product Development Manager Greg Greenlee. "USP is dedicated to providing the most innovative products that are easy to use. The signing of this agreement is only one example of this dedication." The Bolt Rite products are made of composite plastic allowing the pieces to be reused several times to save concrete contractors money on projects where Bolt Rite products are incorporated. The complete product line consists of four different products, of which three are industry firsts (ABS, ABHS, FBS and ABH.).
Anchor Bolt Stabber (ABS) allows accurate placement of the ½ inch anchor bolts in wet concrete. This is an industry exclusive.
Anchor Bolt Holder with Spacer (ABHS) nails to both form boards of a stem wall while accurately centering the anchor bolt in the sill plate. This is an industry exclusive.
Form Board Spacer (FBS) is manufactured with embossed markings to ensure accurate placement when attached to form boards for 6 and 8-inch stem walls. This is an industry exclusive.
Anchor Bolt Holder (ABH) nails to the form board and accurately centers the anchor bolt to the sill plate.
Anchor Bolt Caps and Sleeves (ABC and ABSL) are designed to protect the threads of the anchor bolt during concrete placement. The sleeves (ABSL) raise the embedment of the anchor bolt. These products are used with the ABS, ABH and ABHS.
"The distribution of this concrete product does two things for the concrete contractor: save money and time," said USP Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Barry Ashwell. "If we can distribute a competitive product into the building materials industry that complements our existing product line while making contractors work easier, we will have a successful product offering."
More information is available by visiting www.USPconnectors.com, viewing USP's 2004 Full-Line Catalog or by calling 1-800-328-5934.
About Gibraltar
Gibraltar is one of North America's leading metal processors, a manufacturer of more than 5,000 steel, other metal, and plastic products, and North America's second-largest commercial heat treater. The Company serves approximately 10,000 customers in a variety of industries in all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico. It has approximately 3,900 employees and operates 68 facilities in 26 states, Canada, and Mexico.
