VERSAILLES, IN-Ohio Rod Products, a member of the Elgin Fastener Group, has acquired Rhode Island Fabricators (West Warrick, RI). Ohio Rod manufactures small-diameter, long-length special headed and threaded fasteners, and has been in business since 1947. The company's products are used in both durable goods and the consumer product industries.

R.I. Fabricators has been in business since 1962. The company began as a fastener distributor and started manufacturing in 1978.

"I have talked business with [company founder] Andy Anderson as a friendly competitor since 1996, and was pleased that when he decided to retire and sell R. I. Fabricators," says Gary Walston, president of Elgin Fastener Group. "He and I were in close agreement about how to move forward, with care of the customers as a top priority."

As part of the deal, the equipment at the Rhode Island location has been relocated to Ohio Rod's Indiana facility.