North American Galvanizing & Coatings, Inc. has reached a tentative agreement with Gregory Industries, Inc. for the purchase of Gregory's hot-dip galvanizing assets located in Canton, Ohio. Terms of the transaction were not announced.

This acquisition expands North American Galvanizing’s service area into the northeast region of the United States. The total number of galvanizing plants owned and operated by the company will be increased to 11, making it the nation's largest hot-dip galvanizing network.

Commenting on the transaction which is expected to be finalized before the end of the month, North American Galvanizing & Coatings President and CEO, Ronald J. Evans said, "This acquisition is consistent with our corporate goals of expanding the range of service offerings to our customers along with continued capital investment in our hot-dip galvanizing operations." Evans went on to say, "Gregory Galvanizing has established a reputation of providing high quality coatings and superior service to its customers. These traits are consistent with the values of North American Galvanizing Co. and we foresee a seamless transition with no disruption of service to any existing customers."

The Canton, Ohio, multi-kettle facility provides both after-fabrication hot-dip galvanizing and spinning capabilities to the East North Central States region. With annual sales of approximately $7,000,000, the purchase is expected to add substantially to North American Galvanizing's 2004 reported revenues of approximately $36,000,000.

North American Galvanizing is a leading provider of hot-dip galvanizing and coatings for corrosion protection of fabricated steel products. The company conducts its galvanizing and coating business through a network of plants located in Denver, Hurst (Dallas/Forth Worth), Houston, Kansas City, Louisville, Nashville, St. Louis and the Tulsa area.