Motion Industries Announces Management Changes in Southeast Division

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala.--July 17, 2001--Motion Industries, the world's largest distributor of bearings; mechanical, electrical, and fluid power transmission replacement parts; and hose products, introduces a new operational region in the Southeast Division consisting of two export branches and the company's Caribbean operations. Wendell Ray has been appointed manager of the region. In addition, Perry Gaudet has been promoted to the position of regional manager for branches in segments of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi. The announcement was made by Mark Sheehan, Motion Industries' group vice president for North, East, and Southeast Divisions.
    "These are exciting changes in the management of our Southeast Division," Sheehan said. "With a new region under the management of Wendell Ray and the promotion of Perry Gaudet to a regional manager in the Southeast Division, we are well-positioned to continue seeking growth opportunities in the Southeast and the Caribbean."
    Ray began with Motion Industries in sales in 1967. Since that time, he has served as branch manager and regional manager. Under Ray's leadership, Motion opened its first branch in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The company currently has a second branch in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and a joint venture with NAPA for heavy duty truck parts in Puerto Rico.
    Gaudet relocates to the company's Tampa branch from Sherman, Texas, where he has served as Branch Manager since 1997. With broad experience in the power transmission business, Gaudet joined Motion Industries in 1994 as a salesman in the Dallas, Texas, branch.
    With 2000 sales in excess of $2.34 billion, Motion Industries is the world's largest distributor of bearings, mechanical power transmission, electrical power transmission and fluid power transmission replacement parts, and hose products. Motion Industries, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company , has more than 500 operations including nine distribution centers throughout North America and services more than 150,000 customers including automotive, chemical, food, beverage, wood/lumber, iron, oil, pulp and paper, steel and textile industries.
    Visit Motion Industries' Web sites at www.motionindustries.com. and www.motionmro.com. Contact us toll-free at (800) 526-9328.