Hastings Manufacturing Co. of Hastings, Michigan, and Piston Rings Komarov of the Czech Republic have announced the two global designers of piston rings for the OEM and aftermarket channels have merged businesses.

Piston Rings Komarov has established a global footprint, serving customers all over the world but most commonly in the Americas, South Africa and the Middle East for over 100 years. With the merger, both companies can leverage technology, will have a larger reach and better-backed reputations.

According to officials, current and new customers will benefit from the merger with expanded product offerings, lower lead times, competitive pricing and a regional infrastructure including R&D, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, sales and customer service support.

The two companies will align both sites to operate collectively while continuing to function from their respective headquarters over the next few months.