Protective Industrial Products, Inc. (PIP), the leading North American supplier of hand protection and general safety products, proudly announces its acquisition of QRP Gloves, Inc. (QRP), headquartered in Tucson, AZ.

Since 1974, QRP Gloves, Inc. has been widely recognized as the leading supplier of specialty hand protection products designed and manufactured for the electronics and high-tech industries. The company offers a broad line of disposable gloves and finger cots used in a variety of industries including laboratories, electronics and life sciences. QRP's product line also includes gloves for maintaining safety in manufacturing, food processing, and thermal and controlled environments.

"This acquisition of QRP solidifies PIP's leading position as the supplier of gloves in the critical environment channel," explains Joe Milot, President and CEO of PIP. "As robotics and computer-driven automation continues to greatly expand, products for the clean room and critical environment market become a demanded necessity. Our key distributor partners continue to grow in this sector and now PIP will provide them the broadest range of specialty hand protection products in the industry."

Second generation owners, Laurie and Duncan Casselman, began working with their father and helped build QRP to its premier position in the industry. "We are very happy to see the legacy live on," explains Ms. Casselman. "This market is growing so fast and joining with PIP will ensure that QRP has the resources to grow and fully service our customers."

The acquisition of QRP, along with PIP's recent acquisition of West Chester Protective Gear, Inc. reasserts PIP's position as the global leader of hand protection and general safety products. PIP will leverage this new partnership to provide its distributors in the safety industry with an expanded product offering and solutions to meet every competitive need.

About Protective Industrial Products, Inc. and QRP Gloves, Inc.

Protective Industrial Products, Inc. - PIP's mission of "Bringing the Best of the World to You®" is fulfilled everyday through its global portfolio of companies and brands. Protective Industrial Products, Inc. is the North American leading provider of innovative safety products to wholesalers and distributors in the industrial safety channels. Safety Works®, along with other leading brands: West Chester®, Brahma®, Mud®, West County Gardener® and Hearos®, provide consumers in retail and specialty markets with safety products and protective gloves. Additional information about PIP is available at www.pipglobal.com.

QRP Gloves, Inc. - Founded in 1974, QRP Gloves is an independent supplier of gloves and finger cots for use in industry. All QRP's products are engineered to help protect workers and increase yields in industrial applications, high technology manufacturing, aerospace, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. For more information visit the QRP Gloves website www.qrpgloves.com.