SARASOTA -Baytool Inc., a Bradenton-based machine shop is closing its operation and selling its assets to RND Automation & Engineering LLC of Sarasota, the company announced Friday.

RND, which has used Baytool as a resource for many years, also is hiring two of Baytool's machinists. This will allow RND to have tighter control of machined part costs and lead times giving their customers better quality machinery at a lower investment, company officials said.

RND is a custom machine builder which engineers, designs, manufactures and retrofits custom automation and material handling machinery for industries such as hydraulic valves, automotive sensors, and contact lenses.