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“This transaction represents an important milestone for Avail as we continue to actively manage and optimize the portfolio through the partnership between Fernweh and AZZ in support of long-term value creation,” said Bill Johnson, CEO of Avail. “WSI has been a valued part of the Avail platform, and we believe Pelican is well positioned to support the business in its next phase of growth. We are proud of what the WSI team has accomplished and confident the company is positioned for continued success.”
Mike Scott, Managing Partner and Founder of Pelican Energy Partners, commented, “WSI is a high-quality business with deep technical expertise, strong customer relationships, and a long-standing track record of optimizing the performance and reliability of critical assets, within the energy infrastructure segment. We are excited to partner with the WSI management team and invest behind the company’s growth strategy as it continues to expand its capabilities and deliver value to customers.”
This transaction provides WSI with new ownership that has deep connections in the industry and a track record of supporting service businesses in initiating organic growth strategies and potential acquisitions.
“On behalf of the entire WSI team, I would like to thank Avail, Fernweh, and AZZ for their partnership and support in building WSI into the strong business it is today,” said Bill Ruta, CEO of WSI. “Their commitment to operational excellence and strategic growth has positioned the company well for the future. We are excited to begin this next chapter with Pelican and look forward to working together to continue investing in our people, expanding our capabilities, and delivering exceptional value to the industries we serve.”
Avail engaged Evercore as its sole financial adviser, and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP as legal counsel for the transaction. Pelican engaged Troutman Pepper Locke LLP as legal counsel.
About WSI
With over 47 years of experience, WSI is a leading global provider of specialty welding and asset life extension services, offering advanced engineered installation, repair, and maintenance solutions for critical assets.
WSI serves a diversified base of customers across energy and industrial end markets, including power generation, nuclear energy, oil and gas, pulp and paper, waste-to-energy, chemicals, and metals and mining. WSI is recognized for its technical expertise in weld metal overlay, high velocity thermal spray, groove welding and precision automated welding applications, supporting both planned maintenance and emergency response work.
About Fernweh Group LLC
Fernweh is an investment firm launched by leaders from global institutions who have decades of experience working with companies in the industrial and industrial technology sectors on strategy, M&A, and operational transformation.
Fernweh believes that companies in the mid- and small-cap industrial and industrial technology sectors are the engine of the economy. By tailoring cutting-edge management capability, operational and strategic transformation support, and capital for each company’s unique context, history, and needs, Fernweh aims to be a builder of businesses and create value for all stakeholders.
About Pelican Energy Partners
Founded in 2011, Pelican Energy Partners is a Houston-based private equity firm specializing in strategic investments in small- to middle-market, high-growth potential energy service and equipment companies. The firm makes investments in energy equipment and service companies in the oil and gas and nuclear sectors.
For further information, please contact:
David Phillips
WSI
412-977-1339
david.phillips@availinfra.com
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The HZALJ Hi-Lumen is our next-generation solution, replacing the venerable SAFJ Hi-Lumen. With output from 16,450 to 31,720 lumens, it delivers brighter performance, greater energy efficiency, and a more competitive price.
Designed for versatility, the fixture boasts a sleek body under 11”H, aluminum and stainless steel construction to prevent corrosion, and interchangeable optics. Ruggedly built to last, Rig-A-Lite luminaires make maintenance simple with a spring-loaded terminal block, hinged mount for easy access, and quick-connect field-replaceable LED boards and drivers.
Rig-A-Lite sets the standard with proven certifications:
- NEC Class I Division 2, Class II Divisions 1 & 2, Class III for hazardous locations
- UL 844 for hazardous locations
- UL 8750 for lighting safety
- UL 1598/1598A for wet and saltwater environments
- CSA for Canadian hazardous locations
- ATEX/IECEx for international hazardous locations
- NEMA 4X for enclosure protection against dust, water, and corrosion
- IP66 for ingress protection against dust and powerful water jets
Like other Rig-A-Lite products, this area light is made in the USA in compliance with both the Buy American Act (BAA) and Build America Buy America (BABA) Act.
The HZALJ Hi-Lumen LED is also available in EXHAZLJ models for explosion-proof applications.
About Rig-A-Lite
Founded in 1938, Rig-A-Lite explosion-proof and hazardous duty lighting sets the standard for quality, dependability, and performance, providing the toughest lights for the most challenging environments, including the petrochemical, oil & gas, food processing, water treatment, and steel production industries.
Headquartered in Houston, TX, Rig-A-Lite provides sales, service, and technical support throughout North America via a network of distribution partners and service providers, as well as to South America and the Middle East.
Learn more at www.availinfra.com/rig-a-lite.
About Avail Infrastructure Solutions
Avail Infrastructure Solutions is the leading global provider of highly engineered welding technologies and specialized lighting to the power generation, oil & gas, and industrial markets.
Headquartered in Suwanee, GA, Avail Infrastructure Solutions has over 1,100 employees, and operates through a global network of strategically located manufacturing facilities.
Learn more at www.availinfra.com.
For further information, please contact:
David Phillips
Avail Infrastructure Solutions
412-977-1339
david.phillips@availinfra.com
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Houston, TX – July 15, 2025 – Rig-A-Lite, an Avail Infrastructure Solutions Company and pioneer in the manufacture of explosion-proof lighting for harsh and hazardous locations, announced the launch of its EX-Series, a line of lighting products and accessories that hold international ATEX and IECEx standards certifications for explosive atmospheres, global market access, and safety.
Rig-A-Lite, founded in 1938, built the EX-Series specifically for Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, where North American Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards for safety and sustainability do not apply.
ATEX, or “Atmosphere Explosive,” is a European Union directive, while IECEx (International Electrotechnical Commission for Explosive Atmospheres) is an internationally recognized system, both ensuring that equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres meets specific safety standards to prevent fires and explosions.
An explosive atmosphere is a mixture of air with flammable substances that allows combustion to spread after ignition. Flammable substances include gases (natural gas, hydrogen, propane); vapors (gasoline, kerosene, solvents); dusts (sawdust, pulverized coal, flour); and fibers (cotton lint, rayon, polyester). In these types of environments, special precautions must be taken to prevent ignition sources such as sparks, flames, or static electricity.
Each of the EX-Series lights addresses a different type of lighting need, with illumination via high-bay, low-bay, linear, area or flood light, plus specially made mounting accessories. All products are ATEX and IECEx certified, as well as rated for impact resistance and water and dust protection. Each luminaire is lightweight but durable, made of die-cast aluminum frames for corrosion resistance.
The EX-Series consists of the following products:
- EXA03 – Robust explosion-proof LED high-bay light for hazardous-rated locations, featuring brightness of up to 9,800 lumens. It can be installed on very high ceilings and emits a 120° beam of light to cover a broad area with a diffused light output.
- EXA04 – Rectangular explosion-proof LED flood light for hazardous-rated locations, featuring brightness of up to 36,000 lumens. This versatile light has multiple beam angles, allowing users to adjust the spread and focus of light to suit different needs.
- EXA05 – Round explosion-proof LED area light for hazardous-rated locations, featuring brightness of up to 33,600 lumens. Available in 15” and 11.5” diameters, it offers broad illumination for enhanced worker safety in dangerous environments.
- EXA06 – Explosion-proof LED linear light for hazardous-rated locations, featuring brightness of up to 16,000 lumens, and available with or without a battery backup to provide up to three hours of emergency lighting.
- EXA09 – Mounting pole for LED lighting, measuring 5.4” (65.74”) and capable of telescoping to 9’ (107.84”) tall while holding luminaires of up to 50 lbs.
- EXA10 – Round explosion-proof LED low-bay light for hazardous-rated locations, featuring a brightness of up to 10,500 lumens. Available with flat glass or rounded “jelly jar” style lenses, this light is available with or without an emergency backup battery.
- EXJB01 – Explosion-proof junction box for LED lighting hazardous-rated locations, with four cable entry points.
- EXJB02 – Low-profile explosion-proof junction box for LED lighting in hazardous-rated locations, with a maximum of ten cable entry points.
Rig-A-Lite’s EX-Series enables customers to completely outfit their hazardous environments for any type of scenario, with certified explosion-proof, waterproof, dustproof, anti-corrosion, and shock-resistant products.
About Rig-A-Lite
Founded in 1938, Rig-A-Lite explosion-proof and hazardous duty lighting sets the standard for quality, dependability, and performance, providing the toughest lights for the most challenging environments, including the petrochemical, oil & gas, food processing, water treatment, and steel production industries.
Headquartered in Houston, TX, Rig-A-Lite provides sales, service, and technical support throughout North America via a network of distribution partners and service providers, as well as to South America and the Middle East.
Learn more at www.availinfra.com/rig-a-lite.
About Avail Infrastructure Solutions
Avail Infrastructure Solutions is the leading global provider of highly engineered welding technologies and specialized lighting to the power generation, oil & gas, and industrial markets.
Headquartered in Suwanee, GA, Avail Infrastructure Solutions has over 1,100 employees, and operates through a global network of strategically located manufacturing facilities.
Learn more at www.availinfra.com.
For further information, please contact:
David Phillips
Avail Infrastructure Solutions
412-977-1339
david.phillips@availinfra.com
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Advance Electrical Agency and Synergy Sales (current Rig-A-Lite sales representative), both based in Saskatoon, SK, have merged. This agreement consolidates two respected electrical manufacturer representative firms with a shared commitment to service, performance, and partnership — forming a stronger, more dynamic organization ready to meet the demands of a growing and evolving market.
Moving forward, the combined company will operate as Advance Electrical Agency, blending both organizations’ teams, territories, and technical expertise to better serve their manufacturers, distributors, and customers. Advance Electrical Agency will continue to represent Rig-A-Lite in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan.
This merger represents more than growth—it’s a joining of cultures and people who care deeply about the lighting industry. The newly merged organization will have a stronger regional presence, unified sales team, future-focused leadership, and better alignment with its manufacturer partners to ensure a smooth, thoughtful transition that builds on long-term relationships.
Synergy Sales has long shared Rig-A-Lite’s values, and we are confident that Advance Electrical Agency will continue to offer even greater value and performance across the board.
About Rig-A-Lite
Founded in 1938, Rig-A-Lite explosion-proof and hazardous duty lighting sets the standard for quality, dependability, and performance, providing the toughest lights for the most challenging environments, including the petrochemical, oil & gas, food processing, wastewater treatment, and steel production industries.
Headquartered in Houston, TX, Rig-A-Lite provides sales, service, and technical support throughout North America via a network of distribution partners and service providers, as well as to South America and the Middle East.
Learn more at www.availinfra.com/rig-a-lite.
For further information, please contact:
David Phillips
Avail Infrastructure Solutions
412-977-1339
david.phillips@availinfra.com
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“This is a crucial step in solidifying EPG’s position as a leading provider of electrical products,” said Jeremy Hoffman, President of EPG. “The strategic combination with nVent will enhance EPG’s brand and create significant value for customers, employees and stakeholders. This transaction positions EPG to deliver best-in-class electrical products and solutions while benefiting from growth in the datacenter and utilities markets.”
Siddarth Madhav, President of Fernweh Group commented, “This marks the completion of EPG’s transformation since its acquisition in 2022 as part of Avail. The transformation is a testament to the partnership between Fernweh and AZZ, and the Avail team’s focus on growth, innovation and operational efficiency. EPG is well-positioned for success with nVent. We thank Bill Johnson and team for their leadership at Avail.”
“The success of Avail – a joint venture between Fernweh and AZZ – owes much to the skill and dedication of EPG employees. We extend our best wishes to Jeremy and the entire team as they embark on this next chapter with nVent. We also thank the team at Ayna.AI for its instrumental role in supporting the rapid margin and growth transformation of the entire Avail business,” said Tom Ferguson, Chief Executive Officer of AZZ and Nick Santhanam, Chief Executive Officer of Fernweh Group.
The transaction is expected to close in calendar H1 2025, with HSR approval already obtained, subject to customary closing conditions. Avail and Fernweh will work closely with nVent to help ensure a smooth transition for customers and the Electrical Products Group’s approximately 1,100 employees.
Avail engaged Greenhill, a Mizuho affiliate, as its sole financial adviser and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP as legal counsel for the transaction.
About EPG
Avail’s EPG business unit is a leading provider of specialized products and solutions designed to support industrial and electrical applications. EPG is dedicated to delivering safe and reliable transmission of power from generation sources to end customers serving critical infrastructure in a variety of markets worldwide. EPG operates a portfolio of custom switchgear, electrical enclosures and medium and high-voltage bus ducts through its various entities, including CGIT Systems LLC, The Calvert Company LLC, Central Electric Mfg. Company LLC and Atkinson Industries LLC, among others.
About Fernweh Group LLC
Fernweh is an investment firm launched by leaders from global institutions who have decades of experience working with companies in the industrial and industrial technology sectors on strategy, M&A, and operational transformation. Fernweh believes that companies in the mid- and small-cap industrial and industrial technology sectors are the engine of the economy. By tailoring cutting-edge management capability, operational and strategic transformation support, and capital for each company’s unique context, history, and needs, Fernweh aims to be a builder of businesses and create value for all stakeholders.
About AZZ Inc.
AZZ Inc. is the leading independent provider of hot-dip galvanizing and coil coating solutions to a broad range of end-markets. Collectively, the business segments provide sustainable, unmatched metal coating solutions that enhance the longevity and appearance of buildings, products and infrastructure that are essential to everyday life.
