Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and officials from Avail Enclosure Systems, part of Avail Infrastructure Solutions (AIS), announced today the company will expand its presence in Southeast Tennessee by expanding manufacturing operations at its Chattanooga facility.
Avail Enclosure Systems will create 82 new jobs and invest more than $10 million through the move, which will help the company meet its growing customer demand for modular e-houses.
Avail Enclosure Systems was originally founded in 1956 in Fort Worth, Texas, as Lectrus Corporation, before expanding its operations globally. Avail Infrastructure Solutions acquired its Chattanooga location, in 2018.
Since 2020, TNECD has supported more than 40 economic development projects in Southeast Tennessee, resulting in approximately 5,700 job commitments and more than $2.6 billion in capital investments.
Quotes
“The state with the workers will be the state that wins the future, and today’s announcement will create greater opportunity for our highly skilled workforce in Hamilton County. I thank Avail Enclosure Systems for investing in Tennessee, and I look forward to seeing the company’s continued success.”
– Gov. Bill Lee
“With easy access to railway, water and interstate, Chattanooga is centrally located in Tennessee and the Southeast and is primed to support an array of industries by helping streamline transportation and communication. I believe Avail Enclosure Systems will continue to find much success in Chattanooga and Hamilton County and know this expansion wouldn’t be possible without a strong base of local leaders that have taken the right steps to attract new growth to the region.”
– TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
“We consider it an honor to have been part of the Chattanooga community for the past several years. Our success here, along with the reputation and expertise of our talented team, make this financial investment possible, and it reinforces our commitment to manufacturing top-tier products that unlock new opportunities as we continue to grow.”
– Jeremy Hoffman, Chief Operating Officer & President, Avail Electrical Products Group
“TVA and EPB congratulate Avail Enclosure Systems on its decision to expand operations in Chattanooga. It’s always an exciting day when we can celebrate a company’s continued commitment to growth in the region. We are proud to partner with the City of Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce to support companies like Avail Enclosure Systems that are creating jobs and investment opportunities in the communities we serve, and we celebrate this announcement together.”
– John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development
“The planned expansion by Avail Enclosure Systems is poised to add both jobs and new investment to our community. This partnership reflects Hamilton County’s commitment to encouraging thoughtful business development in our region.”
– Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp
“We’re thrilled to support Avail Enclosure Systems as they expand their operations in our city, with the help of our partners at the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce and the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development. Their investment and the quality jobs they’ll create are a testament to the strength of our local workforce and Chattanooga’s ability to compete on a national scale. We’ve set a goal of making Chattanooga a leader in the new green economy, and this expansion is another big step in the right direction.”
– Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly
“The expansion of Avail Enclosure Systems is a testament to Chattanooga’s thriving business environment and our commitment to future-focused industries that will help us build a city with opportunities where everyone can thrive.”
– Adam Myers, VP of Economic and Talent Development, Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce
“I am pleased to announce that Avail Enclosure Systems will invest $46 million and create 82 new jobs within Hamilton County. Avail Enclosure Systems is vital to our region, and I am happy to see their investment into the future of Chattanooga and Tennessee.”
– Sen. Bo Watson (R-Hixson)
“I’m extremely excited about the growth of Avail Enclosure Systems and the additional jobs it will bring to the community. This is another indicator of how Chattanooga has become a desired destination for companies to locate to and invest in.”
– Rep. Yusuf Hakeem (D-Chattanooga)
About AIS Enclosure Systems
Avail Enclosure Systems is part of Avail Infrastructure Solutions, the global provider of application-critical equipment, highly engineered technologies, and specialized services to the power generation, transmission, distribution, and industrial markets. From fully integrated electrical enclosures and custom switchgear to medium and high voltage bus systems, our proven solutions meet the most exacting requirements for safe, reliable operation.
Headquartered in Suwanee, Georgia, Avail Infrastructure Solutions has over 1,750 employees and operates through a global network of 15 strategically located manufacturing facilities.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us onTwitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Like us on Facebook. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
The acquisition of CPES enables Avail to expand its switchgear portfolio to include low voltage solutions to connect, protect, control and measure a wide range of electrical applications, enclosures, switchboards, electronics and electromechanical devices. CPES works with its customers to design, build and implement electrical solutions for the customer. This brings a new portfolio of product solutions for Avail to offer its customers and allows for a continued and expanded support of the data center industry.
CPES President, Henry O’Lone, expressed enthusiasm about the transaction, stating, “The combination of CPES with Avail signifies the next great chapter in this customer-focused business. We are excited for our employees that will be joining a high growth business that will support its maturity and growing client base. We believe there is a growing need for low voltage switchgear, and combining CPES’ capabilities with Avail’s brand, management and infrastructure will allow us to meet this growing market need and expand our business tremendously. We thank the Avail and Fernweh teams for the opportunity to combine the CPES business with Avail and look forward to seeing the growth of the businesses.”
The CEO of Avail, Bill Johnson, added “CPES is a leading provider of switchgear for the data center and EV infrastructure markets that puts quality first. The leadership team lead by Henry O’Lone, Mohammad Megdad and Luke Colwell have built a quality driven business that has marquee customers that supports a fast-growing market. This leadership team brings significant industry expertise and a great name in the industry for providing unique customer solutions in an expedited manner, which allows CPES to attract large, sophisticated customers. We look forward to leveraging this experience in ensuring quality customer service, while integrating their terrific employees into the Avail family. We are delighted to extend a warm welcome to all of CPES’ employees to the Avail team and the Fernweh family.”
About Avail Infrastructure Solutions
Avail Infrastructure Solutions is the global provider of application-critical equipment, highly engineered technologies, and specialized services to the power generation, transmission, distribution, and industrial markets. From fully integrated electrical enclosures and custom switchgear to medium and high voltage bus systems, our proven solutions meet the most exacting requirements for safe, reliable operation.
Headquartered in Suwanee, GA, Avail Infrastructure Solutions has over 1,750 employees and operates through a global network of 15 strategically located manufacturing facilities.
Fernweh is an investment firm led by leaders from global institutions with experience working with companies in the industrial and industrial technology sectors on strategy, M&A, and operational transformation. Fernweh believes that the mid- and small-cap industrial and industrial technology sectors are the backbone of the economy and the engine for its growth. By combining 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. Fernweh’s portfolio of businesses includes Dabico Airport Solutions (www.dabico.com) and Avail Infrastructure Solutions (www.availinfra.com). Fernweh CEO Nick Santhanam co-authored the book on the industrial technology sector “Titanium Economy,” which has been on the WSJ best seller list.
Photo shows (from left to right): Nitin Gaikwad, Regional Manager, Robotic Solutions – Kanoo Environmental & Sustainability Solutions; Bill Ruta, Vice President – WSI Global; Andrew Petticrew, Head of Sales & Business Development – WSI Middle East; Manoj Kumar Tripathy, CEO – Kanoo Industrial & Energy; and Rikin Kumar Mistry, Operations & Business Development Manager – Technical Contracting Company, a Kanoo Company
Photo shows: Bill Ruta, Vice President – WSI Global (left) and Manoj Kumar Tripathy, CEO – Kanoo Industrial & Energy (right)
The collaboration with Kanoo Energy offers numerous benefits
Enhanced Regional Presence:Kanoo Energy’s established network and reputation in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE will enable WSI to serve our clients and penetrate new markets within the region with quality service offerings.
Increased Competitive Edge:Kanoo Energy’s high in-country value score positions WSI favorably to secure projects from industry leaders, aligning with local economic development goals and regulatory requirements.
Improved Service Delivery:Combining WSI’s technological prowess with Kanoo Energy’s local expertise ensures that clients receive top-tier, tailored solutions that extend the operational lifespan of their critical assets.
Commitment to Excellence:This partnership underscores WSI’s dedication to quality assurance, operational excellence, and the highest safety standards, ensuring that clients benefit from reliable, efficient, and cost-effective services.
Bill Ruta, Vice President of WSI Global adds that he is “extremely excited about the mutual opportunity the WSI and Kanoo Energy partnership will bring to the region. This relationship brings together two long standing, trusted organizations who are committed to driving growth, innovation, and sustainable development in the Middle East energy sector.”
About WSI
Founded in 1978, WSI is the world leader in developing and delivering specialized installation and maintenance solutions through automated machine welding, weld overlay, and high velocity thermal spray technologies that extend the life and maximize the value of assets throughout the energy industry.
Headquartered in Suwanee, GA, WSI is an Avail Infrastructure Solutions company, with facilities in the US, Canada, Brazil, Netherlands, Poland, Bahrain, India, and Singapore.
Kanoo Energy, is a part of Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo, a 135 year old, family owned multinational business conglomerate in the GCC. A leading provider of engineering services, products, and solutions in the Middle East, Kanoo Energy has a strong focus on delivering high-quality, innovative solutions that meet the needs of the region’s energy sector.
Avail Infrastructure Solutions is the leading global provider of application-critical equipment, highly engineered technologies, and specialized services to the power generation, transmission, distribution, and industrial markets. From fully integrated data center enclosures and custom switchgear to medium and high-voltage bus systems, our proven solutions meet the most exacting requirements for safe, reliable operation.
Headquartered in Suwanee, GA, Avail Infrastructure Solutions has over 1,750 employees, and operates through a global network of over 15 strategically located manufacturing facilities.
RIG-A-LITE’s NSF-rated food processing lighting now includes the Hazardous Food Processing Areas High-Bay (HFPA) and newly upgraded Food Processing High Bay (FPHB) feature a sleek debris-shedding profile with a drip edge, designed to be washed down for liquid runoff under any conditions. Both lights feature aluminum construction with silicone gaskets, with a finish approved by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). Featuring a drop lens design available in clear or diffused glass, they also house field-replaceable LED circuit boards and drivers with quick disconnects and have been high-pressure hose tested to 1500 PSI.
Both luminaires have a brightness range of 13,662- 31,520 lumens.
The HFPA and FPHB have been designed for optimal performance, easier installation, reduced maintenance, increased safety, and superior illumination with industry-best lead times. Individual components can be replaced as needed, which maximizes service life and lowers the overall cost of ownership.
Both lights hold the following certifications:
NEMA 4X
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) rated these products for outdoor use with electrical enclosures that are resistant to corrosion; protect against water ingress from rain, sleet, and snow; protect against solid ingress from airborne dust, debris, fibers, and dirt; and protect against damage from ice forming on the enclosure.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 8750 Safety Standard for Light Emitting Diodes
These products meet established safety standards in the United States, and this criteria includes LED equipment operating in the visible light spectrum of 400-700 nanometers.
cUL – These products have been tested and by the Canadian Standards Association to meet safety standards for electrical products in Canada.
IP66 – The Ingress Protection (IP) code indicates that these products protect against dust and water on two scales of one to six (as opposed to the number 66). The first six means a product is completely dust-tight, and the second six means a product can withstand high-pressure jets of water from any direction.
IP69K – This is the highest rating available on the IP scale, indicating that these products are dust-tight and protect against both high-pressure and high temperature jets of water. The “K” denotes specific protection from high-pressure steam, which is often required in the food processing industry for hygiene reasons.
NSF-Certified for Food Equipment – These products meet public health and safety standards set by the NSF to comply with US FDA Food Code requirements and will not leach harmful chemicals into food and are cleanable so as not to harbor bacteria.
In addition, the HFPA holds several certifications on its own:
UL 844 for Hazardous Locations – This product meets the North American standard for hazardous location lighting.
Class I, Division 2 – Under the National Electrical Code (NEC) under the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), this product is certified for use in areas where flammable gases and vapors may be present under abnormal conditions.
Class II, Division 2 – Under the NEC, this product is certified for use in areas where airborne combustible dust may be present under abnormal conditions.
Class III – Under the NEC, this product is certified for use in areas where easily ignitable fibers are present under normal conditions.
The FPHB also holds the following certifications:
UL 1598 for Wet Locations – This product can be installed in locations subject to saturation with water or other liquids, and in unprotected locations exposed to weather.
UL 924 for Emergency Lighting – This product automatically illuminates in cases of power failure or surge that disrupts AC power.
The two lights look identical, but the FPHB is for ordinary locations, while the HFPA is for hazardous locations. Ordinary locations are safe areas that require certification for risks associated with shock, fire, and personal injury. Hazardous locations require certification based on risks associated with explosion and related protection method
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.
Avail Infrastructure Solutions is the leading global provider of application-critical equipment, highly engineered technologies, and specialized services to the power generation, transmission, distribution, and industrial markets. From fully integrated data center enclosures and custom switchgear to medium and high-voltage bus systems, our proven solutions meet the most exacting requirements for safe, reliable operation.
Headquartered in Suwanee, GA, Avail Infrastructure Solutions has over 1,750 employees, and operates through a global network of over 15 strategically located manufacturing facilities.
“Our RIG-A-LITE team is thrilled to be partnering with such an exceptional firm with a long history of success serving the needs of customers in the region,” said Craig Carlson, regional sales manager for RIG-A-LITE. ElectroRep will provide sales and technical support for RIG-A-LITE’s portfolio of advanced lighting solutions that are home to some of the world’s most challenging settings, including offshore rigs, production refineries, and chemical plants. Carlson stated, “When two companies with long histories and experience partner in the same field, great things happen.”
About RIG-A-LITE
For more than 75 years, RIG-A-LITE explosion-proof and hazardous duty lighting has set the standard for quality, dependability, and performance, providing the toughest lighting for the most challenging environments, including the petrochemical, oil and gas, food processing, water treatment, and steel production industries.
Designed for optimal performance — Engineered for easier installation, reduced maintenance, increased safety, and superior illumination with industry-best lead times.
A high degree of serviceability — Individual components can be replaced as needed, maximizing service life while lowering the total cost of ownership.
Global network of lighting distributors — Hazardous location expertise and technical support ensure optimal product selection for each environment.
Founded in 1960, ElectroRep connects strategic partnerships with manufacturers, specifiers, electrical distributors, and electrical contractors. Headquartered in Irvine, California, just a short walk from John Wayne Airport, ElectroRep boasts more than 63 years of experience in the electrical construction industry. ElectroRep is focused on connecting opportunities with strategic partners in various product categories, including wire/cable, PVC pipe, transformers, lighting, cable trays, bolted framing, and wire management solutions.
Avail Infrastructure Solutions is a leading global provider of application-critical equipment, highly engineered technologies, and specialized services to the power generation, transmission, distribution, and industrial markets. From fully integrated electrical enclosures and custom switchgear to medium and high-voltage bus systems, our proven solutions meet the most exacting requirements for safe, reliable operation. Avail Infrastructure Solutions has over 1,750 employees and operates through a global network of over 15 strategically located manufacturing facilities.
