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.
The acquisition of CPE Houston will enable Avail Infrastructure Solutions to expand its switchgear and integrated switchgear enclosure manufacturing footprint to Houston and address the needs of utility customers across the United States, who are dealing with a continued constrained supply chain environment. Avail is making a material investment through the acquisition of CPE facility and will continue to invest as it ramps up production with the potential to create over 100 high-skilled job opportunities in the Houston region. Avail is looking to quickly hire 50+ skilled workers, including those who previously worked for CPE (Custom Power Enclosures). Avail Infrastructure Solutions will host recurring recruitment events for community members to learn about the career opportunities offered at Avail’s Houston facility.
“Our team at Avail is thrilled to be announcing this acquisition and the opening of this facility in Houston where we will look to produce our electrical enclosures, and custom switchgear solutions. Through the ramp up of production at this facility we will better serve the needs of our current and future utility customers,” said Bill Johnson, CEO of Avail Infrastructure Solutions.
“We are delighted to continue to invest in the energy infrastructure space in general, and in Avail Infrastructure in particular. We are strong believers in the long-term leadership of US companies in this space.” said Nick Santhanam, CEO of Fernweh Group, and Chairman of the Board of Avail.
Avail Switchgear Systems has an over 50-year history of developing best-in-class, custom switchgear systems to meet each application’s most rigorous demands. The PowerAisle™ Switchgear line is designed and manufactured in North America to meet or exceed ANSI, IEEE, NEC, NEMA, and NFPA standards. Avail Enclosure Systems is a leading manufacturer of durable, reliable, and modular e-houses. The RuggedSpec II™ Power Distribution Centers, Ballistic-Rated E-Houses, Modular Data Centers, and Custom E-Houses are available in both standard and custom sizes and configurations.
Chris Boehm, Chief Commercial Officer of Avail, further stated “We continue to see significant unmet demand in the utilities market given robust levels of investment to support the national grid through government funding but offset by continued constrained supply chains. Our material investment demonstrates our intent to address the needs of our current customers as well as other utility companies in the southwest region that are looking to acquire locally constructed, leading specialty electrical equipment.”
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. Avail Infrastructure Solutions has over 1,750 employees and operates through a global network of 15 strategically located manufacturing facilities.
