Switching gear

TX-based Powell Industries, a US manufacturer of equipment and systems for the management and control of electrical energy and other critical processes, has acquired Bradford, UK-based Switchgear & Instrumentation (S&I) for $18.4 million in cash.

S&I, a division of the NG Bailey Organisation (NGBO), supplies medium and low voltage switchgear, intelligent motor control systems and power distribution solutions to a wide range of process industries, including oil, gas, petrochemical, power generation and distribution, heavy industry, pharmaceuticals and water and wastewater treatment.

The company has a 12,000 square metre manufacturing facility in Bradford, a dedicated sales presence in the UK and approximately 300 employees.

It has operated as a stand-alone business within NGBO and despite ongoing investment in S&I in terms of management, research and development and operational infrastructure, the business has remained non-core to the parent company for a number of years. Over 90% of NGBO’s revenues derive from the provision of mechanical and electrical contracting and maintenance services to the UK construction industry.

The decision to sell S&I after over 40 years of ownership was triggered by the recent refinement of the future direction, strategy and priorities of the company.