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.
Avail is a leading provider of specialized products and service solutions designed to support industrial and electrical applications. Avail’s product offering includes customer switchgear, electrical enclosures, medium and high voltage bus ducts and explosion proof hazardous lighting. Avail’s service solutions focus on extension-of-life services for the power generation, refining and industrial infrastructure markets through automated welding solutions and electrical bus services. Avail has approximately 1,300 employees and operates through a global network of 20 strategically located manufacturing and service facilities. For fiscal year 2022, ended February 28, 2022, Avail generated sales of approximately $375 million.
Nick Santhanam, CEO of Fernweh Group, noted, “We truly appreciate the partnership and support of AZZ’s and Avail’s management team and employees as we have completed the majority acquisition and will commence with the transformation of Avail. We at Fernweh would like to thank the entire team at AZZ and Avail for their tremendous effort in closing this transaction expeditiously. We are also pleased with the continued strong financial performance of the company and will look to build on this base to drive growth for the company in the near and long term.
As we look to the future of Avail as a standalone company, we would like to thank Gary Hill and Ken Lavelle for their leadership. We share their excitement for the future of the company, and we welcome their continued involvement as Avail’s President & COO, and Vice Chairman, respectively. Additionally, to help drive the next phase of growth at Avail, we are pleased to welcome William (“Bill”) Johnson as President and CEO of Avail. Bill previously served as the CEO of Welbilt. Joining Mr. Johnson as new members of the management team are Martin (“Marty”) Agard, CFO, and Jen
Gudenkauf, CHRO, both also previously with Welbilt. We believe behind all great companies are great people. Combined, this experienced team is well equipped to accelerate growth and profitability and make Avail the partner of choice for the industry.”
“The Avail team and I are excited to partner with Fernweh and AZZ as we enter our next phase as a private, standalone company. We welcome Bill, Marty, and Jen to the team, and we look forward to working with them to drive continued growth. To our customers and partners, we, along with Fernweh and AZZ, thank you for your continued support, and we commit to continuing to provide you with the highest quality, cutting-edge products and services delivered by the best people in the industry,” said Gary Hill, President & COO of Avail.
About Fernweh Group LLC
Fernweh is an investment firm led by leaders from global institutions with prior 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.
About AZZ Inc.
AZZ Inc. is a leading provider of galvanizing and a variety of metal coating solutions and coil coating solutions to a broad range of end-markets in North America. AZZ’s Metal Coatings segment is a leading provider of metal finishing solutions for corrosion protection, including hot-dip galvanizing, spin galvanizing, powder coating, anodizing and plating, to the steel fabrication industry. AZZ’s Precoat Metals Segment is a leading provider of aesthetic and corrosion protective coatings to the steel and aluminum coil market.
