Acquisition Sees IPs Enter European Electromechanical Services Market

Newcastle-upon-Tyne-based Houghton is an electromechanical services provider with expertise in the repair and remanufacturing of electric motors, generators, pump systems, and of electric coils for electric motors, generators, and alternators for customers in the rail, power generation, industrial, water/wastewater, and mining industries. The acquisition represents IPS’s entry into new markets in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East and an expansion of its network of operations in the US and Canada. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Houghton International was founded in 1984 by Ron and Christine Mitten. Since 2006, Michael Mitten has operated as Houghton’s CEO and has led the company into significant services expansion, resulting in a quadrupling of sales and a tripling of the employee base while expanding served markets into Europe and the Middle East. Houghton has highly integrated operations at the Ronnie Mitten Works service centre, a well-equipped, 124,000-square-foot facility with capabilities from electrical coil manufacturing to pump repair, motor and generator repair, and testing. This facility’s addition to IPS makes it part of a 51-location service centre network spanning the US, Canada, UK, and Europe.

As a leading aftermarket provider of operating and maintenance services for Renewable Power generation customers in the US and Canada, IPS will now be able to build on and expand Houghton’s wind market asset lifecycle services with IPS technologies in power management, generator repair, pitch, and yaw systems. IPS will now look to bring its repair, distribution, and field service offerings to new customers in the on and offshore markets in the UK and Europe. Houghton will also join 11 IPS locations that specialise in services for propulsion systems used in freight rail, people transit, and mining applications. This will build on IPS’s capabilities in undercar transformers, traction motors, alternators, inductors, fans, pumps, and field services supporting original equipment manufacturers and operating companies.

“The acquisition of Houghton International not only brings a well-respected, customer-focused company into IPS, it also marks a milestone in our company’s growth by expanding beyond the US and Canada into new markets in the UK, Europe and the Middle East,” said John Zuleger, IPS President and CEO. “IPS and Houghton have an incredible opportunity to expand and improve our service offering to new customers and markets. We are committed to delivering an unmatched customer experience and creating a special workplace where employees can grow and develop through our training programs.”