JHFOSTER Acquires Celco Controls Ltd.
Internationally known for manufacturing industrial grade control panels and providing full-service automation solutions
Eagan, Minnesota, December 14, 2022 – JHFOSTER Minnesota, Inc. (JHFOSTER), a value-added partner of fully-integrated automation solutions, turn-key systems, and distributor of electrical and pneumatic automation components, parts and accessories, compressed air systems, collaborative and industrial robotics, and customized systems to automate manufacturing has finalized its acquisition of Celco Controls Ltd. (Celco), a High Road Capital Partners company. Known internationally for manufacturing industrial grade control panels, Celco also provides a full-service automation solution from start to finish specializing in engineering support, PLC and HMI programming, database application management, panel manufacturing and onsite support/services.
Celco will be joining the JHFOSTER Automation Group of companies, which continues to expand and includes Sensors Incorporated, Sensors Integration, Automation & Robotics Solutions (A&RS), PTS Products and Accu Tech USA. The Automation Group of Companies is led by Tim Swedberg, Sr. Vice President at JHFOSTER. The President of Accu Tech and the Leadership Team at Celco, is temporarily reporting to Nicholas W. Martino, CEO and president of JHFOSTER, during the phasing in of the two latest companies into our operating system, while Swedberg remains focused on the Sensors, A&RS and PTS integrations.
“We’ve discovered that our customers are looking for a full-service automation solution provider,” Swedberg explains. “It’s inefficient for them to reach out to multiple sources when our Automaton Group of companies can work together and oversee and ensure a cohesive final product and solution. Celco allows us to target a larger customer base with their expertise in industrial grade panels and provide the lowest total cost of ownership.”
Martino adds, “We are pleased that Celco is joining the JHFOSTER group of companies. This acquisition will add additional range of full-service automation solutions to meet the needs of our customers locally, and now internationally.”
Celco will continue to operate locally and nationally under the same brand, and remain at its headquarters in Manitoba, Canada. The Automation Group will continue to operate in JHFOSTER’s five-state territory, with expanded reach from its Minnesota based Sensors and PTS locations, and from A&RS in Des Moines, Iowa, and Accu Tech USA in North Carolina.
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About JHFOSTER Minnesota
Founded in 1938, JHFOSTER designs and customizes products and solutions to automate manufacturing applications for companies in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa. JHFOSTER provides compressed air systems and automation solutions collectively, allowing a unique collaboration with both the supply and demand sides of compressed air systems while also offering value-added engineering, design services, installation and warranty expertise, and continued support from certified technicians after the sale.
JHFOSTER was acquired by High Road Capital Partners in May of 2019 and is committed to implementing organic and acquisitive growth strategies that uniquely enhance the company in its served geographies. In 2021, JHFOSTER acquired Sensors Incorporated and Sensors Integration followed by PTS Products in 2022. All three companies are headquartered in Minnesota. JHFOSTER also formed a new engineering firm, Automation and Robotics Solutions (A&RS) headquartered in Iowa and has recently acquired Accu Tech USA headquartered in North Carolina. JHFOSTER will continue operations with an advanced robotics design and training facility and UL 508A-certified control panel shop also in Eagan, and offices in Hiawatha, Iowa, and Fargo, North Dakota. In addition to a full mobile service team with substantial stock of inventory serving our territories.
About CELCO
Celco is a leader in control panel innovation since 1979. From system audits to drafting, programming and integration, the Celco team manages the entire process from start to finish. They are located in Winnipeg, Manitoba and operate out of a large Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and UL panel warehouse. From their robust design processes to supply chain partners to controlled manufacturing process, Celco is focused on providing high quality products and services that meet strict quality standards. They are dedicated to providing solutions that increase productivity and efficiency.