Mission Critical Group to merge with CORE Transformers

Mission Critical Group has agreed to merge with CORE Transformers, adding transformer supply to its electrical infrastructure business.

The transaction is expected to close within 30 days, subject to customary conditions. CORE will continue to operate under its existing brand and leadership team after completion.

Mission Critical Group serves data centres, manufacturing plants and energy infrastructure. The merger adds engineered-to-order transformers to its broader power equipment offering. CORE supplies new, made-to-order and remanufactured transformers for data centre, grid and industrial applications.

The combination gives Mission Critical Group direct access to another part of the electrical supply chain at a time of rising demand for power equipment, driven by investment in data centres and related infrastructure. Bringing more of the electrical powertrain under one roof is expected to shorten the path from design to deployment.

Jeff Drees, Chief Executive Officer of Mission Critical Group, outlined the rationale for the deal.

"Transformers are a natural extension of our integrated power solutions platform, and CORE is the ideal partner to bring that capability to MCG. CORE's deep technical expertise, strong manufacturing relationships, and proven speed of delivery will enable us to offer customers a more complete solution and an accelerated path to power," said Drees.

CORE said its existing reseller and distribution customers would continue to be served under the same model after the merger closes. It holds an inventory of more than 1,000 transformers for immediate deployment and has access to more than 5.5 million square feet of global production capacity.

Randall Maddox, Co-Founder of CORE Transformers, said the merger is not intended to change the company's service approach to those channels.

"CORE will continue to deliver the same level of service and responsiveness to its reseller and distribution customer base. This includes maintaining an inventory of more than 1,000 transformers available for immediate deployment and drawing on more than 5.5 million square feet of global production capacity to deliver custom transformer solutions in as little as 16 weeks. The combination with MCG adds a new channel for CORE while reinforcing its commitment to the customers and partners who have driven its growth," said Maddox.

Expansion drive

The merger is the latest step in Mission Critical Group's acquisition-led expansion of its electrical infrastructure platform. The business recently consolidated a group of acquired companies under the Mission Critical Group name, bringing together Mission Critical Facilities International, JTS, Point Eight Power, SST, DVM Power + Control, Leman Engineering and Consulting, and TxLa Systems.

Those businesses were acquired over the past three years as Mission Critical Group built a broader manufacturing and engineering base across the US. The company says it now operates more than 18 manufacturing facilities in the country.

It also recently opened a manufacturing facility in Harleysville, Pennsylvania, adding more than 266,000 square feet for low-voltage switchgear production and 300 jobs. Together with its existing site in North Wales, Pennsylvania, the investment expanded switchgear production and metal fabrication capacity.

Matt Coffel, Chief Commercial and Innovation Officer at Mission Critical Group, linked the integration of those businesses to the group's broader operating model.

"This is about harnessing the strength and history of these companies while forging a simpler, more connected experience for our customers. As one MCG, we synchronize engineering, manufacturing, innovation, and service to drive the future of critical infrastructure," said Coffel.

The addition of CORE gives Mission Critical Group a presence in transformers alongside existing products such as switchgear, e-Houses, power skids and backup power systems. This broadens the range of equipment it can supply to customers seeking a single source for major electrical systems on complex projects.

For CORE, the transaction links its transformer business to a larger platform with established positions in critical facilities and industrial infrastructure. For Mission Critical Group, it extends a strategy centred on combining engineering, manufacturing and field services across more of the electrical equipment stack.

CORE will remain under its brand with its current leadership team.