SJE Inc. has announced the purchase of Ohio Electric Control Inc. (OEC), effective Dec. 1, 2021. In a release, the company says the acquisition of OEC brings with it “world-leading expertise in control solutions and strong customer relationships.” 

“Even though SJE and OEC have been competitors for many years, we have always had mutual respect for each other,” says Dave Thomas, president and CEO of SJE. “OEC has a strong brand, providing control solutions and strong customer relationships, just like SJE.”

The companies say Bob McMullen, Jennay Cacchio and Leslie Blankenship will remain in leadership roles at OEC, which will continue to operate out of the current facility in Ashland, Ohio, and market under the OEC brand. The companies plan no staff reductions at either the SJE or OEC Ashland, Ohio, locations. SJE adds that it currently has many open positions and is actively hiring.

“We were looking for a partner that understands our industry and has the technical resources and commitment to quality to help us continue to grow and serve our customers,” said Jay Dienst, vice president of marketing at SJE.

This is SJE’s second acquisition this year, following the purchase of L. W. Allen in Madison, Wisconsin.

Jack and Martha McMullen started OEC from their home’s basement in 1978. OEC’s mission of providing quality products, timely delivery, fair prices and great customer service has continued through three generations. OEC makes controls for water/wastewater applications, as well as for other industries. To learn more, visit www.oecinc.net.

SJE markets three brands — CSI Controls, PRIMEX and SJE Rhombus — that deliver pump controls for a wide range of residential, commercial, municipal and industrial applications. The company, based in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, does business globally from multiple locations across the United States and Asia. SJE is employee-owned and privately held. To learn more, visit www.sjeinc.com.