ASHLAND - SJE Inc.announces in a news release that it has purchased Ohio Electric Control, Inc.

Located just down the street from SJE’s existing facility in Ashland, OEC brings to the partnership world-leading expertise in control solutions and strong customer relationships, according to the release.

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Through the purchase, SJE will be able to offer additional technical resources and manufacturing capabilities that will augment OEC’s current capacity and provide access to a broader product offering, the release said.

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

Ohio Electric Control will continue to market under the OEC brand

While the acquisition provides growth opportunities for both companies, in many ways it is business as usual, according to the release. Bob McMullen, Jennay Cacchio and Leslie Blankenship will remain in leadership roles for OEC, which will continue to operate out of its facility in Ashland and market under the OEC brand. Additionally, no reductions are planned for either the SJE or OEC Ashland locations. SJE 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, in the release.

According to the release, SJE looks to partner with companies that have talented employees, opportunities for future growth and a proven track record of strong performance that aligns with SJE’s culture and values. This is SJE’s second acquisition this year, following the purchase of L.W. Allen in Madison, Wisconsin.

Based in Ashland, OEC, which was started in 1978 by Jack and Martha McMullen from their home's basement, is a world leader in electric control technology, the release said.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: SJE acquires Ohio Electric Control Inc. in Ashland