Van Meter Inc. Acquires Chicago's Bright Electrical, Will Open Omaha Facility

The moves will further expand Iowa-based Van Meter East and West, as the acquisition is to be finalized by Dec. 31, while the new Omaha branch is to open in the company's Q2 2016.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based Van Meter Inc., a distributor of electrical and mechanical supplies and solutions, announced Tuesday that it will expand its business territory to the east and west in 2016.

Kevin Powell, Van Meter President and CEO stated that the company has agreed to purchase Bright Electrical Supply Company in downtown Chicago, expected to be complete by Dec. 31. Powell also said that Van Meter plans to open an new branch in Omaha, Nebraska in company's fiscal second quarter of 2016.

Van Meter was No. 28 on Industrial Distribution's 2015 Big 50 List.

The acquisition and new branch will expand Van Meter's presence in the Midwest to 16 locations. Both initiatives underscore Van Meter’s commitment to growth. The company acquired Miller Electric Supply this past March.

"With up to 40 percent of a commercial building’s energy consumption being attributable to lighting and a tremendous amount of innovation taking place among leading lighting manufacturers, this is an area we want to focus on," Powell said of the Bright acquisition. "Bright represents an investment in a new market and an opportunity to further our specialization in a dynamic and growing space."

On the Omaha expansion, Powell, commented, "We’re committed to growing with our customers and are confident the time is right for us to have a physical presence in Omaha,” added Powell. “A key part of our growth strategy is to expand into new markets."

Van Meter said recruitment efforts are underway to staff a team at the Omaha branch. Positions include sales personnel, technical specialists and warehouse and delivery team members.

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