Acquisitions Spark Big Noise In Silencer Industry

The engine silencer business has seen a lot of changes recently, as three well-known brands, all previously part of IAC Acoustics, now have new owners.

Nelson Global Products, Stoughton, Wis., has acquired the assets of GT Exhaust and Silex Innovations, while Powertherm Co., Inc., a Houston-based provider of industrial air intake and exhaust systems, has acquired the assets of Maxim Silencers. No financial details on the transactions were available.

On Jan. 4, IAC Acoustics was acquired by Sound Seal, an Agawam, Mass., manufacturer of acoustical and noise control products serving the industrial, architectural, commercial and construction industries, announced it had acquired IAC Acoustics. The acquisition, for which no financial information was available, was intended to broaden Sound Seal’s noise control product and solution offering to its distribution partners as well as expand its reach into additional markets and industry applications, Sound Seal said.  

Headquartered in Lincoln, Neb., GT Exhaust manufactures standard and custom engine silencers and emissions reduction technology. It was acquired by IAC in 2012. Silex Innovations is a Mississauga, Canada, manufacturer of industrial silencers, emission control products, insulation blankets, connectors, expansion bellows and exhaust accessories. It merged with Maxim in 2008 and became part of IAC in 2012. 

A Nelson Global Products spokesman indicated that its acquisition of GT and Silex came together quickly, with Nelson’s involvement beginning on Nov. 30 and the asset sale being completed Dec. 18. Nelson did not acquire any GT or Silex facilities as part of the deal.

“Nelson Global Products has added two very well recognized industry brands that will add significantly to our exhaust product offering and complete solution system selling for the oil & gas, power generation, marine and rail markets,” said Kevin Stokstad, general manager at Nelson Global Products. “Both GT Exhaust and Silex brands and products will be rolled into the Nelson Industrial product lines and manufactured at Nelson’s Arcadia, Wis., plant, supported by sister Nelson Global Products plants in Wisconsin and Illinois.”

Stokstad added that GT Exhaust and Silex will be operated as product brands within Nelson Global Products business and that Nelson was “reviewing organization changes to best support this business.”    

Maxim Silencers, also located in Houston, manufactures a line of noise control, waste heat recovery and emission control equipment. Founded over 100 years ago, Maxim specializes in design and development of noise control devices and offers silencers and mufflers for engine or turbine exhaust noise control, silencing of high pressure vent application, recovery of waste heat and control of exhaust emissions.

“We are excited about acquiring the Maxim Silencer Brand, as it enhances our manufacturing capabilities through both companies,” said Powertherm President Dennis Nesloney. “Furthermore, Powertherm is committed to the success of the Maxim Silencers product line, technical expertise and a full network of customer service and engineering support.”

Since 1969, Powertherm has provided heavy-duty industrial reciprocating engine accessories, from air intake to exhaust systems, including silencers and catalytic converters to industrial insulation blankets, acoustic enclosures and air/gas starting systems. The company serves the marine, power generation, oil & gas, exploration & extraction and gas compression markets, covering territories throughout Texas, New Mexico through Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.

Powertherm has previously offered Maxim products, along with those of Donaldson Co, DME Exhaust, TDI Air Starters and IAC Acoustics, including GT Exhaust and Silex.