Ideal Electric makes major acquisition

Ideal Electric Co., a maker of high-power, specialty electric motors, generators, condensers, converters, power systems, and controls, has acquired Louis Allis Large Synchronous Machines and Louis Allis Large Induction Motors product lines.

In addition, the acquisition grants Ideal rights to certain intellectual property related to Beloit Power Systems Motors and Generators, Fairbanks Morse Motors and Generators, and Colt Industries Motors and Generators. The deal expands Ideal’s installation base and gives security to the sustainment of these critical machines to the U.S. government and other industrial customers, the company said.

An Ideal Electric electric motor. The company has acquired the Louis Allis Large Synchronous Machines and Louis Allis Large Induction Motors product lines of the former Louis Allis Company of Milwaukee, Wis.

Ideal said it is the nation’s last 100% privately-held, family-owned, vertically integrated original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of a full range of specialty high-power electric machinery. The acquisition provides Louis Allis’s large motors and generator customers—and the customers of its other legacy brands—with continued service and production of new machines (new designs, replacements, and spares), factory-engineered upgrades, parts, field service, and support.

“Ideal is committed to being the most capable ‘Build America, Buy America Act’ O.E.M. for motors and generators,” said Ideal President and Owner Jim Petersen. “Further, this acquisition greatly increases our installation base and know-how in support of new products and sustainment programs for the defense industry.”

The intellectual property acquired, which includes files, drawings, engineering data, design and other information in vast paper, microfilm, and digital stores, has all been relocated to Ideal’s Mansfield, Ohio, factory and is being digitized for the first time.

The IP includes the right to engineer, design, manufacture, sell and market all Louis Allis Induction Motors above 950 HP including Louis Allis Large Synchronous Machines and Louis Allis Large Induction Motors and the right to use the names “Louis Allis Company,” “Louis Allis Large Motor,” “Louis Allis Large Motor Corporation,” and the Louis Allis stylized logo.

Excluded from this acquisition are the Small Louis Allis A.C. Induction motors below the NEMA N449 frame, Louis Allis A.C. Induction motors up to 950 HP completely made and manufactured outside the United States, and used and reconditioned motors of any frame size.