Utility products distributor HD Supply Utilities, Atlanta, announced an equity investment in utility supply integrator Agile Sourcing Partners, Inc., Corona, Calif. HD Supply said the partnership will allow it to offer “comprehensive capabilities and enhanced value-added services to utility customers.”

Among the advantages brought by Agile Sourcing Partners is its established position as a diverse business enterprise and a California Public Utility Commission-certified Woman, Minority-owned Business. Founder and president Maria Bastian Thompson, who will stay on as president of Agile Sourcing, started the company after working in supply chain operations for Sempra Energy and Qualcomm. She has an International MBA with a supply chain emphasis from the University of San Diego as well as an undergraduate degree in Spanish from the University of California Santa Barbara, and is a Certified Purchasing Manager by the Institute of Supply Management, according to the company’s website.

“HD Supply Utilities is committed to supplier diversity for utilities across the United States,” said Alan Morris, vice president, sales, southwest region, HD Supply Utilities. “We are excited about the relationship with Agile and see it as an opportunity to strengthen our company while helping develop diversity in the supplier community.”

Agile Sourcing Partners has developed a strong focus on customer service and supply chain expertise offering procurement and project management services, global sourcing, freight management, incoming inspection, job site delivery coordination and materials assembly solutions.

The companies will combine their strengths and teams to offer comprehensive capabilities to increase utility supply chain efficiencies, said an HD Supply release. The relationship will initially focus on the expansion of transmission & distribution, substation and smart grid product and solution offerings, growing into the areas of safety equipment, tooling and generation plant maintenance.

“Our partnership is strategic; working with HD Supply enhances our ability to adopt best practices for the benefit of our utility customers — today and tomorrow,” said Maria Thompson, president of Agile Sourcing Partners. “We gain access to HD Supply Utilities’ robust supply chain processes, technologies and expertise, allowing us to increase our scope and grow our business. Ultimately, this investment will enhance our ability to deliver value to our customers.”