Van Meter Expands with Acquisition of Bright in Chicago and New Branch in Omaha

Van Meter Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, said it will expand its business territory to the east and west in 2016. The company has agreed to acquire Bright Electrical Supply Co. in downtown Chicago in a deal expected to close by the end of the year. Van Meter also plans to open a new branch in Omaha, Neb., in the second quarter of 2016.

The Bright Electrical Supply acquisition carries Van Meter into a major urban center with an established operation that leans heavily on commercial lighting. “With up to 40% 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,” said Van Meter President and CEO Kevin Powell. “Bright represents an investment in a new market and an opportunity to further our specialization in a dynamic and growing space.”

In Nebraska, Van Meter has been servicing customer projects and doing business for several years now, the company said in a release. The company is already busy recruiting to staff its new Omaha branch, hiring sales, technical, warehouse and delivery personnel.

“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’s most recent previous acquisition was Miller Electric Supply last March, adding to its presence in Dubuque and Clinton, Iowa.

The acquisition of Bright and the new branch in Omaha will expand Van Meter’s presence in the Midwest to 16 locations. The company is 100% employee-owned  and ranked #26 on EW’s 2015 Top 200.