Thermo Systems buys PKM Panel Systems to expand manufacturing

Thermo Systems has acquired New Jersey panel fabricator PKM Panel Systems, a long-time partner, to expand its in-house panel manufacturing and prefabrication capabilities. The deal is aimed at improving project delivery, schedule certainty and supply chain resilience for customers in data center, energy and life sciences markets.

Why it matters: - The acquisition gives Thermo Systems more control over panel fabrication, a key part of industrial automation and process control projects. - Thermo Systems expects the deal to improve project execution, quality control, scalability and supply chain resiliency. - The move supports a vertically integrated delivery model as more industrial customers shift toward manufacturing-based project delivery.

What happened: - Thermo Systems said Oct. 7, 2026, that it acquired PKM Panel Systems, a New Jersey-based panel fabrication company. - PKM had worked with Thermo Systems for nearly three decades before the acquisition. - The companies have supported the design, fabrication and testing of industrial control panels for complex automation and process control work.

The details: - Thermo Systems serves data center, energy and life sciences markets. - PKM’s capabilities expand Thermo Systems’ manufacturing and prefabrication operations. - Thermo Systems said integrating panel fabrication more closely into its operations should help support a growing portfolio of automation projects. - Eric Silk, Thermo Systems’ CEO, said the acquisition will bring PKM’s team and capabilities into Thermo Systems to strengthen delivery and better support customer needs. - Wallace and Michelle Toto, the longtime owners of PKM, said they trust Thermo Systems to continue the company’s legacy and care for employees and customers. - PKM’s operations, employees and facilities will continue supporting customers under Thermo Systems’ ownership. - PKM will also gain access to Thermo Systems’ expanded resources, engineering expertise and geographic reach.

Between the lines: - The deal deepens an already long-standing partnership rather than creating a new business relationship. - Thermo Systems is betting that bringing fabrication in-house will reduce execution risk and create more predictable project timelines. - The acquisition also signals a broader push to invest in capabilities that can create long-term value for customers, employees and partners.

What's next: - Thermo Systems will fold PKM’s team and capabilities into its broader operations. - Customers should continue to receive support from PKM’s existing operations while Thermo Systems expands its integrated manufacturing model. - The company is positioning the acquisition as a platform for continued growth across automation projects.

The bottom line: - Thermo Systems is buying a trusted supplier to tighten control over manufacturing, improve delivery and scale its automation business.