Harrell-Fish Acquires Ecofriendinly, Boosting Green Services in Bloomington

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – April 08, 2026 – In a significant move that reshapes the local mechanical services landscape, Harrell-Fish, LLC (HFI) today announced its acquisition of Ecofriendly Mechanical. The deal unites two of Bloomington's most established contractors, creating a single entity with enhanced capabilities in the rapidly growing field of sustainable and energy-efficient building solutions. While the financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, the strategic implications are clear: the merger is poised to accelerate the availability of green technology in the region and represents a new chapter of investment-backed growth for the industry.

A Bloomington Powerhouse Emerges

The acquisition is more than a corporate transaction; it is a consolidation of deep-seated local heritage. Both companies are mainstays of the Bloomington business community. Harrell-Fish, founded in 1985, has built a reputation as a leading full-service mechanical contractor for major commercial and institutional clients. Ecofriendly Mechanical, a family-owned business, has been a trusted name for over four decades, carving out a niche as a specialist in sustainable heating, HVAC, and air conditioning services.

In a move designed to ensure continuity and retain local expertise, HFI confirmed that Ecofriendly Mechanical's entire management team, including its CEO Andy Hardisty, will remain with the combined company. This decision underscores a commitment to preserving the customer relationships and service quality that Ecofriendly has cultivated over decades.

"I'm delighted to be joining HFI, a company that shares our deep-rooted commitment to maintaining a high standard of service in the Bloomington community," said Mr. Hardisty. He emphasized that the partnership would provide employees with "exciting new opportunities for growth" while continuing to deliver the reliable, eco-conscious solutions clients have come to expect.

This sentiment was echoed by Steve Dawson, Chief Executive Officer of HFI. "When we partnered with New State in December 2025, we emphasized our commitment to accelerating growth while maintaining the culture and quality our clients expect," Dawson stated. He framed the acquisition as a powerful combination of HFI's scale and Ecofriendly's specialized knowledge.

The Green-Tech Advantage

At the heart of the acquisition is a strategic pivot toward sustainability. The demand for energy-efficient buildings and environmentally responsible infrastructure has never been higher, driven by a combination of regulatory pressures, rising energy costs, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. By acquiring Ecofriendly Mechanical, Harrell-Fish is not just expanding its market share; it is absorbing decades of specialized expertise in a high-demand sector.

Ecofriendly Mechanical brings a wealth of experience in designing and implementing systems that reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. This specialized knowledge is a critical asset for HFI, whose client base includes healthcare facilities, higher education institutions, and government buildings—sectors where sustainability and long-term operational efficiency are paramount.

According to HFI's CEO Steve Dawson, the merger will allow the company to better serve these clients. "By combining HFI's deep operating resources and scale with Ecofriendly's specialized focus on energy efficiency, we are strengthening our ability to serve our clients with expanded capabilities, enhanced resources, and a deeper focus on sustainable practices," he said. This integration positions the newly enlarged HFI as a one-stop shop for complex mechanical projects that require both large-scale execution and cutting-edge green technology.

The Private Equity Playbook in Action

This acquisition also offers a clear window into the strategic forces shaping modern service industries. The deal was facilitated by New State Capital Partners, an entrepreneurial-minded private equity firm that acquired a majority stake in Harrell-Fish in December 2025, with Amethyst Capital Group also participating. HFI was established as New State's first "platform" investment for a new fund, signaling a clear intention to build a major player in the mechanical contracting space through a "buy-and-build" strategy.

The acquisition of Ecofriendly Mechanical, just four months after the initial investment in HFI, is the first major execution of that strategy. This rapid move is a classic example of an "add-on" acquisition, where a smaller, strategic company is purchased to enhance the platform company's capabilities and market position.

Shaun Vasavada, Senior Principal at New State Capital Partners, highlighted the speed and strategic fit of the deal. "We established our mechanical contracting services platform with HFI just four months ago, and completing this strategic add-on acquisition so quickly underscores the compelling market opportunity," Vasavada commented. This approach—injecting capital and strategic oversight to consolidate a fragmented market—is a hallmark of modern private equity and indicates a strong belief in the growth potential of the sustainable infrastructure sector.

What This Means for the Future of Mechanical Services

The merger of Harrell-Fish and Ecofriendly Mechanical is more than a local business story; it is a microcosm of the evolution occurring throughout the construction and facility services industry. It demonstrates a powerful convergence of three key trends: local market consolidation, specialization in high-demand technologies like sustainability, and the accelerating influence of private equity investment.

The resulting company is built to be a formidable competitor, combining the trusted reputation of local, family-run service with the financial backing and strategic discipline of a national investment firm. This model allows the firm to tackle larger, more complex projects while offering the specialized, energy-efficient solutions that a modern client base demands. For Bloomington and the surrounding region, it means access to a more robust and technologically advanced service provider. For the industry at large, it serves as a blueprint for how traditional service businesses can adapt and thrive by embracing both technological innovation and strategic financial partnerships, ultimately shaping the future of sustainable infrastructure.