ITS Acquires NDE, Forging Gulf Coast Industrial Services Powerhouse

NEDERLAND, Texas – April 17, 2026 – Industrial Thermal Services (ITS), a prominent provider of heat treatment and specialty mechanical services, has officially acquired NDE Incorporated, a veteran firm in the non-destructive testing (NDT) sector. The move, announced today, significantly broadens ITS's service portfolio and extends its operational footprint across the vital Gulf Coast industrial corridor, positioning the company as a formidable integrated service provider.

This strategic transaction combines ITS's core expertise in heat treating, bolting, and hydrostatic testing with NDE Incorporated's 40-year legacy in advanced inspection and quality assurance. For clients in the demanding energy, petrochemical, and manufacturing sectors, the merger promises a more streamlined, single-source solution for complex project needs, from fabrication and construction to maintenance and safety compliance.

A Strategic Push for Integrated Services

The acquisition reflects a powerful trend within the industrial services market: the move toward consolidation and the creation of 'one-stop-shop' providers. As industrial operations grow in complexity, clients increasingly seek partners who can deliver a comprehensive suite of services, reducing logistical hurdles, improving project oversight, and ensuring consistent quality. By integrating NDE's capabilities, ITS is directly addressing this demand.

Prior to the acquisition, ITS was known for its technical precision in thermal services and specialty mechanical work. Now, it adds a full range of NDT methods to its arsenal, including industrial radiography, advanced ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection, and positive material identification. This allows the company to compete more directly with established integrated players like Acuren and IRISNDT, who have long offered bundled inspection and mechanical services. The combination of pre-weld heat treatment, welding support, post-weld heat treatment, and subsequent non-destructive testing from a single entity can significantly accelerate project timelines and reduce coordination costs for plant owners and contractors.

"This acquisition strengthens our position as a fully integrated partner to our customers," said Ryan Aras, Founder and CEO of ITS, in the company's official statement. "Adding NDT expertise into our heat treatment and specialty mechanical portfolio allows us to deliver even greater value to our customers while reinforcing our commitment to safety, quality, and project execution."

The Private Equity Blueprint for Growth

This deal is not an isolated event but a calculated step in a broader growth strategy fueled by private equity. The acquisition is the second for ITS since it partnered with Houston-based Amberjack Capital Partners in April 2025. Amberjack, a firm specializing in critical infrastructure and industrial services, follows a clear blueprint of investing in promising platform companies and scaling them through strategic acquisitions. This 'buy and build' approach is designed to create market leaders with expanded capabilities and geographic reach.

ITS's first move under this partnership was the acquisition of On-Site Stress Relieving Services (OSR) in May 2025, which expanded its national footprint into key markets like Oklahoma and Kansas. The addition of NDE Incorporated now solidifies its dominance in the Southeast, creating a dense service network from Texas to Florida. This pattern demonstrates a deliberate strategy to consolidate the fragmented industrial services market, building a powerhouse capable of serving major national clients across multiple regions.

For Amberjack Capital, the investment thesis is clear: the demand for reliable inspection, maintenance, and repair services is non-negotiable for critical infrastructure. By backing ITS's expansion, the firm is capitalizing on the growing need for technically proficient and highly reliable service providers who can ensure the safety and longevity of industrial assets.

Elevating Safety and Quality with NDT

At the heart of this acquisition is the critical role of non-destructive testing. NDT refers to a group of analysis techniques used to evaluate the properties of a material, component, or system without causing damage. In high-stakes environments like refineries, chemical plants, and power generation facilities, NDT is indispensable for ensuring structural integrity, preventing catastrophic failures, and complying with stringent government and industry safety regulations.

NDE Incorporated, founded in 1984, built its reputation on technical precision and a customer-first approach, offering services crucial for inspection, quality control, and safety compliance. Their expertise is particularly vital in the context of predictive maintenance—a strategy where NDT is used to monitor the health of equipment and predict potential failures before they occur. This proactive approach minimizes unplanned downtime and extends the operational life of critical assets.

The global NDT market is experiencing robust growth, with some projections estimating it will reach nearly $10 billion in North America alone by 2032. This growth is driven by aging infrastructure, new construction in sectors like LNG and renewables, and an unwavering regulatory focus on safety. By integrating NDE's highly skilled team and its four decades of experience, ITS is not just adding a service line; it is embedding a culture of quality assurance and risk mitigation directly into its operational DNA.

The combined entity will operate under the ITS brand, ensuring customers of NDE a seamless transition and access to a wider array of resources and field infrastructure. The commitment to technical excellence and best-in-class service reliability remains a cornerstone of the newly expanded organization, poised to set a new standard for integrated industrial services along the Gulf Coast and beyond.