Relevant Solutions Acquires Automation Werx in PE-Backed Expansion

HOUSTON, TX – May 14, 2026 – Relevant Solutions, a Houston-based provider of industrial products and services, today announced its acquisition of Automation Werx, LLC, a specialized systems integrator headquartered in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The move marks a significant strategic expansion for Relevant, extending its geographic footprint into the Intermountain West and deepening its technical capabilities in high-demand automation sectors such as water/wastewater, dairy, and agriculture.

The acquisition is a key development in Relevant Solutions' growth strategy following its partnership with private equity firm Fusion Capital Partners in May 2025. It equips the company with end-to-end automation and controls integration services, from system design and panel fabrication to programming and 24/7 field support.

"Bringing Automation Werx into the Relevant Solutions family marks a meaningful expansion of what we can offer our customers," said John Carte, CEO of Relevant Solutions, in a statement announcing the deal. "Their hands-on expertise in controls integration, SCADA, and panel fabrication fills a gap in our capabilities, particularly in agriculture and water/wastewater markets where precision automation is critical. Trevor, Brandon and their team have built something genuinely impressive in Idaho Falls, and we couldn't be more excited to grow it together."

Private Equity Fuels a Consolidation Strategy

This acquisition is the latest signal of an aggressive growth-by-acquisition strategy for Relevant Solutions, supercharged by its new private equity ownership. Fusion Capital Partners, a Los Angeles-based firm launched in 2024, acquired Relevant Solutions with the stated goal of building a market-leading industrial services platform. Fusion's philosophy centers on partnering with management teams to drive value through both organic growth and strategic M&A, aiming to consolidate fragmented markets.

The industrial automation and services landscape is ripe for such consolidation, and Fusion has been active across the sector. The firm's recent investments, including in water management services provider AQUALIS, highlight a clear focus on businesses that provide essential services to critical infrastructure. The acquisition of Automation Werx fits squarely within this thesis, adding a highly specialized and resilient business line to Relevant’s portfolio.

By backing Relevant's expansion, Fusion is enabling the company to scale rapidly, enter new geographic territories, and absorb niche expertise. This model allows the combined entity to compete for larger, more complex projects that might have been out of reach for either company individually, creating a more formidable competitor in the North American industrial market.

Bolstering Critical Infrastructure in the Intermountain West

The strategic importance of the acquisition extends beyond corporate growth, positioning Relevant Solutions as a key technology partner for essential industries in the American heartland. Automation Werx's Idaho Falls headquarters provides a crucial, localized hub to serve the growing automation needs of Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and surrounding states.

These states are home to significant agricultural, dairy, and municipal operations that are increasingly turning to automation to solve pressing challenges. In the water and wastewater sector, utilities face aging infrastructure, stricter regulatory compliance, and the need for greater efficiency in managing a vital resource. Advanced Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, a specialty of Automation Werx, allow operators to monitor and control processes remotely, optimize energy consumption, and ensure water quality with greater precision.

Similarly, the dairy and agriculture industries are undergoing a technological revolution. Automation is key to enhancing productivity, ensuring food safety, and managing large-scale operations. From automated dairy parlors to precision irrigation systems controlled by PLC/HMI (Programmable Logic Controller/Human-Machine Interface) technology, Automation Werx has built a reputation for delivering robust solutions. By maintaining the existing team and facility in Idaho Falls, Relevant ensures that this regional expertise and customer trust are preserved and amplified with the resources of a larger national organization.

A Marriage of Specialized and Certified Expertise

At the core of the deal is the integration of Automation Werx’s deep technical prowess and industry-recognized credentials. Founded in 2013, the company has established itself as a leader in its niche, not just through experience but through rigorous certification. As a UL508A and UL698 listed control panel shop, it demonstrates a commitment to the highest safety and quality standards in fabricating industrial control panels, including those for hazardous locations.

Furthermore, its status as a certified Rockwell Automation Silver System Integrator is a significant differentiator. This certification denotes a high level of competency and a collaborative partnership with one of the world's leading industrial automation hardware and software providers. It assures clients that Automation Werx possesses proven expertise in designing and deploying solutions using widely adopted platforms like Allen-Bradley controllers and FactoryTalk software, reducing project risk and ensuring system reliability.

The leadership of Automation Werx views the acquisition as a natural evolution, providing the resources to scale their vision while maintaining their core identity.

"We've spent over a decade building a team and a reputation in this region, and joining Relevant Solutions is the right next step," said Trevor Steffler, CEO of Automation Werx. "Relevant gives us the backing to take on larger, more complex projects while staying true to the responsive, solutions-first culture our customers have always counted on. I'm proud of what this team has built, and I'm excited about where we go from here."

With the integration of Automation Werx, Relevant Solutions not only expands its map but fundamentally enhances its value proposition. The company is now better positioned to deliver comprehensive, turnkey automation projects from initial design through long-term lifecycle support, strengthening its role as a critical partner to industries across North America.