PSSI and Cross Country Merge to Form Infrastructure Solutions Titan

HOUSTON, TX – February 09, 2026 – In a landmark move set to reshape the American infrastructure landscape, PSS Industrial Group (PSSI) and Cross Country Infrastructure Services Inc. have finalized an agreement to merge, creating a new national powerhouse named PSS Cross Country Infrastructure Solutions. The combination forges a premier solutions and supply partner for contractors, boasting an unmatched national footprint and a diversified service offering aimed at supporting the construction and maintenance of critical infrastructure across the United States.

The new entity will be led by PSSI CEO Phillip Goodwin, who will serve as CEO of the combined company. Cross Country's founder and CEO, John James, will transition to the role of President of Equipment, joining a newly expanded leadership team. This strategic consolidation brings together two industry stalwarts to create a single entity with over 40 locations nationwide, designed to meet the escalating demands of a rapidly evolving market.

"This combination is an opportunity to build on the tremendous success of our teams and establish a truly national player for infrastructure solutions," Phillip Goodwin said in the announcement. "The demand for energy and infrastructure has never been greater. This transaction is about scaling the resources available to our customers and staff, so they are even better positioned to support America's critical infrastructure needs."

Forging a National Contender

The formation of PSS Cross Country Infrastructure Solutions is a direct response to a highly competitive and consolidating market. The U.S. construction equipment rental market, valued at over $30 billion in 2024, is projected to surge past $45 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by massive federal infrastructure spending, increasing urbanization, and a strategic shift by contractors toward renting equipment to reduce capital expenditure.

In this dynamic environment, scale is paramount. The new company enters a field dominated by giants like United Rentals, which holds a significant market share, and a newly expanded Herc Rentals, which recently bolstered its position through a multi-billion dollar acquisition. By combining PSSI’s 33 locations with Cross Country’s seven strategic branches, PSS Cross Country immediately establishes a formidable national presence. This scale is not just about geography; it's about creating a comprehensive, end-to-end service provider that can offer specialized equipment rental, MRO supplies, material handling solutions, and deep field-level expertise under one roof.

John James, who founded Cross Country in the late 1970s, emphasized the strategic fit. "This business combination is the perfect next step for these two wonderful organizations," he stated. "The size, scale, and breadth of solutions that this combination affords our customers is unmatched in the market."

Beyond Oil and Gas: Powering America's Future

While both companies have deep roots in the traditional energy value chain, the merger's true strategic brilliance may lie in its aggressive diversification into high-growth sectors. The new entity is explicitly positioned to support the buildout of renewables, utilities, mining, and, critically, data center infrastructure.

This pivot aligns perfectly with national trends. The U.S. is in the midst of a historic infrastructure transformation, driven by the clean energy transition and the explosive growth of artificial intelligence. Cross Country already brings a proven track record in supporting wind and solar farm construction. This expertise, now amplified by PSSI's broader distribution network, positions the company to capitalize on the soaring demand for renewable energy projects.

Simultaneously, the AI boom is creating an unprecedented need for data centers, which in turn places immense strain on the nation's power grid. U.S. utilities are projected to spend over $1.1 trillion in the next five years to modernize the grid, a figure directly influenced by data center power consumption. The U.S. data center construction market itself is forecast to more than double from $67 billion in 2025 to over $133 billion by 2032. PSS Cross Country is now uniquely equipped to service this dual-front boom, providing the specialized equipment and supplies needed to build both the data centers and the utility infrastructure required to power them.

Integrating Strengths, Navigating Challenges

The success of PSS Cross Country will ultimately depend on its ability to seamlessly integrate two distinct, privately-held companies, each with its own culture and operational history. PSSI, backed by investors including Goldman Sachs Asset Management and majority owners Marblegate Asset Management and Angel Island Capital, brings a strong background in distribution and MRO supplies. Cross Country, founded by an industry veteran, offers decades of specialized equipment rental and consumable supply expertise.

The leadership structure, with Goodwin's operational and sales experience complementing James's deep industry and equipment knowledge, appears designed to harmonize these strengths. However, the path forward is not without its hurdles. Mergers and acquisitions in any industry are fraught with challenges, particularly concerning the integration of corporate cultures. Maintaining the "high-touch service model" that both companies claim as a differentiator will be a key test as they scale up.

Successfully blending operational systems, supply chains, and employee teams across 40-plus locations requires a deliberate and well-executed integration strategy. The leadership's ability to foster a unified vision and build trust will be critical in realizing the immense potential of the merger and solidifying PSS Cross Country's position not just as a larger company, but as a dominant force in building the future of American infrastructure.