11 Sep 2024

Siemens has announced its agreement to acquire California-based Trayer Engineering Corporation (Trayer), a pioneer in the design and manufacturing of medium voltage secondary distribution switchgear suitable for outdoor and below-ground applications. 

Trayer specializes in hermetically sealed padmount and submersible switchgear, resistant to extreme weather conditions.

padmount switchgear

The company will provide complementary technologies to the Electrification and Automation Business Unit at Siemens, to further support the market trend of undergrounding overhead electrical networks, increasing the resilience of the North American distribution grids.

Siemens, as a player in the Electrification and Automation industry, will increase the availability of Trayer’s submersible and padmount switchgear portfolio through its widespread presence in the market.  

end-to-end portfolio

"We see a significant growth opportunity in secondary power distribution, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions. By combining forces, we will provide an end-to-end portfolio to our customers by unlocking resources and competencies to serve this growing demand," said Stephan May, CEO of Electrification and Automation at Siemens Smart Infrastructure.

Stephan May adds, "Our digital offerings and Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, Electrification X, complements Trayer’s resilient solutions to enable utilities and municipalities to upgrade their distribution grids and drive grid efficiency for outdoor and below-ground applications." 

maintenance-free switchgear

Its submersible distribution switchgear is perfectly suited for use in areas prone to flooding

Trayer has a long history of producing maintenance-free switchgear of the highest quality, designed to thrive in the most challenging circumstances. Its submersible distribution switchgear is perfectly suited for use in areas prone to flooding or extreme weather conditions, providing reliable electrical distribution while being protected from water and environmental damage.

Whereas padmount switchgear is typically installed at ground level in residential, commercial, and industrial areas, offering easy access for safety inspections and operation while ensuring reliable, safe, and efficient electrical distribution for underground electrical grids.

comprehensive solution

"By joining a 175+-year-old, established industry pioneer, Trayer sees accelerated growth, investment, and employee opportunities," said John Trayer, CEO, of Trayer.

John Trayer adds, "All of the employees at Trayer look forward to growing together, as Trayer offers a truly comprehensive solution to utility and municipal customers to help them harden and expand their electrical infrastructure."

Trayer

Trayer was founded as a family business in 1962 and currently employs 130 people. It will continue to operate as a separate legal entity, under the banner - 'A Siemens Business'. 

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval, and closing is expected in calendar year 2024. Terms of the transaction are not disclosed.