Acquisition of Paladin Technologies: Bosch plans to expand its building services business in North America

Charlotte, NC

Bosch Building Technologies division continues its strong growth in services

Paladin Technologies is a leading provider of security and life safety solutions as well as system integration services in Canada and the US.
This purchase complements Bosch’s 2015 acquisition of Climatec, LLC, with more than 1,000 associates in the US.
Paladin Technologies has over 1,500 associates and projected 2023 sales approaching USD 400 million across 35 offices.
Bosch Building Technologies expands its system integration business by entering the Canadian market and increasing its US operations.
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Stuttgart, Germany / Vancouver, Canada / Phoenix, United States – Bosch plans to acquire Paladin Technologies, Inc., headquartered in Vancouver, Canada – a leading provider of security and life safety solutions and system integration services in North America. This purchase complements Bosch’s 2015 acquisition of Climatec, LLC, with more than 1,000 associates in the US. Climatec is part of Bosch Building Technologies and offers energy efficiency, building automation, security, and life safety solutions for the US market. The US is one of the largest and fastest growing markets for Bosch Building Technologies. Paladin Technologies employs around1,500 associates across 35 locations in Canada and the US with projected 2023 sales approaching USD 400 million.

Corresponding agreements were signed by Bosch and Paladin Technologies on July 4, 2023. It has been agreed that the purchase price will not be disclosed. The acquisition is subject to approval by the relevant regulatory authorities. “Energy efficiency and security needs are driving factors for the modernization of commercial buildings, particularly in the North American market. These long-term trends have contributed to the growth of our subsidiary Climatec, which has significantly increased its sales and workforce since we acquired them in 2015. We want to continue Bosch’s success in the delivery of these vital services in the region, and helping make buildings greener, smarter, and safer,” says Christian Fischer, the deputy chairman of the Bosch board of management who is responsible for the company’s Energy and Building Technology and Consumer Goods business sectors.

Bosch Building Technologies is part of Bosch’s Energy and Building Technology business sector and reports strong growth with its energy- and cost-efficient commercial building and building services portfolio. The business sector including Bosch Building Technologies grew in 2022 by 17.4 percent.

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Bosch Building Technologies expands its business in North America

“The acquisition of Paladin Technologies enables Bosch Building Technologies to significantly expand its system integration business in North America by entering the Canadian market and increasing its US operations. Paladin Technologies and Climatec have exciting opportunities to collaborate and bring comprehensive offers to our customers, building upon their respective market positions, strong brands, highly experienced leadership teams and the tremendous industry expertise of their employees,” says Thomas Quante, president of Bosch Building Technologies.

Bosch Building Technologies currently offers building automation, security, life safety, and energy efficiency services in the US with offices across Arizona, Texas, Nevada, California, New York, and New Jersey. “I’ve always respected Bosch’s long-term business focus, its over 100-year reputation for innovation and its private ownership structure, in which the majority shareholder is a charitable foundation. We’ve also been impressed by the success of Bosch’s building services growth in the USA and look forward to succeeding together as we build upon our shared values of innovation, teamwork, and the development of our people,” says Ted Reid, CEO of Paladin Technologies.

Paladin Technologies, part of the Paladin Group of Companies founded in 1976 in Vancouver, is a leading provider of security and life safety solutions and system integration services. The company serves the entire Canadian market with 18 offices and the US market with 17 offices across New York, Texas, California, the Southwest, Pacific Northwest and Midwest regions. The company’s portfolio comprises video surveillance, access control and intrusion detection as well as network infrastructure, monitoring, and advanced audio-visual solutions. Paladin Technologies will continue to offer customized building solutions built upon the best technologies available from their product partners. “I’m excited for the opportunity to work with Ted and the Paladin Technologies team as we expand our services across North America. It was clear from our first meeting that our companies share a common customer and employee-focused culture with a tremendous passion for delivering safe, secure, and efficient building solutions,” said Mauro Lima Vaz, Senior Vice President of Bosch Integration Business for North America and CEO of Climatec.

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‍Portfolios of both companies complement each other perfectly

With its market presence in Canada and key metropolitan areas in the US, Paladin Technologies is an ideal addition to Bosch’s system integration business. For instance, Paladin Technologies is responsible for the design and installation of security systems for Royal Columbian Hospital, enhancing patient experiences, while maintaining the continuity of the hospital services as it is one of only two trauma centers within the province. Further, Paladin Technologies protects the assets of Cargill facilities, an international provider of food, agriculture, financial and industrial products and services. Paladin Technologies serves Cargill across multiple provinces and states. Through Climatec, Bosch implements highly innovative projects across the North American market. For example, The Spiral, a premier office high-rise skyscraper in New York City, which Climatec equipped with an advanced building automation system – a smart and green building offering the highest quality of life for its occupants. Another example is the City of Ontario, California, for which Climatec has implemented significant building modernization and renewable energy systems that saves the city millions in utility and operating costs.

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‍Contact persons for press inquiries:

Bosch:
Dörthe Warnk
Phone: +49 711 811-55508
Mail: doerthe.warnk@de.bosch.com

Climatec:
‍Jill Boileau
Phone: +1(602)999-4557
Mail: JillB@Climatec.com

Paladin Technologies:
‍Stephanie Whalen
Phone:+1(604) 787-5959
Mail: swhalen@paladintechnologies.com

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About Bosch Group:

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 421,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2022). The company generated sales of 88.2 billion euros in 2022. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. As a leading IoT provider, Bosch offers innovative solutions for smart homes, Industry 4.0, and connected mobility. Bosch is pursuing a vision of mobility that is sustainable, safe, and exciting. It uses

its expertise in sensor technology, software, and services, as well as its own IoT cloud, to offer its customers connected, cross-domain solutions from a single source. The Bosch Group’s strategic objective is to facilitate connected living with products and solutions that either contain artificial intelligence (AI) or have been developed or manufactured with its help. Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm. In short, Bosch creates technology that is “Invented for life.” The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 470 subsidiary and regional companies in over 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. With its more than 400 locations worldwide, the Bosch Group has been carbon neutral since the first quarter of 2020. The basis for the company’s future growth is its innovative strength. At 136 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 85,500 associates in research and development, of which nearly 44,000 are software engineers.

The company was setup in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861–1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.” The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant upfront investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-four percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The remaining shares are held by Robert Bosch GmbH and by a corporation owned by the Bosch family. The majority

of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust.

Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com,www.iot.bosch.com,www.bosch-press.com,www.twitter.com/BoschPress

About Climatec:
A Bosch Company: For over 40 years, Climatec has steadily invested in the people, technology, and services needed to be its customers’ trusted business partner. Today, Climatec is one of the leading providers of building technology and energy solutions in the nation with over 1,000 associates across Arizona, California, Nevada, New Jersey, New York and Texas. Climatec’s technology partners include the world’s leading suppliers of building automation, security and life safety, and energy efficiency technologies. And since 2015, Climatec has proudly been part of the Robert Bosch group of companies. For further information see www.climatec.com.

About Paladin Technologies:
Paladin Technologies is a premiere building systems integrator operating across North America. As a leader in the design, deployment, optimization, management, and maintenance of security, communication, audio visual systems and digital networks, Paladin Technologies is driven by a strong corporate culture and a vision of innovation through teamwork. Paladin Technologies designs and deploys sophisticated solutions for clients on a national scale, while providing expert local support with over 1,500 associates in 35 offices across Canada and the US. For further information see paladintechnologies.com.

Latest updates

Climatec expands Southeast operations with the acquisition of Engineered Control Solutions, Inc.

Phoenix, AZ
August 6, 2024

Further growth in building automation and expansion of regional presence
Customers of both companies benefit from expanded range of building technology solutions that can increase safety, efficiency, and comfort.

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Phoenix, AZ – Climatec, LLC, a Bosch company, has acquired the business of Engineered Control Solutions (ECS), a leading building automation solutions provider and system integrator with offices in North and South Carolina. ECS has about 100 employees. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1999, ECS is serving customers in the Southeast US and nationally. The company provides building automation solutions for efficient control, regulation and monitoring of technical building equipment such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting across the education, government, healthcare, and commercial building sectors. These owners and operators of commercial buildings and infrastructures have benefited from increased efficiency and simplified processes, as well as improved comfort for users. ECS’ building experts and regional operations are an excellent complement to Climatec’s portfolio.

“ECS is a perfect fit for Climatec’s business and culture,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, president, Bosch Building Technologies Integrator Business – North America. “The professionalism and dedication of the ECS’s team to deliver innovative building solutions fully aligns with the Climatec entrepreneurial spirit and mission for operational excellence and world-class service.”

“Climatec and Bosch’s commitment to customers and employees, the strength of their building technology partnerships, and long-term business focus made this decision easy,” said Lee Revis, president, Engineered Control Solutions. “The fact that the deal coincides with our 25^th anniversary underscores our excitement for a great future ahead for our team and our customers.”

“We are thrilled to have ECS as a part of the Climatec team,” said Shawn Flahart, Climatec vice president for Building Automation Services. “The addition of the ECS team gives us countless new opportunities to expand our services, grow our business in the Southeast, and better serve our national customers.”

All associates and the management team will continue in their respective roles.

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About Climatec, LLC

For nearly 50 years, Climatec has invested in people, technology, and services needed to be its customers’ trusted business partner for building solutions. Today, Climatec is a leading provider of building technologies and energy solutions in the nation. Climatec’s technology partners include the world’s leading suppliers of building automation, security, life safety, and energy efficiency technologies. And since 2015, Climatec has been part of Robert Bosch, LLC. For further information see www.climatec.com.

Press/Media/PR Contact

‍Jill Boileau
Director of Communications
Communications@Climatec.com
(602) 819-4945

Top Reasons Arizona Cities and Towns Need Comprehensive Energy Infrastructure Investments Now

Inflation and spiraling costs have impacted us all. The price of gasoline, the cost of eggs, bacon and most other basic needs for food and transportation have exploded in the last few years. To combat these inflationary pressures, employees, unions and workers across all industries are expecting needed salary increases just to commute to work and put food on the table. Many municipalities are wondering, “What can we focus on to make some positive impacts and get a WIN?”

One of the major budget line items for most municipal governments (often just behind salaries and pensions) are their electricity and natural gas payments. Not a surprise to any CBO: utility increases in Arizona have shot up dramatically in the last few years. All the Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs), such as Southwest Gas, Arizona Public Service (APS) and Tucson Electric Power Company, have seen commercial electricity rate increases skyrocket. From 2020 to 2021, Arizona’s average electricity price increased by 6%, making this the third largest increase in the western United States. The chart below further proves the upward trend of average electricity prices by comparing prices from 2005 to 2021.
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*Source:* *Senior Research Economist Jennifer Pullen of University of Arizona, 2022*

Many experts believe that with the mandated transition to more renewable energy production, the significant upward trend in utility rate increases will continue well into the future. Even as current rates rise, IOUs are slated to continue the upward trajectory on costs. Imagine your total utility bill doubling in the next few years.

According to KAWC, Southwest Gas increased rates in 2023 by 7.6% for residential customers and 13.7% for small business customers. Additionally, the Phoenix Business Journal reports that APS expects an average residential customer monthly bill increase of 13.6%. APS President Ted Geisler told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News that a proposed monthly base rate increase of at least 23% is necessary but likely won’t make its way to customers.

It is easy to focus on electricity rate increases, but with current energy policies and global market dynamics, natural gas prices have risen at an even faster pace than electricity with residential consumers experiencing upwards of a 36% increase since 2020.
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*Source:* *US Energy Information Administration, 2023*

So, if you are a city manager or city council member, what can you do to blunt these massive utility cost increases? Doing nothing or hoping the problem will go away is not a strategy. Leading cities across Arizona, including the City of Yuma, City of Tucson, City of Sierra Vista and Town of Gilbert, showcase how cities and towns can proactively combat the impact of rising utility costs with investments in modernization, efficiency and sustainability.

The City of Yuma, for example, made strides toward its mission to enhance sustainability by modernizing City facilities with exterior and interior lighting upgrades, park lighting improvements, HVAC and pool boiler replacements, smart building controls and pool pump variable frequency drive and solar array installations. This project relieves approximately $6 million in general funds over the lifecycle of the new equipment, achieving $434,555 in just the first year.

Most municipalities have contemplated energy and sustainability initiatives for years, but the required upfront capital, staff resource constraints, stakeholder coordination and complex analysis makes it hard to get projects off the ground. Cities may take several approaches, but there is one approach that is proven to be the most effective for completing projects in less time, with fewer resources and with lower risk.

Compared to “piece-mealing” projects one at a time or waiting for equipment to break down, a design/build energy services approach allows a city to look at energy holistically and through the lens of the long term. Bundling all pieces of the puzzle together–rather than one or two at a time, as typically done in traditional construction methods–comprehensively addresses deferred maintenance needs, as well as resiliency and sustainability goals. What’s more, is the legislative availability of streamlined procurement options available, which make it easy to competitively procure a single-point of accountability without hiring multiple consulting firms, and incurring all the incremental costs and delays associated with a traditional 4-5 year+ construction/retrofit process.

If energy efficiency and sustainability (plus blunting budget-busting utility increases) are on your to-do list and you are looking for reasons to prioritize energy infrastructure projects in 2023, read on:

TOP REASONS TO ACT NOW

PRICE & TIMELINE CERTAINTY
- According to CBRE, construction cost escalations have seen double digit increases for the last two years and are anticipated to escalate. If your city has constructed any facilities or has done any significant construction projects recently, you know firsthand the risks, delays, budget overruns, litigation, etc., that can result.
  
  Not to mention the other delays created by supply chain disturbances, with many components often taking up to 12 months to arrive. The combined impact of inflation and delays are costing billions, forcing many cities to defer decision making or cancel projects altogether. By the time projects are ready to be pursued, it’s common for cities to see projects at double the cost than was originally budgeted in years prior.
  
  Acting NOW, with a streamlined design/build approach, puts you in the driver’s seat and ensures you can lock down–and stand behind–the budgets and timelines you promise to stakeholders.
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GRANTS, INCENTIVES, REBATES
- More funding is available today from grants, incentives and rebates than ever before. Ranging from federal, state, local and private sector programs, municipalities have a chance to free up or stretch the impact of capital funds without taking on any debt. Finding a partner who has deep expertise in helping your city secure incremental funds is imperative. The money is out there.
- In addition to the billions in ARPA stimulus cities must obligate before December 2024, you can now also tap into an additional $370 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for clean energy generation, efficiency measures, improvements to water/wastewater facilities and EV charging infrastructure. IRA funds can help fund approximately one-third of the cost of solar for your city with direct payment tax incentives. Lighting, HVAC, battery storage and many other types of “electrification” also qualify for potential grants.
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EFFICIENCY - STILL YIELDS MUCH LOW-HANGING FRUIT
- It’s common for cities to think they’ve done all the low-hanging fruit there is to do if you have completed a few efficiency upgrades over the last decade. Even in relatively new facilities or buildings that meet LEED standards, run times and automation settings often get modified or overridden with time. Plus, technology improvements have changed drastically in just the last few years, particularly when it comes to ventilation standards or the electrification of natural gas-consuming equipment.
  
  By optimizing your current infrastructure to peak efficiency and today’s standards, you can reduce your facilities’ utility consumption by 30%-40% or more.
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PIECEMEAL & BREAKDOWN APPROACHES DON’T WORK
- When it comes to energy, piecemeal approaches or waiting for things to break leads to unintended consequences with a variety of negative impacts, including staff resource strain, comfort and productivity issues, emergency repair cost, etc. Furthermore, the stacking order for pursuing building efficiency and renewable energy projects is critically important to avoid alternative energy system oversizing, another common pitfall of a piecemeal approach.
  
  Having a single point of accountability for the energy analysis, design, implementation and overall savings assurance gets your projects off the ground without the risks of aforementioned budget overruns and delays. A comprehensive approach also allows you to reduce the load of your facilities first and then properly size solar energy and storage solutions to precisely meet the needs of your now more efficient facilities. The technology to achieve Zero-Net Energy and Carbon Neutrality is available today, however, these ambitious goals can only be achieved with a well-planned, comprehensive perspective.
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Find a city that has had success with a comprehensive energy program and ask them about their process. Ask for a sample RFP and adopt the document for your needs. Once you drive a competitive process, select a design/build partner and conduct a citywide assessment. You will then have the tools and data to align a scope of work and funding plan specifically targeting your stakeholder and city needs. Before proceeding with program implementation, you’ll be equipped with a whole picture perspective to make intelligent long-term decisions that best serve your city’s interest today, tomorrow and for the next twenty years. Act NOW, and you can capture a big WIN in the next year or two for your city, while striving to address the numerous other longer term challenges city leaders face today.

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Author: Thomas Jackson is Corporate Vice President for Sales & Major Projects for Climatec Energy Services. He holds a degree in Energy Resource Management & currently serves on the Board of Advisors for Sustainability & Technology at Eastern Illinois University. Climatec is a wholly owned LLC as part of the Robert BOSCH family of companies.