October 1, 2026 at 12:15 pm
NORLEE GROUP EXPANDS INTO NORTH CAROLINA WITH THE ACQUISITION OF IEM ELECTRIC, INC.
Norlee Group (NLG) is pleased to announce the acquisition of IEM Electric, Inc., an established industrial electrical contractor based in Hickory, North Carolina. The transaction was finalized on September 30, 2026. This partnership marks another important step in NLG’s continued growth across the Southeast, establishing a presence in North Carolina while expanding the company’s industrial electrical, controls, automation, and maintenance capabilities.
Founded in 1993 by Paul Brooks Jr., IEM Electric has built a strong reputation for quality workmanship, technical expertise, and customer-focused service within the industrial electrical market. The company provides extensive industrial electrical contracting capabilities, serving customers across a diverse range of industries, including food processing, chemical, automotive, steel, cable, material handling, and pharmaceutical.
As part of Norlee Group, IEM Electric will begin operating under the Norlee Group name and brand once the integration period is complete, bringing together IEM’s deep industrial expertise and long-standing customer relationships with NLG’s broader platform of services and resources. The experienced IEM team will remain an important part of the organization, providing continuity for the customers and communities it has served for more than three decades.
“IEM Electric brings exactly the kind of technical expertise, strong customer relationships, and experienced people we look for when expanding Norlee Group,” said Wally Budgell, CEO of Norlee Group. “Their industrial and maintenance capabilities complement our existing platform extremely well. Just as importantly, we see a strong alignment in how our companies approach quality, service, and relationships. We’re excited to welcome the IEM team to Norlee Group and establish a strong foundation in North Carolina as part of our strategic growth.”
Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, NLG supports projects across the Southeast with a workforce of more than 800 professionals. The company delivers comprehensive electrical and technology contracting; MEP design engineering; underground infrastructure; and specialty services across end markets including healthcare, multi-family, hospitality, commercial, education, industrial, manufacturing, and public works.
NLG’s acquisition strategy remains centered on bringing together strong companies and experienced teams while preserving the customer relationships, local expertise, and cultures that have made them successful. Through integration, these teams gain the support and opportunities of a larger organization while continuing to deliver the quality and service their customers know and trust.
To learn more about NLG, visit www.norleegroup.com or contact Nicole Calabria, Vice President of Marketing, at nicolec@norleegroup.com or (904) 345-4526.
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