FREEPORT, Ill. — Mechanical Inc., a division of The Helm Group, has acquired Borg Mechanical Contractors Inc. of Hillside, Ill. Borg, a Chicago-area HVAC and process-piping contractor, will continue to operate under the Borg name, and is expected to increase Mechanical Inc.’s annual revenues from $40 million to $70 million. According to Brian Helm, president of Mechanical Inc., combining the resources of two major Midwest mechanical contractors presents new growth opportunities for both its mechanical service and construction divisions.

The acquisition builds on Mechanical Inc.’s plans for additional growth in the Chicago area. Mechanical Inc. has offices spanning the area between Freeport and Chicago. Helm cited other advantages that Borg offered, including a proven track record of profitability and sharing similar business philosophies and practices. “What we found most appealing about Borg,” said Helm, “is its superior knowledge of the piping business and its development of strong customer relationships.”

Former Borg president Jim Berg, who now reports to Helm as the Hillside area manager, said the agreement came after months of comparing business philosophies, knowledge, personal values, and goals. “This is an agreement that builds on the strengths of both organizations and provides all of us with more opportunities,” said Berg.

Mechanical Inc., headquartered in Freeport, was formed in 1968 and often ranks as one of the top 50 mechanical contracting firms in the nation. The company combines field services and a 20,000-square-foot fabrication facility to meet its customers’ mechanical project needs. It has completed projects valued at up to $25 million in 23 states.

The Helm Group is the privately owned parent corporation of Mechanical Inc. and four other companies that deliver a range of construction services across the United States. Helm Group companies currently execute $120 million in construction services annually. Projects range from small commercial, industrial, and public projects, to large multi-year projects. In addition to the new Hillside office, the corporation maintains regional offices in Freeport, Mundelein, and East Moline, Ill., and Glenwood Springs, Colo.

For more information about Mechanical Inc., visit www.helmgroup.com.

Publication date: 01/20/2003