TWS Technical Services Acquires Pipeline Maintenance Inc.

Kansas City-based TWS Technical Services Inc. (TWS) announced Jan. 19 the acquisition of Pipeline Maintenance/S.E.E Underground Technologies and Consulting (PMI). The acquisition moves TWS one-step closer to becoming one of the leaders in underground pipeline and sewer assessment technology and services, its press release said.

TWS is the only company in the United States using high-definition pipeline image scanning technology as a means of vastly improving the condition assessment process for underground utilities. PMI provides underground utility locating, mapping, documentation and consulting for utility companies, engineering firms, developers, contractors and large property owners — including the Boeing, Ameron, Sprint and UMKC campuses.

According to TWS president William Session, “The addition of PMI now gives us the ability to see everything around an underground pipe while we digitally map the inside of the pipe with the greatest accuracy and precision technology can provide.”

Session launched TWS in 2007 and acquired the first high-definition pipeline image capture system in use in the United States. European cities and utility contractors have employed this revolutionary technology for years.

PMI president Ron Peterson will join TWS as vice president, pipeline assessment division. “TWS was the perfect fit for PMI and a natural extension of our services,” said Peterson. “Our philosophy regarding the use of technology to improve our sewer infrastructure is identical.”

In addition to high-definition pipeline inspection, TWS provides pipeline condition assessment services, pipeline repair and rehabilitation and heavy civil construction. Currently TWS is engaged in projects in Kansas City, Mo., and Atlanta.

Terms of the acquisition were not announced and were to be completed in January 2009.