North America | November 29, 2024

TE Connectivity Acquires Harger to Bolster Grid Protection Solutions

This acquisition positions TE Connectivity at the forefront of providing protection systems.

 

Image for illustration purposes.

TE Connectivity, a global leader in connectivity solutions, has acquired Harger, an Illinois-based manufacturer specialising in lightning protection and grounding solutions for the energy industry. This strategic move aims to enhance TE Connectivity’s energy business portfolio, particularly in the utilities, renewable energy, and industrial sectors.

Harger, founded in 1960, brings a wealth of expertise in protecting grid assets from electrical storms. Their product range includes air terminals, specialised conductors, and ground electrodes, which are crucial for safeguarding substations and tall structures against lightning strikes. Notably, Harger’s air terminals protect some of America’s tallest skyscrapers, including Chicago’s John Hancock Building and Willis Tower.

One of Harger’s key innovations is the UltraShot system, an alternative to conventional ignition methods for exothermic connections. This system allows for safer ignition of electrical equipment from a distance, using a handheld device powered by a long-lasting lithium-ion battery.

For solar power installations, Harger offers factory-built grounding assemblies that reduce on-site connection requirements. Their product line also includes fence grounding solutions and panel grounding equipment, essential for the growing renewable energy sector.

The acquisition aligns with TE Connectivity’s expansion strategy in the energy solutions market. It follows their 2023 acquisition of Kries, a developer of grid monitoring systems, further strengthening their position in the power distribution sector.

This partnership is particularly significant as the energy industry shifts towards more complex and sensitive electronic systems. The combined expertise of TE Connectivity and Harger promises to deliver comprehensive protection solutions for modern electrical grids, enhancing their resilience against lightning strikes and other electrical disturbances.