JD Martin Expands Again with ICS- Enters Georgia and Alabama

Following its acquisition of I-Pro this summer, JD Martin has expanded its reach with the acquisition of Integrated Component Sales.

ICS, to be known as ICS Martin effective January 1^st, is a Southeast industrially-focused agency supporting industrial OEM and MRO customers. The company counts Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, South Carolina, and North Carolina as part of its footprint. ABB is its foundational manufacturer, with representation in Florida, Alabama and Georgia for Industrial Control Products, Motor Control and Protection Devices, Automation Controls & Components, Terminal Blocks, Contactors, Motor Starters, Softstarters, Electronic & Mechanical Relays, Power Supplies, Sensors, Wireless Devices, Timers and Control Relays.

The company’s line card varies by state and ICS has personnel based in various states, according to its website.

JD Martin Acquires Integrated Component Sales (ICS)

According to the press release:

“Greg Baker, CEO/President of JD Martin, and Brian Camera, CEO/President, of Integrated Component Sales, Inc. (ICSI) are pleased to announce the two firms have joined forces to form ICS Martin effective January 1, 2023.

The alignment of ICS and JD Martin provides local channel partners and customers access to an expanded industrial and OEM portfolio of products, a team of dedicated specification experts along with an expanded sales force focused on delivering an exceptional customer experience.

Baker said, “Our partnership with ICS brings new products, manufacturing partners and expanded solutions to both existing and new markets we serve. The decision to expand with their team is rooted in both the quality of their people and performance of their organization. We look forward to the opportunity to continue building on our mutual successes.”

Brian Camera added, “It is exciting to have the opportunity to join forces with the JD Martin team. We found a partner who shares a common approach to running their business. We share similar cultures, values and vision for the future. Above all else, we are equally committed to delivering exceptional value to our customers—through our collective strength.”

The ICS current leadership team, organizational structure and staff will remain intact while adding local headcount to increase service within existing markets. Brian Camera will be named President of ICS Martin while Greg Baker will hold the position of CEO.

ICS has served the industrial, OEM, MRO, and municipal markets since 2011. JD Martin — based out of Houston, Texas — will expand a previous 15 state footprint to 17, with the addition of Alabama and Georgia.”

Congratulations to Greg and Brian on the new relationship.

Thoughts …

• JD Martin adds two more states to its corporate reach. The company now has representation in 17 states (a little more than a 1/3^rd of the country), however, areas and business units have responsibility for their line cards.
• The ICS acquisition is the first instance where JD Martin will have two brands in the same marketplace, albeit apparently with different business focuses.

The acquisition generates some interesting questions:

• With ICS covering geographies where JD Martin currently has a presence (FL, NC, SC), who, longer terms is the primary contact for manufacturers? (Presumably responsibility will remain with the leader of the “business unit”.)
• It doesn’t appear that there is much, if any, overlap in Florida but, if a manufacturer has a broad offering that covers all market, which should they align with … or both?
• Will ICS manufacturers have access to JDM staff for access to distributors and/or end-users where ICS may not have been able to generate account penetration?
• Will ICS expand into the contractor space, and add lines, for Georgia and Alabama, where JD Martin does not have presence? Given the JD Martin map, it would appear that filling in Georgia and Alabama may have been the strategic imperative for this deal for JD Martin.
• Other than increased visibility to the industrial market, and broadening the ABB relationship, what synergies are expected to enhance market potential for manufacturers? And this could be of significant value for some of the ICS lines. JD Martin’s resources should be able to bring incremental value-added benefits to ICS.

If you are a manufacturer, what are your thoughts (and yes, you can apply anonymously or email me your thoughts and I can ensure anonymity for you.)

If you are a distributor, what is more important, rep ownership or branch level execution?