iSi buys A.R.M.I.

Wichita Eagle | Wichita Business Journal

On March 14, iSi Environmental Services (iSi), a leading environmental firm in Wichita, Kansas, expanded its business through the acquisition of Asbestos Removal and Maintenance, Inc. (ARMI), an asbestos specialty contractor based in Wichita. iSi provides OSHA and EPA compliance, industrial cleaning and hazardous waste management services. ARMI currently performs asbestos abatement services.

“This acquisition is consistent with our strategic business plan of strengthening our environmental capabilities to the businesses of Kansas. ARMI’s clients will benefit from our diversity of services and iSi’s clients will benefit from the depth of ARMI’s expertise” said Gary Mason, CEO of iSi.

When ARMI began the process of finding a new home for clients, “iSi was the only company in Wichita that we considered for this transition. The more we learned about iSi and what it has to offer, the more we were impressed with the things that iSi does. We didn’t want to leave our clients stranded with remediation needs,” said Dick Genter, Operations Manager (ARMI). “I viewed iSi as a pie with a piece missing. ARMI fits right in to that hole. If we didn’t go with iSi, it would have been a big Kansas City firm and we didn’t feel comfortable with that.”

“Combining forces gives much flexibility to iSi,” said Karma Mason, president and owner of iSi. “The two companies are similar in the basics of what they offer, but they specialize. ARMI brings an experienced group of people into our activities and enhances our services. There’s great synergy in combining two of the largest asbestos abatement companies in the area. We are extremely excited about the opportunity.”

For ARMI employees, this acquisition ensures steady employment and opportunities to grow technically and professionally. “The employees who only work with asbestos will now be able to cross-train into other environmental service areas,” said Karma Mason.

ARMI will be moving its offices into iSi’s new facilities on South Laura in the near future. However, ARMI management team will remain in place continuing to provide the quality of services for which they are known.

Growth is not new for iSi. Over the last three years, iSi increased from 30 employees to now over 110 employees. In 2006, iSi was recognized by the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce as its 2006 Small Business of the Year. In 2007, iSi was recognized by Inc. Magazine as the 24th fastest growing environmental firm in the nation. iSi also received the Wichita Best in Business Finalist Award in both 2006 and 2007.