What DeBra Kuempel does

DeBra-Kuempel is a regional mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) contractor headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE: EME). Established in 1955 per company history (70+ years of operation through 2025), the company is positioned as the largest full-service mechanical contractor in the Ohio/Kentucky/Indiana tri-state region, delivering design-build, engineering, fabrication, installation, testing, and ongoing maintenance across mechanical, electrical, plumbing, building automation, process piping, fire protection, and specialty systems. It operates from ten locations: Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Lawrenceburg, Evansville, Lexington, Louisville, Maysville, and Paintsville, with 101–250 employees. Service verticals span commercial and industrial facilities, healthcare and laboratory (including BSL-3), food and beverage processing (ammonia refrigeration), chemical and manufacturing process piping, education and government, and utilities/high-voltage infrastructure.

The company runs a project-based and recurring-maintenance revenue model. Installation, design-build, and special projects (HVAC upgrades, sheet metal, tenant finish covering ~1,000,000 sq ft per year, variable refrigerant flow) generate one-time project revenue, while preventive and predictive maintenance contracts backed by the proprietary Service EDGE™ online tracking tool produce recurring service revenue. Specialty testing (6,000+ backflow devices annually across 27+ counties, thermal imaging, ultrasonic testing, fire/smoke damper inspection) and managed facilities services add professional-services and managed-services revenue. Notable technical assets include Chiller EDGE™ efficiency-testing software, Service EDGE™ maintenance management, and Virtual Design Services using Trimble laser layout, CAD, and Revit for BIM-based collision detection and prefabrication optimization. All work is delivered directly by company-employed, factory-authorized and NEBB/TABB/EPA-certified technicians under a decentralized subsidiary model, with no resellers or marketplace channels.

Go-to-market is direct enterprise field sales with business-development and account-manager coverage across the ten locations. Customer concentration is spread across multiple verticals with named enterprise references including a BASF affiliate (23,000 trade-hour retrofit), a national poultry processor (30,000+ feet of piping), a global plastics manufacturer, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, and Otsega Schools (1 MW solar). More than 80% of business comes from repeat customers, supporting revenue durability. Leadership comprises President & CEO Kris Thorne (appointed January 2023), CFO Brian Potter, and EVP of Service David Losoncy; the company benefits from EMCOR Group's corporate safety program (Be There For Life!), training infrastructure (EMCOR University), and capital allocation from its NYSE-listed parent, while retaining its regional brand identity.

Name

DeBra Kuempel

Legal name

DeBra-Kuempel, Inc.

Website

https://dkemcor.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1955

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

DeBra-Kuempel is the Ohio/Kentucky/Indiana tri-state region's largest full-service mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) contractor and EMCOR Group subsidiary, delivering design-build, installation, and recurring maintenance across ten locations to commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, food processing, chemical, and utility customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Contracting Services

NAICS

Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors (23822), Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors (238220), Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance (811310)

SIC

Misc Industrial & Commercial Machinery & Equipment (3590), Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620)

akta.pro primary industry

Fire Protection Systems Contracting (Sprinklers, Alarms, Suppression) (IMAFALAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Hard Services (MEP/HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing) (BPABAAAA), Fire Sprinkler System Installation & Retrofit (IMAIAJAB)

Keywords

• Mechanical contracting services
• HVAC installation
• Industrial process piping
• Building automation systems
• Commercial plumbing services

Headquarters

HQ city

Cincinnati

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) Installation Services: Project-based revenue from engineering, design-build, fabrication, installation, testing, and servicing of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection equipment and systems for commercial and industrial facilities.
2. Preventive and Predictive Maintenance Contracts: Ongoing maintenance contracts for HVAC, refrigeration, and electrical systems, including Service EDGE™ online management tools for tracking maintenance requests across customer locations.
3. Facilities Services and Maintenance: Comprehensive facility maintenance services covering HVAC, refrigeration, electrical systems, plumbing, and process piping, with specialized low-temp technicians for controlled environments including computer rooms, laboratories, and environmentally-controlled chambers.
4. Specialty Testing and Certification Services: Backflow testing (6,000+ devices annually across 27+ counties), thermal imaging, ultrasonic testing, and certification services with regulatory compliance expertise.
5. Special Projects and Tenant Finish: Design-build special projects including HVAC upgrades, sheet metal ductwork, tenant renovations (1,000,000 square feet yearly), and variable refrigerant flow installations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

DeBra-Kuempel engineers, designs, fabricates, installs, tests, and services mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and process piping systems for commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, government, and manufacturing facilities in the Ohio/Kentucky/Indiana tri-state region. The company delivers integrated single-source MEP solutions through ten regional offices and complements installation with preventive/predictive maintenance contracts, specialty testing and certification (backflow, thermal imaging, ultrasonic, TAB, fire/smoke damper), and 24/7/365 emergency service.

Product overview

DeBra Kuempel is the Ohio/Kentucky/Indiana tri-state region's largest full-service mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) contractor, operating as an EMCOR Group company. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of integrated building systems services rather than a single software product. The core offerings include Building Automation Services, Electrical Services, Engineering Services, Laboratory Services, Mechanical Services, Plumbing Services, Process Piping, Scaffolding Services, and Special Projects. Proprietary technology modules include Service EDGE™ (online maintenance tracking tool), Chiller EDGE™ (chiller efficiency testing program), Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization (air quality technology), and Virtual Design Services (BIM-based 3D visualization). These services are delivered through a network of ten locations across Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Kentucky, serving commercial, industrial, institutional, and manufacturing clients.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Mechanical Services Design, installation, testing, repair, conversion, calibration, rebuild, retrofit, replacement, startup, and ongoing preventive and predictive maintenance for commercial and industrial mechanical equipment (compressors, cooling towers, chillers, HVAC, low-temperature systems) for facility owners and operators.
• Electrical Services Installation of electrical power distribution, life safety, security, fire alarm and detection systems, data cabling, solar farms, battery backup systems, and variable frequency drives for commercial and industrial facilities, with 24/7/365 response capability.
• Engineering Services Engineering, design, analysis, testing, and compliance services including energy audits, CAD support, equipment selection, indoor air quality analysis, and performance contracting for commercial and industrial facility owners.
• Process Piping Design, fabrication, installation, and service of process piping for automotive, chemical, food/beverage, healthcare, pharmaceutical, and steel manufacturing facilities, performed by ASME- and National Board-certified welders.
• Building Automation Services Design and installation of building automation systems — DDC, electronic control, lighting control, and network/internet-based systems — leveraging over 40 years of experience for commercial and industrial facility owners.
• Plumbing Services Commercial and emergency plumbing services for facility owners, including backflow services, commercial plumbing design-build, medical gas installation/brazing, hydro jetting, and site utility services with video camera inspections.
• Laboratory Services Comprehensive mechanical solutions for laboratory environments including ultra-low temperature freezer services, biosafety cabinet and chemical fume hood service, laboratory HVAC, and BSL-3 laboratory support for healthcare, research, pharmaceutical, and life-sciences facilities.
• Scaffolding Services Design, erection, dismantling, inspection, maintenance, and modification of scaffolding for projects including engineered scaffolding, stair towers, shoring, and rigging, delivered with OSHA-compliant craftsmanship.
• Special Projects Design-build mechanical contractor services for HVAC upgrades, sheet metal ductwork, tenant renovations, air handling unit retrofit, indoor air quality systems, and variable refrigerant flow installations (including approximately 1,000,000 square feet of tenant renovation work yearly).
• Thermal Imaging Services Infrared-technology inspection that captures heat pictures to locate potential problem areas in building envelopes and to detect electrical distribution failures and electromechanical equipment issues without downtime.
• Ultrasonic Testing Ultrasound-based testing that identifies air leaks, pressure leaks, vacuum system problems, electrical discharge, bearing deterioration, and steam-trap issues in manufacturing facilities.
• Boiler Services Energy Star-certified and factory-authorized boiler maintenance and service for condensing, heating, process, low- and high-pressure steam, sectional, fire tube, and water tube boilers.
• Chiller Services Brand-neutral industrial and commercial chiller services for absorption, centrifugal, reciprocating, and screw machines, including tube cleaning, retrofits, and temporary chiller installation.
• Cooling Tower Services Retrofitting, rebuilding, and maintenance services to extend cooling tower life, including alignment, coating services, fill replacement, gear rebuilds, and VFD installation for BAC, Evapco, and Marley brands.
• Environmental Chambers and Freezer Testing Design, installation, and maintenance of low-temperature refrigeration equipment including ultra-low freezers, environmental test chambers, walk-in boxes, and IQ/OQ/PQ qualifications for healthcare, research, and pharmaceutical facilities using Helmer Scientific, Panasonic, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and other brands.
• Refrigeration Services Commercial refrigeration services for supermarkets, restaurants, food-processing plants, hospitals/labs, and gas stations, including design-build, 24/7 emergency service, and preventive maintenance for parallel racks and walk-in boxes.
• Virtual Design Services 3-D visualization and Building Information Modeling (BIM) services using Trimble laser technology for construction layout, collision detection, and prefabrication design optimization, with measurements to 1/16 inch accuracy up to 1,000 feet away.
• Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) Certified air and hydronic systems testing, adjusting, and balancing by NEBB and TABB to deliver operational efficiencies, cost control, and occupant comfort improvements in commercial buildings.
• Fire and Smoke Damper Inspections Certified inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of fire, smoke, and combination dampers to ensure building code compliance per NFPA 80 and NFPA 105.
• Energy Management Energy consumption analysis and reduction services including boiler assessments (up to 25–35% energy savings), lighting audits, rebate qualification assistance, and advanced energy reporting software for utility cost tracking.
• Backflow Testing Certified backflow testing services with over 25 years of experience, registered in 27+ counties/municipalities, testing 6,000+ backflow devices annually for owners of commercial and institutional properties.
• Site Utility Services Installation and service of sanitary, storm, water, and gas utility piping systems with camera inspections, video recording, and EPA compliance verification for commercial and industrial sites.
• High and Low Voltage Services High-voltage electrical solutions (switching stations, substations, transmission and distribution) and low-voltage services (conduit, grounding systems, data/communications/fiber optic cabling, and life safety/security systems) for utilities and commercial/industrial customers.
• Indoor Air Quality Solutions Services to improve indoor air quality and productivity, including routine maintenance, duct cleaning, UV-C technology, and patented ionization products for reducing airborne pathogens in commercial facilities.
• Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization (NPBI) Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization (NPBI) air-quality technology that reduces airborne pathogens, particulate matter, and odors while boosting HVAC system efficiency for commercial facility owners.
• Decarbonization Solutions Services aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of HVAC equipment and building systems, improving efficiency, promoting sustainability, and reducing carbon footprint without sacrificing performance.
• Chiller EDGE™ Proprietary computerized chiller efficiency-testing program that evaluates chiller operating efficiency, identifies repair and maintenance needs, performs system improvements, and re-tests to ensure maximum energy benefits for commercial and industrial chiller owners.
• Service EDGE™ Online management tool that allows customers to request preventive or predictive maintenance and track progress through completion; smartphone-accessible, free to use, and supports streamlined management across multiple locations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Energy cost reduction of 25-35% for boiler systems through efficiency optimization
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• EMCOR Group, Inc. (Parent Company)coreOthersEMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE: EME) is the parent company of DeBra-Kuempel. As part of EMCOR's 80+ operating companies, DeBra-Kuempel benefits from corporate safety programs, training resources including EMCOR University and a state-of-the-art technical training center, degree assistance programs, and shared best practices across the organization.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• EMCOR Group: Parent company of DeBra-Kuempel (NYSE: EME) operating 80+ subsidiaries providing electrical and mechanical construction, energy infrastructure, and facilities services. The parent provides capital, training, and acquisition capacity that flows through to DeBra-Kuempel.

Broad incumbents

• Comfort Systems USA: Large national mechanical and electrical contractor (NYSE: FIX) operating through regional operating companies across the U.S. Provides the same HVAC, plumbing, and process piping services as DeBra-Kuempel but at significantly larger scale and broader geographic reach.
• APi Group: Publicly traded specialty services holding (NYSE: APG) providing safety, specialty industrial, and integrated building services including fire protection and MEP. Operates at national scale with overlap on DeBra-Kuempel's fire damper inspection and life safety services.

Direct peers

• Limbach Holdings: Publicly traded specialty MEP contractor (NASDAQ: LMB) providing design, installation, and service for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems to commercial and institutional customers. Directly comparable in business model and customer base to DeBra-Kuempel's core offerings.
• Shambaugh & Son: Another EMCOR Group operating subsidiary specializing in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and process piping for industrial and food processing customers. Sister company with overlapping service portfolio and similar customer verticals (food processing, healthcare, education).

Regional players

• John E. Green Company: Midwest-based mechanical and plumbing contractor providing design-build and service for HVAC, plumbing, and process piping systems to industrial and commercial customers. Comparable regional specialty contractor with similar service mix and customer types.
• Bowman Mechanical Services: Midwest regional mechanical contractor providing HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and building automation services. Comparable in scale, service breadth, and customer base to DeBra-Kuempel.
• HB Mechanical: Midwest regional mechanical contractor providing HVAC, plumbing, and building automation services. Comparable regional specialty contractor with similar service offerings to DeBra-Kuempel.
• Murphy Company: St. Louis-based mechanical contractor providing HVAC, plumbing, process piping, and building automation to commercial and industrial customers in the Midwest. Highly comparable regional peer with similar service portfolio and customer verticals.
• Kornegay Engineering: Regional mechanical and plumbing contractor based in Ohio serving commercial, industrial, and institutional customers. Direct regional competitor with overlapping service portfolio and customer base in the Ohio market.

Market position

Strengths6 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/EMCORgroup
• Facebookfacebook.com/emcorgroupinc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/debra-kuempel
• Instagraminstagram.com/emcor_group_inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about DeBra Kuempel