Certified Industrial Partners

What Certified Industrial Partners does

Certified Industrial Partners (CIP) is a Missouri-incorporated, privately held industrial services network that coordinates six independently owned specialist firms — Preston Refrigeration (design-build and maintenance), Panatrol Automation and Controls (industrial controls and heavy movable structures), North American Refrigeration Company (Southeast service), Highland Refrigeration (custom skid systems and marine), FieldTech Systems (condition-based monitoring), and Fehr Solutions (water treatment) — under a unified service standard. Founded as an extension of Preston Refrigeration (which dates to 1946) and formalized in 2024, CIP positions itself as the first nationwide industrial refrigeration network in the United States, delivering design-build, construction, automation, compliance consulting, service/maintenance, and training services to enterprise industrial operators, with primary concentration in meat processing, food and beverage, cold storage, and marine verticals.

CIP's technology stack centers on ammonia-based industrial refrigeration using the vapor compression cycle, augmented by proprietary innovations pioneered at Preston — Dry Fan Coil Evaporators and Pumped Liquid Recirculation Systems — alongside industrial controls for complex applications including heavy movable structures. The network operates out of Preston Refrigeration's Kansas City, Missouri headquarters (6100 Stilwell Street), with regional service delivery through partners spanning Miami to Seattle and fielded via direct enterprise sales, referrals across the partner network, and a structured training program taught by RETA-authorized instructors with 25-30+ years of field experience.

CIP earns revenue across six streams: (1) one-time design-build projects (ammonia refrigeration system design, construction, commissioning); (2) recurring service and maintenance contracts with 24/7 emergency response; (3) one-time industrial controls and automation projects via Panatrol; (4) training and certification revenue per attendee at $1,200-$2,200 per course; (5) Process Safety Management (PSM/RMP) compliance consulting; and (6) water treatment consulting via Fehr Solutions. Customer acquisition relies on direct field sales, partner-network referrals, industry conferences (notably RETA), and content marketing through the CIP News blog and white papers. The company has no external institutional funding identified and operates as a family-rooted organization led by CEO Brian Schnepf (also Preston Refrigeration President and CEO), COO Joseph Guevel, CFO Emily Most, and VP of Network Operations Doug Fraser.

Name

Certified Industrial Partners

Legal name

Certified Industrial Partners, Inc.

Website

https://ci.partners

Company type

Private

Founded year

2024

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Certified Industrial Partners is a nationwide network coordinating six independently owned industrial refrigeration, controls, compliance, and training specialists to deliver design-build, maintenance, automation, PSM consulting, and certification training to enterprise industrial operators across the United States.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Refrigeration Services

NAICS

Refrigeration Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (423740)

SIC

Refrigeration & Service Industry Machinery (3580)

akta.pro primary industry

Refrigeration & Cold Storage (Commercial/Industrial) (EDAOACAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Food & Beverage Process & CIP/Sanitation Chemicals (IMAEAJAK)

Keywords

• Industrial refrigeration services
• Ammonia refrigeration systems
• Design-build refrigeration
• Process safety management
• Refrigeration operator training

Headquarters

HQ city

Kansas City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Design-Build Projects: Full-service design-build industrial refrigeration projects including greenfield builds and modernization, delivered by partner companies such as Preston Refrigeration and Highland Refrigeration.
2. Service & Maintenance: Ongoing maintenance and repair services with 24/7 emergency response capabilities; rapidly expanding parts and service team.
3. Industrial Controls & Automation: Design, engineering, and commissioning of industrial control systems for heavy movable structures and complex control applications by Panatrol.
4. Training & Certification: Industrial refrigeration operator and compliance training courses for all experience levels; on-site and on-demand delivery; registration-based revenue per attendee.
5. Process Safety Management (PSM) & Consulting: Compliance consulting, PSM reviews, Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), and regulatory compliance support for ammonia refrigeration facilities.
6. Water Treatment Services: Independent water treatment consulting and service by Fehr Solutions, focusing on optimization of chemical, water, and energy expenditures.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Certified Industrial Partners (CIP) is a nationwide industrial refrigeration services network that delivers turnkey design-build refrigeration systems, 24/7 service and maintenance, industrial automation and controls integration, OSHA/EPA Process Safety Management and Risk Management Plan compliance consulting, water treatment, and certified refrigeration operator training. The company serves industrial operators across food processing, cold storage, dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical, and chemical sectors through its federation of partner brands including Preston Refrigeration, Panatrol, North American Refrigeration, Highland Refrigeration, FieldTech Systems, and Fehr Solutions.

Product overview

Certified Industrial Partners (CIP) is a nationwide network of independently owned industrial refrigeration companies providing comprehensive solutions through six partner brands: Preston Refrigeration (design-build and maintenance), Panatrol Automation and Controls (industrial controls), North American Refrigeration (Southeast service), Highland Refrigeration (custom skid systems and marine), FieldTech Systems (monitoring and condition-based maintenance), and Fehr Solutions (water treatment). The network delivers integrated services including automation and controls, construction and installation, design and engineering, compliance and consulting, PSM/RMP management, service and maintenance, and industrial refrigeration training programs ranging from Operator 1-3 certifications to CIRO certification reviews. CIP coordinates these capabilities to provide consistent execution from plant floor to corporate office across the United States.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Design-Build Industrial Refrigeration Systems

Quantifiable outcome

• Upgraded ammonia refrigeration system delivered through CIP network collaboration resulted in a new compact system saving over 25,000 cubic feet of space and countless hours of downtime.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, key and notable.

• Preston RefrigerationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA leader in industrial refrigeration, Preston excels in design-build projects and offers a rapidly expanding parts and service team. Founded in 1946, Preston serves as the headquarters for CIP and employs more than 150 refrigeration specialists. Pioneered dry fan coil evaporators and pumped liquid recirculation systems. Delivers in-house design-build and maintenance services across the U.S.
• Panatrol Automation and ControlscoreTechnology or IntegrationSpecialists in industrial controls and automation. Panatrol brings unmatched expertise in heavy movable structures and complex control systems. Headquartered in the Chicago area, Panatrol has delivered solutions for nearly 50 years and has grown to work on some of North America's most extensive controls and integration projects. Has designed over 100 systems and commissioned dozens of movable bridge control systems.
• North American Refrigeration CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerServes the Southeast region, focusing on delivering top-tier service and customized industrial refrigeration solutions. Built over 20 years of reputation for quality construction, effective preventative maintenance programs, and dependable 24/7 emergency service. RETA-certified technicians specializing in design-build, preventative maintenance, and emergency response.
• Highland Refrigeration CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRenowned for industrial refrigeration solutions, Highland is the go-to expert for specialized skid systems with a strong foothold in the marine industry. Since 1999, Highland has delivered exceptional performance even under harsh marine environments. Specializes in containerized/prefabricated refrigeration systems, ice machines, blast freezers, and systems down to -76°F. Certified BOCK and Danfoss dealer.
• FieldTech SystemskeyTechnology or IntegrationA trusted copilot for industrial refrigeration systems, helping teams understand how their systems are operating. Provides clear insight and early warning, supports condition-based maintenance, reduces unplanned downtime, and helps organizations operate with greater confidence and predictability.
• Fehr SolutionskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 2003, Fehr Solutions is a premier independent water treatment service and consulting firm headquartered in Chicago. Champions unbiased, chemical-free consultation with a philosophy of developing objective performance metrics aligned with industry best practices. Optimizes chemical, water, and energy expenditures.
• Performance Food GroupnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerformance Food Group hosted CIP's Operator 1 and Operator 2 training courses at their facilities. CIP places high priority on education and training, and with the support of their accredited academy, operators and technicians are able to establish the necessary foundation and grow within their field.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Stellar: Stellar is a national design-build firm specializing in industrial refrigeration, mechanical construction, and food processing facility services. It competes directly with CIP's Preston Refrigeration and Highland Refrigeration partners for design-build, controls, and service work at meat processing and cold storage operators.

Broad incumbents

• EVAPCO: EVAPCO is a global leader in industrial heat transfer and refrigeration equipment, including evaporative condensers and adiabatic coolers used in ammonia refrigeration systems. EVAPCO competes with CIP-adjacent equipment packages and is a common specification in CIP's design-build projects.
• Carrier Commercial Refrigeration: Carrier is a global leader in HVAC and commercial/industrial refrigeration, with a broad portfolio spanning equipment, controls, and services. Carrier's installed base and service network compete with CIP for service, retrofit, and modernization contracts at large industrial customers.
• Johnson Controls: Johnson Controls is a global building and industrial technology major with HVAC, controls, and refrigeration offerings. Its OpenBlue and industrial refrigeration portfolio overlaps with CIP's automation/controls and service capabilities, though it does not specialize in ammonia industrial refrigeration.
• Hoshizaki America: Hoshizaki is a major manufacturer of commercial ice machines and refrigeration equipment with growing industrial exposure. While more focused on commercial than heavy industrial refrigeration, Hoshizaki competes for adjacent cold chain and food processing customers and is a known brand in Highland's marine ice machine market.
• Danfoss: Danfoss is a major manufacturer of refrigeration controls, valves, and compressors, and is a certified supplier to CIP's Highland Refrigeration partner. Danfoss competes with CIP's Panatrol automation business for industrial refrigeration controls projects and is a key technology alternative.
• Heatcraft Worldwide Refrigeration: Heatcraft is one of the largest manufacturers of commercial and industrial refrigeration equipment in North America, serving the same food processing, cold storage, and distribution customers that CIP services. While Heatcraft supplies the equipment CIP installs and maintains, it competes indirectly as a brand-spec alternative on major projects.
• GEA Group: GEA is a global industrial equipment and process technology supplier with deep food and refrigeration exposure, including industrial refrigeration systems and heat exchangers. GEA competes with CIP for large food processor projects and offers integrated solutions across the value chain.
• Bitzer: Bitzer is a leading global manufacturer of refrigeration compressors widely used in industrial ammonia and CO2 systems. As a key equipment supplier, Bitzer is embedded in the same customer facilities CIP services and competes indirectly on technology selection during design-build projects.

Others

• RETA International: RETA (Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association) is the industry body that administers the CIRO, CARO, CRES, and CRST certifications that CIP's training program prepares operators for. As the standards-setter, RETA is an ecosystem participant whose certification ecosystem CIP monetizes through training delivery.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/certifiedindustrialpartners
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/certified-industrial-partners

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries6 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 Certified Industrial Partners