Amberjack Capital and Industrial Thermal Services Announce Strategic Partnership to Propel National Growth and Technological Advancement
In a move set to shape the future of industrial heat treating services, Amberjack Capital Partners (“Amberjack”), a Houston-based private equity firm focused on investments in critical infrastructure service businesses, has announced a strategic partnership with Industrial Thermal Services, LLC (“ITS”), a premier provider of on-site and shop-based heat treating and related industrial services. The partnership represents a significant milestone in ITS’s evolution and will enable the company to expand its operational footprint, introduce advanced technologies, and strengthen its position in key industrial sectors.
The agreement marks Amberjack’s latest investment in the industrial services landscape and reflects its deep commitment to backing founder-led companies that play a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing the performance of the nation’s infrastructure. ITS, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Nederland, Texas, has established itself as a trusted provider of mission-critical services to customers in the refining, petrochemical, LNG, power generation, and broader industrial markets.
Laying the Foundation for Transformative Growth
With this partnership, Amberjack brings its extensive experience in scaling infrastructure-oriented businesses to support ITS’s long-term strategic goals. The firm has built a strong reputation as a hands-on investor that partners closely with management teams to implement growth strategies, improve operational performance, and unlock new opportunities for expansion.
Under the new partnership structure, Industrial Thermal Services will continue to operate under its existing leadership team, including Founder and CEO Ryan Aras, while Amberjack provides financial and strategic backing. This approach ensures continuity for customers and employees while equipping the company with the resources necessary to pursue ambitious growth initiatives.
“We are thrilled to partner with Ryan and the ITS team,” said Jason Turowsky, Managing Partner at Amberjack. “ITS has built an exceptional business with a strong culture of safety, quality, and customer focus. We look forward to supporting the continued growth of the platform through our investment and partnership.”
Proven Capabilities in Critical Infrastructure Services
ITS has evolved from a regional service provider into a respected national player in the highly specialized field of industrial heat treating. The company currently operates across seven strategic locations in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Montana, positioning it to serve the Gulf Coast and other key industrial corridors efficiently. As demand grows for high-quality, dependable heat treating services across the energy and industrial sectors, ITS is uniquely positioned to scale.
The company’s core offerings include post-weld heat treatment (PWHT), stress relieving, and specialty field services such as bolting, torquing, cold cutting, and hydrostatic testing. These services are essential for ensuring the integrity, safety, and longevity of critical infrastructure assets like pipelines, pressure vessels, and structural components in power plants and refineries.
ITS is distinguished not only by its technical capabilities but also by its ability to respond quickly to customer needs. With a workforce trained in the latest heat treatment methods, a fleet of mobile equipment, and a management team with deep industry expertise, the company has built a loyal customer base by delivering consistent, high-quality results.
A New Chapter with Amberjack’s Support
According to ITS CEO Ryan Aras, the partnership with Amberjack represents more than a financial transaction—it’s a shared commitment to the future of the industrial services industry and the people who make it work.
“Our partnership with Amberjack begins an exciting new chapter for ITS,” said Aras. “Their thoughtful support of founder-led businesses and industry expertise make Amberjack an ideal partner as we grow and invest in new opportunities. We are aligned in our values and vision for the future.”
The partnership will enable ITS to pursue several strategic priorities, including:
- Expanding into new geographic markets where demand for field-based heat treating and specialty services is growing, particularly in regions with active capital projects or aging infrastructure.
- Investing in new technologies that improve service precision, efficiency, and safety—including digital monitoring systems, automation tools, and data analytics platforms.
- Adding complementary service offerings to its portfolio, thereby enhancing value to existing customers and broadening its market appeal.
- Recruiting and developing top-tier talent in technical roles and leadership positions, reinforcing ITS’s culture of excellence and safety.
This growth-oriented strategy reflects a broader trend in industrial services, where customers increasingly expect partners to deliver integrated solutions, faster turnaround times, and deep technical expertise.
Amberjack’s Value Proposition for Founders
Amberjack Capital’s involvement underscores a growing movement among founder-led companies to seek institutional partners who understand the nuances of operating in asset-intensive, service-driven environments. With over $2.1 billion of committed capital raised since its founding in 2006, Amberjack has invested in more than 50 businesses across infrastructure, environmental, and industrial end markets.
What sets Amberjack apart is its focus on value creation through strategic partnerships rather than control-based buyouts. The firm often serves as the first institutional investor in entrepreneurial businesses, offering not only capital but also operational insights, strategic guidance, and access to a network of seasoned industry professionals.
Amberjack’s investments are typically aimed at helping companies navigate transformative phases—whether expanding nationally, launching new service lines, entering adjacent verticals, or professionalizing back-office operations. This hands-on approach has made it a trusted partner for founders who want to scale their companies without sacrificing culture or control.
“Industrial Thermal Services fits perfectly with our investment philosophy,” added Turowsky. “The company is well-positioned to grow organically and through strategic acquisitions, and we are eager to support them on that journey.”
The Heat Treating Industry: A Snapshot
The industrial heat treating market is a critical segment of the broader infrastructure services industry, playing a vital role in ensuring the safety and performance of metal components used in high-pressure and high-temperature environments. Whether it’s pipelines carrying natural gas, reactors in petrochemical facilities, or turbines in power plants, these systems require precise and reliable heat treatment to meet stringent regulatory and engineering standards.
As the U.S. grapples with both aging infrastructure and increased demand for cleaner, more efficient energy systems, the role of companies like ITS becomes even more essential. New construction projects across LNG, hydrogen, and renewable energy sectors—combined with ongoing maintenance requirements for legacy systems—are fueling steady demand for specialty service providers.
Furthermore, as regulatory standards around equipment integrity and workplace safety continue to evolve, asset owners are looking for partners with deep technical know-how, a strong safety record, and the ability to scale operations quickly. ITS’s capabilities and Amberjack’s support create a compelling proposition in this environment.
Building on a Legacy of Excellence
Since its founding nearly two decades ago, Industrial Thermal Services has emphasized customer service, responsiveness, and a deep understanding of its clients’ operational needs. This customer-first culture has enabled the company to compete effectively with larger service providers while retaining the flexibility and entrepreneurial spirit of a founder-led business.
ITS’s track record of safety is particularly notable in a field where the consequences of failure can be severe. The company maintains rigorous safety protocols and invests heavily in training and certification programs for its workforce, which includes skilled technicians and experienced project managers.
As the company embarks on its next phase of growth, it will continue to prioritize its core values:
- Safety First – Protecting employees, clients, and communities through best-in-class safety standards.
- Technical Excellence – Delivering precise, reliable services that meet or exceed industry standards.
- Customer Commitment – Responding quickly and effectively to customer needs, with a focus on long-term relationships.
- Integrity and Accountability – Upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.
These values will remain central to ITS’s identity as it expands under Amberjack’s guidance. The partnership between Amberjack Capital and Industrial Thermal Services is expected to be a catalyst for sustained and accelerated growth. Over the coming months and years, customers can expect to see enhanced service offerings, expanded regional availability, and continued investment in talent and technology.
For ITS employees, the partnership signals stability, opportunity, and a renewed focus on innovation. For customers, it means expanded access to high-quality services delivered by a team with an even stronger operational backbone.
Above all, the collaboration demonstrates how private equity can serve as a powerful enabler for founder-led businesses poised for the next stage of evolution—offering not just capital, but strategic guidance, industry insight, and a long-term commitment to shared success.
About Amberjack Capital Partners
Amberjack Capital Partners is a Houston-based private equity firm that invests in and partners with entrepreneurs and business owners to build market-leading companies in the industrial, infrastructure, and environmental services sectors. With a track record of helping founder-led businesses achieve strategic growth, Amberjack has raised more than $2.1 billion in committed capital and invested in over 50 companies since 2006.
About Industrial Thermal Services
Industrial Thermal Services, headquartered in Nederland, Texas, is a leading provider of on-site and shop-based heat treating services. The company supports a wide array of energy and industrial clients through a combination of technical precision, rapid deployment capabilities, and an unwavering commitment to safety and quality. In addition to heat treating, ITS offers complementary services including torquing, bolting, cold cutting, and hydrostatic testing across seven locations in the U.S.
