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Expansion Joint Systems (EJS) – recently acquired by KE-Burgmann – is now known as KE-Burgmann EJS. It has been in operation since 1984, serving customers in the power generation, oil and petrochemical, pulp and paper, industrial and heavy equipment suppliers, and a variety of OEM markets. The company manufactures metal expansion joints that range from three to 200 inches in diameter. An industry leader, KEB-EJS says its installations are found in thousands of plants worldwide. Sales Manager Rich Eichorn spoke with Energy + Infrastructure about the company’s history, position in the industry, distinguishing factors, and future plans.

Energy + Infrastructure: Can you tell us about EJS’ background?
Rich Eichorn: Our modest beginning from a small, single building to today’s modern manufacturing complex located in Southern California and Canada attests to the company’s positive growth and success over the past 25 years. As a world leader in fabric, metal and rubber expansion joint technology, KE-Burgmann’s decision to add the EJS brand to their group completes their product line and greatly increases their manufacturing capabilities for highly critical applications. Today, the dedicated and long-time employees of the company remain the same, as well as their overall goal to provide reliable and safe products and services for their customers.

E+I: What do you specialize in?
RE:From the beginning, the company has specialized in critical and complex applications that required highly engineered expansion joint designs and hardware. Not all expansion joint manufacturers are created equally. This specialization has made KEB-EJS one of the industry experts on expansion joints for many leading refiners and power generation equipment manufacturers. Not limited to (its) custom products, KEB-EJS also supplies many standard expansion joints to our customers worldwide.

E+I:What sets the company apart?
RE: From the beginning, the company has established itself as engineering experts in the field of expansion joint technology. Our products are a critical component within piping systems and connecting equipment used in power plants, oil and gas and petrochemical refineries. So, our consultation and training services for expansion joints and installations have been considered very valuable resources for our customers.

In addition to our engineering expertise, our company has always had a reputation of being one of the most responsive companies in our industry, especially in emergency situations. This is one of the biggest challenges for many of our larger competitors. We are large enough to support any project, but still small enough to care. Our team works together closely and is able to react quickly to provide our customers with solutions. This can make a difference of millions of dollars a day for some refiners.

E+I:Tell us about research and development at KE-Burgmann EJS.
RE:R&D for expansion joint technology has always been an ongoing process for EJS. As a long-time member of the Expansion Joint Manufacturers Association, the company has actively supported the industry with research and testing of expansion joint standards used today and new technology for the future.

Increasing reliability and operating life of our expansion joints is always an ongoing objective, especially in today’s energy markets.

E+I:How is the market changing?
RE:With the acquisition, our company’s growth and success is limitless. Our current customers are already experiencing the increased benefits of our union and we intend to support our customers globally with competitive and comprehensive solutions.

E+I:Where would you like to see the company a few years from now?
RE:KE-Burgmann has ambitious plans for their newest addition, KEB-EJS. We are looking to increase our products and services outside North America to support the growing energy infrastructures in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Russia and South America.