Bartlett-based Kele Inc., a leading manufacturer and distributor of building automation products, has acquired Dallas-based Temperature Control Systems Inc.

The acquisition is Kele’s third in less than two years, and will help expand Kele’s footprint and enhance its ability to serve customers in the south-central U.S., according to a release.

Kele president and CEO Richard Campbell said customers from both companies will realize benefits from the acquisition.

“Two established, value-added distributors joined forces today, and we are excited about the future” Campbell said in a release. “This move demonstrates Kele’s ongoing commitment to transform both how and where we serve customers with industry-leading products and custom solutions.”

Temperature Controls Systems will continue to operate as a separate brand, still led by president Scott Cross. Campbell will serve as president and CEO of the combined company of Kele and Temperature Controls Systems.

In October 2017, Kele initiated its strategic growth plan by acquiring Control Consultants Inc. (CCI) of Boston and continued last June with the purchase of MIControls, which has locations in Seattle and Portland, Ore.

The Temperature Control Systems acquisition improves Kele's reach in the Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana markets in particular, the release said.