Kitchen Brains to Expand Into Industrial Controls Following MCS Acquisition

Kitchen Brains, a FEDA manufacturer member specializing in intelligent control systems for the foodservice industry, has acquired Micro Control Systems (MCS) and its related company Sensing Technologies (STI), both based in Fort Myers, Florida. MCS designs and manufactures advanced controllers, sensors and compressors for commercial and industrial HVAC/R markets, while STI develops high-performance precision sensors for HVAC/R and other mission-critical industrial applications. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The acquisition is expected to expand Kitchen Brains’ market beyond foodservice into high-growth industrial control segments while creating opportunities for cross-selling, shared manufacturing capabilities and deeper engineering collaboration.

“We are thrilled to welcome the MCS and STI teams into the Kitchen Brains family,” Kitchen Brains CEO Christian Koether said in a news release. “MCS and STI represent exactly the kind of companies we want to build with — technically advanced, customer-focused and led by people who understand what it takes to solve real-world problems, making them an ideal strategic partner to build a world-class controls platform.”

Founded in 1994, MCS serves customers in commercial HVAC, refrigeration, nuclear HVAC, data centers, and pool and spa applications. As part of the transaction, MCS will continue operating under its existing leadership team, with CEO Brian Walterick remaining at the helm.

“Joining Kitchen Brains allows us to accelerate everything we’ve built at MCS — expanding our reach, investing in research and development and continuing to serve our customers with the same commitment to quality and innovation,” Walterick said. “It’s a great match, and I’m excited for what’s next.”