Matrix-ESI will continue day-to-day operations, including consulting and electrical and mechanical engineering services, in the Arkansas Valley as the newly combined company expands.

"Acquiring ESI allows us to provide even better service to Matrix customers as well as the opportunity to reach out to new markets," controls and automation vice-president David Burch said.

Matrix is in the process of hiring additional personnel to staff the office. The new Pueblo location will also permit Matrix-ESI to provide a larger range of products and services to an expanded customer base, says company president Aric Pryor.

“We've done a great deal of work in the west over the past decade," he said.

"With the recent additions and upgrades of our safety systems in western mines, this acquisition is a natural next step in providing enhanced service and support in this area."

In addition to communications and tracking systems, Indiana-headquartered Matrix Design provides the industry with mine atmospheric monitoring systems, belt control and proximity detection systems.