Madison Electric Products recently announced it has acquired Smart Pathways LLC, which manufactures and distributes the Smart LB brand of telecom conduit bodies (pictured). Madison said Smart Pathways LLC is the second company it has acquired through its crowdsourced product development platform, the Sparks Innovation Center.
“Conduit bodies have long been part of the installers’ toolbox, but Smart Pathways offers a more-advanced solution that solves numerous problems they face on a daily basis,” Madison Electric Products said when making the announcement. “Designed by Ken Bing, managing member of Willow Rest LLC, who drew from his experience as a contractor in both the electrical and data communication areas, the Smart LB conduit body has a built-in elbow that helps prevent cables from getting caught or damaged when they’re pulled around corners. Unlike traditional LBs that have a sharp 90-degree corner, this helps save time and labor during installation.”
Brad Wiandt, president of Madison Electric Products, commented, “We recognize the long-term potential and opportunity in the data communication industry. Smart LB conduit bodies complement the existing products we promote in that segment, positioning Madison to establish a much greater presence in this new and growing market.
The existing Smart Pathways product portfolio includes six different SKUs, all of which Madison plans to continue manufacturing after the acquisition is complete. Madison said it will continue to work closely with Bing to determine the best way to take the concept further into the market in the future.
“Madison is the ideal partner to take Smart LB to the next level,” said Bing. “I look forward to working with their team to really maximize the potential and reach of our product line.”
Wiandt added, “Smart Pathways is exactly the type of partner we look to work with at Madison. Their vision to revolutionize installation practices underscores our ongoing commitment to innovation and pushing the electrical and data communication industries forward. Further, this acquisition reinforces the success and potential of our Sparks Innovation Center.”