Rotating Machinery Services Acquires Fusion to Enhance Manufacturing, Overhaul, Protection Capabilities

Rotating Machinery Services (RMS) acquired Houston-based grinding, manufacturing, and coating company, Fusion Inc. The acquisition supports RMS’s vertically integrated manufacturing strategy to manage quality and cost and shorten lead times for turbomachinery overhaul applications. With Fusion acquired, RMS enhances and adds:

• Precision grinding
• Thermal spray coatings
• Tight-tolerance grinding
• Computer numerical control and manual machining
• Laser cladding
• Wear-resistant coatings

“Fusion brings a combination of grinding precision, laser cladding, and advanced thermal spray coating technology,” said John Bartos, CEO of RMS. “These are core to extending the life of critical components in turbomachinery, and by bringing them in-house, we’re strengthening RMS’s ability to deliver service with speed, consistency, and technical excellence.”

Fusion also manufactures and delivers custom-machined turbomachinery components with precise specifications, which will support RMS’s overhaul and repair of steam turbines, expanders, compressors, and additional high-performance rotating machinery. The company’s industrial coatings include hard-faced and wear-resistant overlays, improving durability, high-stress operation, and corrosion resistance. RMS will leverage the thermal spray coatings to restore damaged components and extend turbomachinery overhaul intervals.

Laser cladding at Fusion's Houston location; image credit: RMS

“We’ve always taken pride in solving complex grinding and surface wear challenges,” said Stratton Gillis, Founder of Fusion Inc. “Joining RMS allows us to apply those capabilities more broadly, especially in support of the turbomachinery space. We’re thrilled to be part of an organization that values precision and technical integrity as much as we do.”

Fusion will manage operations from its Houston, TX, facility under RMS’s broader U.S.-based repair network. From here, the company aims to support rotating equipment customers with component restoration, manufacturing, and surface treatment services.

In March 2025, RMS also acquired a manufacturer and repair provider located in South Houston, TX: BJ Superior (BJS). The company produces and refurbishes babbitted bearings, labyrinth seals, thrust assemblies, and additional highly engineered components for rotating equipment. BJS was founded in 1978 by Bron Jankowski. It complements RMS’s aftermarket manufacturing and customer service capabilities across the oil and gas, petrochemical, and power generation industries.

BJS’s operations will continue in South Houston to preserve its long-standing customer connections and on-site technical capabilities, while RMS will contribute its resources and engineering expertise. The acquisition will allow for an expanded range of high-performance components, shorter lead times, and greater service flexibility for customers in critical industries.

And in mid-October 2024, RMS acquired Blading Services Unlimited (BSU), integrating the company with its own engineering, repair, and maintenance services on critical compression equipment. The collaboration with BSU brings together expert personnel and additional customer relationships, reinforcing RMS’ aftermarket upgrades, repair, maintenance, and rebuilding/overhaul services for turbomachinery.

BSU is an independent aftermarket turbine blade and parts manufacturer focused on producing new blading for all models of gas turbines, steam turbines, and compressors. It offers precision engineering, in-house tooling, quality assurance, and customer service, expanding RMS’ capabilities and providing customers access to high-quality blades.

RMS in the News

In June 2024, engineering and metrology teams at RMS performed a drop-in blower replacement on an AC Compressor-brand D54 centrifugal compressor. The teams scanned the current blower during operation at RMS’ Pearland Works facility, revealing critical geometries such as suction and discharge nozzles and baseplate feet without interfering with the customer’s production schedule.