Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, the nation’s largest independent distributor of fire protection systems, on Tuesday announced the acquisition of Central Pipe & Supply’s Mobile, AL business in an asset transaction completed Aug. 24. Ferguson Fire & Fabrication will operate its business from the former Central Pipe & Supply location in Mobile, AL and the existing management team and all associates will remain in place.

Atlanta, GA-based Central Pipe & Supply was founded as a fabricator serving the fire protection market in 1998 by David Elkins and Steve Sheppard. The company began with one welding machine, one threading machine, one grooving machine and zero inventory. Today, it has more than tripled in size and has become the leading independent fire protection supplier in the Mobile market.

“Our knowledgeable associates and their eagerness to support our customers’ business are true differentiators in the fire protection market,” said Ferguson CEO Frank Roach. “It is evident that Central Pipe & Supply shares the same dedication to training and customer service, and we look forward to welcoming their team of talented associates to Ferguson Fire & Fab.”

“It has been our privilege to work with our customers in the Mobile area and I know that our outstanding team of associates will continue to prove their commitment to the industry,” said Steve Sheppard, owner of Central Pipe & Supply. “We wish them continued success along with Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, a market leader.”

Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, a division of Ferguson Enterprises, offers contractors a huge inventory of alarms, sprinklers, special hazards equipment, fittings, pipe and hangers. Ferguson supports fire protection contractors with 60 locations and 30 fabrication facilities in 29 states, and more than 700 highly trained associates. Eight of Ferguson’s 30 fabrication facilities are ISO 9001:2008 certified, making Ferguson the largest certified sprinkler fabricator in the country.