Tencal Reports Larger Payroll, New Orders

The home-building comeback has brought an influx of new orders and a larger payroll to Tencal, a Simi Valley maker of electric motors used in cooling systems.

Tencal, which in February became a division of Ametek Inc. of Paoli, Pa., employs 300 people, about 5% more than a year ago, said John Maresca, divisional controller. “We’re working three shifts, 24 hours a day,” he said.

Tencal, known as Tencal Inc. before its acquisition, makes motors that power evaporative cooling systems. The systems are widely used in Arizona, Oklahoma and parts of California where there are hot, dry climates, Maresca said. He said demand for such systems “is better than ever, largely because they’re cheaper to operate than other air conditioners.”

Tencal Inc. was purchased for an undisclosed amount of cash Feb. 21. The firm was formerly a subsidiary of Cambridge-Lee Inc. of Boston.

Ametek spokesman Darrah Ribble said his company’s electromechanical group, of which Tencal is now a part, was the chief contributor to Ametek’s record sales in the quarter that ended March 31.

During the period, revenues rose 10% to $196.8 million, while net income was up 31% to $11.3 million. Ametek’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.