CARSON, Calif. - Multiquip has acquired generator set manufacturer Engine and Equipment Co., Rancho Dominguez, Calif., in a move that will expand Multiquip's presence into specialized markets.

E&E engineers custom design and build generators up to 2 megawatts to meet the individual needs of each customer. The 48-year-old company is the leading supplier of super-silent units for use on motion picture sets and is heavily involved in telecommunications and the military.

"This is a great opportunity for Multiquip to expand into new markets," Multiquip CEO Irv Levine said. "The synergy between Multiquip sales and marketing support and E&E's unique engineering and design capabilities will prove to be a very positive combination in all future endeavors."

E&E developed the first generator designed specifically for use on movie film sets. The specialized Crawford Studio Generators now range from 15 to 350 kilowatts and feature the low sound levels and tight voltage and frequency regulation required when shooting a film on location. E&E manufactures 80 percent of all motion picture and special event generator sets in the United States and Canada.

Bob Graydon, chief operating officer of MQ Power, has been appointed president of E&E. Former president Jay Crawford will remain with E&E as vice president, responsible for sales and design.

Multiquip will move E&E, which will retain its name, to a larger, nearby facility by the end of the year in order to support its growth.