APi Group, a global leader in providing safety and specialty services, has established a shared services model that encompasses four of its HVAC-focused companies: Grunau, MMC, Tessiers, and NAC. By combining critical support functions across these companies, HVAC Shared Services (HSS) ensures that each company can leverage the strengths of the others while maintaining its own identity and business objectives.
Working Together for Efficiency and Collaboration
Our mission is simple: build strong client relationships through responsiveness, safety, reliability, and integrity. By centralizing key functions like payroll, HR, purchasing, and finance across APi Group companies, we streamline operations, cut costs, and boost efficiency. This approach drives collaboration, continuous improvement, and allows each company to focus on what they do best, delivering exceptional HVAC and mechanical services, combining local agility with national scale.
APi HVAC Shared Services Group
- Grunau. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Grunau Company delivers comprehensive mechanical services, including HVAC, plumbing, process piping, electrical, refrigeration, fire protection, structural and specialty metals, and underground utilities. With additional offices in Florida, Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania focused on fire protection, Grunau combines experience with innovative approaches to deliver lasting value.
- MMC. Metropolitan Mechanical Contractors (MMC) serves Minnesota and North Dakota with HVAC systems, plumbing, building controls, automation, indoor air quality solutions, and fabrication. Offices in Eden Prairie, Minneapolis, Rochester, and Fargo provide preventive maintenance and emergency services for HVAC and plumbing systems, supporting healthcare, education, retail, entertainment, and industrial clients.
- Tessiers. Tessiers, in Mitchell, Sioux Falls, and Rapid City, offers design, installation, maintenance, and specialty fabrication for mechanical systems. Immersed in the agricultural and industrial sector of South Dakoto, Tessiers is a well-rounded mechanical contractor company providing preventative maintenance programs, specialty metal fabrication and welding and agricultural support services. Our custom fabrication shop does more than duct fabrication!
With over 100 years of experience, Tessiers serves a broad range of industries, from offices and healthcare to manufacturing and government.
In 2021, Tessiers acquired Midwest Fire & Safety to expand service offerings to include fire suppression, fire extinguisher sales and services and first aid supplies. This acquisition allowed Tessiers to provide a turnkey offering to customers that can use HVAC service and life safety supplies and service.
- NAC. NAC specializes in mechanical and electrical solutions, including HVAC, plumbing, boilers, building automation, and energy efficiency. Serving Minnesota, Wisconsin, and surrounding states, NAC delivers reliable, code-compliant systems for new construction, renovations, and ongoing maintenance to optimize comfort, indoor air quality, and building performance.
The Power of APi HVAC Shared Services
APi HSS provides centralized administrative and operational support for HVAC and mechanical service companies, ensuring smooth, coordinated service across multiple locations. From inspections and maintenance to repairs and upgrades, clients benefit from a single point of contact, faster turnaround, and improved accuracy. By streamlining finance, HR, and operations, APi HSS reduces redundancies, cuts costs, and boosts efficiency, helping teams focus on what they do best: delivering reliable, high-quality service to every customer.
In areas like marketing, some companies have seen efficiency improvements of around 15% to 20%. That kind of boost (up to a fifth of a unit’s efficiency) is definitely worth exploring further, especially for large organizations looking to streamline operations and get more done.
Key Functions of Shared Services
The backbone of the Shared Services model is its ability to centralize support functions that are essential to day-to-day operations. These include:
- Payroll: Streamlining payroll functions across multiple companies helps ensure accuracy, timeliness, and consistency in compensation for all employees.
- Purchasing: Centralized purchasing allows for better negotiation power, cost savings, and a more efficient supply chain management process.
- Accounts Receivables and Payables: With standardized financial practices, businesses can improve cash flow management and reduce administrative overhead.
- Human Resources (People Team): The HSS model provides shared HR support, including talent acquisition, employee development, and compliance, helping companies align their workforce strategies.
- Marketing: Centralized marketing efforts drive brand consistency, enhance customer outreach, and leverage resources more effectively.
- Finance and Accounting: By streamlining financial operations, HSS ensures compliance and better management of financial resources across the companies.
National Account Customers
Multi-location clients enjoy consistent, coordinated HVAC and mechanical system support through APi HSS. With a dedicated account team, 24/7 emergency support, and centralized scheduling, inspections, and accounting, every facility receives the same high-quality service.
Services are tailored to each client’s needs, simplifying management, reducing administrative burden, and ensuring reliable, efficient operations across all sites. One point of contact keeps it seamless, letting teams focus on what they do best.
Continuous Improvement and Compliance
APi HSS drives continuous improvement by standardizing processes, analyzing performance, and making data-driven decisions to boost efficiency. Collaboration across participating companies aligns goals, optimizes resources, and ensures consistent, reliable service.
Compliance is built in, with robust controls and adherence to industry regulations and standards. This approach not only improves operations but also provides peace of mind, helping teams focus on delivering exceptional HVAC and mechanical services while staying ahead of evolving business needs.
The HSS Summit
API HVAC Shared Services hosted a summit in 2025 as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen the HVAC Shared Services model. The summit is planned to be an annual event bringing together key players from the participating companies to share insights, discuss challenges, and celebrate successes in implementing the HSS model. It was an opportunity to learn from one another and continue driving innovation within the shared services space.
Quote from Marisa Holtz, Senior Financial Leader – Controller for HVAC Shared Services:
“Our mission is to empower our field, project leaders, and business leaders by delivering exceptional support through streamlined processes and innovative solutions. Our team is dedicated to driving operational efficiency while championing the well-being and success of our people—building a culture rooted in trust, collaboration, and excellence.”
A Model for Other HVAC Companies
APi Group’s HVAC Shared Services model shows how companies can boost efficiency, lower costs, and improve collaboration while staying focused on delivering top-notch customer service. By breaking down traditional silos, teams can work more seamlessly, drive innovation, and optimize operations. For HVAC companies looking to streamline processes and strengthen results, Shared Services offers a proven, integrated approach that benefits both employees and customers alike. Connect with Tessiers to learn more!