TransGard buys Soundscape technology from Guardian

TransGard has acquired the Soundscape technology platform, related intellectual property and the SoundGard product line from Guardian Technologies Group, bringing the wildlife-mitigation system in-house under TransGard ownership. The deal expands TransGard’s reach in utility, industrial, transportation, telecom and renewable energy markets.

Why it matters: - The acquisition gives TransGard direct control over a non-lethal wildlife mitigation technology already used in critical infrastructure settings. - SoundGard adds another tool for customers dealing with birds and other nuisance wildlife that can damage equipment, create contamination risks and drive up maintenance costs. - The deal strengthens TransGard’s ability to package multiple wildlife mitigation products for site-specific needs.

What happened: - TransGard announced the acquisition of the Soundscape technology platform, associated intellectual property and product line from Guardian Technologies Group. - The product line will continue under the SoundGard brand. - The transaction expands TransGard’s portfolio for electric utilities, industrial facilities, transportation infrastructure, telecommunications, renewable energy and other critical infrastructure markets. - The acquisition follows an exclusive commercial relationship between TransGard and Guardian Technologies Group.

The details: - TransGard had been the exclusive commercial partner for the SoundGard system. - SoundGard uses Guardian’s Soundscape technology to mask wildlife communication and make an area unsuitable for habitation or roosting. - The system is positioned as a science-based, non-lethal alternative to traditional scare sounds, which only push wildlife away temporarily. - TransGard says the technology has been developed through more than five years of research and development. - The company says more than 20 university studies support the technology. - The system is used to protect substations, industrial facilities, warehouses, communication towers, transportation hubs, distribution centers and similar sites.

Between the lines: - The purchase turns a long-standing partnership into an owned product line, which gives TransGard more control over future development and commercialization. - The company is betting that customers want bundled solutions rather than single-purpose deterrents. - Bill Marks, TransGard vice president of sales, said a 2024 Kansas State University study that paired TransGard’s laser bird defense system with Soundscape showed compelling results. - Marks said customers have trialed the technology and many have added it to their wildlife mitigation systems.

What's next: - TransGard plans to keep investing in the technology and expand its applications. - The company also expects to provide long-term support for customers using SoundGard. - SoundGard will be marketed alongside TransGard’s Animal Fence Systems and Laser Bird Defense solutions.

The bottom line: - TransGard now owns a science-based wildlife deterrence platform that broadens its offering for operators trying to protect critical infrastructure from animal-related disruption. - More information