As part of our ongoing Investor Spotlight series, we’re proud to highlight Advanced Electronic Services, Inc. (AES)—a company that exemplifies innovation, resilience, and community investment. From humble beginnings in Mount Airy to a thriving operation serving clients nationwide, AES has built its success on a foundation of technical excellence and local pride.
History
Advanced Electronic Services, Inc. (AES) was founded in 1992 by Steve and Leslie Cooke in Mount Airy, North Carolina. What began in a small 10×12 shed has grown into an operation with over 120 employees and more than 100,000 square feet of advanced facilities. AES has steadily expanded through the years by meeting the needs of industries that depend on reliable repair and refurbishment services for electronic, hydraulic, and mechanical equipment. From its early days in Dobson and Durham to its consolidated headquarters in Mount Airy, AES has maintained strong local roots while building national reach.
Full Suite of Services
AES specializes in repairing, refurbishing, and servicing a wide range of industrial equipment, including power supplies, printed circuit boards, RF amplifiers, servo motors and drives, hydraulic components, and more. With ISO 9001 certification, free evaluations, competitive pricing, and an industry-leading two-year warranty, AES sets itself apart in the marketplace. Their commitment to quick turnaround times and 24/7 emergency repair ensures that clients—from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies—can keep their operations running smoothly.
AES has also grown through strategic acquisitions that expand both their expertise and their regional footprint. In 2017, the company acquired a Florida-based regulator control repair business, later relocating it to Mount Airy. In 2022, AES celebrated its 30th anniversary by acquiring Computer Concepts of NC, strengthening its technical team and creating additional local jobs. In 2023, AES acquired a business in Duluth, GA, maintaining that location as a hub for the distribution of new products for brands AES is an authorized distributor for. Most recently in 2024, AES expanded into Tennessee with the acquisition of Plant Drives & Systems (PDS), now operating a UL 508A Certified panel shop that allows AES to design and build various panels for customer applications while serving a broader customer base across the Southeast.
An Asset to the Community and Region
AES’s growth has made it a cornerstone of Mount Airy’s business community. As one of the region’s largest technical service employers, AES contributes significantly to the local economy while maintaining a family-oriented culture that employees value. With a reputation for innovation, reliability, and community impact, AES continues to elevate the Surry County region while servicing clients worldwide.
Congratulations to AES for over 30 years of growth, excellence, and dedication to both their customers and their community!
