Honolulu-based American Electric Co. LLC, one of the largest electrical contractors in the state, has acquired the Hawai'i division of Volt Telecom Group.

Volt Telecom Group has been operating in Hawai'i since 1970 and specializes in turnkey wireless engineering and integration solutions. The firm builds and maintains voice, data and video infrastructure in the private and public sectors.

The deal to acquire Volt Telecom Group was completed on Monday. The company's 18 employees have been hired as part of American Electric's new Telecom Services division.

Bob Dewitz, American Electric's chief executive officer, said the acquisition will allow his firm to handle fiber-optics projects, cable TV design and installation, telecommunications, computer-aided design and drafting, as well as aerial and underground design and installation of telecommunications systems.

"This acquisition is a significant step for us and for our clients," Dewitz said.

American Electric's purchase of Volt Telecom Group follows the recent acquisition of Kona-based G-Y Electric, which now operates under the American Electric name.

American Electric also has operations on Maui.

"We are actively looking for an acquisition on Kaua'i. When we do that, we will have all segments of the electrical contracting business and all geographic areas in the state," Dewitz said.