Continuing its trend of purchasing mechanical contracting companies, PSEG Energy Technologies has announced the acquisition of Central Plumbing and Heating, based in Allentown, Pa., and Tougher Industries of Albany, N.Y. Terms and conditions of the acquisitions were not released.

Central and Tougher join seven other companies as the most recent additions to the energy services provider.

A direct subsidiary of PSEG Energy Holdings under parent company Public Service Enterprise Group, the Edison, N.J.-based company extends its customer base into Pennsylvania, New York State and southern New England.

"The acquisition of Central and Tougher add significantly to our geographic reach and service offerings," said Stan Kosierowski, PSEG Energy Technologies president and CEO.

Central Plumbing and Heating employs 130 people in the Allentown and Reading, Pa., areas. Founded in 1943, the company provides heating, ventilation, air conditioning, fire protection and plumbing service to commercial and residential customers, including such clients as Lucent Technologies and Bethlehem Steel. Last year's annual sales were approximately $20 million.

Tougher Industries, a diversified mechanical contracting firm, was founded in 1890. Its staff of about 350 is based in Albany and Poughkeepsie, N.Y. With annual sales of approximately $60 million, the company provides sheet metal fabrication, insulation and traditional mechanical construction for commercial and industrial customers and learning institutions such as Amherst, Dartmouth and Yale.

In addition to Tougher and Central, PSEG has also acquired: Arden Engineering of Pawtucket, R.I.; Liber Rich and Rich Fire of Pleasantville, N.J.; Struble Air Conditioning of Fairfield, N.J.; Frank A. McBride of Hawthorne, N.J.; Fluidics Inc. of Philadelphia, Pa.; East Coast Mechanical of Virginia Beach, Va.; and Thomas H. Barham Co. of Tinton Falls, N.J.