Different parts of the world each have
different electrical grid systems, so PLP
manufactures the products to meet many
unique specifications.
“When you think about the global grid,
it’s a pretty complex animal,” Ziebarth said,
adding that in the United States, “there is
no uniformity in the grid...it’s regionally
dependent.”
Employees as First Responders
Though roughly 90 percent of the products
are used for routine maintenance purposes, the
company does get a surge in demand whenever
a natural disaster has occurred and power lines
are down. The products are critical in restoring
power distribution and data communication
lines.
After a natural disaster, one of the most
important steps to recovery is restoring the
power grid and telecommunications.
“You can’t do the repair until you have
power restored,” Ziebarth said.
PLP’s company slogan is “The connection
you can count on.”
Due to the fact that many of the products
go to help areas recovering from disasters,
Ziebarth said he and the employees consider
themselves as first responders.
During times of crisis, the Albemarle site
will work extended hours and days to meet the
demand of a disaster, such as the California
wildfires or the hurricanes that hit North
Carolina in 2018.
Ziebarth said that in 2005 in the aftermath
of Hurricane Katrina, the Albemarle plant was
open 28 straight days, working to produce and
ship key products to help affected areas regain
much-needed power. Employees worked until
they ran out of raw material.
“What makes Preformed unique is that we
can handle huge variances in demand shifts,”
Ziebarth said.
Sometimes, when a hurricane or other
disaster is forecast to hit an area of the country,
PLP will send materials in advance.
So far in 2020, Ziebarth said the company
has been busy producing material for the
electrical grid for parts of California affected
by the wildfires last year.
Ziebarth said there are so many different
variables beyond natural disasters that can have
an effect on the company, including political
unrest or wars in other countries. He said
the tariff war between the United States and
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Made in Stanly Magazine | 2020
John Whitley working hard
on the production line.
Brown Culp welding new
parts for production.