Volume 4, Issue 2 - May 2011
The Supplier
INDUSTRY UPDATE
The cost of metal commodities (i.e. aluminum, copper, zinc for galvanizing, steel sheets and steel bars), and oil based materials (i.e. resin and gas) have significantly increased in price since May of 2009. Thus all major manufacturers of utility construction and maintenance materials have announced price increases within the last three months. Additionally due to increased demand from the construction of transmission lines, conductor lead times have been extended.
WUE, due to the large number of inventory management programs in place and the increase in member forecasted rebuild and line extension jobs for 2011, has significantly increased their inventory of overhead and underground materials. WUE has over $9.3 million of material including primary URD Okonite cable. Current factory lead times for specific products are as follows:
(Note: WUE stocks all products)
Single Phase Transformers ————8 weeks
Three Phase Transformers ————8 weeks
ACSR Conductor Stock to 12 weeks
Primary URD Cable Stock to 10 weeks
WUE Now Offers Rope Products
Samson—The Strongest Name in Rope has appointed WUE as a stocking distributor for the utility market. Samson ropes are currently used for hand lines, winch lines, pulling/stringing lines, and slings.
They are available in:
Multiple Diameters (1/4” to 3 1/4”)
Different Materials (polyester, olefin, nylon, polypropylene)
Different Construction (12-strand, double braid, 3-strand)
A class I or class II rating
Various Average Strength and Min Breaking Strength Ratings
Various Elastic Elongation Ratings.
Please see your WUE outside sales rep for the most recent Samson brochure and for assistance in selecting the correct rope for your application.
HUSKIE TOOL UPGRADES
Huskie now offers their Lithium-Ion battery which has a 40% longer run time, no memory effect, is lighter than earlier NiCad batteries and comes with a 5 year warranty. The new charger is able to charge Lithium-Ion, NiCad and NiMH batteries, and is UL approved.
Remember: Never charge the batteries from a generator!
Huskie’s new SL-ND streamline 6-ton tool is only 22” long and weighs only 8.75 lbs with the battery. It can crimp from #8-300 MCM aluminum splices & lugs up to 4/0-4/0 H-taps. It’s bright light is ideal for low light conditions. The unit also has a 5 year warranty.
See your WUE rep for more information or for a demo on the product.
Okonite Update
The following ad was recently run by the Okonite Company. It is a great feeling to know that your underground system has Okonite cable as its backbone.
Okonite continues to use the same materials in their EPR compound that was developed many years ago and continues to provide superior customer service (with inventory at Western United and quick factory lead times). They offer products produced in the most modern, quality controlled manufacturing plants in the country.
Okonite is like an old friend that can always be counted on.
NEW RUBBER GOODS CLEANER
Polywater Corporation has introduced a new type of rubber goods cleaner (Cat# RBG-35LR) that can be used to safely field clean rubber blankets, sleeves and hoses. Salisbury has also tested the product and provided a written approval letter that the product is safe for the cleaning of their rubber protective items.
Please see your WUE inside sales reps for pricing.
OSMOSE PRODUCTS
Osmose (products available at WUE) has introduced a new pole topper cover cap that when installed on new utility poles will protect them from decay and weathering. The circular, rigid, low-density polyethylene cap adheres to virtually any shape pole and can be installed in minutes without tools.
Other products available include woodpecker damage repair kits, fire protection coating, and pole wraps.
Your WUE inside sales rep can assist with pricing and ordering.