The Supplier

WUE Update

As we have discussed for the last several month's, price increases keep coming. With the shortage of core steel, we continue to see the lead times on transformers go further out. We expect this trend to continue the remainder of this year. Wood products, primarily poles, are also a major concern in the supply chain of material. We encourage all of our customers to advise the developers they are working with to expect delays throughout this year.

It is now estimated that 25% of the products in our warehouse are outsourced. Most manufacturers continue to outsource much of their manufactured goods. For the past 10 years, Mexico has received the bulk of outsourcing from American manufacturers. The trend today sees the bulk of outsourcing going to South America, China, and India. We predict that within five years 50% of the products we stock will come from outsourcing.

Mr. Willis Harvey, a Western United Board Member for twenty years, passed away on March 21, 2006 at his home in Otis, Colorado. We extend our symphony, prayers, and thoughts to his family.

Hubbel Product of the Month

For systems up to 36.6kV worldwide Hot and Cold Rigid Cover Up

Superior performance for all your temperatures

Year round in your hemisphere, Chance Rigid Cover Up can take it!

No matter what your climate, our rigid conductor covers and insulator hoods are up to the task any time. Formulated to withstand temperature extremes, these high-density polyethylene covers easily couple together to virtually surround insulators and conductors, giving linemen extra protection when rubber gloving or using hot sticks.

Each piece of Chance 25kV phase-to-phase-rated cover up is offered with a Grip-All Adapter for hot-stick work or without an adapter for rubber-glove work. A third style of the 25kV conductor cover comes with a 4-foot removable Epoxiglas handle. The conductor cover's V-shaped bottom edge makes it easy to place on conductors up to 666 kcmil ACSR maximum. The insulator covers come in two heights, for pins and posts. To cover all distribution voltages, Chance also offers 36.6kV-rated rigid cover up, all with Grip-All Adapters for hot-stick work. For more information, contact your WUE Representative

Fibergrate

by Travis Johnson

Fibergrate is a fiberglass composite manufacturer who can make grating for use in substation projects. The fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) has several key features that make it a great alternative to steel grating. The corrosion resistance, slip resistance, lower weight compared to steel, easy installation, and low maintenance make this a great product to use in substations. Fibergrate has the capabilities to engineer the composite material to efficiently provide design and fabrication services.

Fibergrate's fabrication group is equipped to provide a turnkey solution to a wide range of projects- from design, to estimating, to component fabrication, to final construction and installation.

Fibergrate can also do more than just grating. They also can do structural shapes, floorplate, stair tread covers, handrail, and ladders.

If you are interested in learning more about Fibergrate or would like to have Fibergrate provide material on your next project please contact Western United Electric Supply Corporation at 303-659 2356, and we will be happy to help you.

W.E.S.T. Dept.

Mark Granger

Please help WUE welcome Mark Granger to the W.E.S.T. Department. Mark has worked in the utility industry for 18 years. He started with Illinois Power Company working at a coal-fired generating station. In 1994 he started with Tri-State G&T in the purchasing department. He worked with their coal-fired power stations procuring material, negotiating and writing labor contracts and helping to coordinate scheduled unit outages. Mark is married eight years to Christy, and has one step-daughter, and one grandchild. Mark and Christy enjoy all of the Colorado outdoor activities, including biking, hiking, skiing and playing golf.

Welcome to the WUE team Mark

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT

WUE ranked #2 Nationally for Sales Per Employee

Volume 8, Issue 1 - March 2006