Aug 5 2010
Ameron International Corporation (NYSE:AMN) today announced the signing of an exclusive distribution agreement with HD Supply Utilities for the distribution of Ameron’s uPole® throughout the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean Islands. Based in Orlando, Florida, HD Supply Utilities is North America’s largest electric utilities distributor.
“We are delighted to partner with HD Supply Utilities, a leader in electric utility distribution,” said James Marlen, Ameron’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President. “HD Supply Utilities provides established large-scale capabilities, including a North-American wide distribution network, dedicated direct sales force and supply chain expertise, helping us to accelerate market penetration of uPole products. They are our distributor of choice for uPoles.”
“The agreement with Ameron, a 103-year old global manufacturer of highly engineered infrastructure products, fits our business model of partnering with leading, reputable and quality-based suppliers,” stated Rick McClure, President, HD Supply Utilities. “The addition of uPole products to our utility pole portfolio allows us to offer electric utilities an innovative solution for their electric distribution system upgrade projects, both for the replacement of existing poles and installation of new ones to support smart grid applications.”
Among the newest products from Ameron’s Fiberglass-Composite Pipe Group, the uPole provides an extended-life, cost-effective alternative to distribution poles made from wood, steel or prestressed concrete. The sand-hardened uPole, made with a polymer mortar core for added strength and stiffness, has the feel of concrete while offering the performance, toughness and lower weight of fiberglass. The product features a hardened pole wall, exceptional fire resistance, UV and corrosion protection. The new uPole is also more environmentally friendly than treated wood poles. The uPole is manufactured using an efficient, continuous process in Ameron’s ISO-certified fiberglass products plant in Burkburnett, Texas.