HD Supply Utilities, based in Orlando, Florida, is North America’s largest electric utilities distributor.
The uPole is one of the latest products from the Ameron Fiberglass-Composite Pipe Group. The uPole shaft is made from E-glass fibre roving and epoxy resin using the filament winding process. The structural wall includes a sand-filled epoxy polymer mortar to provide added durability and stiffness. A weather resistant sand-covered pigmented epoxy coating is applied over the outer structural layers.
Ameron reports that uPole is a longer lasting, cost-effective alternative to distribution poles made from wood, steel or concrete. The pole has the feel of concrete while offering the performance, toughness and lower weight of composite. The product is resistant to fire, UV and corrosion. It is also more environmentally friendly than treated wood poles.
The uPole is manufactured at the Ameron composite products plant in Burkburnett, Texas, which has been making fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) pipe for 40 years.
uPole is available in 30 ft to 55 ft lengths and two shaft sizes are currently available – 13 inch OD and 15 inch OD.
“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,” says Rick McClure, President, HD Supply Utilities.
Ameron International Corporation (NYSE: AMN) is a producer of water transmission lines and fabricated steel products, composite pipe for transporting oil, chemicals and corrosive fluids, and products used in infrastructure projects.
