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ABB completes acquisition of Thomas & Betts

U.S. becomes ABB’s largest market with about $6.6 billion in annual revenue and 19,000 employees


Zurich, Switzerland and Memphis, Tennessee, May 16, 2012 – ABB Ltd (NYSE: ABB), the leading power and automation technology group, and Thomas & Betts Corporation, a North American leader in low voltage products, announced that ABB has completed its previously announced acquisition of Thomas & Betts.


The acquisition of Thomas & Betts advances ABB’s strategy of expanding its Low Voltage Products division into new geographies, sectors and products. The complementary combination of Thomas & Betts’ electrical components and ABB’s low voltage protection, control and measurement products will create a broader low voltage offering.


In North America, the combination will double ABB’s addressable market to approximately $24 billion. Thomas & Betts’ has a North-American network of more than 6,000 distributor locations and wholesalers which will provide greater access for ABB low voltage products. In Europe and Asia, distribution capabilities and coverage will be expanded through ABB’s well established channels.


“The acquisition of Thomas & Betts furthers our global strategy and provides substantial opportunities to create value for our shareholders” said Joe Hogan, ABB’s CEO. “ABB firmly believes in the strength of American manufacturing. Within the past three years, we have invested over $11 billion in North America to become a leading player for power and automation technologies in the region and today the US is ABB’s largest market in terms of sales and employees”.


“Our joint low-voltage electrical components business is globally balanced and has one of the broadest scopes in the industry”, said Tarak Mehta, head of ABB’s Low Voltage Products division. “Thomas & Betts’ strong distribution network and talented and experienced team of professionals will be an integral part of our US operations and ABB will be better positioned to support low-voltage customers around the world.”


Dominic Pileggi will remain as Chairman of Thomas & Betts and Charles Treadway, previously Chief Operating Officer, will take over from him as CEO. The headquarters of the Company are in Memphis, TN.


“We are proud to join ABB and bring our skills, products and long-standing customer relationships into ABB’s portfolio”, said Treadway. “With our expanded product offering and global market presence, our combined companies have significant opportunities for growth.”


In connection with the completion of the transaction, Thomas & Betts shares have ceased trading on the New York Stock Exchange.


Bank of America Merrill Lynch acted as financial advisor to ABB and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as main legal advisor. Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. acted as financial advisor to Thomas & Betts and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP as legal advisor.


Important notice about forward-looking information

This press release contains “forward-looking statements,” including statements regarding ABB’s expectations. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations but are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are beyond the control of ABB, which could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from current expectations. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect ABB’s business, particularly those identified in the cautionary factors discussion in ABB’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended Dec. 31, 2011. ABB undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.


ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 145,000 people.


CONTACT:

ABB Group Corporate Communications, Zurich

Thomas Schmidt, Antonio Ligi

Tel: +41 43 317 6568

Fax: +41 43 317 7958

media.relations@ch.abb.com


Thomas & Betts Media & Investor Relations: Tricia Bergeron, 901.252.8266, tricia.bergeron@tnb.com


For further information, please refer to http://www.abb.com/news

Sabre Industries, Inc. Announces Joint Venture With Brametal S.A.

Alvarado, TX – (April 19, 2012) - Expanding its product line and services in the utility industry, Sabre Industries, Inc. announced today the development of a multi-faceted, multi-step joint venture with Brametal, S.A. A subsidiary of Hollmore Participacoes E Investimentos S.A, Brametal is a Brazilian company with extensive experience in engineering, design and testing of lattice transmission towers.


The joint venture will include the development of a testing facility located on Sabre Tubular Structures’ 147 acre industrial complex in Alvarado, Texas. Sabre Tubular Structures, the steel pole division of Sabre Industries, Inc., currently manufactures tubular steel poles used in the utility industry. The new testing station is scheduled for completion in late summer of 2012, and will be the only testing station in the United States designed to test both towers and poles.


In addition to the new testing station, Sabre Tubular Structures will initially be utilizing Sabre Industries’ Sioux City, Iowa tower facility to manufacture Brametal’s lattice transmission towers. Ricardo Minatto Brandão, Chairman of the Board of Brametal, commented, “This new joint venture between Brametal and Sabre is beneficial to all involved. It provides a best in class testing facility in the United States for steel structures, and offers Brametal an opportunity to expand our market presence in both North America and Canada.”


Future plans include the addition of space and machinery to Sabre Tubular Structures’ already existing state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Alvarado, Texas, giving them the capacity to manufacture Brametal’s lattice towers. “This joint venture provides Sabre and Brametal with the ability to be a leader in the utility industry,” stated Peter J. Sandore, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sabre Industries, Inc. “Capable of offering engineering, design, manufacturing, testing, and galvanizing for a wide range of utility structures, we will be the only supplier in the United States that offers customers a full spectrum of products and services.”


About Sabre Industries, Inc.

In business since 1977, Sabre Industries, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of utility structures, communication towers, shelters and building systems, and tower accessories. In addition, Sabre provides a full range of services including hot-dip galvanizing, turnkey construction, site development, interior integration, and field maintenance. For further information on Sabre Industries, Inc., and its various divisions, please visit our web site at: www.SabreIndustries.com.


CONTACT:

Connie Aasen

Vice President of Marketing

Sabre Industries, Inc.

P.O. Box 658

2101 Murray Street

Sioux City, IA 51102-0658

Phone: (712) 224-1290

Fax: (712) 224-1291

Milwaukee County Event Officially Welcomed Four Work Trucks Powered by Odyne Plug-In Hybrid Systems into Their Fleet

att5ed4d-2.jpgJust in time for Earth Day, new hybrid signal and street lighting maintenance vehicles will reduce emissions, lower fuel costs and create quiet environments


Waukesha, WI – April 26, 2011 – Milwaukee County held a press conference at Rainbow Park in West Allis, Wisconsin on April 20, showcasing four new bucket trucks featuring Odyne Hybrid Systems that were built by DUECO, Inc. of Waukesha. Milwaukee County Executive, Chris Abele, noted the smart investment in new technology, partially funded by the Wisconsin Clean Transportation Program, will help reduce fuel costs up to 50% and reduce emissions. He noted it as an example of a smart business decision in light of gas prices. David Jenkins, Director of Commercialization & Market Development for the Wisconsin Department of Administration State Energy Office noted that his department was pleased to support the purchase of these trucks, through the Clean Transportation Program, citing it as a great example of where the state supports local decision-making. Frank Busalacchi, Director, Milwaukee County Department of Transportation, noted the County was pleased to work with Odyne Systems, a local area company, to bring the advances of hybrid power to the County fleet. The bucket trucks, the first hybrid trucks for the County, are being used to maintain traffic signals and street lighting.


The vehicles feature the first Odyne hybrid systems installed on Kenworth truck chassis and are the first to power Venturo corner mount cranes, which will be used in lifting lighting into place. The trucks feature fiberglass bodies and Terex TL60 aerial buckets, recognized for their stability.


The Odyne plug-in hybrid systems will lower fuel consumption by up to 50%, depending on duty cycle, or up to 1750 gallons per truck annually. The trucks operate with zero or significantly lower emissions at the job site and provide quiet operation, for safer working conditions and a neighborhood friendly environment. Odyne hybrid systems are modular and can be applied and retrofitted to a wide range of work vehicles.


About Odyne Systems, LLC

Odyne is a leader in hybrid drive systems for medium and heavy duty vehicles. Odyne’s advanced plug-in hybrid technology enables trucks over 14,000 pounds to have substantially lower fuel consumption, lower emissions, improved performance, quieter job site operation and reduced operating and maintenance costs. Odyne has fielded more plug-in hybrid trucks to fleets throughout the United States than any other supplier. The company sells its unique modular hybrid system for new and retrofit applications direct to truck manufacturers and through a global distribution and service network. The name Odyne represents the combination of “O” for Optimal and “dyne” for force. Odyne’s hybrid system for medium and heavy duty trucks represents the best hybrid power solution for large trucks. For further information, visit us at www.odyne.com and follow us on Twitter @Odyne.

Gamber-Johnson Introduces Docking Station for Panasonic Toughbook 53

Stevens Point, WI – March 21, 2012– Gamber-Johnson, an ISO 9001:2008 certified manufacturer of rugged docking stations and vehicle mounting, announces a docking station designed for the Panasonic Toughbook 53.


The new CF53 docking station was designed to maximize the space available inside the vehicle by using a small docking station footprint. Using rugged aluminum the docking station weighs 6.5 lbs without a power supply and 7.5 lbs with an internal power supply.


Using the same docking mechanism as our CF19 docking stations simply insert the computer and push the latch closed to dock. The latch does have a built-in keyed lock for theft deterrence.


On the front of the dock a LED Power Switch has been incorporated to allow the user to hot dock the computer without having to power down the computer.


The CF53 docking station has two power supply options available:

· External Lind Auto Adapter (Item No. 13786) sold separately

Factory installed internal 120W Lind power supply

Certifications and Testing: RoHS, FCC, Vibration Testing - MIL-STD 810G 514.5, Docking handle tested to 10,000 cycles and SAE Standard J1455 Crash Test (pending).


For a more in-depth look at Gamber-Johnson’s full line of mounting system solutions, visit Gamber-Johnson’s web site at www.gamberjohnson.com.


About Gamber-Johnson. In business since 1954, Gamber-Johnson is a market leader of rugged docking stations and vehicle mounts and a member of the Leggett & Platt Commercial Vehicle Products (CVP) Group. Customers of all sizes – state and local governments, transportation, field service organizations, and mobile professionals – rely on Gamber-Johnson’s vehicle mounting systems and docking stations on a daily basis and associate the Gamber-Johnson name and products with quality, safety and reliability. As a result, Gamber-Johnson vehicle mounting systems are installed in thousands of fleets worldwide. www.gamberjohnson.com.


CONTACT:

Cheryl Bikowski

Gamber-Johnson

Phone: 715-344-3482

cheryl.bikowski@gamberjohnson.com

www.gamberjohnson.com

LADWP’s Adelanto Solar Plant Marks Major Construction Milestone

10-Megawatt Utility-Built Solar Project Ahead of Schedule to

Begin Delivering Green Power to Los Angeles this Summer


LOS ANGELES — The LA Department of Water and Power’s Adelanto Solar Project marked a major construction milestone today as the final support pole was installed at the 10 megawatt utility-scale solar array currently being built in the Mojave Desert. The project construction is ahead of schedule and is expected to begin delivering clean, green renewable energy to Los Angeles this summer.


Located 65 miles north of Los Angeles near the community of Adelanto, Calif., the Adelanto Solar Power Project is expected to produce an average of 20,000 megawatt hours annually for the next 25 years. That amount of energy produced is estimated to meet the needs of approximately 3,300 homes each year.


“The Adelanto Solar Power Project is an important component of LADWP’s power supply transformation as we transition from coal power to more renewable energy to meet state requirements,” said LADWP General Manager Ronald O. Nichols.


Renewable energy is critical to this transformation, which will involve replacing about 70 percent of LADWP’s existing power generation with renewables, energy efficiency, and more efficient and flexible natural gas generators. “We can’t rely on the wind to blow or sun to shine 24/7, so we need to balance the renewables with other strategies to do this in a smart, cost-effective manner that ensures continued reliability at competitive rates for our customers,” Nichols said.


The Adelanto Solar Power Project is being built on a 42-acre site at LADWP’s Adelanto Switching Station. The Adelanto Switching Station serves as the southern terminus of LADWP’s Southern Transmission System, which links Southern California with renewable wind energy and the existing Intermountain Power Plant at the northern terminus in Utah.


“By taking advantage of existing assets, such as transmission systems and facilities that LADWP already owns, we’re able to realize cost savings and complete the Adelanto solar project faster than if we had built a new renewable power project elsewhere,” said Aram Benyamin, Senior Assistant General Manager of the LADWP Power System. “This utility-scale project is part of a comprehensive solar strategy that involves roof-top and ground-mounted solar installed in LA that customers can benefit from through our Solar Incentive Program, a Feed-In-Tariff program that will launch this year and a second, 10 megawatt utility-scale solar project that will break ground this summer at Pine Tree Wind Farm in Mojave, CA.”


LADWP is installing, and will own and operate the Adelanto Solar system while SolarWorld Americas is responsible for supplying solar power system engineering, high-performance solar panels and procure balance-of-system components.


Preliminary work and design work on the solar system was started in February 2011 with construction of the solar installation at the Adelanto Switching Station beginning in November 2011. The plant is scheduled to be in-service in early June.


The project has created 150 clean energy jobs between the LADWP and contractors involved in this effort.


Budgeted at $48 million, the Adelanto solar project has benefitted from financing by federal Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds. The bonds, which are offered through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will save LADWP customers an estimated $12 million through subsidized loan interest costs.

Delaware Electric Cooperative CEO a Featured Panelist at DNV KEMA Utility of the Future Leadership Forum 2012

Bill Andrew to provide insight on customer engagement and sustainability


BURLINGTON, Mass., March 26, 2012 –- The CEO of Delaware Electric Cooperative, Bill Andrew, will be a featured panelist at DNV KEMA’s fifth annual Utility of the Future Leadership Forum, “Pathway to excellence.” Andrew will participate in the panel, “Engaging Customers in Sustainability,” during the DNV KEMA forum, May 14–16, 2012, at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, DC.


Andrew will share insights on customers in the cooperative segments and will also highlight methods to further engage customers in practicing sustainability effectively.


“In the cooperative world, our customers are our owners, which provides them with a natural incentive to engage in all programs, especially those which save them money and make good business sense,” said Andrew. “Whenever I can discuss energy, customers, and our business opportunities, it creates an exciting learning opportunity.”


The 2012 Utility of the Future Leadership Forum features one and one-half days of discussions about the dynamic changes facing the utility industry and the paths that innovators have taken toward a sustainable energy future. Two CEO panels will explore the challenges of building the future utility in very different economic environments, while other panels will feature topics such as customers at the helm, sustainable power supply, and innovation and the future. Throughout the forum, there will be high-level networking opportunities to share perspectives, collaborate, and engage in dialog.


Senior executives are invited to join their peers in the Utility of the Future discussion to share ideas and discover opportunities that can help shape a more sustainable, reliable, and profitable utility of the future. Register and learn more about the 2012 Utility of the Future Leadership Forum.


About Delaware Electric Cooperative

Delaware Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric utility serving 84,000 member-owners in Kent and Sussex County, Delaware. For more information visit us on the web at www.delaware.coop.


About DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability

DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability, with more than 2,300 experts in over 30 countries around the world, is committed to driving the global transition toward a safe, reliable, efficient, and clean energy future. With a heritage of nearly 150 years, we specialize in providing world-class, innovative solutions in the fields of business & technical consultancy; testing, inspections & certification; risk management; and verification. As an objective and impartial knowledge-based company, we advise and support organizations along the energy value chain: producers, suppliers & end-users of energy; equipment manufacturers; as well as government bodies, corporations, and non-governmental organizations. DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability is part of DNV, a global provider of services for managing risk with more than 10,000 employees in over 100 countries. For more information on DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability, visit www.dnvkema.com.

ABB to Support Rehabilitation of Power Distribution Network in Iraq

Refurbishment of control centers and system infrastructure to improve power reliability


Zurich, Switzerland, March 26, 2012 – ABB, the global power and automation technology group, has won an order from the Ministry of Electricity (MOE) in Iraq to provide a state-of-the-art power distribution management system. The solution will incorporate advanced communication technology, with monitoring and control functions, to improve the availability, performance and reliability of power supplies in the capital, Baghdad.


ABB will upgrade the existing control center with an integrated solution comprising its Network Manager SCADA DMS (supervisory control and data acquisition distribution management system) software, now a part of its Ventyx portfolio. ABB will also supply the communications equipment and RTUs (remote terminal units) to control and monitor power supplies in this densely populated area of the country. The refurbished control centers will provide operators with a system-wide view of conditions in the distribution grid, enabling smooth operations as well as rapid detection and correction of faults. The scope of the project includes operator training.


“The refurbishment of the distribution system with advanced monitoring and control capabilities, will help improve availability and quality of electricity for consumers and support economic development in the region,” said Jens Birgersson, head of ABB’s Network Management business unit, a part of the company’s Power Systems division. “Our unique ability to facilitate the integration of operational and information technologies provides a multicomponent system from a single source, reducing both cost and complexity for our customers.”


The project is one of the several infrastructure improvement initiatives currently underway in Iraq and part of reconstruction efforts to establish a dependable power network to support economic and social development in the country.


ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 135,000 people. The company’s North American operations, headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, employ about 20,000 people in multiple manufacturing, service and other major facilities.


Contact:

Head of Communications

ABB Power Products & Power Systems

Harmeet Bawa

Tel: +41 43 317 6480

Fax: +41 43 317 6482

harmeet.bawa@ch.abb.com

Odyne Systems Delivers Five Plug-in Hybrid Work Trucks Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy

Odyne Advanced Hybrid Power System for Medium and Heavy Duty Trucks Lowers Fuel Consumption and Emissions


Waukesha, WI – March 5, 2012 –Odyne Systems, LLC, a leader in hybrid systems for medium and heavy duty trucks, received project approval from the Department of Energy in 2009 under a Congressionally Directed Project to accelerate the development of plug-in hybrid systems that reduce fuel utilization up to 50% and reduce emissions. Five advanced plug-in hybrid propulsion vehicles funded by the DOE development project have now been completed and have been delivered to customers by DUECO, Inc., the final stage truck manufacturer. Companies receiving the new technology include:


Choptank Electric Cooperative, a Maryland based Touchstone Energy Cooperative, took delivery of a plug-in hybrid bucket truck with a Terex HR42M aerial device to be used in maintenance of electric lines. Choptank is the first electric cooperative to take delivery of the new Odyne advanced hybrid power system.


Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.8 million of Michigan’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties, took delivery of a plug-in hybrid utility truck with a Terex 5FC55 55’ aerial device.


NiSource, a utility in Northern Indiana, took delivery of a plug-in hybrid bucket truck with a Terex TL41 aerial device for use in maintenance and construction of its electrical utility grid.


NV Energy will use its plug-in hybrid underground utility vehicle featuring a Vanair underdeck compressor for maintenance of underground natural gas infrastructure in the Reno, Nevada area. This unit had been built for NV Energy as a conventional vehicle and Odyne retrofitted its advanced plug in hybrid power system to enhance its efficiency.


Pepco Holdings Inc., one of the largest energy delivery companies in the Mid-Atlantic region, serving about 1.9 million customers in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland and New Jersey, will be using a new plug-in hybrid underground utility vehicle with a Vanair underdeck compressor for underground gas infrastructure maintenance.


The Odyne advanced hybrid power system is lighter, smaller, more powerful and designed to be more robust for demanding work truck applications than Odyne’s previous system. The new system interfaces with a wide variety of truck mounted equipment to reduce fuel consumption, reduce emissions and provide quieter operation at the work site. The Odyne hybrid power system provides benefits over a wide range of driving and use duty cycles, saving fuel both while driving and at the job site. Industry leading hybrid power, stored energy and control technology enable Odyne hybrid systems to operate some of the most demanding medium and heavy duty stationary work truck applications with the engine off, including large truck mounted air compressors.


A leader in plug-in hybrid technology, Odyne has developed proprietary and patented hybrid technology combining reliable electric power conversion, power control and energy storage technology with Remy advanced electric propulsion motors, lithium-ion battery technology and other robust, automotive quality components. Sold through a worldwide distribution network, the Odyne plug-in hybrid drive system reduces fleet operating and maintenance costs, and depending on duty cycle, enables large trucks to obtain fuel economy improvements of up to 50% compared to traditional diesel or gasoline engines.


“We are excited to be delivering these units that reflect our passion for innovation and delivery of reliable, advanced hybrid system solutions.” said Joe Dalum, President and Chief Executive Officer of Odyne Systems.


About Odyne Systems, LLC

Odyne is a leader in development and sale of hybrid drive systems for medium and heavy duty vehicles. Odyne’s advanced plug-in hybrid technology enables trucks over 14,000 pounds to have substantially lower fuel consumption, lower emissions, improved performance, quieter job site operation and reduced operating and maintenance costs. Odyne has fielded more plug-in hybrid work trucks to fleets throughout the United States than any other supplier. The company sells direct to truck manufacturers and through a global distribution and service network. For further information, visit us at www.odyne.com and follow us on Twitter @odyne.


About Vanair Manufacturing, Inc.

Since 1972, Vanair has been the industry’s Mobile Power Expert. Today, it is the world’s largest manufacturer of powerful, lightweight and compact vehicle-mounted air compressors, generators, welders, battery boosters and Air N Arc® All–In-One Power Systems®. Vanair continues to be the leader in product innovation and custom solutions serving a variety of industries worldwide.


About Remy International, Inc.

Remy International traces its origins to 1896 when the Remy Brothers founded a wiring business in Anderson, Indiana. Today, Remy International, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer and remanufacturer of alternators, starter motors and electric traction motors, headquartered in nearby Pendleton. With global operations across four continents and 10 countries, Remy International markets products under the REMY® and DELCO REMY® trademarks. Known for innovation, efficiency, quality, and best-in-class customer service and support, Remy International’s products are integrated by leading industrial, specialty, automotive and heavy-duty OEMs and aftermarket providers worldwide. We Start the World & Keep It Running. www.remyinc.com


For details about the HVH Series electric motors, please visit the Remy Web site at www.remyinc.com/hvh.asp.


CONTACT:

Christine Duncan

Marketing Specialist

DUECO/UELC/ODYNE

Phone: 262-547-1600 ext.8233

HD Electric Offers PRX Proximity Voltage Detector

hde-new-prx-500-pr-pic-2.jpgHDE’s PRX-500 Proximity Voltage Detector is a non-contact voltage detector with nine selectable voltage ranges from 120 VAC up to 500 kVAC. The PRX provides an audible and visual indication of voltage detected from elbow test points up to the highest transmission voltages. The PRX features an easy-to-use electronic touch pad with large buttons and has a rechargeable internal battery that can be quickly charged from your truck or a wall outlet.


Features and benefits include:

  • a rechargeable battery with quick recharge. If the battery is low, a quick 15 minute charge provides over one full day of use. It has nine standard voltage ranges from 120 VAC up to 500 kVAC. It also detects voltages 10 inches or greater from source and most elbow test points


  • Weighs less than 1 pound


  • Loud beeper and LED lights indicate voltage


  • A full charge takes only 3 hours and gives 1 week of continuous use


  • Made in the USA


  • Can be used on 50Hz and 60Hz systems

  • To get more information visit the Web page for the PRX-500 on our Web site at HDElectricCompany.com.


    CONTACT:

    HD Electric Company

    1475 Lakeside Drive

    Waukegan, IL 60085 USA

    Phone: 847-473-4980

    Fax: 847-473-4981

    www.HDElectricCompany.com

    Terra Spectrum Technologies Partners with Surveylab to Bring ikeGPSTM to the Vegetation Management Market

    DES MOINES, Iowa. – Terra Spectrum Technologies, Inc. has partnered with Surveylab, based in the United States and Wellington, New Zealand, to provide the leading mobile GIS technology, ikeGPSTM, to the North American vegetation management market.


    ikeGPS integrates a laser range finder, digital camera, GPS and 3D digital compass in a single handheld device to capture GPS locations of multiple remote targets from a single position and augment them with digital field notes, measurements, and verification images. A unique advantage of ikeGPS over other field data capture devices is the ability to measure the heights and clearances of vegetation with ikeAnnotate software, which transforms high resolution photos into TrueSize images calibrated with onboard location and angle data.


    ikeGPS will be offered as a standalone device as well as bundled with Terra Spectrum Technologies’ VMSuiteTM software for vegetation management workflow. Specifically, data captured with the ikeGPS will sync with the PlannerVMTM workplanning application and database and InsightVMTM, a secure, web based customer portal. With VMSuite, data can be augmented with circuit identification, digital signatures, assessment and prescription, crew assignments, and even LIDAR datasets. Data rich work orders are then generated, and management can track crew progress and monitor system health with unparalleled efficiency.


    Together, the technologies will transform field data capture and build a complete picture of vegetation, property and work within distribution, transmission and critical infrastructure protection systems.


    Wright Tree Service, Inc. and CN Utility Consulting, Inc., both sister companies of Terra Spectrum Technologies, will assist in bringing the ikeGPS to the industry as a value added technology solution.


    “Partnering with ikeGPS is a logical step in helping our customers strengthen their vegetation management programs through increased productivity and improved compliance,” said Scott Packard, chairman and CEO of the Wright Service Corp. family of companies.

    “We are pleased to be joining Terra Spectrum Technologies in bringing our powerful vegetation management solution to the industry. We are confident that ikeGPS combined with VMSuite will help utility companies and their contractors improve their field operations and reduce costs,” said Glenn Milnes, CEO of Surveylab.


    About Terra Spectrum Technologies

    Terra Spectrum Technologies is committed to providing the technology solutions necessary to advance vegetation management programs. Products from Terra Spectrum Technologies bring increased productivity and improved compliance to infrastructure maintenance, particularly in the utility vegetation management and telecommunications industries. Terra Spectrum Technologies is the sole distributor of ikeGPS by Surveylab for the North American vegetation management market and a member of the Wright Service Corp. family of companies. Visit terra-spectrum.com for more information.


    About ikeGPS by Surveylab

    ikeGPS by Surveylab is a strategic partner of Terra Spectrum Technologies. Founded in 2003, ikeGPS has quickly become a global leader in mobile GIS data collection. ikeGPS technology is used by utility and telecommunications companies around the world, and any company with assets that need to be mapped, tracked, or monitored. Products are supported by a global network of distributors and value-added resellers. Visit ikegps.com for more information.


    Contact

    Brescia Berg, Corporate Communication Manager, Wright Service Corp.

    (515) 271-1104

    bberg@wrightservicecorp.com

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    At the Briefing Room you will be able to stay up-to-date on the latest technology announcements where we will provide daily postings from our industry sources. Here you can check out the full range of vendor-supplied information including product releases, business development activity, career advancements and new literature.

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