Learn About MacLean Power Systems (MPS): Products and Services Overview

MacLean Power Systems (MPS) is a leading manufacturer specializing in products for the electric utility, telecommunications, and civil construction markets. Established in 1986 and headquartered in Fort Mill, South Carolina, MPS has developed a strong reputation for delivering high-quality components that are essential for the maintenance and construction of electrical infrastructure.

• Founded: 1986
• Headquarters: Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
• Employees: Approximately 1,900 globally
• Annual Revenue: Projected to exceed $900 million in 2023
• Facilities: 14 manufacturing sites worldwide

With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, MPS plays a vital role in supporting the modernization of power grids and communication networks. The company’s extensive product offerings are designed to meet the evolving needs of its customers while ensuring safety and reliability across various applications.

I.  Company History

A. Founding and Early Years

MacLean Power Systems was founded as a subsidiary of MacLean-Fogg Company, which has roots dating back to 1925. Initially focused on providing essential components for the railroad industry, MPS shifted its focus to the electric utility sector in the mid-1980s. This strategic pivot allowed MPS to leverage its manufacturing expertise in producing critical components for electrical infrastructure.

B. Timeline of Growth

• 1986: MPS is established as part of MacLean-Fogg.
• 1990s-2000s: The company expands its product lines to include a variety of utility hardware and telecommunications products.
• 2023: MPS acquires Inertia Engineering & Machine Works, enhancing its portfolio with advanced overhead switchgear technology.
• 2024: The company receives a majority equity investment from Centerbridge Partners, positioning it for further growth.

II.  Corporate Structure and Leadership

A. Current Leadership Team

MacLean Power Systems (MPS) is guided by a team of experienced executives dedicated to driving the company’s strategic vision and operational excellence. Key members of the leadership team include:

• Steve Scharnhorst: President and Chief Executive Officer
  With extensive experience in the utility sector, Steve has been instrumental in positioning MPS for growth and innovation.
• Mike Edmonds: Chief Commercial Officer
  Recently appointed, Mike brings over 25 years of industry experience and focuses on expanding MPS’s market presence and customer engagement.
• Glen Ferguson: Chief Financial Officer
  Glen oversees financial strategy and operations, ensuring the company’s fiscal health and sustainability.

This leadership team collaborates to enhance product development, optimize customer experience, and strengthen corporate governance while maintaining a focus on quality, safety, and innovation in the electric utility, telecommunications, and civil sectors.

B. Ownership and Investment

In March 2024, MPS received a significant equity investment from Centerbridge Partners, a leading private investment firm. This partnership allows MPS to enhance its capabilities and expand its product offerings while maintaining MacLean-Fogg’s minority ownership position.

Barry L. MacLean, Chairman of MacLean-Fogg, expressed confidence in this partnership:

“MPS’ management team has done an excellent job positioning the company for growth across multiple markets, and we are pleased to align ourselves with a strong capital partner.”

The investment is expected to support MPS’s strategic initiatives and further enhance its ability to meet customer needs effectively.

III. Product Offerings

MacLean Power Systems provides an extensive range of products essential for electric utilities and telecommunications:

A. Overview of Product Lines

MPS’s product offerings include:

• Pole Line Hardware: Fasteners, bolts, washers, banding products, and lashing products that ensure secure installations.
• Insulators: High-performance silicone rubber non-ceramic insulators designed for reliability in various environmental conditions.
• Surge Arresters: Devices that protect electrical systems from voltage spikes, ensuring system integrity during surges.
• Connectors: Automatic splices and bolted connectors suitable for various conductor materials.
• Anchors: Foundation anchors and guy strain anchors that provide stability for utility structures.

MPS produces over 10,000 items, emphasizing local manufacturing to ensure high service levels while adhering to sustainability initiatives.

B. Specialized Products

In addition to standard offerings, MPS has developed specialized products tailored to meet specific industry needs:

• Small Cell Wireless Products: Solutions designed for enhancing wireless communication infrastructure.
• Grounding Products: Comprehensive grounding solutions that ensure safety in electrical installations.

IV. Market Presence

A. Geographic Reach

MacLean Power Systems (MPS) operates on a global scale, with a strong presence in various regions, including:

• North America: The primary market, with multiple manufacturing facilities across the United States and Canada.
• South America: Expanding operations to meet the growing demand for utility infrastructure.
• Asia: A joint venture established in Guangzhou, China, to cater to the rapidly growing Asian market.
• Europe: Facilities in France and partnerships that enhance MPS’s footprint in the European market.

MPS maintains a network of sales offices worldwide, ensuring effective customer support and service delivery.

B. Key Markets Served

MPS serves three major markets:

1. Utility Sector: Providing essential products for building and maintaining transmission and distribution lines and substations.
2. Telecommunications Sector: Supplying hardware for communication infrastructure, including small cell solutions and pole line hardware.
3. Civil Construction Market: Offering engineered solutions for various construction needs, including anchoring systems and grounding products.

The diversification across these markets allows MPS to mitigate risks associated with market fluctuations while capitalizing on growth opportunities in each sector.

V. Recent Developments and Future Outlook

A. Recent Acquisitions

MacLean Power Systems (MPS) has been actively expanding its capabilities through strategic acquisitions, strengthening its position in the market:

1. Inertia Engineering & Machine Works
   • Acquisition Date: September 2023
   • Overview: Inertia is known for its innovative products in the transmission and distribution sector, particularly overhead switchgear technology. This acquisition enhances MPS’s existing product portfolio and allows for greater geographic reach in serving utility customers.
   • CEO Steve Scharnhorst’s Statement: “We are thrilled that Inertia is now part of the MPS team. Together we will expand our reach geographically while leveraging our combined technical proficiency.”
2. Dotson Iron Castings
   • Acquisition Date: May 2023
   • Overview: Dotson is a century-old ductile iron foundry located in Mankato, Minnesota. This acquisition is part of MPS’s vertical integration strategy, aimed at improving production capacity and reducing lead times for critical transmission hardware.
   • CEO Steve Scharnhorst’s Comment: “This acquisition accelerates our vertical integration strategy, allowing us to serve our customers’ needs more effectively.”

These acquisitions not only broaden MPS’s product offerings but also enhance its supply chain efficiency, enabling quicker response times to customer demands.

B. Strategic Goals

With the backing of a majority equity investment from Centerbridge Partners, MPS is positioned for accelerated growth. The partnership aims to:

• Expand Product Offerings: Continue developing innovative products that meet the evolving needs of the electric utility and telecommunications sectors.
• Strengthen Market Presence: Leverage the combined strengths of MPS and its acquisitions to enhance service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Focus on Sustainability: Maintain a commitment to eco-friendly practices in manufacturing while supporting renewable energy initiatives.

Steve Scharnhorst emphasized the importance of these goals:

“We are excited to partner with Centerbridge at such an important time for our industry, as we work towards modernizing and hardening our electrical grid.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is MacLean Power Systems?

MacLean Power Systems (MPS) is a leading manufacturer of products for the electric utility, telecommunications, and civil markets, providing essential components for building and maintaining electrical infrastructure.

What types of products does MacLean Power Systems offer?

MPS offers a wide range of products, including:

• Pole line hardware
• Insulators
• Surge arresters
• Connectors
• Anchors
• Grounding products
• Small cell wireless products

Is MacLean Power Systems ISO certified?

Yes, MPS is ISO 9001:2015 certified, ensuring high-quality standards across its manufacturing processes.

How does MacLean Power Systems address Buy America certification demands?

MPS has developed a Buy America Certified Catalog to meet the demand for compliant products. The company ensures all iron and steel materials used in these products are of U.S. origin from melt.

How does MPS support training and technical assistance?

MPS offers various training options, including product demonstrations, bonding and grounding seminars, and dedicated sales support to assist customers with product selection and installation practices.

Can I request product customization from MacLean Power Systems?

Yes, MPS provides customized solutions tailored to meet specific customer needs across various applications in the utility and telecommunications sectors. Customers can consult with their representatives to discuss customization options.