Utilities Tech Outlook Weekly Brief
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In the utility pole hardware industry, life safety is not just a priority. It is the governing mechanism. At VAF Industries, LLC, the responsibility for ensuring the safety of linemen climbing poles or working with towers is taken seriously in every phase of product development. Buzzy Sailer, vice president of VAF Industries, champions a zero-defect approach to engineering that is driven by the real-world challenges faced by the people who rely on these tools every day. VAF Industries has built its reputation on delivering products that not only meet but exceed industry standards, with every design rooted in rigorous field testing, feedback, and a commitment to quality and safety. Its products are not designed in a conference room. They are shaped by the field, with every new innovation directly addressing the needs of linemen and utility crews. From tamper-resistant nuts to custom pole-climbing steps, each product undergoes a thorough testing process to ensure it withstands the physical demands of the job. By placing life-safety execution at the center of its design philosophy, VAF ensures that its products protect those who put their lives on the line every day. Focused on Service and Reliability Before becoming a driving force behind the company’s success, Mr. Sailer spent years working alongside line crews as a subcontractor for San Diego Gas and Electric. He was not observing from a distance. He was on job sites every day, watching how linemen moved, where they struggled, and how often the tools and climbing equipment they relied on were either outdated or not suited to modern demands. It was in these small, overlooked details that he saw opportunity. He noticed nuts that were too easy to remove from towers, climbing systems that no longer aligned with evolving safety standards, and steps that could not withstand harsh environments. Those observations eventually grew into the earliest ideas for VAF Industries, a company created to solve real field problems with practical, durable solutions.
Since 1987, QB Fabrication & Welding has been a prominent utility supplier, specializing in the production of steel structures for transmission and substations. The company’s inception involved addressing emergency projects for federal, state, local, and prime contractors within the utility industry. Acknowledging the imperative for dependable power during community emergencies, the company has steadfastly maintained this commitment, ultimately growing into the premier manufacturer of steel lattice towers in the Northwest. QB Fabrication’s influence extends beyond its origin, taking on projects spanning from Canada to the city of San Francisco, where it excels in the manufacturing of custom-tailored substation structures and distribution components. As a utility supplier strategically positioned to support the Western grid from the Pacific to the Rocky Mountains states, the company emphasizes maintaining robust relationships with suppliers, crucial for ensuring on-time delivery. With a commendable 20-year association with the Bonneville Power Administration, QB Fabrication has consistently exceeded expectations in delivering high-quality products. QB Fabrication has proactively engaged with state authorities to support training programs and educational initiatives to mitigate the challenge of attracting passionate and skilled individuals to the industry in response to the shifting landscape of the post-pandemic workforce. However, the challenge persists, exacerbated by the nationwide goal of achieving 100 percent clean energy by 2035. While clients express enthusiasm for the industry’s future, the demand for expanding and upgrading transmission lines within an aggressive timeline poses a formidable task for all stakeholders. QB Fabrication has effectively addressed the domino effect impacting suppliers by undergoing a substantial transformation. This includes an 81 percent increase in manpower, the implementation of dual sourcing, the adoption of new equipment and processes in the shipment department, and significant maintenance and upgrades to its facilities. The company’s ability to adapt is attributed to its hardworking team, actively involved in training new personnel and working overtime to meet project demands. Despite the challenges, QB Fabrication prioritizes the well-being of its people. QB Fabrication’s manufacturing plant spans approximately 5 acres and boasts a monthly steel production capacity exceeding 500,000 pounds.
From a high vantage point overlooking the city, it’s clear how much effort goes into ensuring water reaches every household. Yet, as you observe the intricate network, a thought arises - millions of gallons flow through the domestic water system only to be discarded at the end as waste. What if, instead of wasting this precious resource, there was a way to recycle, reclaim and reUse it, ultimately preserving water for future generations? reUse is a wastewater treatment company that recognizes this issue and offers a groundbreaking solution. The company’s advanced MBR treatment systems are designed to produce high quality effluent suitable for a range of applications, including non-potable uses like irrigation of public parks, school yards, athletic fields, residential lawns, firefighting activities and much more. Its technology also opens pathways for both indirect and direct potable reuse, providing communities and developers with flexible, sustainable water reuse options. Technology Empowering a Sustainable World The foundation of reUse’s approach lies in its advanced Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) System, a solution that combines advanced biological processes with state-of-the-art membrane filtration. At the core of this system is the A3 MaxFlow rigid-plate membrane, featuring ultra-fine pores (absolute 0.038 microns), blocking pathogens and suspended solids, and ensuring exceptional filtration. Paired with a robust BNR (Biological Nutrient Removal) process, the System efficiently degrades organics and effectively reduces nitrogen and phosphorus, producing the highest quality effluent in the industry, making it ideal for diverse applications. Setting a New Standard of Design Beyond it’s consistently clean effluent, the System is completely turning conventional design concepts upside down, no longer relying on large and complex designs. “Our MBR System eliminates the need for conventional components like clarifiers, oversized aerobic basins, chlorine contact chambers, and sludge digesters,” explains Randall Nelson, C.O.O & Founding Member. “This reduces the plant’s footprint by 40-50%, offering a more efficient and sustainable solution for municipalities and developments with space constraints.” Not only does the System significantly reduce the overall process footprint and complexity, it also greatly reduces onsite construction. All equipment is manufactured, pre-assembled onto equipment skids, prewired and pre-plumbed before being delivered to the site for final installation costs - reducing onsite labor costs by as much as 80% over conventional plants. Further, every system undergoes rigorous testing and review to ensure that it meets industry standards and also has the flexibility to adapt to future growth. While the System’s core process and membranes have remained consistent for over 16 years, reUse is continuously refining each new system to ensure it meets the most stringent environmental, operational and effluent capabilities. “Our compact, simplified design and reduced labor requirements deliver significant savings and a quicker ROI,” adds Gaby Bolaños, V.P. of Sales & Marketing. “This makes our systems especially attractive to land developers, municipalities and utility companies seeking reliable and cost-effective solutions.” A Client-Centered Approach to Turnkey Solutions The company offers a full turn- key solution and manages every aspect of the project, including planning, designing, regulation, construction and system installation while also providing operational support as needed.
Todd Hranicka, Director - Energy Services, Public Service Electric & Gas Company
Julian Kaufmann, Executive Vice President, CAMS
Patricia Provot, President of the Americas, Armstrong International
Bill Quinlan, President of Transmission and Offshore Wind Projects, Eversource
Diana Jenkins, Manager, Customer Development, and Lauren Kriz, Marketing Specialist, Nicor Gas
Utility pole line hardware demand grows as infrastructure modernizes and utilities prioritize resilient, efficient, and future-ready power and communication networks.
Utility pole line hardware ensures grid reliability through durable design, advanced materials, and innovations in manufacturing for modern energy needs.
Engineering the Backbone of a Modern Utility Grid
At the center of this issue is VAF Industries LLC, recognized as the Utility Pole Line Hardware Products Manufacturer of the Year 2026. VAF’s distinction lies in its uncompromising focus on life safety and zero-defect engineering. Built on firsthand field experience, the company has redefined how pole and tower hardware is designed, tested, and deployed. Its patented climbing steps, tamper-resistant hardware, and corrosion-resistant components directly address evolving OSHA and ANSI requirements while remaining intuitive for linemen operating in demanding environments.
Beyond the cover story, this edition recognizes leadership shaping the broader utility ecosystem. Bill Quinlan, President of Transmission and Offshore Wind Projects at Eversource, illustrates how disciplined investment in poles, wires, and grid infrastructure strengthens resilience while enabling large-scale renewable integration.
Equally important are environmental and operational perspectives from utilities themselves. Christy Clark, Director of Environmental Management and Safety at DTE Energy, demonstrates how biodiversity-focused initiatives can coexist with grid reliability, underscoring how environmental stewardship is becoming embedded in daily utility operations rather than treated as a parallel function.
From a systems perspective, Todd Hranicka, Director - Energy Services at PSE&G, outlines how energy storage can enhance grid reliability, support renewable integration, and defer traditional infrastructure upgrades when aligned with clear regulatory frameworks.
Together, these stories reinforce a central takeaway the future of utilities will be shaped by leaders and manufacturers who align safety, infrastructure resilience, and environmental responsibility with executional discipline. We invite readers to explore this issue and engage with the insights defining the next phase of utility transformation.
