Under CARES ACT stimulus funding for rural broadband, a large fiber optic telecommunications installation project was undertaken by Wind River Internet - Northern Arapaho Tribal Industries to provide connectivity to underserved areas in Wyoming.
Challenge
Wind River had need for a large order—over one million feet—of ¾-in., 1¼-in. and 2-in. communications conduit for a large fiber project in sections of rural Wyoming. In this application, fiber-optic cable is inserted in the HDPE conduit. The communications conduit must be strong, flexible—but rigid enough to protect the integrity of the fiber cable—and easy to install. There was an immediate need by the customer. The main challenge was finding a supplier who could fulfill the large order in a short lead time, ship the conduit, allow the project work to begin and complete the project by end-of-year 2020.
For this project, United Poly Systems (UPS) worked directly with its distributor, Graybar, to supply the conduit required for Wind River Internet’s fiber optic telecommunications project.
UPS Solution
UPS jumped into action with a response plan. Quotes were completed and sent to Wind River in record time. UPS provided a much faster lead time, in this case two weeks for first delivery, which was much quicker than the competitor’s lead time. The total length of the conduit order was 1,017,570 feet of ¾-in., 1¼-in. and 2-in. communications conduit.
The conduit was installed on reels for shipping and the first load was delivered ahead of schedule in one week. The conduit was manufactured in the UPS Albuquerque, New Mexico plant and delivered to the project location in Riverton, Wyoming.
“UPS is a great partner to Graybar,” commented Michael Sutherland, Senior Outside Sales Representative at Graybar. “When Wind River Internet contacted Graybar regarding their fiber optic telecommunications project, I knew I needed to connect with UPS right away and see what could be done. The project timeline was extremely tight and the team at UPS was very quick to react. Graybar relies on partners like UPS to help fulfil material needs in a timely and competitive manner. We are thankful for the opportunity to work with UPS and Wind River Internet on this opportunity!”
Patrick Lawson, Executive Manager of Wind River Internet - Northern Arapahoe Tribal Industries added, “United Poly Systems was a life saver. Without them we could not have completed the project on time. We had to get this done by the end of the year, and more importantly, get as much work completed as possible before the ground freezes. Getting the conduit in time allowed us to do this. We are very happy with their product and their service. They really came through for us.”
Results
- Fast response on initial quote
- Able to start manufacturing quickly
- Competitive price
- Much faster lead time for delivery
- Outstanding supplier response and service
- Flexibility in proposal process; all contingencies available for customer satisfaction
About United Poly Systems
United Poly Systems produces quality HDPE pipe in diameters from ¾-in. to 26-in. IPS, 4-in. to 24-in. DIPS and ¾-in. to 2-in. CTS for use in many industries including telecommunications, power utility, water, electrical and oil and gas. The market for HDPE pipe continues to expand as initiatives to improve, repair and expand the country’s infrastructure are implemented.
Our off-the-shelf HDPE conduit/pipe is available in a variety of sizes, colors, dimensions and lengths, with or without stripes. We also offer fully customizable HDPE conduit options. In addition, piping can be customized with a ribbed interior (to maximize the distance cable may be pulled or jetted), pull tape, or a lubricated interior (for easier installation).
Success at UPS can be attributed to our vast experience, extensive client relationships, state-of-the-art manufacturing and quality processes. Our agile business model that allows UPS to quickly meet customers’ needs without the overhead expenses that are incurred by many of the larger producers in the industry.
Conveniently located in Springfield, Missouri and Albuquerque, New Mexico, United Poly Systems can provide quick delivery to a majority of the U.S. market.