Over the last few
years the challenge of change has impacted power systems companies in
many ways, but one company, Waukesha Electric Systems, has been particularly
effective at mapping out and implementing its growth strategy.
Today, Waukesha Electric
Systems (WES) stands out not only as the largest domestic manufacturer
of medium-power and large-power transformers (top-rated to 800 MVA), but
also as a leading supplier of total energy solutions.
Serving the public
power, investor-owned utilities, merchant power providers (GenCo) and
industrial/commercial firms, WES has placed a particular emphasis on product
quality and reliability and launched a company-wide initiative to optimize
the design and manufacture of transformers at each of its plants. WES
also provides complete substations that offer innovative solutions in
quick turnaround configurations and offers installation, maintenance,
parts and training to ensure top performance and maximum value.
"We're proud
of the reputation we've built over the years in transformers. But our
story doesn't end there," says Nancy M. Dickman, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Waukesha Electric Systems, Inc. "These days,
our capabilities are unprecedented, allowing us to continue to grow to
meet our customer's ever-changing power delivery needs."
The current deregulating
energy marketplace has created a real need for experienced suppliers who
can deliver total turnkey design, construction and maintenance solutions.
"WES is meeting this demand," says Dickman, "through strategic
alliances and acquisitions of reliable partners. One example of this is
our recent acquisition of Power Systems Development, Inc. PSD is recognized
as one of the premier substation design/build firms in the United States
and is enhancing Waukesha's capabilities as a provider of complete energy
systems solutions, including "Bridge to Grid" generation station
packages."
Another way WES
is growing to meet customer needs is with its new WES Link(tm) portal
on the Internet. WES Link(TM) has two facets: WES View(TM), which offers
customers the ability for real-time collaboration with Waukesha engineers
on drawings, certified test reports, specifications and other customer-specific
documentation; and WES Status(TM), which allows customers immediate access
to information concerning the status of their orders at any Waukesha manufacturing
location. "WES Link(TM) is designed to enhance our customers' experience,"
says Dickman. "It is a priority for WES to be a company that customers
look forward to doing business with."
The Waukesha Electric
Systems story began a little more than 30 years ago, when RTE Corporation
(now Cooper Power Systems), a supplier of smaller distribution transformers
based in Waukesha, WI, formed a joint venture with ASEA (later ABB) to
supply power transformers. Dickman joined the firm in 1990 as General
Accounting Supervisor, ascending to Controller, Division Controller and
Chief Financial Officer/Vice President of what has grown to become a multi-business,
$375 million company today.
In October 1999,
she was named General Manager and Vice President of the Waukesha, WI headquarters
facility, where she helped spearhead the company's recent $22 million
plant expansion. Today, the Waukesha operation encompasses nearly 400,000
square feet of manufacturing, engineering, corporate support and advanced
R&D space. WES also has facilities in Milpitas, CA (large-power transformers),
Goldsboro, NC (medium-power transformers), Canton, OH (PSD Division for
substation design/build/EPC), and Dallas, TX (High Voltage Supply Division,
a supplier of re-engineered load tap changers, circuit breaker components,
service and training).
WES research and
development, based at its Waukesha facility, includes work with the Department
of Energy and a consortium of private companies to develop an advanced
HTS (high-temperature superconductivity) transformer. Phase I of a comprehensive
three-phase program has been completed with the construction of a 1 MVA,
single-phase design validation prototype. Phase II, scheduled for completion
in 2002, includes further design refinements and the construction and
testing of a 5 MVA, three-phase unit that will provide power to the newly
expanded WES plant in Waukesha, WI. Phase III will lead to the manufacture
and commercialization of a 30 MVA transformer for utility applications.
The HTS superconductivity transformer will allow utilities and industry
to provide more reliable power to homes and businesses, as demand for
electricity increases and the nation's existing systems continue to age.
In October 2001,
Dickman was promoted to President & CEO of Waukesha Electric Systems -
a role she is uniquely qualified to fill after having demonstrated her
solid management skills under three different parent companies for WES
- MagneTek, General Signal Corporation, and SPX Corporation (the current
parent company).
What does the future
hold for WES and its customers? "Each of our 1,400 employees are
committed to growth - not just for growth's sake, but to provide our customers
with the energy solutions they need," says Dickman. "Through
quality products, dedicated service, engineering design and project management
know-how, Waukesha Electric Systems continues to explore and develop new
and better ways to serve our customers."
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