Around the Industry

Hubbell teams with university on power reliability research

The University of South Carolina said Hubbell Power Systems has joined its research center for Grid-connected Advanced Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES). The center, a collaborative effort between USC and the University of Arkansas, conducts research on electronic systems that will be components of future smart grids. The center is administered by the National Sciences Foundation and funded by the member companies. The companies, such as Hubbell Power Systems, which is headquartered in Columbia, S.C., identify the most challenging technical advances that are needed by electrical utilities.

Van Meter opens green branch

Van Meter Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, opened a new location in Iowa City, Iowa, last week that showcases the company's energy-efficient products and is in the process of becoming LEED-certified. Among its interesting features are an indoor drive-thru where customers can use to pick up will-call orders without leaving their vehicles; a high-tech training center; and a large customer service sales counter. The 22,840-square-foot facility features LED lighting and controls, a geothermal heating and cooling system, electric-vehicle charging stations and a 14kW solar system. The new branch allows Van Meter to expand its local inventory levels by over 30 percent. Van Meter had outgrown its previous Iowa City location and broke ground on the new building in July 2011.

EMCOR enjoys 16.7% growth in 4Q

Emcor Group, Norwalk, Conn., reported that its revenues increased 16.7% to $1.52 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011, compared to revenues of $1.30 billion in the year ago period. In a press release announcing the financials, Tony Guzzi, president and CEO said, “While I am very pleased with our results, we continue to operate in the trough of the economic cycle and a sustained upturn remains difficult to predict. Our backlog is solid with an improving mix of attractive commercial and industrial work; however backlog is now entirely composed of projects won during these challenging economic times with margins representative of the competitive pressures from the recession.”