Solutions Current Issues > Jan.Feb.Mar_08 > ICE STORM DOESN’T DETER DELIVERIES
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ICE STORM DOESN’T DETER DELIVERIES
RLH was prepared for power outage.
During the week of December 10th, millions of people across the central United States experienced the worst power outage in memory. In Oklahoma, more than 600,000 homes and businesses — including RL Hudson — were left in the dark. But thanks to a little ingenuity, a lot of work and a powerful diesel generator, many of our customers were unaware of the problem.
Most RL Hudson employees woke up to dark, cold homes on Monday morning. Heavy rain and low temperatures the previous night had coated power lines and trees with a thick layer of ice.
“I’ve never seen anything quite like it,” said company president Rick Hudson.“There were shattered trees and downed power lines everywhere. It looked like a tornado had blown through.”
Fortunately, the company recently installed a 230-kilowatt Kohler generator powered by a turbocharged John Deere engine. At the slightest power interruption, the generator kicks on to maintain power for critical functions including shipping and receiving and IT. According to chief financial and administrative officer Jay Betz, the new system passed its first test with flying colors.
Assistant warehouse manager Robert Pitchford said his shipping and receiving crew was out in full force, supported by the entire RL Hudson team. He described managers driving their own vehicles to make out-of-town deliveries as needed and employees from every area of the company pitching in to help ensure customers got their parts on time. “I’m kind of a newbie here,” said Robert, “and it’s great to see everyone doing whatever it takes to support the customer. I’m really proud to be a part of this team.”
WEATHERING THE STORM: A major ice storm hit the Central Plains and Midwest in mid-December. Millions of homes and businesses in Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma lost power for as long as ten days. Despite a three-day outage at RL Hudson, customers received shipments on time.
