PLP becomes first fiber-optic closure, pole line hardware manufacturer to self-certify - Broadband Communities

Posted by Brad Randall | Aug 22, 2024 | BEAD, COMPANY NEWS, Investment, NEWS

By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities

Manufacturer PLP, a maker of critical broadband infrastructure components, last week announced they have become the first fiber optic closure and pole line hardware manufacturer to self-certify several of their core products as compliant with the Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program.

The Build America, Buy America Act, or BABA Act, required US companies using government subsidies to primarily purchase equipment from domestic suppliers.

PLP, based in Cleveland, operates plants in Arkansas, North Carolina, and Ohio.

Their list of BABA-compliant products includes items like their line of enclosures, iron and steel products like false dead-ends, and other network equipment like splice trays, spiral vibration dampers, and air-flow spoilers, to name a few.

According to an August 16 release from PLP, the company has invested $60 million in new facilities, capacity enhancements, and equipment upgrades since the beginning of 2022.

The moves, which included a $27 million expansion project at the company’s manufacturing plant in Rogers, Arkansas, and the acquisition of a new manufacturing facility in Peninsula, Ohio, have only strengthened PLP’s manufacturing operations, the company’s release stated.

John Hofstetter, Executive Vice President of U.S. Operations at PLP, said PLP is committed to ensuring customers that their infrastructure projects will adhere to BABA guidelines.

“Not only because it supports American jobs and the overall economy, but also because it aligns with our long-standing pledge to provide our customers with the highest-quality American-made products backed by unparalleled local support,” Hofstetter said.

Matthew Becker, who was also quoted in PLP’s announcement, said PLP self certifies hundreds of core products.

“We anticipate this number to quickly grow into the thousands as we continuously evaluate existing SKUs and bring new domestic production resources online,” Becker said.

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