MADISON, WI — (Marketwired) — 07/16/13 — ikeGPS, manufacturer of location-based field-data collection solutions has forged a strategic marketing agreement with engineering & construction firm, Black & McDonald, to target the U.S. joint-use utility pole market.
As the U.S. communications and electric grid grows, so has the demand and load on the utility pole infrastructure. Today, utility poles are not only carrying electric wire, CATV, street lighting, and telephone wire, they are also carrying fiber optic cable and occasionally cellular antennas. Managing and maintaining that infrastructure is an increasing priority for utility and telecommunications companies, as well as for state and local government agencies.
With Black & McDonald–s market reach and expertise along with the ikeGPS technology that includes a digital camera, GPS, laser-range-finder and more, the two companies aim to streamline the way joint-use utility poles are inventoried.
Says ikeGPS CEO, Glenn Milnes, “The ikeGPS can more than double the rate at which poles can be measured and mapped, while also making it easier and safer for utility crews to do the work. ikeGPS is excited to partner with Black & McDonald to tap into this market.”
Eric Vogel, VP of Operations for Black & McDonald, commented, “Black & McDonald believes our strategic partnership with ikeGPS will redefine the process by which utilities perform pole loading analyses. The ikeGPS development team has worked with Black & McDonald to introduce features that increase productivity, improve quality and ultimate reduce the cost of service to our customers.”
ikeGPS has grown from an idea of a New Zealand engineer surveying radio sites in to a company delivering mobile geospatial solutions across the globe, quickly becoming a global player in the utility and defense segments with laser-camera-GPS technology and measurement and 3D modeling software solutions.
The ikeGPS team is committed to producing innovative solutions for customers in a wide range of industries. Its technology is used by utilities, defense forces, intelligence groups, energy companies, state and local governments, police, and federal authorities. ikeGPS has headquarters in Wellington, New Zealand and operates offices in the U.S. and the U.K.
Black & McDonald (B&M) is a privately held contractor that has been providing electrical services for over 90 years. We provide engineering, construction and maintenance services to electric utilities, municipalities, industrial and commercial customers from our facilities located throughout the US and Canada. Safety is the number one priority on all of our projects as evidenced by our exceptional safety performance.
Brian Soliday
SVP and Media Relations Contact
Phone: +1.703-760-8601