The January 27, 2009 ice storm is now being billed “the biggest natural disaster Kentucky has ever seen in modern history”. An estimated 700,000 people were left without power as utility and communications services into the affected areas were devastated. Southwest Kentucky was hardest hit, particularly the territories of Hickman Fulton Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) and Jackson Purchase Energy Corporation. As utility crews worked around the clock - battling subzero conditions - the challenge was not just repairing downed lines, but instead rebuilding a ravaged utility infrastructure from the ground up.

Just prior to the storm, Cox Industries, Inc. reached out to customers as reinforcement of our preparedness and inventory capabilities. Once initial storm assessments were made and orders started generating, employees from Cox facilities opened communications with one another: Carolina Pole in Eutawville, SC; Carolina Pole in Leland, North Carolina; and Cox Wood of Alabama in Vance, Alabama. Between the three locations, Cox shipped a total of 171 loads of material; 165 loads of poles, 5 loads of cross arms and 1 load of cross braces.

Field service efforts were led by Marvin Burnette and Coleman Allen with assistance from Chris Coker, Angie Blake and Andrea Edwards (all Cox Industrial Sales personnel). Communication was integral throughout the response to ensure that appropriate preservatives were being used and to coordinate loading and shipping of materials. Shipments were made around the clock; Cox drivers, working in conjunction with outside carriers, ensured prompt delivery regardless of the hour of day.

A unique solution during the emergency response was the decision to manufacture cross arm braces at Cox’s furniture and remanufacturing facility in Orangeburg, South Carolina (Palmetto Manufacturing). Phillip Kizer, Plant Manager, quickly assembled teams and redirected concentrations to produce, by hand, products typically made only at industrial pole plants. The cross arm braces were then sent to North Wood Preserving for treatment and shipped out by equipment from various Cox locations including Augusta Wood Preserving.

Cox Wood of Alabama played a very important role in the successful efforts. Located closer to the impacted sites, Vance became the primary supply point for Hickman Fulton EMC who just recently switched from Penta to CCA-ET. Dale Nicholas and the staff of Cox’s newest industrial facility handled the task as if they had been providing emergency disaster aid for years. Many compliments have been received on their excellent service and performance.

As Cox leaders assess the response to this emergency, the impact of Cox Core Values quickly becomes apparent. Teamwork and Communication allowed teams to maximize resources, logistics and production capabilities resulting in prompt and efficient service. Employees were Empowered to make necessary decisions and exceeded all expectations. Unmatched Services and Processes were evident in the shear volume of material that was moved in a short period of time. In addition to assisting our own customer base, Cox delivered to 10 customers that had never before purchased from Cox, because their routine suppliers were not immediately available. Cox Industries also worked side by side with Brown Wood Preserving, an Alliance partner, to produce and deliver materials to customers in need.

Burnette stated, “I have worked for two other pole companies and have never seen the kind of energy exerted to accomplish what Mike Rouse (Carolina Pole, Leland), Dale Nicholas (Cox Wood of Alabama), and staff were able to...they always come through”.

Many others in the Cox family of employees were part of this effort. Our sincerest thanks go out to each and every employee involved for performing to the high standards set by Cox and our Core Values. Also, to friends at Brown Wood Preserving, it is great to have such strong partnerships in our industry.