The Benefits of US-Manufactured Power Pedestals

In today’s world, you may find yourself dealing with supply chain disruptions, inconsistent product quality, and ever-extending lead times. 

These challenges can be especially frustrating when you’re striving to meet customer demands and maintain a competitive edge. If you’ve been impacted by these issues, you’re certainly not alone, and you’re likely seeking a reliable solution.

At Pedoc, we have over 45 years of experience in metal fabrication, we have been fabricating top-of-the-line pedestals for over 15 years. With a steadfast commitment to innovation and quality, we are uniquely positioned to address these challenges. 

Our journey has evolved from manual labor to embracing cutting-edge, computer-driven technologies, streamlining our operations to deliver unparalleled value. USA-based manufacturing aligns with our core values of integrity and quality, making us a trusted partner in the industry.

In this article, we’ll be diving into how USA-based manufacturing can offer solutions to many of the challenges you’re facing. By the end, you’ll have actionable insights into why “Made in the USA” is more than just a label—it’s a commitment to excellence that can drive your business forward.

We’ll be covering:

• Supply chain concerns
• Quality control 
• Flexibility
• Shipping and lead times
• The challenges of importing
• Customer satisfaction

Supply Chain Concerns

The Benefits of Local Sourcing

One of the most significant advantages of being a USA-based manufacturer is the ability to source all of our materials locally. 

This eliminates the dependency on overseas suppliers, and reduces the risks associated with international shipping delays, customs issues, and other uncertainties. Local sourcing allows our team here at Pedoc to have greater control over our production scheduling, ensuring that we can meet customer demands efficiently and effectively.

Reliability Among Uncertainty

The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted global supply chains, affecting many manufacturers who relied on overseas suppliers. 

However, our decision to source all materials domestically proved to be a game-changer. Our in-house labor and local sourcing meant that we experienced little to no hiccups in our operations. We were never delayed in shipping, and we were always able to fulfill our customers’ orders.

Quality Control 

A Comprehensive Approach to Quality Control

At Pedoc, quality assurance is not just a department; it’s an integral part of our entire operation. 

From the moment an order is entered into our system to the time it’s shipped, every stage undergoes a high level of quality control. 

First, we confirm that pricing and customer orders are accurate, and our engineering team verifies that we can produce the exact pedestal needed.

Our in-house quality systems are designed to ensure that products meet our stringent specifications. For example, when a part goes out for paint, it undergoes an inspection to ensure it is not damaged. Upon its return to our plant for assembly, it is reviewed again to confirm that the paint specs are met. Finally, the assembly and packaging stages receive another comprehensive review to ensure that the product meets all our quality standards.

Additionally, we maintain detailed logs and a paper trail for every order, with quality stops at specific points in the production process.

 This allows someone on our team to sign off on each stage, providing a transparent and documented system for quality assurance.

The Advantage of USA-Based Manufacturing

Being a USA-based manufacturer brings an added layer of quality assurance to our products. 

When sourcing parts from overseas, it’s challenging to maintain consistent quality standards. The systems and quality checks in place may not align with our stringent requirements, leading to potential inconsistencies in the final product.

In contrast, our USA-based operations allow us to vet our suppliers thoroughly. We know exactly what we’re getting, and we can ensure that it meets our high standards for quality. This level of control and oversight is only possible because we see our product from start to finish, right here in the United States.

Power posts offered in a variety of configurations and outdoor rated finishes.

Product Flexibility

One of the key benefits of having all operations in-house and based in the USA is the unparalleled flexibility it affords us. 

Whether it’s an internal idea for a design change or a suggestion from a customer for a new color option, we have the capability to respond immediately. There’s no need to coordinate with overseas suppliers or wait for time zones to align; we can make decisions and implement changes on the spot. This allows us to stay ahead of market trends and meet customer needs more effectively.

A Real-World Example: Adapting to Customer Feedback

About a year and a half ago, we received feedback from a customer who loved our products but needed a version that was less obtrusive for residential applications. 

Thanks to our in-house capabilities and streamlined operations, we were able to create a prototype within just two weeks. After vetting the product, we secured a new product listing from UL within six months.

This rapid turnaround would not have been possible if we had to rely on an external supply chain or if our operations were not based in the USA. Our local manufacturing capabilities enabled us to meet an aggressive timeline, showcasing our commitment to listening to our customers and adapting our products to meet their needs.

Shipping and Lead Times

The Pedoc Quick Ship Program

Our Quick Ship program was developed in response to the high demand for certain models of our power pedestals. 

While these models offer a range of heights and color options, it’s not possible to stock complete units for immediate shipment. Instead, we stock inventory of individual pedestal components, allowing us to quickly assemble and paint units based on customer orders. 

This approach enables us to ship orders within as little as two weeks, compared to the industry-standard lead time of four to six weeks.

The Role of USA Manufacturing in Quick Ship

Being a USA-based manufacturer gives us the unique advantage of stocking all these components right on our shelves. If we had to rely on overseas suppliers, the amount of inventory we’d need to carry—and the time we’d have to wait for it—would make such a program unfeasible. Our local team can quickly assemble and ship these units, streamlining the entire process and making the Quick Ship program a reality.

Mitigating Shipping Challenges and Fees

Manufacturing in the USA also allows us to mitigate shipping challenges and fees. Since all our suppliers are local, we don’t have to deal with the complexities and costs of boat or air shipping. We rely solely on the U.S. transportation system, which simplifies logistics and reduces shipping times.

The benefits of local manufacturing extend to our customers in the form of reduced shipping fees. Because everything is produced and shipped domestically, the transportation costs are nominal. This results in direct cost savings for our customers, making our products not only high-quality but also cost-effective.

The Challenges of Importing

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we found that other, larger pedestal manufacturers, such as Milbank and Arlington, struggled to meet the surging demand, especially from campgrounds. 

These companies relied heavily on overseas suppliers for essential components like receptacles and breakers. As a result, they faced severe delays, quoting lead times that extended into years. Campgrounds, desperate to open their facilities to a public eager for outdoor experiences, were left in a lurch.

The Pedoc Advantage: Flexibility and Responsiveness

While we couldn’t immediately adapt our existing products to meet these specific needs due to UL regulations, the experience did lead us to innovate. 

Based on the feedback and the evident market need, we introduced a new model designed to hold higher amperages, commonly used in RV parks, food truck fairs, and festivals. This was possible because of our USA-based manufacturing, which allows us the flexibility to adapt our designs more swiftly than companies relying on overseas suppliers.

Finally, a recent exploration into e-commerce revealed that many of our competitors are still struggling with stock issues. In contrast, we’ve been able to maintain better control over our inventory, reducing the likelihood of “out of stock” or “backorder” situations.

Customer Satisfaction

One of the most significant advantages of our USA-based operations at Pedoc is the enhanced customer support experience we can offer. 

When you reach out to us, you’re not navigating through a maze of automated responses or waiting for a call center halfway around the world to pick up. Our entire team—sales, engineering, production, and administration—is based right here in Chicago. This proximity allows us to provide immediate, personalized assistance, ensuring that your questions are answered and your needs are met efficiently.

Case Study: A Testimonial That Speaks Volumes

To illustrate the impact of our USA-based manufacturing, let’s consider a recent testimonial from Jim, the Executive Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer at River Bank and Trust. 

Jim was an end user who knew he needed to bring power to an outdoor location but wasn’t sure how to go about it. After finding us online and discussing his needs, we were able to guide him to the perfect product for his application. 

Here’s what Jim had to say:

“Thank you again for helping me acquire a PEDOC Model 1P18CHTB. I picked it up yesterday from Meyer Electric and was blown away by the quality of your product. I pride myself on having a keen eye when it comes to craftsmanship and design. But quite frankly, what I saw with your product exceeded my expectations. I was amazed by the fit and finish of your product and how you packaged it to protect it from shipping damage. Overall, it’s refreshing to see that there are businesses like yours that take this much pride in the products they manufacture in this country. Congratulations on such outstanding quality and attention to the smallest of details. Persons like myself greatly appreciate what you do.”

Getting Started With Pedoc Pedestals

Are you looking for a power pedestal? Request a quote today and someone from our team will be in touch to kick-start your project!