Quantas – reshaping the energy landscape in the USA
staufen magazine | No. 7
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Quanta
In the rolling hills of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, a century-old legacy being transformed for the future. Pennsylvania Transformer Technology (PTT), a titan of American manufacturing, is undergoing a renaissance that promises to reshape the landscape of power delivery in North America. This revival, catalyzed by Quanta Services and guided by Staufen, isn‘t just about modernizing equipment – it‘s about energizing the people that have always been PTT‘s greatest asset.
A Legacy of Energy
PTT‘s story is woven into the fabric of American industrial history. Founded in 1929 as Pennsylvania Transformer, the company has evolved through various incarnations, always at the forefront of power transformer technology. “Our roots run deep,” says Sandeep Chakravarty, President of PTT. “For over 95 years, we‘ve been powering America‘s growth, from the age of electrification to today‘s renewable revolution.”
The company‘s Canonsburg facility, a sprawling 90-acre complex with 18 buildings totaling one million square feet, stands as a testament to this enduring legacy. This facility, and its skilled craftsmen and craftswomen, have been producing transformers since the 1940s, adapting to the nation‘s changing energy needs for almost 85 years.
We are not simply optimizing our current operations. We are preparing for a future in which PTT plays a central role in helping the U.S. achieve its energy independence and sustainability goals.
In 2023, PTT found an incredible partner for growth with Quanta Services, a leader in infrastructure solutions. This move was more than a mere business transaction; it was a strategic alliance aimed at addressing the critical challenges facing America‘s power grid.
“Quanta recognized in PTT not just a manufacturer, but a key player in North America‘s energy transition,” Chakravarty explains. “With the growing demand for grid modernization and electrification, our transformers are no longer just components – they‘re the lifeline of a sustainable energy future.”
Eric Neason, Vice President at Quanta, elaborates on this vision: “The transformer market is at an inflection point. PTT‘s expertise, combined with Quanta‘s resources and forward-thinking approach, positions us to better serve our customers in this critical sector. Quanta has always been absolutely focused on its people and its customers, and today our customers need capacity.”
Staufen: Catalyzing Operational Excellence
To fully harness this potential, PTT partnered with Staufen. “We knew we had a golden opportunity,” says Chakravarty, “but seizing it meant investing in our people, and our processes, allowing them to expand with the market. Staufen‘s Lean Management expertise has been the key to unlocking our full potential.” The transformation touches every aspect of PTT‘s operations. From implementing Shop Floor Management systems, to optimizing the crucial winding process, Staufen‘s consultants work hand-in-hand with PTT‘s workforce. The results are swift and significant: productivity in critical areas like winding increased by 25 – 30 % in just five months. Most importantly, the skilled craftspeople of PTT have been deeply involved in making this happen, improving working culture, enabling sustainable capacity increases.
People Power: The Human Element of Transformation
At the heart of this transformation lies a philosophy that sets PTT and Quanta apart: an unwavering belief in the power of people. “If we give our people everything they need to succeed, the results will follow naturally,” Chakravarty emphasizes.
This philosophy manifests in tangible initiatives. A state-of-the-art welding school was established, daily stand-up meetings were implemented to give voice to every team member, and a culture of continuous improvement was fostered. “We‘re not just training welders,” Chakravarty beams. “We‘re cultivating the next generation of American craftsmen and craftswomen.”
The impact is evident. To address the challenges of a changing industry, PTT is investing in its people, establishing a loyal workforce. Some employees are commuting long hours each day, drawn by the promise of being part of something greater than themselves.
About Pennsylvania Transformer Technology (PTT)
From its roots in the 1920s to its current status as a leading power transformer producer, PTT embodies the evolution of American industry. With almost a century of cumulative expertise, the company is leveraging its rich heritage to power the future of energy distribution. PTT‘s commitment to operational excellence, fostered through its partnership with Staufen, positions it to meet the growing demands of grid modernization and the clean energy transition.
The transformer market is at an inflection point. PTT‘s expertise, combined with Quanta‘s resources and forward-thinking approach, positions us to lead in this critical sector.
Eric neason Vice President, quanta Service
Investing in the Future
As PTT charges forward, it‘s backing its ambitions with substantial investments. An additional Core Line, and state of the art Isostatic Press, and Autoclave are being installed amongst others, aimed at increasing capacity while further improving quality and reducing the company‘s carbon footprint.
“We‘re not just optimizing our current operations,” Chakravarty explains. “We‘re preparing for a future where PTT plays a pivotal role in America‘s energy independence and sustainability goals.”
This forward-thinking approach extends to PTT‘s product range. The company now offers transformers rated from 5MVA to 750MVA and up to 500kV, including substation units, generator step-up units, and mobile transformers. With facilities in Canonsburg, PA and Raeford, NC, PTT is strategically positioned to serve the entire North American market.
A Beacon of American Manufacturing
PTT’s rich history stands as a shining example of American manufacturing‘ s resilience and adaptability. “What‘s happening here at PTT is a microcosm of the broader energy transition,” Chakravarty concludes. “We‘re not just building transformers; we‘re shaping the power landscape of tomorrow. And we‘re doing it with the same grit, innovation, and community spirit that has defined this company for nearly a century.”
In the grand tapestry of America‘s industrial history, PTT‘s story is a vibrant thread – one that, with the help of Quanta and Staufen USA, is now weaving the fabric of a sustainable future. With its workforce energized, processes streamlined, and vision clear, the company is poised to meet the challenges of the evolving energy sector head-on.
The message emanating from the halls of this revitalized factory is unequivocal: American manufacturing isn‘t just alive; it‘s charging forward, powering the nation‘s dreams, one transformer at a time.
Staufen, your reference for Operational Excellence. As the leading top management consultancy for operational excellence, we enable our clients to improve results in all areas along the value chain.
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