How It’s Made: Utility Poles

April 24, 2017

“Ever wonder how a tree becomes a utility pole?”

That’s how the recent StraightTalk video, How It’s Made: Utility Poles, entices viewers to learn about the making of utility poles. The footage, filmed at the Texas Electric Cooperative Pole Manufacturing plant in Jasper on Feb. 7, reveals how a tree such as a southern yellow pine goes from forest to field to support electrical infrastructure.

“It is always good to visit with others and demonstrate how the pole manufacturing process works,” said Carlton Penney, TEC director of manufacturing. “I always try to emphasize that our people are our greatest asset—both the people who make up our organization and the people we serve. Our employees don’t consider this just a job but a part of our lives we take great pride and ownership in. The pole plant has been in business since 1946 and in Jasper since 1964, and has produced millions of high-quality poles while returning profits back to our member-owners.”