Choosing who to partner with can make or break your gear project. Sure, you can find circuit breakers, loadcenters, panelboards, disconnects and other gear solutions from a number of different manufacturers, but what sets one manufacturer apart from the other? Does it matter which one you select? At Van Meter, we think it does. Here are four factors to consider when choosing your gear project partner.
1. LOCAL EXPERT SUPPORT
In addition to quality products, you need quality support. Do you have access to local support and expertise? With gear specialists throughout the Midwest, Van Meter can support national and local projects while ensuring you work with someone nearby who is familiar with your business. Gear specialists can help with product selection and sizing, panel layout and design, or creating custom solutions and services tailored to your project.
2. SHORTER LEAD TIMES
When you’re bidding a project, being the contractor who can meet customer deadlines will win you a lot of jobs. Who can help you meet those deadlines? We recommend Eaton. They can help you stay on schedule in a couple ways.
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Unassembled Panelboards
A missing panelboard component doesn‘t have to delay your entire order. Via Eaton’s Pow-R-Express program, you can get in-stock light commercial panelboard components from your distributor without waiting for your panelboard to be assembled at the factory. You will have to assemble the panelboard yourself, but this allows you to begin installing your panelboard and meet tight deadlines without delaying other processes on your jobsite.
See more reasons to order unassembled panelboards »
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Satellite Plants
When your panelboard components aren’t available to ship from the factory, Eaton has an alternative solution. Satellite plants are smaller Eaton manufacturing hubs with regional locations throughout the country that can be used to expedite orders. Expediting parts through a satellite plant comes with an added cost, but it can be worth the cost to complete projects weeks or months earlier.
Learn more about Eaton’s satellite plants »
3. PROJECT COORDINATION
Material cost and lead times are important, but meeting your budget and deadlines means staying organized throughout the project. What if you could rely on someone else to check on lead times, provide product cut sheets or manage warranties and returns? When you work with Van Meter and Eaton, you can have a project coordinator assigned to you.
Project coordinators are a single point of contact you can count on throughout your project. In addition to providing ship dates, tracking and product specifications, they can manage staged materials and coordinate warranties and returns. It allows you to focus on getting the job done while more efficiently controlling your labor costs and scheduling.
See other ways project coordinators simplify gear projects »
4. QUICK, SIMPLE AND SAFE INSTALLATION
Once you receive materials, how can you save the most time during installation and get Home in Time to enjoy the things you love most? Eaton has solutions like its EZ™ Box and EZ™ Trim designs that make panelboard installation quick, simple and safe. It requires no tools to install, and while other panelboard trims can take several minutes to install or remove, the EZ Trim installs in seconds.
PARTNER WITH VAN METER & EATON
If you are looking for essential supplies, expert support and effective gear solutions, partner with Van Meter and Eaton on your next project. Contact your Van Meter account manager or 1-800-247-1410 and ask to speak with one of Van Meter’s gear specialists.
WHICH SOLUTIONS ARE YOU INTERESTED IN?
