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Celebrating 20 Years of Dedication and Excellence

We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone within our U-TECK family that calls for celebration and recognition. Today, we would like to honor an exceptional individual who has given two decades of her professional journey to our company.

With immense gratitude and admiration, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Nan Jackson for her unwavering commitment, tireless efforts, and outstanding contributions over the past 20 years.

Throughout Nan’s tenure, her dedication has been a shining example of loyalty, hard work, and passion. Her steadfast commitment to excellence has not only enriched our company’s culture but has also played an integral role in our continued success and growth.

Nan has not only been a valuable asset to our team but also a source of inspiration to us all. Her leadership, integrity, and relentless pursuit of excellence have set a standard of excellence that has positively influenced each of us.

As we reflect on Nan’s remarkable journey with us, let us take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for her many years of service, loyalty, and unwavering dedication.

Please join me in congratulating Nan on this extraordinary achievement and thanking her for her outstanding contributions to our company. Here’s to celebrating 20 years of success and to many more years of shared accomplishments ahead.

With the warmest of regards,

U-TECK

Introducing Brianna – Our new Business Development Manager

It is with immense pleasure that we introduce the newly appointed Business Development Manager at U-TECK, Brianna Thompson. As the Business Development Manager, her primary focus is on bringing forth cutting-edge solutions through supporting marketing efforts.

With a dynamic background in automating business processes and Information Technology. Brianna brings a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm to our organization. She has a proven ability to cultivate meaningful relationships, identify strategic opportunities, and drive sustainable growth—all qualities that align seamlessly with our company’s mission and values.

In her role as Business Development Manager, Brianna will be instrumental in spearheading initiatives to explore new markets, showcase our products, and enhance our overall business trajectory. We are confident that her innovative mindset and collaborative spirit will further elevate our company’s standing in the industry.

Please join us in congratulating Brianna and wishing her all the best in her new role as our Business Development Manager!

U-TECK Partners with Power-Tel Utility Products Inc!


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U-TECK, 2/6/24

U-TECK Partners with Power-Tel Utility Products Inc!

Well Known Manufacturer of Fiber Optics, Telecom and Utility equipment partners with Rep Firm to expand service area and offerings.

U-TECK and Power-Tel announced today that the companies have entered into a strategic sales representation partnership to expand our reach and offer our unique, high-quality products to even more customers in the Telecommunications, Power, and Broadband markets, – now allowing us to reach even more customers throughout the Southeast region of the country where Power-Tel Utility Products Inc operates.

The agreement will focus on promoting safety products and innovations amongst the Fiber Optic, Utility, Telecommunications, and Power Markets. The partnership is expected to boost sales for both companies. The partnership will also provide an expanded network for U-TECK, and our commitment to providing safety solutions to the field and to learn from Power-Tel about their customer’s needs.

U-TECK’s product lineup includes a wide range of innovative and reliable products designed specifically for the Telecommunications and Broadband Industries. This includes Fiber Optic Splicing Workstations, Cable Placement and Management Solutions, as well as a comprehensive range of Ladder Safety and Worker Safety Products.

“U-TECK is known for developing and creating product solutions that are thoughtful and easy for technicians to use. We take great pride in the quality of the products that our folks build here in North Carolina. Our new partnership with Power-Tel and their sales team means more product exposure and brand awareness to their customers and clients. Their knowledge and experience in these markets is vast and comes very highly recommended” – Russ Mason

Power-Tel Utility Products Inc has a strong reputation for delivering excellent customer service and providing customized solutions to meet the unique needs of their customers and have been doing so since the 1970s. We are confident that they will provide the same level of service and support to our customers in the Southeast to include the states of Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama.

At U-TECK, we are committed to providing our customers with the best possible products and services. We believe that our partnership with Power-Tel will help us to achieve this goal and provide our customers with the customized solutions they need to succeed.

U-TECK Partners with Advantage-Marketing!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U-TECK, 4/19/23

U-TECK partners with Advantage-Marketing!

Well Known Manufacturer of Fiber Optics, Telecom and Utility equipment partners with Rep Firm to expand service area and offerings.

Fayetteville, NC April 17, 2023 – U-TECK and Advantage-Marketing announced today that the companies have entered into a strategic sales representation partnership to expand our reach and offer our unique, high-quality products to even more customers in the Telecommunications and Broadband markets – now allowing us to reach even more customers throughout the Upper Midwest region of the country where Advantage Marketing operates.

The agreement will focus on promoting safety products and innovations amongst the Fiber Optic, Utility, and Telecommunications fields. The partnership is expected to boost sales for both companies. The partnership will also provide an expanded network for U-TECK’S commitment to providing safety solutions to the field and to learn from Advantage about their customer’s needs.

U-TECK’s product lineup includes a wide range of innovative and reliable products designed specifically for the Telecommunications and Broadband Industries. This includes Fiber Optic Splicing Workstations, Cable Placement and Management Solutions, as well as a comprehensive range of Ladder Safety and Worker Safety Products.

“U-TECK is known for developing and creating product solutions that are thoughtful and easy for technicians to use. We take great pride in the quality of the products that our folks build here in North Carolina. Our new partnership with Advantage Marketing and their sales team means more product exposure, and brand awareness, to their customers and clients. Their knowledge and experience in these markets is vast and comes very highly recommended” (Russ Mason)

Advantage Marketing has a strong reputation for delivering excellent customer service and providing customized solutions to meet the unique needs of their customers. We are confident that they will provide the same level of service and support to our customers in the Upper Midwest to include the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio.

Advantage Marketing is excited to work with such an innovative company as U-TECK.  U-TECK’s products compliment our focus on Outside Plant Fiber Optic solutions for our customers in the Communications Service Provider space.  I have admired these solutions for some time, and it is a real honor to be able to represent them.”

At U-TECK, we are committed to providing our customers with the best possible products and services. We believe that our partnership with Advantage Marketing will help us to achieve this goal and provide our customers with the customized solutions they need to succeed

 

 

Casey Ferris

Marketing Director

U-TECK

Cferris@uteck.com

www.uteck.com

ATTIC-TRAX ILLUMINATED PRODUCT RELEASE!

U-TECK has just released yet another great safety product! Our New “Attic-Trax Illuminated” walk boards are used as a means to safely traverse through dark attic spaces, greatly reducing the possibility of falling through a customers ceiling. Each board is illuminated with a rechargeable panel light, lighting the way to your work area, and ensuring you have a safe, sturdy platform to work on. Light brightness can be adjusted. These photos were taken at 50% power. At that level you have 4.5-5 hours of runtime. Simply recharge with a USB-C cord and you are ready for the next job!

 

For more info,  call our customer service at 800-542-7011, or email for pricing to info@uteck.com.

 

Beat the Heat this Summer!

Here in NC the temps are slowly crawling upward to triple digits, and it looks to be that way until early September. Living in a hot, humid environment day in and out can take its toll out on the best of us. But what about those of us who WORK outdoors for a living and don’t have the option to stay inside?

During these scorching summer months, it’s important to remember to drink plenty of water and look for the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses that run rampant this time of year.

• Heat Cramps – can occur during or after work – mainly in arms, legs and abdomen. Heat cramps are a signal that your body has lost too much sweat from sweating
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Pale, clammy skin
• Quick pulse
• Low Blood Pressure

Heat stroke is a serious matter and should be taken seriously – if left untreated it can become fatal. Signs to look for are lack of sweat, skin flushed and hot and a rapid heart rate. If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or coworkers, contact a medical professional immediately.

Take precautions to protect yourself from the rising temperatures with these 9 helpful tips!

1. Get used to working outdoors gradually. Take it easy until you are used to the increase in temperature. Roll windows up in vehicles and try not to use the AC on the way to a job. When you arrive on the job site, your body won’t have massive temperature differences to account for.

2. DRINK WATER! Your body loses hydration when you sweat. Drink plenty of water before, during and after being outdoors in the heat. Your body is already dehydrated by the time you notice you are hot and thirsty so make it a point to keep water on you and consume it regularly. Sports drinks are a great option, as they replace needed electrolytes to keep you energized. When working in the heat, avoid alcoholic beverages and sodas, as they can actually cause your body to lose water and salt.

3. Wear protective sun shields (don’t have one? buy it HERE!). Your head absorbs heat directly and moves it to the rest of your body. Wearing a sun shield can help keep your body cool and prevent heat exhaustion.

4. Take frequent rest breaks. Sit in the shade or AC while you replenish your water supply. Move to a cooler area or switch to lighter work if you are unable to take a break.

Taking a break in the shade can lower your body temperature by as much as 15 degrees!

 

5. Wear sun block!

6. If possible, dress in layers so that you can shed layers as the temperature rises.

7. Wear long sleeve shirts. The long shirts act like an evaporation cooler. It causes the wearer to sweat and, when the wind blows onto the wet fabric, cools the wearer down quicker vs. overheating.

8. Keep a cool, wet cloth to use to wipe down after a hot job. Your head, neck and arms are all areas that absorb heat – so a quick wipe down will have you feeling cooler in seconds!

9. Educate yourself about the signs of heat related illness so you can take the proper precautions for yourself and your coworkers.

Cable Pulling & Installation products to make your life easier

Today we are going to take a look at the Cable Pulling & Installation tools developed by U-TECK to simplify everyday jobs. All of the products featured in this article are used when dealing with cable in trenches. These products have been developed over time to solve specific issues encountered in the field.

*Please ensure you are following your company’s proper procedures when digging and laying cable*

The Fiber Drop Caddy

One of the biggest pains when starting a job is trying to lay out the coil for your fiber drops. Longer drop lines have a tendency of ‘springing back’, causing delays in the job flow having to deal with this. U-TECK’s Fiber Drop Caddy is designed to hold and manage fiber drop hand coils. This caddy is adjustable to accommodate various inside diameters of coils. This caddy can also be used to pay out fiber coils, wire, or pull tape, that are already on a core with a 1.25” inside diameter and a 5.25″ wide width, by using the spindle only.


Learn more HERE!

 

Cable Pulling Mesh

Also referred to as cable socks or stockings, Cable Pulling Mesh is used to pull cables through ducts. U-TECK’s NEW Cable Pulling Mesh provides an easy convenient means of pulling various sizes of Fiber Optic Cable. Made with Dual Polymer and Kevlar Construction, Radial Compression holds cables tightly during pull. We recommend using a Bowline knot when using the Cable Pulling Mesh. This product comes pre-cut OR in a bulk reel for added convenience!


Learn more HERE!

 

RayDius Fiber Quadrant Block

U-TECK’s New RayDius™ Fiber Quadrant Block is designed to protect fiber optic cable during installation. This product can be used as in Infeed Guide or as an Outfeed Guide for Fiber Cable to prevent breakage, which can occur on some standard quadrant blocks. Pulling Diameter  of 40” MBD (101cm), 600lbs (2700N) Max Cable Tension Load. *Always refer to recommended guidelines from cable manufacturers.

Using a new, gently curving solid design we were able to provide a smooth contour, while maintaining the required bend radius of the Fiber Optic Cable, and eliminating breakage caused from contact pressure.

This product will fit on all standard Jamb Skids, Hanger Arms, Hanger Blocks, Support Bars and Pole Brackets. The RayDius™ block has 6 unique CableKeeper slots for using Deltec™ strapping or tie wraps when you want to ensure that the cable continues to travel over the block without bouncing off. Using proper tools, such as the RayDius™ will also greatly reduce man hours spent trying to resolve internal cable breakage issues. The RayDius™ is also safer to utilize and lightweight for easier manuvering
in small spaces with ergonomic grips molded into the design!

Learn more HERE!

 

Micro Trench Tamper Tool

One challenge faced when placing fiber into these trenches is making sure the fiber is laying at the bottom of the entire trench in order to avoid potential future damage by road re-surfacing or other maintenance activities on the surface above. We’ve created a quick and easy tool that will ensure that your fiber is tucked neatly at the bottom of the trench and out of harms way.

The 3/4” thick, 14” long tamper fits easily into the slot-cut, and, with it’s curved end design, fits snug to the fiber cable without pinching or cutting. The tamper end is made from 100% recycled plastics fitted over welded forged steel. The straight 48“ hardwood handle makes it easy to use and quick to tuck away in the back of your truck.


Learn more HERE!

 

Clip Insertion Tool

Micro-trenching involves cutting a narrow trench into concrete sidewalks, asphalt roadways, across parking lots, etc. Microduct is then installed into these trenches and usually placed relatively shallow as compared to traditional cable trenches. Many times the ducts float inside the trench for a myriad of reasons, mostly from the memory of the plastics, or the direction the trench is taking.

U-TECK has developed an approved method of holding the duct firmly to the bottom of the trench by placing our new trench clips into the narrow gap of the trench and firmly against the duct. These spring clips expand and press against the sidewalls of the trench and hold the duct in place so that backfilling procedures can then take place. These clips are installed using our trench clip insertion tool. A trench clip is attached to the tip of the trench clip insertion tool and then pressed into the gap of the trench and firmly against to the top of the duct. Trench clips are specially designed to release from the insertion tool as they are forced into the gap.

Learn more HERE!

 

The Street Saver

U-TECK’s New “Street Saver” Micro-Trench Protectors gives Fiber Optic Contractors added protection on their Saw Cuts, keeping the trench open and preventing breakage, prior to back filling. Using the Micro-Trench Protector results in a much cleaner looking finished product.

Two lengths are available to assist in complete trench coverage, and linking The “Street Savers” together is simple using our interlocking design, which also allows for flexibility when micro-trenches are cut along curves

For higher speed traffic or overnight construction, there are 6 holes which can be used for temporally screwing or bolting the Street Savers into place.

The “Street Saver” is Constructed from High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE), will not break or crack under heavy traffic and are UV Stable. The Hi-Vis HDPE ensures increased motorist awareness to the construction zone. The Sloped Edges ensure ease for Ingress and Egress.

The “Street Savers” were designed to stay in place by utilizing the ¾” fins located underneath the product. These fins sit into the Micro Trench, ensuring the Micro-Trench Protectors will stay firmly in place.

 

Learn more HERE!

 

Temporary Fiber Drop Markers

When new communication services are installed at a location, often a temporary cable is placed on the ground and left until such time as a crew can come and permanently bury the cable in the ground. This leaves the cable vulnerable from damage caused by vehicle traffic, mowers and people tripping on the cable, not aware of its presence.

U-TECK has developed a temporary solution to this problem – The Temporary Fiber Drop Markers!

Our markers are made from a Highly Visible Fluorescent Orange Acrylic material that enhances the visibility of the cable and helps reduce damage that might occur. Each marker is 2.5″ in diameter.

Simply insert the staple pin onto the marker disc with the message side up, straddle  the cable with the marker, and push firmly into the ground. The arrow indicator should align with the direction of the cable. Space markers adequately for best results.

U-TECK’s Temporary Fiber Drop Markers are meant to be reused.

Learn more HERE!

What you need to know about Cold Weather and Fiber Optic Cables!

Winter is here, and with it comes freezing temperatures, snow, sleet and ice storms! The temperature drops, the cold rolls in, and then the snow starts falling at a rapid pace.

The snow accumulation can lead to outages that can affect your ability to get work done. Have you ever noticed when the snow starts to fall, so do your fiber optic internet speeds? You’ve noticed, and so have your customers! Freezing-cold temperatures seem to take a toll on fiber optic cables and cause them to stop working suddenly in some cases. The calls are going to start to coming soon, so you need to be ready to troubleshoot and answer their questions!

There are so many advantages that come along with using fiber optic cables over traditional copper ones. Fiber optic cables can transmit data much faster than standard copper wires. They can also carry more data over further distances – without disruptions! Many advantages come with installing fiber optic cables over traditional copper cables, but that doesn’t mean they are invincible. Over the years one of the big challenges associated with fiber optic cables has been the cables poor performance during colder weather.

So – What gives? Does the cold weather actually effect the quality of your fiber optic connection, or just a random coincidence? To answer your question – the actual cold temperatures do not affect the quality of your connection. However, some of the byproducts of the cold will cause issues with your fiber optic cables. Mainly due to freezing cables inside the conduits due to condensation and infiltration.

Freezing cables in an innerduct or conduit has been happening as long as cables have been put into ducts, but fiber optic cable is susceptible to freezing in a way that traditional copper cables are not. There is quite a bit of research that has been done on it, and it appears as though fiber optic cables are affected by cold temperatures whenever water is able to make its way into the ducts housing the cables, and then the water freezes. The ice that forms around the fiber optic cables often causes the cables to bend, which affects the signals sent through the cables. If water has the chance to enter into the housing of your cables and freeze, then your overall internet performance will deteriorate. Depending on how extreme the bending is, the signals may not be able to pass through the fiber optic cables at all. It can lead to fiber optic networks going down unexpectedly. Loss of connectivity can be inconvenient to any business that relies on fiber for day-to-day operations. Signal strength usually returns to normal as the ice melts.

How does water get into innerducts? It gets in by infiltration and condensation. Picture an innerduct as a hose laid out along the road with occasional access points. Water infiltrates these access points and flows downhill, which could lead to hundreds of gallons of water being present in the system. As long as the innerduct is buried below the frost line, no freezing will occur. Where a fiber optic cable is exposed to freezing temps, such as at an exposed bridge crossing, ice can form in the duct. In many cases field techs entered an innerduct, and water poured out for several minutes.

Condensation is another possible culprit, especially at exposed bridge crossings where differences between the ambient temperature and the inside innerduct regularly exist. Just as condensation forms on a cold glass, condensation can form inside innerducts and conduits.

Fortunately, there are preventative steps you can take when installing your fiber optic cables to ensure that your cables are not affected and that your connectivity is not interrupted.

First, when installing fiber cables, carefully plan out where they are installed. Often, burying the fiber optic cables below the frost line will help greatly reduce and may even eliminate the threat of ice. If, for some reason, you are unable to install your cables below the frost line, there are antifreeze gels and other preventative measures that can help prevent water from freezing inside the ducts. These products have proven to be useful when it comes to protecting fiber optic cables from the elements.

Most fiber optic freeze-ups have also been found to occur two to three feet within the head wall of a bridge. Freeze-ups are similarly a problem in abandoned pipelines where the pipes are exposed or placed on a cantilever when they cross creeks or rivers.

Several companies have sought to remedy this issue by constructing along railroad rights-of-way and attaching carrier pipes to the sides of any bridges or culverts they encounter, or by laying a carrier pipe on the bridge deck. This is far more economical than placing the cable underground by means of a directional boring device.

Although temps in the lower forty-eight states may reach -40°F (with a wind chill exceeding -80°F) the temperature inside the conduit underground will not drop below about 25°F. Fiber optic cable in a conduit will not experience temperatures below the ambient outside temperature; as wind chills only affect exposed surfaces.

 

U-TECK Launches NEW RayDius Fiber Quadrant Block!

Fiber Quadrant Blocks are one of the many devices used in cable placement and are necessary to ensure that fiber optic cabling is protected during these installations especially when placing newer high-count fiber cables. 

Optical fiber cables are designed with a minimum bending radiuses and maximum tensile strengths. The cable should never be bent below its minimum bending radius, or internal, and often unknown, breakages can occur. A typical standard quadrant block is comprised of a series of rollers on a frame that serves as a guide to ensure that fiber optic cable is pulled along a proper bend radius to prevent breakage of the glass fibers that make up the core of the cable. 

Up until now, a standard quadrant block has been used to feed the cable into/out of areas such as manholes and handholes through underground ducts and aerially onto utility poles. In theory the cable should travel along the rollers, and the rollers act as a guide to ensure that the cable is never bent below its minimum bending radius. However, this has proven not to be a reliable method of preventing breakage. The rollers themselves have proven to be a problem as they apply too much contact pressure to the cable, causing breakage to occur when the cable bends from roller to roller (the bend radius changes to a lesser minimum bend radius). This issue was being temporarily solved by modifying the quadrant blocks with split pipes and steel forms for a more constant path of travel for the cable.

U-TECK was recently approached to help develop an answer to this problem. After extensive research, they designed and developed a whole new design: a solid bodied quadrant block specifically for use when placing fiber optic cables. Using a new, gently curving, solid design they were able to provide a smooth contour, while maintaining the required bend radius of the Fiber Optic Cable, and eliminating breakage caused from contact pressure. The RayDius™ demonstrates a very low coefficient of friction.

Made with a unique, high-strength, polymer compound, The RayDius™ Fiber Optic Quadrant Block is made to withstand all outdoor conditions! The RayDius™ measures 29.25” length by 9.5” high by 2” width and weighs in at just 9lbs! The RayDius™ has been tested extensively at leading test sites and exceeds all manufacturer cable recommendations.

This product will fit on all standard Jamb Skids, Hanger Arms, Hanger Blocks, Support Bars and Pole Brackets. The RayDius™ block has 6 unique CableKeeper slots for using Deltec™ strapping or tie wraps when you want to ensure that the cable continues to travel over the block without bouncing off. Using proper tools, such as the RayDius™ will also greatly reduce man hours spent trying to resolve internal cable breakage issues. The RayDius™ is also safer to utilize and lightweight for easier maneuvering in small spaces with ergonomic grips molded into the design. The RayDius™ has gone through extensive testing and has exceeded all factory testing standards.  And did we mention it’s available at a fraction of the cost of traditional Quadrant Blocks?  

We are currently working on several additional products that will work with the RayDius™, such as Pole Brackets and manhole frames to allow vertical and horizontal pivoting of the RayDius™ block! 

Russ Mason III, U-TECK’s CEO, said, “U-TECK is proud to be solving yet another problem that cable placing crews have been experiencing.”

“Using our manufacturing capabilities, our new, solid bodied, RayDius™ Fiber Quadrant Block solved issues with fiber breakage due to over bending the cable and the minimum bend radius (diameter) that most cable manufacturers require.

“Although U-TECK’s customers span several industries, we have always been very in-tune with the needs of the telecommunication field, as the majority of our first clients came from this market. We are looking forward to participating in next year’s industry trade shows and showcasing a wide range of both new and well-established solutions.”

Call to order NOW!   +1 (800) 542-7011

 

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