Sustainability

Using our resources to enhance the communities where we live and work is fundamental to our core values. We are committed to environmental stewardship — focusing on the interests of customers, employee-owners and communities.

In the distribution industry, keeping the planet bright green and blue means working with manufacturer partners that create products in ways that have minimal impacts on our communities. It means we sell energy-efficient products, like LED lighting and controls, and provide innovative solutions, like job trailers, vending and kitting, to drive sustainable practices for our customers. It also means we continuously stay on the forefront of new products that will minimize our customers’ environmental impact.

For us, it’s about leaving the world better than we found it.

Vision for the future

We will continue to focus on the basics of reducing, reusing and recycling to foster safe and environmentally sound operations and enhance our daily impact on the world.

By working to lessen our collective impact on the environment, we will deliver on the promise to improve our world, live our culture of caring and do our part to pass on a better world to the next generation.

Our objective – Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030

We have begun to figure out how to measure our impact on the environment. Once we do this, we can start to understand where the biggest opportunities exist.

There are some things we can do in the very near future. Our vehicles log approximately 12 million miles per year. That equates to 482 trips around the earth! Being more efficient with our routing would have an immediate impact. We are now testing electric vehicles, too, to better understand how these may help us in the future. Understanding the impact is step one, and we are on it. 

Sustainability Report

Our Sustainability Report describes the steps we are taking and outlines our future goals in environmental, social and governance (ESG) areas.

The information and structure of the report were informed by a materiality assessment we went through to help us identify the opportunities and areas most important to our employee-owners, customers and vendors.

We invite you to read the report — learn about our ambitious goals that will take time, planning and efforts from all employee-owners and our partners and how Border States is staying resilient while providing sustainable and human-focused solutions, so we can leave this world better than we found it. 

Giving Back

Commitment to community

As a 100% employee-owned company, our commitment to community is what drives our ownership culture. Our employee-owners truly care about giving back to and taking care of the communities where we live and work because, when we do, the rest seems to have a way of taking care of itself.

We value the lives and well-being of our neighbors and those who may not have the resources we have, which is why we actively volunteer our time and serve our communities through fundraisers, cleanup projects, mentoring programs and community service efforts. 

When the world needs more, we’re ready to give back and leave an impact.

Supplier Diversity

Enhancing communities’ economic vitality 

In a world that never stops, it’s important to identify and expand opportunities with diverse suppliers, so the communities where we work and live can thrive. We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and economic vitality in these communities by doing business with small, local and diverse businesses. By staying committed to increasing opportunities with these companies and enhancing competitiveness in our supply base, we:  

  • Give access to leadership and decision-makers to assess and determine opportunity. 
  • Provide mentorship to develop opportunities and increase visibility across the company. 
  • Maintain relationships with diverse organizations that work to expand opportunities for nonprofits and advocacy groups.
  • Promote utilization to support company operations. 

When your work can’t stop, we work relentlessly to understand your program goals and develop reporting systems to help you verify the diverse suppliers and spend in your supply chain. Your success is our success, and we don’t rest until you — and your customers — are taken care of.

Utility

Utility

When your business is power, you need powerful products, training and expert technical support you can rely on. At Border States, we built our 100% employee-owned business by helping investor-owned utilities, municipalities, cooperatives and contractors deliver reliable power to the point of use.

We redefine supply chain management by putting our 70-plus years of experience to work for our unstoppable customers. We know how to navigate a rapidly changing business environment and ensure that your products arrive when and where you need them.

Utility segments

Electric Utility

Communications

Natural Gas and PVF

Services

  • Category management
  • Cost savings
  • E-commerce 
  • Job site containers and trailers  
  • Kitting 
  • Rubber goods testing
  • Vending 
  • VMI
  • Wire and cable management 

Core Vendors ​

Marketing Resources

Natural Gas Tools Line Card

Flyer that lists our natural gas product categories and suppliers.Learn More

Natural Gas - Utility Brochure

Brochure that includes Services and Solutions, Product Categories, and Vendor Alignment

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Natural Gas and PVF Line Card

Flyer that lists product brands we carry in the natural gas and PVF markets.

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Natural Gas catalog

Catalog that lists product information, images and part numbers for items we carry in the natural gas market.

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Polyethylene Pipe and Fittings brochure

Brochure that highlights the polyethylene pipe and fittings product offering, with a line card on the back.

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Wire and Cable catalog

Catalog that highlights the most commonly sold wire and cable.

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Electric Utility Storm Materials

Materials you need to quickly begin your restoration work.

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AFL Apex brochure

Cobranded brochure that lists product information, images and part numbers from AFL.

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Fiber Optic Solutions catalog

Catalog that lists product information, images and part numbers for fiber optic materials we carry.

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Communications

Ensure your project's success

For years, customers have looked to Border States to help them build networks — from enterprise networks and video surveillance to public networks and microwave wireless, our specialists are ready to help you along your journey. Our expansive team, combined with the top manufacturers in the industry, make us the best addition to your project.

We redefine supply chain management by putting our 70-plus years of experience to work for our unstoppable customers. We know how to navigate a rapidly changing business environment and ensure that your products arrive when and where you need them.

Top product categories

Top product vendors

Marketing materials and resources

Fiber Optic Solutions catalog

 

 



Catalog that lists product information,
images and part numbers for
fiber optic materials
we carry.

Learn More

AFL Apex brochure

Cobranded brochure that lists  product information, images and part numbers from AFL.

Learn More

Technical Solutions Partners

Our Technical Solutions team is comprised of highly trained Application Engineers, Specialists and support staff strategically spread throughout the United States.

Our goal is to use our experience and industry knowledge to help provide all of Border States’ customers with world-class support and product expertise.

To successfully enable that outcome, we have partnered with several outstanding technology partners listed on this page.

For more information about any of these partners, products and services, please contact techsolutions@borderstates.com

AFL

Electric utilities have relied on AFL for over 30 years — from transmission and substation accessories to cable and fiber optic hardware. That same infrastructure also supports FTTx networks for delivering new services to electric utility customers. AFL’s FOLLOW THE POWER® and PON ON PRIMARY® services simplify fiber installation to a network that electric utilities know very well, which is their own power network. The electric utility power network from generation all the way to the consumer is similar to a fiber network that can go as far as that same consumer.

Arteche

Arteche is an international leader in developing solutions for the generation, transmission, distribution and industrial market segments. Arteche’s technological capabilities, financial independence and experience gained over 70 years ensure their products achieve the highest levels of quality and reliability. Arteche USA is a North American manufacturer of medium-voltage (up to 69 kV) instrument transformers and offers a wide range of oil-free, resin-insulated instrument transformers to meet your requirements. Arteche has been supplying instrument transformers to the North American market for over 20 years and has over one million units installed worldwide.

Aclara

Aclara helps utilities manage change, seek new approaches and harness data and new technologies to supply more efficient and reliable services to their customers. As an end-to-end, smart infrastructure solutions (SIS) partner, Aclara couples innovative technology with data-driven solutions to predict, plan and respond to system conditions across electric, gas or water distribution networks.

Belden

Belden delivers the infrastructure that makes the digital journey simpler, smarter and secure. Belden is moving beyond connectivity — from what they make to what they make possible through a performance-driven portfolio, forward-thinking expertise and purpose-built solutions. With a legacy of quality and reliability spanning 120-plus years, Belden has a strong foundation to continue building the future.

Eaton

Eaton’s Cooper Power Systems makes medium- and high-voltage electrical equipment, components and systems that help bring electric power to homes, industries, businesses and institutions throughout the world. Used in substations, overhead, underground and in-plant medium-voltage distribution systems, Eaton’s Cooper Power Systems products include capacitors, voltage regulators, reclosers and sectionalizers, distribution switchgear and distribution automation equipment.

eSmart Systems

eSmart Systems is a leading provider of AI-powered services and solutions for the inspection and maintenance of critical energy infrastructure. In 2018 and 2019, eSmart was selected as a finalist for Microsoft’s AI Partner of the Year out of 2,600 AI companies. eSmart has commercial revenues from large and established utilities and transmission and distribution grid operators around the world. Key investors in the company include Energy Impact Partners, Kongsberg Digital, Equinor Ventures, Nysnø, Innogy Ventures and several Norwegian utilities. In 2019, eSmart Systems raised $34.4 million in funding to accelerate its growth in North America, where it continues to expand and grow market share.

Itron

Itron enables utilities and cities to safely, securely and reliably deliver critical infrastructure solutions to communities in more than 100 countries. Itron’s portfolio of networks, software, services, meters and sensors helps their customers better manage electricity, gas and water resources for the people they serve. Itron helps improve the quality of life, ensures safety and promotes the well-being of millions of people around the globe, and they are dedicated to creating a more resourceful world.

Landis+Gyr

For more than 125 years, Landis+Gyr has been an industry leader in energy management solutions. Using their advanced metering infrastructure and other cutting-edge Smart Grid technologies, Landis+Gyr have helped utility companies all over the globe improve their operations, protect their assets, lower their operating costs and provide better customer service. With a focus on quality, reliability and innovation, Landis+Gyr’s portfolio of products and services can help you do the same and modernize your Smart Grid for the future.

Pacific Volt

Pacific Volt has established a new market for series injection voltage regulation technology that meets the increasing demand for voltage regulation and Smart Grid solutions in the power distribution sector. The company’s groundbreaking products help future-proof the electric grid, increase energy efficiency and improve power quality.

PTI

Partner Technologies Incorporated (PTI) manufactures and repairs liquid-filled distribution and small- and medium-size power transformers up to a base rating of 30MVA at 145kV.

Rycom Instruments,® Inc.   

Established in 1946, Rycom Instruments® has become a leading manufacturer of cable-, pipe- and fault-locating equipment. Originally a developer of telegraph carrier equipment for railroad communications, Rycom Instruments® began designing and manufacturing locating equipment in the 1950s. Today, they devote all of their effort to sales, service, manufacturing and engineering in the locating industry, successfully serving markets around the world.

Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leading positions in energy and infrastructure, industrial processes, building automation and data centers/networks. They also have intelligent electric meters, software and digital services.

Sharper Shape

The utility asset intelligence software, Sharper CORE, is at the heart of their platform agnostic ecosystem that seamlessly enables third-party integration. Powered by AI and cloud-based, it offers collection, visualization and analysis of all utility asset and vegetation inspection data, as well as forecasting and actionable reporting. By giving utilities a powerful process made of the most advanced tools based on cutting-edge technology, they empower efforts to stay sharper, and as a result, utilities stay better.

SkySkopes

SkySkopes is a professional service provider with a highly qualified operations and geospatial team. The team operates a wide variety of advanced sensors and aircrafts for transmission and distribution line inspections, oil and gas applications and many other innovative use cases that focus on adding value. SkySkopes’ platforms include drones, helicopters and mobile systems.

Tantalus

Tantalus provides a multi-purpose Smart Grid solutions platform for advanced metering, demand response, distribution automation and grid optimization. TUNet® — the Tantalus Utility Network — is an award-winning, end-to-end communications and applications system that enables electric, water and gas municipal and cooperative utilities to automate processes, improve business operations and deliver top-tier customer service. TUNet® is deployed at utilities that are determined to manage resources intelligently and meet ambitious

efficiency goals.

Von Corporation

The Von Corporation is known throughout the industry for their portable high-voltage test and cable fault locating equipment. Their primary goal is to provide top-of-the-line equipment and great customer service, which is demonstrated through its on-site training and 24-hour technical service that is included with every purchase.

Divisions of Border States

Our company’s journey began in 1952 as Thompson-Stolee Company, Inc. Since then, we have grown organically and through mergers and acquisitions with exceptional companies. These connections have helped us become who we are today: Border States.

We believe that unstoppable businesses shouldn’t go it alone, which is why we have dedicated more than 70 years to providing quality products, innovative services and flexible solutions to ensure they don’t have to.

Mergers and acquisitions

Our deep history of growth through mergers and acquisitions has helped us gain industry knowledge, grow our product expertise and fulfill our customers’ needs. Through this, Border States has become a source of incredibly talented people and great companies with an unrelenting commitment to service.

The companies listed below no longer operate under these names — they do business as Border States.

EPL

Michigan and Wisconsin

1995

Bates & Associates

Michigan

2004

Miller Electric

Wyoming

2004

Nunn Electric Supply

Texas and New Mexico

2006

Harris Electric

Tennessee

2008

UtiliCor

Tennessee

2013

Western Extralite

Kansas and Missouri

2014

Shealy Electrical Wholesalers

North Carolina and South Carolina

2016

Kriz-Davis

Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas

2017

Excellence connects our divisions

From the beginning, our core value has always stayed the same — to make customers our primary focus. So, rest assured that when you need innovative products and supply chain solutions for your construction, industrial or utility applications, our experts won’t rest until you — and your customers — are taken care of.

Industrial

The industrial customers we serve trust us to provide the best solutions for their individual needs and applications because of our promise to treat their business as our own. Whether it is manufacturing, oil and gas, energy, mining, food and beverage, waste/wastewater or other facilities, we have the flexibility and technical support you need to keep your operations running efficiently.

Border States redefines supply chain management by putting our 70-plus years of experience to work for our unstoppable customers. We know how to navigate a rapidly changing business environment to ensure that your products arrive when and where you need them.

Construction

When your business is construction, you need support from innovative services that will cut down your labor costs, so you can focus on getting the job done safely, on time and on budget. At Border States, we have the products and technical expertise you need to do just that. From initial design to final trim out, you can rely on us to deliver on your entire project and beyond.

Border States redefines supply chain management by putting our 70-plus years of experience to work for our unstoppable customers. We know how to navigate a rapidly changing business environment and ensure that your products arrive when and where you need them.

Industries

Construction

Construction contractors rely on us for trustworthy brands, innovative services that minimize labor costs and technical expertise you won’t find anywhere else. When you need unrelenting support and a broad range of products, day or night, we are here for you.
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Industrial

Manufacturers need the best-suited products and solutions for their individual application, and at Border States, our industrial specialists won’t rest until those needs are taken care of. Our technical support provides everything you need for food and beverage, material handling, process control and getting the job done.
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Utility

From electric to natural gas to telecommunications, we work closely with our utility customers to understand your current infrastructure, provide support and plan your future grids. No matter the size, we are committed to helping you efficiently and effectively execute your next project.
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