Time and time again, Southwire teams show that storm response isn’t just a process; it’s a reflection of who we are.
In the face of severe weather and widespread disruption, Southwire’s emergency storm response showcases the extraordinary commitment, preparedness and partnership of our manufacturing teams – qualities that become essential during high-impact events.
Winter Storm Fern, a massive, high-impact winter event struck a large portion of the United States, producing over six inches of snow across 26 states and causing widespread ice accumulations in the South. More than 100 people have died because of this storm, and more than a million people experienced power outages. As severe winter weather continues to blanket the country, the need for power and electricity remains a priority.
Across our operations, from manufacturing to logistics to customer support, our Southwire team members rallied to ensure critical materials reached our customers who depend on us.
“When weather events like Winter Storm Fern impact homes and communities, our Southwire team members continue to demonstrate unwavering courage, compassion and commitment to restoring safety and stability for others,” said Ganesh Ramaswamy, Southwire’s President and CEO. “This resilience, teamwork and willingness to put others first reflects the true spirit of Southwire.”
At facilities like our Utility Products Plant (SCUPP) in Carrollton, Ga., and our Hawesville Plant in Ky., team members worked diligently amid the winter weather, demonstrating a deep sense of responsibility and pride that drives our organization.
Utilities power more than just our homes. They power essential businesses, life‑sustaining medical equipment for people who need it and provide comfort and safety for millions.
Southwire’s storm response is built on experience, preparation and a shared understanding of what’s at stake. As early forecasts for Winter Storm Fern emerged, our approach kicked into gear. Orders were pushed to the top of the production schedule, lines were shifted and shipping teams stood ready to expedite materials directly to customers when timing mattered most.
“During the ice storms, our Southwire Field Services team responded with the highest level of professionalism and an unwavering commitment to safety. Southwire Field Service operations activated involving 13 crews working on storm call, with each crew consisting of four team members,” said Denise Voss, senior vice president of services and high voltage. “Their expertise, disciplined approach and dedication made a real difference when it mattered most to the communities in need of power. I’m incredibly proud of this strong and capable team - always ready, always safe and always focused on helping our customers and the communities they serve.”
Most of the products Southwire has shipped out so far have been transmission and distribution items which include 600v service drop material (mostly coils), Bare Overhead, Bare Cu, Bare AL, Single End 600v CU and 600v UD.
There is an urgency to work, but also a sense of pride knowing that our speed directly influences how quickly lights come back on for thousands of people.
“When severe weather hits, we prioritize the needs of our customers, shift production as needed and ensure our customers have the critical cable and products required to turn the power back on as quickly as possible,” said Chris Bailey, vice president of power transmission and distribution. “Even when our facilities are impacted by weather, our scalability and duplicate capabilities allow us to keep serving without interruption.”
Despite the long hours and sudden pivots, our team members approach this responsibility with determination, and the goal remains clear - to get to the customer as quickly as possible.
“I’ve worked in shipping at SCUPP for 12 years, and it’s common for us to handle a high volume of storm orders each year. During these events, my priority is making sure storm‑related orders are prepared correctly and shipped out on time. This includes placing coils on pallets, tagging each one and adding cardboard and bands on the orders that need extra stability,” said Derrick Herring, Sr., warehouse associate at SCUPP. “I know what it’s like to be without power in bad weather, so I don’t mind putting in extra hours to help get these shipments out quickly. You think about families sitting in the dark without heat, and it motivates you to step up because it could just as easily be you or your own family. Our shipping team at SCUPP works hard every day to get customers what they need, and I’m proud to work alongside such an awesome group of people.”
In the days following this storm, Southwire anticipates the need to continue shipping products to our customers so that power can return to those who need it most.
“In the face of severe weather and widespread disruption, our teams continued to show up by supporting one another and keeping operations moving so critical products could reach customers when they were needed most,” said Roy Jackson, vice president of manufacturing. “Our team members’ resilience, pride and unwavering sense of responsibility reflect the very best of Southwire’s culture.”
Whether adjusting production lines, coordinating with utility partners or expediting shipments through the night, our people demonstrate resilience, teamwork and a profound commitment to serving others. Their actions help restore power, safety and stability to thousands of families and businesses affected by severe weather.
As future storms arise, Southwire will continue to stand ready, driven by the people who make our storm response work possible.
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