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ESL Provides New Resources

Erika Thorson

ESL Resources

 

ESL’s mission is to, “continuously provide our customers with innovative solutions.”  As we strive to provide better solutions we also aim to provide better resources.  ESL recently updated our technological resources to help serve our customers. The hope is it will not only educate, but also make finding the right “innovative” solution easier.

We built an App for that!

On the path to providing better tools, we created a new and improved online Catalog Manager. You know how catalogs can read like lengthy instruction manuals? Well, we decided to simplify the information and look to make finding what you need easier. ESL’s product offerings are now presented in an easy to locate format. Not only is the new catalog much more legible and direct on your desktop, but also more conducive to smartphones and tablets for customers on the go.

And speaking of smartphones and tablets…. We built an App for that!

We are pleased to introduce the new “ESL Power APP,” available for both IOS and Android devices. You can quickly and easily measure both kW output needed and Wire Size Bend Radius in either one swipe of the slider or a press of the button. The equations are based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the Insulated Cable Engineers Association (ICEA) minimum bend radius requirements. The “ESL Power APP” is the easier equation. You can download our app from Google Play or the iTunes App store.

These are just a couple of things ESL has done to make your experience with us a positive one. We are constantly looking for ways to improve our own avenues of information and resources to help simplify your day-to-day tasks.

Still need more help on finding the right solution? Our Customer Service Reps are here to assist.  Click here to request more info.

Our JOURNEY into Lean Six Sigma after 10 months

Pete Mehalechko

Lean Six SigmaIn February, at the beginning of our adventure, we described what Lean Six Sigma is, and the need for implementation at ESL Power Systems. ESL constantly seeks to identify ways to improve. To recap, even the best companies have waste (things that don’t add value to the product) and variation in processes that cost a company money. Our goal is to focus on getting the customer what they want, when they want it, “right the first time.”

OUR ROAD MAP

The first step in our journey was to educate and help everyone on board understand the path we were heading down. This very important first step allowed employees, from company owners to shop assemblers, comprehend the concept of continuous improvement and got everyone moving in the same direction.

TOOLS ALONG THE WAY

The first tool we put in place was 5S. The goal of 5S is to organize the workplace for efficiency and effectiveness by identifying and storing the items used, maintaining the area and items, and sustaining the new order. The 5S steps are Sort, Set-in-Order, Shine, Standardize and Sustain. At ESL, I’m happy to say that we are well along the 5S road!
Another tool being used is the “value stream map.” This “map” helps navigate our processes and seeks to eliminate waste. Along the same lines, we have implemented software called LeanKit, which assists in visualizing our work as it flows through our company, providing a big-picture understanding of our procedures.

NAVIGATIONAL PLANS

Moving forward, ESL’s executive committee has completed what we call the “3SL.” This is a 3 year plan for the organization that spells out a clear “true north;” ensuring everyone in the company knows what our plans are for the future. This transparency of goals ensures the company as a whole is heading in the right direction. The 3SL contains (3) elements:

  • 10 key metrics tracked
  • Goals for each metric
  • Specific projects to get us to our goal

This has become the most important document in the company.

We have made much progress over the last several months, and we must work hard to continually improve our products and processes to remain competitive in an ever changing market. We feel positive we will be successful and through our continuous improvement program create additional value for our customers in the future.

ESL Celebrates 25 Years!

Erika Thorson

blog-header_25th_Party_Recap

On April 21st ESL celebrated our 25th Anniversary with customers, vendors, friends and family at our facility in Corona, CA. The highlight of the night was catching up with the many individuals whom have helped us get to where we are today.

ESL's 25th Anniversary

Founded in 1991, ESL began as a custom control panel business located in Yorba Linda, CA with just 4 part-time assemblers. In 1995, ESL Power Systems, Inc. emerged as a manufacturer of safety-interlocked reefer outlets, and soon began to develop cord-connected electrical power equipment for a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications. Thirteen years after founding, the ESL Family of Companies moved 8 miles east to our current facility in Corona, CA. After 25 exciting years, ESL Power Systems, Inc. now operates once again as a single company and has over 130 employees. We are one of the largest manufacturers of reefer outlets worldwide supporting Intermodal Container industry and Port Terminals, and we are known as the “best-in-class” builders of Ship-to-Shore Power Mounds, Company Switches for Set Stage applications, and also for our StormSwitch and TripleSwitch product lines for back-up power solutions during grid outages. And, of course, ESL is still the premier Custom Control panel Builder in Southern California!

ESL thanks those who have contributed to our success the past 25 years and we look forward to continuing to work with you for many years to come!

ESL Power Systems, Inc. & Electrical Systems Ltd. Announce Merger

Erika Thorson

ESL Company Merger

January 1st, 2016 — Corona, CA — ESL Power Systems, Inc., a leading electrical equipment manufacturer for industrial and commercial applications, and Electrical Systems Ltd., a UL 508A control panel builder focusing on the Southern California region, are pleased to announce their merger effective January 1st, 2016.

For nearly 25 years, both companies have shared the same ownership and facilities, but have operated as independent businesses. The companies have regularly collaborated and tapped into each other’s expertise in their respective fields to ensure that customer expectations are exceeded. This merger is expected to strengthen ESL’s position in all the markets served. In addition, the blending of the teams will result in greater internal efficiencies and capabilities.
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FAQ Corner: Manual vs. Automatic Transfer Switch

Lesleyanne Daniels

What are the advantages/disadvantages of using a manual transfer switch with a portable generator versus an automatic transfer switch with a permanent generator?

This is a question that comes up frequently as businesses begin to assess the best way for them to be prepared for a power outage.

Advantages of a manual transfer switch with a portable generator:
First off, the cost of a manual transfer switch offers is significantly lower compared to purchasing and an automatic transfer switch and permanent generator. Additionally, manual transfer switch installation is easier, smaller in size and costs less; taking only days instead of weeks.

Comparatively, permanent generator installation requires multiple permits, maintenance, standard periodic testing and on-site fuel storage is required.

In the event of a power loss, a portable generator can be rented or used at other facilities. Read more →