After 30 years at Preformed Line Products Co., Robert Ruhlman still loves going to work. As the company’s chairman, president and CEO, the third-generation leader understands the importance of taking risks to expand PLP’s opportunities in new markets. The company’s potential to excel as an international designer and manufacturer for products in the construction and maintenance of overhead and underground networks is the result of Ruhlman’s ability to take calculated risks and capitalize on growth opportunities. In his role as leader, he has played a key role in enabling PLP’s continued international expansion.
Ruhlman believes in equal treatment for all PLP customers, large and small, and to excel on a global scale, he makes sure all of PLP’s worldwide locations focus on local markets and the cultural differences of doing business in other countries. Using this model, PLP’s manufacturing centers around the world are highly responsive and attuned to the needs of their customers.
To spearhead global growth, Ruhlman has also led PLP in numerous acquisitions. Recognizing that the future in energy would be wireless power, he identified the opportunity to leverage PLP’s core competencies by getting the company involved in solar power and in 2007 acquired a domestic company in that industry. Since then, PLP’s sales have increased sevenfold.
And in 2009, Ruhlman closed one of the most important acquisitions in PLP’s 63-year history when it acquired the Dulmison line of products from Tyco Electronics. Prior to the acquisition, the companies had been fierce competitors in transmission and distribution products. By securing the product line, Ruhlman enabled PLP to add facilities in several key markets and expand its global reach.
How to reach: Preformed Line Products Co., (440) 461-5200 or www.preformed.com
