Connecting The Lines

Connecting the Lines: Solar Power Infrastructure

Over the last few decades, solar power has gone from being a niche technology to one of the fastest growing and most widely discussed energy sources on the planet. But beyond the familiar image of solar panels lying across fields and rooftops, there's an incredible amount happening within the industry. Technological breakthroughs, new applications, evolving policies, and big questions about how solar fits into the larger energy landscape. In today's episode, we'll dive into these issues to better understand what's driving solar power's rapid growth, how it stacks up against other energy sources, and where new technologies might take us next. Joining the podcast are: Steve Schumacher, Distribution Manager, Renewables, PLP Todd Laird, Product Manager, Renewables, PLP

Connecting the Lines: Infrastructure Investment - The Future of Broadband

With billions on the table and a nation to connect, can a "tech-neutral" approach deliver on the promise of high-speed broadband for all? On this episode of "Connecting the Lines," industry experts David Malfara and Dan Levac join us to discuss the BEAD program's dramatic shift from a "fiber-first" approach to a newly announced "tech-neutral" free-for-all. We'll explore what this pivot and other program changes means for service providers, states, consumers, and the future of nationwide connectivity. Plus, Dan drops his new Reagan-inspired tagline... Joining the podcast are: David J. Malfara Sr., CEO, Big Bang Broadband Dan Levac, Senior New Business Development Manager, PLP David's white papers: https://brandfolder.com/s/x4mvp74r74ctq8pkcm8kxvqk

Connecting the Lines: New Product Development

Everything we touch, buy and use has some form of engineering and product development behind it. Whether it's a simple doorstop or a complex bullet train, the process starts with an idea that then undergoes multiple iterations and testing before it finally makes it to market. Engineers combine inventiveness, knowledge, and problem solving skills and of course, talent to bring an idea to life. Today, we are going to be taking a look behind the curtain with two highly experienced engineers to discuss the intricacies of product development. Joining the podcast are: Darnell Johnson: Director of Engineering, New Product Development, Research & Engineering, PLP Rebecca Alban: Engineering Manager, New Product Development & Research and Engineering Lab Manager, PLP

Connecting the Lines: Manufacturing Automation

Today we’re diving into a world where machines and humans coexist, no it’s not the future, it’s the world of today’s high-tech manufacturing plants that utilize industrial robotics and advanced automation. We’ll explore the systems, business cases, philosophy, and overall impact of today and tomorrow’s SMART factory. Joining me to discuss these topics are two people who have a combined 60+ years of manufacturing operations experience. Joining the podcast are: Doug Cozzens: Executive Director, International Manufacturing, PLP Alwin Duckham: Manager, Advanced Manufacturing Group, PLP

Connecting the Lines: Workforce Training

The original fiber optic networks began to be deployed in the 1970s. Since that time, workforce training for technicians, building and maintaining these systems has grown greatly and evolved. Now, with over $40 billion of broadband infrastructure funding about to enter the U.S. market, the new challenge will be to fill demand for properly trained field technicians to support all of this new fiber infrastructure. Joining the podcast today are: Larry Robbert: Senior Technical Advisor, PLP Megan O'Brien: Senior Applications Engineer, PLP