PLP, a global leader and key U.S. manufacturer of critical broadband infrastructure components, has taken a significant step in supporting the U.S. Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The company has become the first fiber optic closure and pole line hardware manufacturer to self-certify several of its core products as compliant with the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act requirements.
The BABA Act, a crucial part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), mandates strict U.S. domestic sourcing requirements for various infrastructure programs, including the BEAD Program, which allocates $42.5 billion in federal grants to states and territories to expand high-speed internet access to underserved areas.
PLP, a company with a long history of advocating for U.S. manufacturing and American workers, has been actively involved in the critical communications and power networks industry for nearly 80 years. Its state-of-the-art facilities in Arkansas, North Carolina, and Ohio produce thousands of components used in essential infrastructure projects worldwide.
This latest achievement by PLP demonstrates their commitment to supporting the BABA Act’s objectives. John Hofstetter, Executive Vice President of U.S. Operations at PLP, stated, “As a leading U.S. manufacturer of components that require Build America, Buy America compliance, we are committed to ensuring that our customers and their infrastructure projects adhere to the IIJA’s BABA mandate. This not only supports American jobs and the economy but also aligns with our long-standing commitment to delivering high-quality American-made products backed by unparalleled local support.”
Since the beginning of 2022, PLP has invested over $60 million in expanding its U.S. manufacturing capabilities, including a recent $27 million expansion at their Rogers, Arkansas plant and the acquisition of a facility in Peninsula, Ohio. This strategic investment reflects their dedication to domestic production and solidifies their position as a prominent U.S. manufacturer.
PLP’s commitment to BABA compliance extends beyond just product certifications. Matthew Becker, Senior Market Manager of North America Communications at PLP, emphasized, “Although PLP is already well-positioned with strong domestic supplier relationships and many compliant products, we are being diligent with our certification process. We currently self-certify hundreds of core products and anticipate this number to quickly grow as we continuously evaluate existing SKUs and bring new domestic production resources online.”
PLP has currently certified a wide range of products for BABA compliance, including:
* Enclosures
* COYOTE® DTC
* COYOTE® Drop Cable Closures
* COYOTE® LCC
* COYOTE® In-Line Runt Closures
* COYOTE® ONE Dome Closures
* COYOTE® 6.5″ x 17″ Dome Closures
* COYOTE® 6.5″ x 22″ Dome Closures
* COYOTE® Taut Closures
* COYOTE® 9.5″ x 19″ Dome Closures
* COYOTE® 9.5″ x 28″ Dome Closures
* COYOTE® HD Dome Closures
* COYOTE® HD Stainless Steel Splice Cases
* COYOTE® Aerial Drop Closures
* COYOTE® Terminal Closures
* COYOTE® Terminal Dome Closures
* COYOTE® 8″ Pedestals
* COYOTE® GLC Iron or Steel Products
* GUY-GRIP® Dead-Ends
* False Dead-Ends
* Strand Splices
* Reducing Splices
* Other Network Equipment
* SLACKLOOP® Plastic In-Span Storage
* SLACKLOOP® Aluminum In-Span Storage
* SLACKLOOP® Center-Lock Storage
* SLACKLOOP® 33″ Cable Storage
* SLACKLOOP® Compact Cable Storage
* COYOTE® Splice Trays
* Guy Markers
* Spiral Vibration Dampers
* FIBERLIGN® Dielectric Dampers
* Air Flow Spoilers
PLP is committed to continuous improvement and anticipates that its list of compliant products will continue to grow as its internal compliance team evaluates and certifies additional products. For further information on BABA compliance, PLP has established an online resource at go.plp.com/baba.
This proactive approach by PLP highlights their dedication to supporting the BABA Act’s goals of stimulating domestic manufacturing, boosting the economy, and ensuring that vital infrastructure projects utilize American-made products. Their efforts play a crucial role in accelerating the deployment of high-speed internet access across the U.S., bridging the digital divide and creating a more connected future.
