RS Technologies looks forward to next phase of accelerated growth
CALGARY, AB, CAN, February 6, 2024 – RS Technologies Inc. (“RS” or the “Company”), a leading global manufacturer of composite utility poles, today announced that the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") has appointed John Higgins as Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), effective January 18, 2024.
The appointment of John Higgins, who has served on the Board since 2019, follows the departure of George Kirby, who served as the President and CEO of RS since 2021, and whose tenure marked a period of growth and innovation. The Board greatly appreciates George's dedication to advancing RS's position as a premier composite utility pole manufacturer.
"John has extensive experience serving the utility industry, leading growth businesses and a deep knowledge of RS specifically," said Don Lowry, Chairman of the Board. "Investment in the electrical grid is at an inflection point, and John is the right leader to accelerate RS's growth and secure the Company's place as a leader in the market for utility structures."
John has a proven track record and brings a wealth of utility service and infrastructure experience to RS. Prior to joining the Board, John was President of the Utility Services Group of MasTec, leading more than 4,000 employees serving the engineering, maintenance, and construction needs of the utility and telecommunications industries during his nine-year tenure. John also sits on the board of SAM Companies, the leading geospatial engineering firm serving the same sectors. John holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from West Point and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
"During my time as a Board member, I have developed a profound respect for the Company's talented team and its superior products, and I have the utmost confidence in our ability to continue to deliver our unique grid-hardening solutions, at scale, to this important market," Higgins said. "I am honored to have this opportunity to lead our team and couldn't be more excited to help RS realize its potential as we enter this next phase of growth."
RS Technologies' investors Werklund Growth Fund L.P. and Energy Impact Partners L.P. welcomed John to the new role and expressed confidence in his ability to grow the company. "Having worked with John on the Board, I have witnessed firsthand his tireless efforts and the creativity brings. John's ability to scale businesses will help establish RS as a key infrastructure provider," said Stefan Erasmus, CEO of Werklund Growth Fund GP Inc. "We are confident that in his new role as CEO, John will enable RS's advancement of composite infrastructure solutions and continue the programmatic adoption of RS's products by utilities to create a more sustainable, reliable, and resilient grid," said Steven Kantowitz, Partner at Energy Impact Partners L.P.
About RS Technologies Inc. (RS)
RS designs, engineers, and manufactures composite utility poles and related products for the electric transmission and distribution sectors. By applying superior resin formulation, stringent quality processes and dedicated utility servicing, RS is the global leader in composite utility structure design and manufacturing. The company’s PowerONTM poles’ unique modular designs satisfy hardened grid requirements from basic 40-foot distribution to 345kV transmission lines with engineered confidence. Using a controlled manufacturing environment, RS can match supply to utilities’ needs whether it is general replacement, restoration, new builds, or multi-year whole grid hardening programs. PowerONTM poles have been rigorously field-tested, demonstrating superior resilience against numerous threats to the electrical grid, including wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, woodpeckers, and other potential hazards. RS has manufacturing facilities in Tilbury, Ontario, Canada, and St. George, Utah, USA. More information on RS and PowerON TM poles is available at RSpoles.com