Texas Electric Cooperatives forms strategic alliance with Cox Industries

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Aug 14, 2017, 06:00 ET

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Electric Cooperatives, an association representing some of the largest electric cooperatives in the United States, today announced an alliance with Cox Industries. Cox will provide management services for TEC's wood utility pole manufacturing plant in Jasper, Texas. As part of the agreement, Cox also will be involved in procurement of raw goods, quality control and environmental protection oversight of the facility.

Cox Industries logo

"The TEC-Cox strategic alliance expands TEC's ability to support our members during emergencies with supplies from multiple plants across the country. The alliance will increase resources by adding the capabilities of 16 other pole manufacturing plants, reduce TEC's operational cost by aggregating resources and create large-scale procurement opportunities that will drive down costs of raw materials. All these things will benefit the TEC membership," said Johnny Andrews, chief operating officer of TEC Manufacturing & Distribution Services. "The alliance between TEC and Cox is truly a win-win for both parties."

Cox Industries, the largest producer of round wood products in the United States, brings to the partnership a level of scale, resources and proficiency that will enhance an already-successful business line. With 16 U.S. manufacturing plants, Cox has the resources and expertise to make efficiency improvements that will enable capacity growth within existing infrastructure.

"The Cox family is excited about interacting with a world-class network as represented by TEC's co-op membership. We are eager to begin interacting across the entire service territory to create opportunity and savings for everyone involved," said Mikee Johnson, CEO of Cox Industries.

About Texas Electric Cooperatives
Texas Electric Cooperatives was established in 1941 as a coalition of electric cooperatives formed to have greater bargaining leverage with power suppliers. Since its founding, TEC has advanced with the times to provide its members the services and products necessary to sustain a cooperative business in the 21st century. Today, TEC's members include 64 distribution and 11 generation and transmission cooperatives. The association is led by President and CEO Mike Williams and is headquartered in Austin, Texas. The association's long history is a testament to the effectiveness of the cooperative business model and the Seven Cooperative Principles that guide its purpose. To learn more, visit texas-ec.org.

About Cox Industries, Inc.
Since 1954, Cox Industries has been a leading manufacturer and distributor of treated outdoor wood products for the residential, commercial, industrial and utility markets. Headquartered in Orangeburg, South Carolina, this family-owned and operated company produces a variety of quality wood products—from decks, fences, and framing to utility poles, docks, retaining walls and other specialty items. A privately-held company, Cox operates 16 manufacturing facilities and dozens of distribution yards and employs more than 400 people. Cox was founded by W.B. and E.J. Cox as a residential product treating company. The company serves tens of thousands of customers around the world with residential, industrial, and custom product manufacturing. The company is in its third generation of family ownership. To learn more, visit coxwood.com.

SOURCE Texas Electric Cooperatives