Power Distribution & Controls Team Updates Improving Lead Times & Engineering Support

As order volume continues to rise with Milbank's Power Distribution & Controls (PD&C) products, our teams have been executing strategic updates designed to support growth and improve lead times.

While the past few months brought a significant increase in Engineer-To-Order (ETO) activity, particularly higher-complexity builds, our teams have implemented process improvements, design enhancements, and structural changes that will directly benefit our representative partners in the field.
Here’s what you need to know about our recent updates from our Power Distribution & Controls team:

 

Managing High ETO Demand Without Losing Momentum

Milbank entered 2026 with strong order volume and backlog carryover created temporary lead time pressure, especially on higher-complexity ETO builds requiring additional engineering review.
Rather than allow extended delays to ripple outward, our teams:

• Prioritized clearing ETO backlog
• Paused select special projects temporarily
• Reallocated engineering bandwidth
• Increased order processing rates

Now, backlogs are actively shrinking, and lead times are moving back toward target ranges. For our reps, this means:

• Greater predictability on custom solutions
• Improved communication around complex projects
• Stronger alignment between engineering and manufacturing

 

PWRvance Momentum: Backlog Reduced & Production Support Added

The PWRvance team entered the year balancing ETO demand with new product development initiatives and successfully processed more orders than were created during the month.
In addition, a dedicated production support rotation was established to:

• Field manufacturing questions in real time
• Reduce engineering bottlenecks
• Accelerate Engineering Change Requests (ASEs)
• Improve floor-to-design communication

This new structure strengthens throughput while protecting quality, an important competitive advantage when quoting high-amperage power distribution solutions:

• Faster resolution of technical questions
• More reliable completion timelines
• Increased confidence when selling complex builds

 

Engineering Accountability: Lead Times Now Tracked Separately

Approval packet creation responsibilities have officially shifted to the electrical engineering team, and lead times for this group will now be reported independently from design teams.
This is a key operational shift:

• Greater visibility into approval drawing timelines
• Clearer accountability for engineering deliverables
• Improved forecasting for customer commitments

Even during high-volume months, the team processed over 100 requests, demonstrating throughput capability despite holiday and volume-related distortions.
 

Major Product Enhancements Strengthening the Portfolio

Our latest product enhancements reflect a focused investment in performance, usability, and scalability, ensuring our portfolio continues to evolve alongside market demands and customer expectations.

Expanded Enclosure and Hooded Unit Designs:

Newly completed enclosure and hooded unit designs expand our flexibility while strengthening value and competitiveness across applications:

• Broader configuration options
• Improved value-engineered solutions
• Increased competitiveness in bid scenarios

180° Door and Hinge Enhancements:

A newly designed large enclosure hinge and expanded 180-degree door functionality are in final validation stages. The doorstop will allow configurable opening positions, improving field usability and installation flexibility:

• Easier installation for contractors
• Better service accessibility
• Enhanced differentiator in side-by-side comparisons

CP3F Library Refresh and 180° Option

A full manufacturing review was completed and an updated shell library is being implemented. The 180° door feature will now be available on this platform, allowing for:

• Streamlined quoting with updated system models
• Greater standardization
• Enhanced feature set without added complexity

PVC CT Meter Module Development

Work is underway to expand CT and self-contained meter base options while reusing sheet metal across platforms to maximize efficiency and maintain design consistency. Key focus areas include:

• Modular meter integration
• Standard base alignment
• Reduced manufacturing variation

Each of these adjustments will directly impact our reps and partners by enabling:

• Expanded application coverage
• Simplified system matching
• More scalable quoting solutions

High-Amperage Platform Advancements

Design refinements continue for high-amperage configurations, including backup power considerations and additional approval processes. In the field, this means:

• Stronger utility alignment
• Increased resilience options
• Enhanced readiness for large-scale infrastructure projects

 

Universal Approval Drawing Packets: A Major Process Upgrade

One of the most impactful updates for reps is the rollout of a universal approval drawing packet across both Enclosed Controls and PWRvance. This structure was developed collaboratively with Sales and Product teams to ensure usability and clarity for:

• Faster customer approvals
• Cleaner documentation
• More professional submittals
• Reduced back-and-forth during review cycles

Additionally, Finished Good Packets will now be inserted into completed cabinets before shipment. These packets include catalog numbers and documented identifiers to simplify reorders and improve traceability.

Engineering Teams Combined for Greater Alignment

In addition to our product updates, we’ve unified the engineering design teams. This move creates:

• Improved cross-functional visibility
• Faster design iteration
• Reduced handoff delays
• More cohesive product strategy

The long-term strategy here provides stronger internal alignment equals stronger external support.
As demand for advanced power distribution and high-amperage solutions continues to accelerate, these operational and product improvements position us, and our representative partners, for continued success.