At Preformed Line Products’ (PLP) Arkansas facility, the maintenance team recently completed a critical repair with real-time support from Sutherland service technician Manny.
The project—replacing bearings and oil seals on the slide of a Mark-121 press—was identified during a scheduled Sutherland Preventive Maintenance Program (PMP) visit and documented through a photo-supported Red-Yellow-Green (RYG) report. With clear visuals, notes, and prioritized actions, the PLP team was able to plan parts and timing around production in advance.
During the PMP, Manny outlined the recommended repairs and coached the team on the safest, most efficient sequence to execute the work. When the repair began, he stayed available via text and phone—right down to a Saturday progress check-in—ensuring the job was completed safely, confidently, and on schedule.
Maintenance Manager Robert Gilreath shared his appreciation for the support:
“Last week we began the process of replacing the bearings and oil seals on the slide portion of our Mark-121. Manny was here a few months ago to do our annual PM and recommended those things be changed and at the time walked me through the easiest process to successfully complete that task.
Manny was also readily available as we were tearing the machine down and through text and phone calls was able to answer any questions we had and provided all the necessary information for us to complete the job successfully. It means a lot to have such highly qualified people to be able to reach out to when we have questions or concerns. He even reached out on Saturday to see how the progress was going.
I wouldn’t have been able to confidently complete the job without his help. Sutherland has always been great to work with and I appreciate you all.”
This story reflects the foundation of Sutherland’s service philosophy:
From proactive PMP recommendations to weekend follow-ups, Manny ensured PLP had everything needed—parts, process, and peace of mind.
Sutherland’s PMP provides structured, visual, and actionable insight that helps maintenance teams plan effectively and avoid downtime:
Disciplined preventive and predictive maintenance programs minimize unplanned downtime and extend equipment life.
According to FORGE magazine, PdM programs can reduce maintenance costs by 12%, improve uptime by 9%, and extend equipment life by over 20%.
Sutherland’s PMP delivers these results through real diagnostics, structured scheduling, and accountability, helping plants run safer and longer.
Sutherland’s PMP success is well-documented.
A Fortune 100 manufacturer achieved 107 million strokes in five years with zero unplanned downtime by implementing Sutherland’s PMP protocol across 35 presses. Read full article here
Beyond individual repairs, Sutherland helps customers build lasting maintenance capability. Through illustrated reports, coaching, and embedded best practices, teams gain confidence, efficiency, and independence—with expert support always one call away.
Where applicable, I-PRESS & Automation controls enhance this foundation with real-time diagnostics and performance analytics, allowing teams to identify trends before they impact production.
Sutherland extends sincere thanks to Robert Gilreath and the PLP Arkansas team for their partnership and trust. We’re proud of Manny’s dedication and the results achieved together.
Since 1946, our mission has remained the same:
Deliver service that drives uptime, safety, and long-term equipment health—for every make and model in your plant.
At Preformed Line Products’ (PLP) Arkansas facility, the maintenance team recently completed a critical repair with real-time support from Sutherland service technician Manny.
The project—replacing bearings and oil seals on the slide of a Mark-121 press—was identified during a scheduled Sutherland Preventive Maintenance Program (PMP) visit and documented through a photo-supported Red-Yellow-Green (RYG) report. With clear visuals, notes, and prioritized actions, the PLP team was able to plan parts and timing around production in advance.
During the PMP, Manny outlined the recommended repairs and coached the team on the safest, most efficient sequence to execute the work. When the repair began, he stayed available via text and phone—right down to a Saturday progress check-in—ensuring the job was completed safely, confidently, and on schedule.
