Electrical Business Review: Specials Magazine

Gescan, a Sonepar Company, is transforming the distribution of electrical supplies and equipment into a smarter, more connected service model guided by a philosophy of making contractors’ lives easier. As an electrical wholesale distributor, it delivers end-to-end, technology-driven solutions. These include expert product selection, quick-ship programs, user-friendly digital platforms, and hands-on support that turn even the most complex project into a streamlined, hassle-free experience. As part of Sonepar, a leader in B2B distribution of electrical products, solutions and services, Gescan helps contractors across Western Canada procure the most suitable products, considering both technical and pricing perspectives. By managing inventory directly on behalf of its customers, staging complete projects in advance and ensuring every order arrives on time and in full, it helps contractors stay on schedule while maintaining quality and budget. Its digital procurement platform seamlessly integrates with clients’ ERP systems to simplify ordering and job site management. It creates an omnichannel experience across digital and in-person touchpoints, enhancing billing efficiency and streamlining the entire purchasing workflow “We continuously seek out new ways to enhance the customer experience and deliver innovative solutions to customer challenges,” says Javi Richmond, president. That promise matters in an environment where tariffs and ongoing supply chain disruptions continue to impact project timelines. Backed by strategic alliances and deep technical knowledge, Gescan supports clients in residential, commercial and industrial automation markets. Its responsive sales team ensures that every customer receives the guidance and support needed at each project stage, delivering a smooth, value-rich experience from planning to payment. Guaranteed Inventory and Rapid Turnaround One of its most strategic advantages is the guaranteed inventory program. This nationwide initiative ensures that over 200 essential products are consistently stocked across all 28 branch locations. Supported by a multi-million-dollar investment, the program helps eliminate downtime and ensures contractors can access the materials when and where they need them. To further minimize job site delays, Gescan offers robust vendor-managed inventory solutions that streamline material handling and improve overall productivity.

Electrical Testing Services

Channeling their skills and efforts, electrical technicians ensure the operational integrity of the electrical systems underpinning the national foundation. However, it’s concerning that the numerical strength of this vital human resource is declining due to retirements in the industry. When factored in with the next generation’s reluctance to pick up the mantle, it creates a dearth of skilled technicians. A nationwide engineering and testing company, Telex addresses these concerns by providing superior safety, maintenance, and technical expertise. Specializing in protective relay testing, calibration, functional commissioning, and apparatus/equipment testing, it provides comprehensive electrical maintenance services and trains skilled technicians. It has also recently launched an engineering division to venture into the design aspect of the industry. The engineering side now offers coordination power system studies, relay settings, panel design, brownfield protection, and control upgrades, along with greenfield control building designs. Additionally, the company is also exploring opportunities in the industrial sector, planning to extend its services to maintenance, apparatus testing, and electrical equipment assessment in industrial plants, covering switchgear, relay testing, and other relevant components. “In an era where seasoned technicians are retiring, and companies struggle to find replacements, we tackle the workforce gap with our in-house training program. This initiative not only imparts the essential skills required by our clients but also instills the core values ingrained in us through our extensive experience in utilities,” explains David Thompson, vice president of business development at Telex.

High Voltage Solution

As the world shifts toward a more sustainable energy future, two converging factors have accelerated the demand for electricity: the global energy transition and the exponential growth of data centers. This, however, presents a complex challenge. On one hand, we must scale up electricity generation to meet increasing demand from electrified industries and burgeoning data centers. On the other hand, this expansion must occur within the constraints of sustainable energy goals, meaning we cannot simply rely on traditional, carbon-intensive power sources. That’s where REV steps up to deliver cutting-edge high-voltage (HV) solutions that are reliable, adaptable, and designed to meet the most complex demands. Under the leadership of Jason Molstad, principal, the company has emerged as a leader in the HV space, delivering innovative products and also being a key player providing quality products and services across core industries such as oil and gas, mining, commercial, and utilities. We achieve this by understanding what is important to the client,” Molstad says. “Many firms get carried away with their own perspective, but we spend time getting to know our clients, understanding their needs, and investing in long-term relationships.

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EDITORIAL

Transforming Electrical Distribution Networks

Electrical wholesale suppliers are advancing through new technology, improving both inventory tracking and delivery systems. Digital tools are replacing manual processes, making operations faster and more reliable. As customer expectations rise, suppliers are using data to respond quickly and manage stock more accurately, contributing to a steadily expanding market driven by these ongoing advancements. Reports state that the global electrical wholesale market is projected to grow from approximately $1,713 bn in 2024 to $2,339 bn by 2033, reflecting a CAGR of 6.2 percent over the forecast period. The key technology trends driving the expansion are digital inventory management, AI-powered demand forecasting and e-commerce integration. Digital inventory management enables real-time stock tracking and reduces manual errors across distribution points. AI-powered demand forecasting analyzes purchase patterns and external factors to optimize procurement. E-commerce integration streamlines ordering processes and enhances customer access to products through digital catalogs and online platforms. This edition of Electrical Business Review Canada explores the evolving landscape of electrical wholesale supply. It highlights key trends in digital inventory management and procurement automation. It features thought leadership articles from industry experts. Michael McCollum, process project engineer II at Stellar, shares strategies for writing better electrical specifications for food manufacturing equipment. Pietro Da Sacco, regional engineering manager west at Doka USA, examines digital transformation in the formwork industry. He details how BIM-enabled solutions, enhanced safety features and real-time project collaboration are improving performance and communication in large-scale construction projects. We hope this edition helps you explore advanced solutions that optimize sourcing and improve supply chain efficiency. These innovations support the evolving needs of modern construction and manufacturing environments.