EMPOWERING EXPANSION: NEC HELPS POSITION BONDEX FOR THE FUTURE
Part of Andrew Industries Limited, Bondex is known for producing high-quality, innovative non-woven products used across industries such as filtration, electrical, automotive, medical, and residential. For nearly three decades, the company has been a leader in technical nonwoven manufacturing operating from its Trenton, South Carolina, facility.
Charlie Waters is the Plant Engineering Manager and has played a part in the success of the Trenton facility since it was established in 1997. Charlie began his career with Andrew Industries in 1988 and advanced through the ranks, becoming Production Manager responsible for plant operations. Today, he leads the maintenance team and implements maintenance initiatives for the business.
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know the work will be done right and delivered with superior quality.
Bondex has evolved over the years with new innovations and technologies, leading to expanded production capabilities. Maintaining uninterrupted operations is critical and while the company has a strong internal maintenance team, it relies on trusted external partners to support new projects.
Through a referral of a trusted colleague, Richard Hutto, Charlie was introduced to Newsome Electrical Construction (NEC). “It is critical to our operations that we work with partners who are reliable, deliver high-quality results, and can manage project scopes efficiently,” said Charlie. “NEC impressed us immediately with their professionalism, technical expertise, and ability to integrate seamlessly with our team.’’
In 2023, Bondex expanded operations with the construction of a new 66,000 sq. ft. building to accommodate a highly specialized 6-meter-wide needle loom, a new needle punch line, and additional space to support future growth.
A key requirement of the project was determining the best way to supply a new 2000-amp service to the building. “The NEC team analyzed our existing infrastructure and evaluated if additional power would be required for the project and determined we could leverage our building 3 switchgear, which drove efficiencies to the project,” said Charlie.
Collaboration and communication are essential to project success at Bondex, especially since some of the equipment integration team are international partners. “Sean Brown, NEC Project Manager is fantastic. He took the time to build a rapport with our installation experts overcoming language barriers to ensure the correct equipment and power requirements were fully understood,” said Charlie. “NEC’s ability to facilitate complex projects with precision and clarity reflects the outstanding customer support we’ve come to expect.”
The partnership with NEC has consistently delivered more than just technical solutions. Flexibility, reliability, and a proactive approach have allowed Bondex’s internal teams to focus on core operations while NEC manages new initiatives. “NEC is familiar with our systems, panel locations, and power feeds, and we can rely on them to work independently,” said Charlie. “We know the work will be done right and delivered with superior quality.”
Their ability to facilitate complex projects with precision and clarity reflects the outstanding customer support we’ve come to expect from NEC.
Since 2011, NEC has consistently exceeded expectations at Bondex. “They listen to our needs, work efficiently and are always focused on providing the best experience possible,” Charlie said. “It’s been rewarding to watch NEC grow while maintaining the exceptional quality of their work. They have become more than a service provider they are a trusted partner and an extension of our team. It’s a great relationship.”
No matter the industry, maintaining seamless operations requires partners who combine flexibility with exceptional service. For Bondex, NEC exemplifies these qualities, delivering innovative solutions, expert guidance, and unwavering support. Their partnership demonstrates that when companies align goals, the results are not just successful projects, they are long-term, mutually beneficial relationships built on trust, expertise, and a commitment to excellence.