CONNECTIONS_65-e

Success
«R&M means quality and partnership.»
Louis Cruchett, Sr. VP Services, Shields Environmental
Sustainable
in Every Respect
050.7368
Whether in the environmental field or in a business relationship,
sustainability is not always easy to achieve and implement. It requires a
direct approach with constant attention. R&M and Shields Environmental
have established a sustainable partnership based on these principles.
050.7369
Shields Environmental is a global company,
established in 1979, that takes sustainability
seriously, extending the service life of telecom
network equipment. The company offers
repairs, refurbishment, and recycling. Two
years ago, Shields launched their MarketPlace
platform which enables network providers
across the globe to buy and sell network
equipment. It’s an easy way for operators to
join the circular economy, create savings as
well as reach the NetZero targets being set
across the globe. Due to the huge demand
MarketPlace has created, Shields have recently
launched their Vendor Portal platform which
focuses on building sustainable partnerships
to standardize high quality and fast lead times
across the circular economy supply chain.
Service for telecoms
In the U.S., Shields is well known for its EF&I
Services business unit, which supports the
largest telecommunications providers in North
America with a portfolio of services for their
projects. This includes engineering, infrastructure,
primary and secondary power, equipment
installation and connectivity, and test and
turn-up services in the in-building environment
(Central Offices, Hubs, and Cell Sites).
Customers appreciate the high measure of
experience and the industry-leading quality.
As a result, Shields’ Services Division has
experienced tremendous growth since the
division was opened on the West Coast
in October 2016, now providing services
across the U.S. incl. Alaska and Hawaii. The
installation team is one of the most highly
qualified in the industry and has the necessary
infrastructure to be able to continue
this performance at any time. Apart from
identifying new business opportunities, the
most significant obstacle faced by Shields is
the scarcity of skilled technicians and experienced
managers familiar with the quality
standards they require.
have been supported. These include the
first 4G, 5G/Fixed Network, and MEC trial
deployments, as well as on-site Command
Center networks necessary for hosting a
Super Bowl for Tier 1 Service Providers.
Market need identified
The partnership resulted in an intense
sales relationship. Shields and R&M jointly
developed new products, including the
1.2 mm patch cord. Both companies had
listened carefully to customers and realized
that there was a demand for thinner patch
cords. There is only a limited supply available
on the market. As part of the distribution
partnership, the R&M production network
has been supplying thin patch cords since
2021. Shields introduced it to the market
with immense success. Further new developments
are currently being planned.
Shields’ delivery and installation program
includes fiber optic cabling and connectivity.
The components are each part of a project.
That’s why they must fit perfectly with the
company’s quality standards.
050.7370
Shields used cabling solutions from R&M to
build data networks for hosting the Super Bowl.
R&M is the preferred cabling supplier across
the U.S. Shields and R&M support construction
projects such as campus networks and
PoP stations. In the mobile/WiFi market, for
example, projects in the areas of Central
Offices, iEN (C-RAN, 5G, MEC), and DAS
Tony Rislov | R&M USA
tony.rislov@rdm.com
050.7405
8 | CONNECTIONS 10|2023–65