In 2015, NTH was retained by DTE to conduct field assessments and office analysis of their existing transformer support structures to evaluate the possibility of utilizing their existing structure designs to support a new series of larger, more efficient, transformers as part of a system upgrade to meet increasing customer demands. After the initial analysis revealed the structures would not support the new transformers, NTH was retained to modernize their support structure design standards for the multiple transformer sizes they planned to use across Southeast Michigan going forward.

There were some project challenges that included the fact that the team was developing a standard design, not a single structure for one location, and that the structures needed to be serviceable over time. Due to the 100-year service life and likelihood of reconfiguration in the future, these structures had to be designed to facilitate repairs and adapt to changing needs. This design had to be versatile enough to be used over a large geographic area while still being able to be right-sized for the specific needs at the desired installation location at the time and adapt to the changing service demands in that area over its lifetime. Throughout the design process, thought had to be given to how these structures would be used, not only today but also 50-plus years in the future. 

DTE’s project requirements exceeded by the design NTH developed and optimized over the course of the project. With the new standard design, DTE can now change between the large platform configuration and single or twin-single structures, or visa-versa, within a matter of days instead of the weeks required previously. This transformation can be achieved without excavation, using small lift equipment in the tight alleyways, and requires no field welding.

The new design standards allow DTE to keep pace with their customers by operating more efficiently, being able to respond to changes in demand more readily, respond to damage and outages, and keep cost down while investing in the future of Southeast Michigan. 

The Last Week of ESOP Celebration Month is Spirit Week!

Every year, NTH celebrates our employee-owners in October (called ESOPtober) with fun and educational events. ​NTH is an employee-owned (Employee Stock Ownership Program [ESOP]) firm, which means that NTH staff are employee-owners. As a result, our team is invested in the company’s performance and client satisfaction, a combination that provides a creative, cooperative atmosphere that benefits our staff, clients, and project outcomes.

​Being an ESOP is an integral part of our corporate culture, and we consistently strive to enhance our core values of teamwork, professionalism, client satisfaction, and continuous learning through education and engagement activities throughout the year.  October is celebrated by ESOP companies across the Unites States and was an excellent time for all of us at NTH Consultants to focus on the benefits of employee-ownership as well as the core values that have been with us since our inception in 1968. 

The best part of the month is the final week - Spirit Week - where we have a great time together and enjoy the fun culture in our offices. This year was one of our best in terms of engagement and participation. We hosted a Wear your Slippers to Work Day, Celebrate your Favorite Team or Band Day, NTH Pride Day and one of the best days of the year - the Chili Cook off and Costume Day. Our mascot, Coco, participated in every event along with us! 

This year in the main office we had 15 employee owners enter the chili contest, along with an amazing display of sides and desserts. Our kitchen was packed and at full capacity as we enjoyed celebrating the final event of the month. 

NTH, one of the 2019 National Best Places to Work Companies, has an incredible company culture! If you are interested in how you can join the talented and fun employee owners at NTH, please visit our careers page here.