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POLE/ZERO: MORE THAN 30 YEARS IN WEST CHESTER AND STILL GROWING

January 7, 2024  |  Pole/Zero
Pole/Zero

Before Union Centre Boulevard existed and exit #19 on I-75 became a reality for West Chester, Pole/Zero was already making a name for themselves. What started in 1989 with a forward-thinking father and son duo of electrical engineers out of a garage shop, set the foundation for what has evolved into a global company. Pole/Zero is a global leader in equipment that helps maintain the integrity of voice/data transmission and streamlines microwave signals - RF & Microwave Filters and Integrated Microwave Assemblies or IMA’s.

 

After moving the business to West Chester in 1992 and experiencing continued growth, the owners decided the best way forward was to partner with a larger organization. So after 18 years of successful business operations, Pole/Zero underwent a change in ownership in 2007 joining forces with several other RF and Microwave companies to land in Microwave Products Group as part of Dover Corporation’s Engineered Products segment. Dover Corporation (NYSE: DOV) is a diversified global manufacturer that delivers innovative equipment and components, consumable supplies, aftermarket parts, software and digital solutions and support services.

 

Pole/Zero will celebrate 35 years in 2024 and now calls a 90,000-square-foot facility on Union Centre Drive home to its 200 employees.

 

The mission of Connecting and Protecting People® is not just a slogan for this West Chester based company; it’s deeply ingrained in the very roots – from the dedicated employees and valued suppliers, to esteemed customers, stakeholders, and the worldwide communities served, the mission is a guiding principle that shapes every aspect of operations. It goes well beyond any product that Pole/Zero offers; it is a commitment to fostering strong connections and ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the business ecosystem. Pole/Zero’s mission is a testament to enduring relationships that they build, the partnerships that they cherish, and the positive impact that they strive to make in the lives of those connecting to the organization.

 

The community mission extends into a commitment to social responsibility through philanthropic efforts, Pole/Zero actively engages in supporting many charities, focusing on local and veteran based charities. By aligning to the MPG values with initiatives that benefit the community and honor veterans, the West Chester site is dedicated to creating a positive impact. Through these philanthropic endeavors, Pole/Zero not only fosters a sense of connectivity within the community but also actively contributes to the protection and well-being of everyone involved.  Some of the philanthropic efforts include:  American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Hospice of Cincinnati, Hope’s Closet, ALS, Missions in Motion, Matthew 25 Ministries, Ronald McDonald House, Shared Harvest, Fisher House, Marines Toys for Tots, BCCS Adopt-A-Family.

 

Ron Ruppersburg, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati and West Chester resident, became Vice President and General Manager of Pole/Zero in 2018. As an instrumental figure in Pole/Zero’s success, Ron’s achievements and transformative leadership did not go unnoticed and his leadership duties quickly extended to additional MPG sites in the United States. When MPG’s incumbent President Dave Howett retired, Ron emerged as the natural choice for succession and in 2020 brought forth a new organizational mindset and vision that united previously independent operating locations into a cohesive whole.

 

Ruppersburg orchestrated this transformative shift by restructuring the independent operating company model to forge MPG as a global leader within its respective markets. His vision involved harnessing the expertise of employees at each facility, forming cohesive value streams marketed as four product lines, featuring six unique and identifiable brands.

 

Joining Pole/Zero is BSC Filters, a UK-based brand specializing in Filters and Solutions for the European markets, among others. Dow-Key Microwave of Ventura, California, boasts the title of oldest operating RF and Microwave Switch provider in the United States. Espy, the latest addition to the MPG brands with offices in Austin, Texas and Columbia, Maryland, is exclusively dedicated to the Spectrum Operations product line extending MPG’s capabilities into the realm of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML). K&L Microwave based in Salisbury, Maryland has been a trusted industry supplier for more than 50 years, and the oldest MPG brand owned by Dover Corporation.

 

Finally, as part of Ron’s strategy, a new brand emerged last November called MPG Solutions. This powerhouse brand is led by another West Chester resident, Matt Shelley, Vice President of MPG Solutions. This newer brand ingeniously integrates components from each of the flagship brands, forming more comprehensive customer solutions that embody the collective strength and expertise of the entire MPG brand portfolio.

 

What exactly are RF and Microwave Filters & IMA’s?  RF filters are like traffic directors for your wireless communication systems. Imagine your communication signals as congested traffic, and these filters act as navigators, helping ensure that only the desired signals get through while minimizing interference or unwanted signals. Just as a traffic patrol officer would manage the flow of vehicles on a road, Pole/Zero’s RF Filters guide the precise flow of signals on larger-scale platforms like ships, aircraft, and space-based applications. The equipment works in conjunction with communication systems and are paramount in eliminating noise and maintaining the integrity of voice/data transmission, contributing to the seamless and reliable operations that make a mission successful.

 

Integrated Microwave Assemblies are like power-packed, all-in-one solutions for handling and managing microwave signals. Think of IMA’s as toolkits that combine various components, such as filters, amplifiers, and other essential elements, into a single compact unit.  These assemblies are designed to efficiently process and manipulate microwave signals, making them convenient and effective for a wide range of applications, from communication systems to electronic devices. So, instead of dealing with individual components, an IMA brings everything together, streamlining the handling of microwave signals in a more efficient and compact manner.

 

The Culture | A Commitment to Excellence

Working at the West Chester company isn’t just a job; it’s an immersive experience in a vibrant learning culture and an overwhelming sense of camaraderie. The Pole/Zero leadership team focuses on and fosters an environment where curiosity is celebrated, and continuous improvement is not just encouraged but deeply embedded in the fabric of daily operations. Employees find themselves surrounded by teams of dedicated experts who are not just colleagues but collaborators on a shared journey of growth and innovation. The open and supportive atmosphere ensures every individual feels valued, their ideas heard, and their potential recognized. This sense of camaraderie extends beyond the desks, creating a community that thrives on shared successes, fostering both personal and professional development for everyone at Pole/Zero.

 

Beyond the professional growth, employees appreciate a deeply meaningful environment, while crafting top-quality products takes on a special significance as it forms an emotional connection. Knowing that, at the end of the day, their daily projects directly contribute to getting operators and users connected and protected when it matters the most, adds a profound sense of fulfillment. It’s more than just a job; it’s a commitment to excellence that goes past the workspace, fostering a genuine connection to the significance of the work they do, in the lives of those they serve.

 

Pole/Zero is actively recruiting for multiple positions and invites individuals with a passion for excellence to explore exciting career opportunities within the organization. As the company continues to expand and innovate, it values the contributions of skilled professionals who share a commitment to delivering top-notch performance. Anyone interested in joining a dynamic and collaborative work environment can explore the various positions currently available. To view the current job openings and embark on a rewarding career journey with Pole/Zero visit https://www.mpgdover.com/en/company/corporate-information/careers.html and choose location: West Chester, OH.