C&D Technologies is a technology company that produces and markets systems for the power conversion and storage of electrical power, including industrial batteries and electronics. Pulse 2.0 interviewed C&D Technologies VP of Sales Karen Pugliese to learn more about the company.
Karen Pugliese’s Background
What is Karen Pugliese’s background? Pugliese said:
“I started my career working for General Electric (GE). I spent almost 10 years in a variety of GE businesses and positions. It was a great learning experience to have exposure to different industries and go-to-market strategies. The learning environment was the best and provided an exceptional foundation for future leadership roles. Following GE, I spent several years leading a Security Division for what is now Stanley Black & Decker. Most recently, I spent 10+ years in a variety of leadership positions for a technology manufacturer. My focus has been on building great teams and reinventing go-to-market strategies throughout my career.”
“My role is uniquely focused on creating demand and preference for our solutions through a ‘channel first organization.’ The team is a combination of business development and sales resources, supported by sales engineering and channel program development. It is a unique structure where the global team is driving preference with our customers globally and pulling that demand through our certified distribution and channel partners.”
Favorite Memory
What has been Pugliese’s favorite memory working for the company so far? Pugliese reflected:
“As part of one of our kickoff meetings, we did a cooking contest. We split up into 2 teams, were provided with a bunch of ingredients, and left to our own devices to produce a dish. It was so wonderful to see the creativity and the benefit of bringing together a team with diversity of culture and background. The results were spectacular!”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Pugliese explained:
“C&D Technologies specializes in manufacturing advanced energy storage solutions. Our main battery technologies are based on Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) and Flooded Lead Acid (VLA) technologies. Our batteries are designed for a wide range of critical backup systems in data centers, emergency call centers, wireless networks, remote communication sites, nuclear facilities, critical infrastructure, and renewable energy. C&D batteries incorporate proprietary advanced technologies to deliver exceptional performance, durability, and reliability. They are supported by a global service and support network to respond to customers quickly.”
Challenges Faced
What challenges have Pugliese and the team faced in building the company? Pugliese acknowledged:
“Like many in the battery industry, C&D Technologies encountered challenges related to supply chain disruptions, fluctuating raw material costs, and evolving regulatory standards. To overcome these market conditions, C&D Technologies has implemented robust contingency plans, diversified our supplier base, optimized our manufacturing processes, enhanced our global distribution network, and continued to innovate with advanced technologies to meet the changing needs of our customers.”
Evolution Of C&D’s Technology
How has the company’s technology evolved since launching? Pugliese noted:
“Since our inception a century ago, C&D Technologies has been committed to innovation and continuous improvement. Our technology has evolved significantly with the goal of meeting ever-changing market needs. We develop solutions-based technologies by leveraging advancements in materials science and manufacturing techniques.”
“At C&D, innovation goes beyond single components within a battery. Our wholistic approach allows us to manufacture the best battery for each unique application. Every aspect of the battery is optimized to provide customers with the best combination of quality, performance, and cost.”
“A perfect example of that approach is our latest evolution in data center batteries – Pure Lead Max. The most important and critical components of battery optimization are the grids and paste. Instead of solely concentrating on reducing grid corrosion or extending paste life, we focus on both!”
“Our unique grid alloy combination drastically reduces long-term corrosion while having enough rigidity to withstand the consistent use and high demands of UPS applications. This additional rigidity also enables custom designs that improve power delivery, making it easier to extract the power from the battery when needed, and in turn, also helping to improve its life.”
“As for the paste, our proprietary pure lead paste and manufacturing process increases the life of this component by up to 40% while enhancing temperature tolerance, creating safer discharge capabilities, and improving shelf life. Additionally, there is a catalyst that increases the paste life by reducing water loss, and in combination with all other advancements, enables our lead acid battery to have a standard warranty of eight years.”
“Another unique technology is the C&D Ohmic Ring in our front terminal VRLA batteries that improves safety and simplifies maintenance. It provides an easily accessible location to take voltage, conductance, resistance, impedance and connection resistance measurements without reaching inside the cabinets/racks and with higher accuracy due to the extended area and no need for additional brackets.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Pugliese cited:
“C&D Technologies has achieved numerous milestones throughout its 100-year history. Among the many highlights is our development of industrial batteries to aid in the World War II effort. We used that experience to expand into battery systems for the burgeoning communications industry immediately after the war. In 1970, C&D worked with Bell Labs to develop lead-calcium battery technology, which became the industry standard. C&D acquired Trojan Battery Company, a leading manufacturer of deep cycle batteries for motive and stationary applications, in 2018 to expand our portfolio and provide new opportunities for growth and innovation.”
Total Addressable Market
What total addressable market (TAM) size is the company pursuing? Pugliese estimated it is at about $4 billion.
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Pugliese affirmed:
“Several factors set C&D Technologies apart from our competitors. We have been in operation for 100 years, and that experience and market insight help us provide the best solution to meet a customer’s specific requirements. Another differentiator is that C&D has a wide global network of distributors, sales offices, and manufacturing facilities to best serve customers.”
“In addition, our company takes a leadership role in sustainability. We adhere to a close-loop lifecycle so that up to 80% of reclaimed materials are used in new battery production, and our products are 99% recyclable. We have also invested in automation tools and lowered power consumption to minimize our environmental footprint.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future company goals? Pugliese concluded:
“Looking ahead, C&D Technologies is focused on a core goal – providing customers and partners with energy storage solutions to meet their current and future requirements. We are committed to achieving this goal by driving technology innovation, advancing our global service and support network, and providing key educational resources. It is a formula that has been successful for 100 years and will help C&D Technologies grow in this century.”
