Navigating a Successful Family Business: Lessons From the Lampton Family

Read Ergon President & CEO Kris Patrick’s latest LinkedIn article, as shown below, to learn his key takeaways for navigating a successful family business.

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In celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week and our continuation of Ergon’s yearlong celebration of 70 years of service, it’s fitting that I acknowledge the man responsible for the vision and success of our organization, Mr. Leslie Lampton Sr.

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Leslie Lampton Sr. – Ergon Founder

Mr. Lampton founded Ergon as Lampton Oil Company in 1954, delivering fuel to highway construction companies in Jackson, Mississippi. We’ve since grown to include a wide range of operations, providing high-value solutions essential to global manufacturing and infrastructure. From the very beginning, Mr. Lampton viewed Ergon as a service company with a mission to meet needs, support families and serve customers. Although we have experienced incredible growth, this mission has and will continue to guide how we operate.

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Second-Generation Lampton Family: Robert, Lee, Leslie and Bill

Family First
It’s no accident that family is part of our mission. The Lampton family’s priority has been and will always be that we build a business family. As such, we consider everyone family, and regardless of our title or responsibility in the company, we all serve a critical role in keeping our business family strong. Mr. Lampton built this organization to ensure support for progress well into the future. That includes the companies we have created from the ground up, the companies we have brought into the family of businesses, and the lasting relationships we have built with our customers, suppliers and in the communities we serve. Generations of Lamptons have continued to uphold this legacy of relationship-driven service and support.

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Third-Generation Lampton Family: Amy, Will, Patrick, Lee Crum and Barton

Mr. Lampton passed away in 2018, but his legacy lives on, not just through his immediate family but through generations of Ergonauts who have helped shape the company into the global organization we are today. As our horizons expand, we remain committed to being the family Ergon was always meant to be. We strive to keep our Founder’s values, Ergon’s values, top of mind in all that we do. But what does it really look like to carry on this legacy in a growing and complex organization, while embracing new ideas for a successful future? Here are some key takeaways, inspired by lessons Mr. Lampton has taught us about navigating the family business that he created.

The Ultimate Goal Is Impact. Running A Successful and Profitable Business Enables That Impact.

One of the principles Mr. Lampton always shared was that what we do is about more than just making a profit.

  • Principle 1: Operate not for profit alone, but as a platform to make a positive difference in countless lives and countless ways.

Obviously, the bottom line is critical to evaluating the performance of businesses, but that’s not what drives us. We empower Ergon employees to wake up every day to think about how they

can improve the lives of others, whether that’s what they contribute on the job, how they look out for their coworkers or what they do for others in their communities. How does what you do today impact somebody’s life for the better? Everyone at Ergon, especially our frontline employees, can impact countless lives. From the tires on cars and the transformers lighting communities, to the roads that lead to homes and businesses, and the critical transportation services we provide, our products and services are essential to life in modern society.

The true return on investment is leaving the world in a better state because of what we do and how we do it. We fight against complacency because we understand that operating a world-class organization and meeting the needs of our customers enables us to impact so many lives in a positive way.

Embracing Differences and Leveraging Strengths Leads to Category Innovation
If everyone thought the same and had the same experiences, there would be little room for growth. Healthy tension can be a good thing, and embracing different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences can be a critical asset when it comes to innovating ways to maintain relevance in a global society. Without challenges to the status quo, organizations risk becoming stagnant and out of touch with the diversity of the global marketplace.

  • Principle 2: Treat employees with genuine care and respect, recognizing that each one has something special to offer.

At Ergon, we understand that everyone at every level of the organization contributes to our continued success. Since my days as a chemical engineering co-op at Ergon Refining Inc., I’ve always appreciated how the Ergon family encourages people to think critically and independently, and operate from a solutions-oriented mindset, knowing they have full support when needed. It’s what we like to call Empowered Service, Respectful Relationships, Purposeful Growth and Selfless Leadership — core Ergon values we will continue to extend to up-and-coming generations of employees.

The key, however, is bringing all our unique perspectives together, like pieces of a puzzle, for the greatest outcome for our business and our customers. Not just a family business, Ergon operates as a family, understanding that collaboration and synergy unlock a wealth of opportunities to make a positive impact.

Get to Know Who You Serve
To maintain a service-oriented business, let alone a family business, you must be in tune with your customers’ changing needs. Mr. Lampton always said Ergon’s success is based on our ability to clearly understand the needs of our customers, both today and in the future. The only way to understand these needs is to be intentional about building and maintaining relationships.

  • Principle 3: Build true and caring relationships with our customers, anticipating their needs even before they are aware of them.

Our companies are diverse in terms of the markets and applications we serve. At the same time, our family of businesses are collaborative and highly integrated. Because we serve many markets and applications from multiple businesses, we have a unique view of our customers and what we can do to meet their specific needs. Ultimately, we strive to create competitive advantages for our customers through the innovative products and solutions we provide.

Without true and caring relationships, we could not have the insights to understand our customers’ unique needs. As a family company that considers customers part of the Ergon family too, we understand the value of strong business relationships to the longevity of our organization and the success of those we serve.

Maintain a Mission-Focused View of the Future
Ergon is always looking for opportunities to expand the impact of our original mission worldwide, while maintaining our commitment to Doing Right for our customers, employees and the communities we serve. It all goes back to impact. We’re looking to grow with innovation to make good on our desire to improve the lives of others around the world.

  • Principle 4: Keep your eyes focused on the horizon while maintaining a long-term, mission-focused view across the Ergon family of companies.

Our business strategy and goal to be a global leader in the industries we serve require us to look across a 10-year horizon, not just the next few months. We’re conscious about avoiding short-term decisions that may impact not only quarterly earnings, but our ability to invest in growth opportunities, technologies, employee development programs, community service/giving back initiatives and more. Guided by strategic imperatives, including safety, people, customers, investments, growth and collaboration, the Ergon family is working diligently to create long-term avenues for sustainable success across our businesses. These efforts are made possible through the ongoing support of generations of Lampton family members.

Family Support
Maintaining the family aspect of a family-owned and -operated business is easier when you have the support of the founding family. Second, third and soon-to-be fourth generation Lamptons are all actively involved across the Ergon organization. The family also consistently reinvests back into the company to allow us to explore growth opportunities to ensure a sustainable future as industries shift and the needs of our customers evolve. We have a healthy blend of collaboration among Lampton family and extended family, from business operations to community outreach and more, that allows us to continue to live out our original mission with an eye toward innovation and progress for a bright future.

Keep Telling the Story
Just as important as it is for family to be involved with and supportive of future endeavors, it’s equally as important for newer generations to know the history of our organization and what drives all our efforts. Ergon’s foundation of service is something that will never waver, no matter how far we go. It’s this foundation, established over 70 years ago, that keeps us steady as we navigate the changing tides of our industries.

Mr. Lampton’s principles have guided us through seven decades and are how I’ve approached my position as a leader of this incredible family business. I’m especially grateful to the Lampton family for all they continue to do for Ergon and the opportunities they entrust us with to move the business forward.

Ergon Sponsors STEM Event for Jackson Public School District Girls

On Monday, October 29, 2024, Ergon proudly sponsored the American Heart Association’s (AHA’s) STEM Goes Red event at the Mississippi Children’s Museum, where middle school girls within the Jackson Public School District explored science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on workshops with local STEM professionals. The event underscored Ergon’s commitment to Doing Right through our principles and making a positive impact, while helping young girls envision a future in STEM.

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One of the day’s highlights was a workshop led by Ergon employees, including Global Intelligence Specialist Rhyan Plumlee, a chemical engineer who shared Ergon’s passion for community engagement and STEM education. “It’s [STEM Goes Red] a tangible way for them to get exposure to the industry,” said Plumlee, who expressed she did not know what an engineer was when she was the girls’ age. “If you don’t see someone in a certain career path when you’re growing up, you don’t know it’s an option for you,” she said.

One of the STEM sessions the girls participated in during the event was creating an asphalt emulsion heart — a memorable activity that Plumlee hopes will inspire their futures. Azaria Bailey, a student from Powell Middle School, reflected on various sessions hosted by Ergon, Nissan and Mississippi Baptist Medical Center on that day, saying, “I learned how to do CPR. I learned how to make a road. And I learned how to drill. It’s important to have events like this, so you can know what you want to do when you get older and have an idea of it.”

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Keynote speaker Dr. Nashlie Sephus, an Amazon Web Services Principal AI Scientist and CEO of The Bean Path of Jackson, Mississippi, emphasized the importance of diversity in tech and the need for visibility of women, especially women of color, in STEM fields. According to Dr. Sephus, who is also a Jackson Public School District alumna, “Young women need to know they too can be a part of the tech ecosystem … they can be contributors.”

Jennifer Hopping, AHA’s Executive Director and the event’s organizing partner, remarked that Ergon’s role aligns with the organization’s mission to empower the community. Events like STEM Goes Red give young people the support and encouragement to pursue their interests confidently, reflecting Ergon’s dedication to inspiring the next generation of leaders to move the world forward.

Ergon Asia Bridges Cultures to Power the Future

Ergon is dedicated to providing innovative solutions worldwide, now serving over 100 countries. Our efforts include advancing low-carbon energy sources, advancing both energy security and sustainable development. At the heart of our global initiatives are our core values of Empowered Service, Selfless Leadership, Purposeful Growth and Respectful Relationships. For Ergon Asia, currently serving 25 countries across Asia and playing a key role in meeting today’s energy demands, these core values are more than just guiding principles; they are a way of life.

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“Asian culture, with its deep-rooted emphasis on respect, humility and collective well-being, aligns seamlessly with Ergon’s core values, where individual contributions are celebrated for the greater good,” said Chin Chin Wei, the Regional Product Manager for Dielectric Fluid Sales for Ergon Asia. With nearly a decade’s worth of experience in the transformer industry, Chin has been overseeing the HyVolt product line in South Korea since joining Ergon in July 2023.

Upon being hired, one of his first impressions of Ergon was our focus on treating colleagues like family – Ergon family. “At first, I didn’t understand what everyone meant by ‘family,’” said Chin. “I kept asking myself, ‘Why does this company keep mentioning family when we’re not related?’ Then I realized, by family, they mean they genuinely take care of you — and not just you, but your actual family as well.”

This strong sense of community and Respectful Relationships resonates deeply with Asian cultures. During Lunar New Year, for example, families commonly travel great distances to reunite, congregating around round tables to celebrate together. A similar bond is evident within the Ergon family. “For Energy & Specialty Solutions, we have a Global Sales Summit where we all come together to share ideas, perspectives, directions and the future of the business, regardless of title or position,” Chin added.

When it comes to leadership, Asian traditions often emphasize leaders serving their communities selflessly. “Asia is renowned for its strong emphasis on service and hospitality — values that are deeply ingrained in Ergon’s culture. Our team consistently strives to deliver solutions within this framework,” said Juan Acosta, Vice President of Sales – Ergon Asia. Additionally, Chin credits this Selfless Leadership approach for his personal and professional growth. “I have the freedom to make decisions that best serve the customers’ needs and navigate challenges that arise. This allows me to think more broadly and quickly identify opportunities, particularly in the Korean and Malaysian market,” Chin said.

With such synergies, Ergon Asia is well-positioned to meet the region’s growing demand for sustainable solutions, including our dielectric fluids, which support the energy transition from non-renewable resources to electrical power. Since Ergon Asia’s establishment in 2016 with just three employees, they have expanded significantly, now boasting a team of 11. While the team is still relatively small compared to the large demand in Asia, they display remarkable adaptability in managing a diverse business landscape. “Each member wears multiple hats and works closely to ensure open communication,” Chin remarked. “Our team embodies Empowered Service by being humble, genuinely approachable and always willing to lend a hand when needed.”

In addition to team growth, the segment is also growing through regional developments, including increased storage capacity for transformer oils and partnerships to better serve customers. “By positioning ourselves closer to our customers, we’re able to meet their needs for shorter delivery times without compromising product quality,” said Chin. Acosta added, “Our goal is to expand Ergon’s footprint in Asia, where half of the world’s transformer oil is consumed. This demand is driven by the region’s rapid electrification and urbanization, particularly in countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, China and India.”

As Ergon Asia continues to expand, this alignment of culture and values will play an even greater role in their success and a sustainable, electrified future. “By embracing flexibility and local insights, while staying true to our core values, we can build deeper connections with customers across diverse regions,” Chin emphasized. “This alignment enables us to foster relationships built on mutual respect, drive Purposeful Growth, lead with humility and empower others to reach their full potential.”

World Heart Day: Scott Metcalf’s Story

Ergon is deeply committed to the well-being of our employees, and we aim to share stories that encourage everyone to take charge of their health and safety. For World Heart Day (September 29), we are sharing the story of Scott Metcalf, a longtime Ergon employee whose recent heart attack serves as a powerful reminder for all of us to prioritize heart health. His experience shows how easily we can overlook warning signs, even when they are right in front of us.

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Scott, who has been with Ergon for over 15 years, was working in Chandler, Arizona, when his life took an unexpected turn. As the Vice President – Pavement Preservation, Scott knew what it meant to dedicate himself to his work for long hours, and that dedication didn’t always come without stress. In the months leading up to his heart attack, he had experienced fatigue and discomfort, but dismissed it as the normal toll of aging. “I noticed I was really tired. I couldn’t even make it until 9 o’clock anymore, and my feet and ankles hurt,” he recalled. “I thought it was just part of getting older.”

Despite his family’s history of heart disease, Scott’s focus was on managing other health conditions, trusting the annual physicals where he was repeatedly told his heart was “strong.” But on April 25, 2023, Scott realized the seriousness of his situation. After dinner, intense chest pain hit him, radiating through his body. “It felt like a horse kicked me right in the chest,” he said. The pain soon spread to his back, confirming to Scott that he was having a heart attack.

What helped Scott recognize the symptoms was a story shared by a customer years earlier. “I remembered a conversation I had with a customer who described his own heart attack to me, and I thought, ‘This is exactly what he told me it felt like.’ That story made me realize what was happening and to act fast.”

Scott immediately called 911 and then notified his wife, who was back home. Fortunately, his hotel was located next to a fire station, and within minutes, paramedics were at his door. They rushed him to a nearby cardiac trauma center, where doctors discovered a 100% blockage in his left anterior descending, or widowmaker, artery, a condition often fatal if not treated quickly.

During the procedure to insert a stent, Scott had a surreal experience. He described seeing the clearest, most beautiful blue sky he had ever seen — a moment he later learned was when doctors had temporarily stopped his heart. “For about a minute and a half, my heart was stopped while they worked on me. For that brief time, I was clinically dead.”

Looking back on his near-death experience, Scott shared a powerful message: “I got a second chance at life, and I’m making changes. But I want people to know — you don’t have to wait for a heart attack to make changes. Take care of yourself now.”

Since his heart attack, Scott has embraced a healthier lifestyle, taking his doctor’s words to heart. He urges others to be more proactive about their health than he was. “My biggest piece of advice is to listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t just brush it off.”

Scott is also passionate about sharing his story, in hopes that it might help someone else recognize the warning signs, just as his customer’s story helped him. “If my story can make someone stop and think, ‘Maybe I should get checked out,’ then it’s worth sharing.”

As we recognize World Heart Day, Scott also encourages those with symptoms or a family history of heart disease to undergo a heart check procedure called a calcium score test. “It’s a simple test that measures the plaque in your arteries,” Scott explained. “Had I known about this test earlier, I could’ve taken action before the heart attack happened. Don’t wait until it’s too late — get checked. You only get one heart, and sometimes, one more chance.”

Let Scott’s experience be a reminder to all of us: take control of your heart health now. Make the time for regular checkups, listen to your body and be proactive. It could save your life.

The Lifeblood of Global Energy

Global energy consumption is at an all time high, and Ergon plays a pivotal role in serving industries essential to global energy security. Read Ergon President & CEO Kris Patrick’s latest LinkedIn article, as shown below, to learn more about our commitment to ensuring the stability of energy supply worldwide.

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We’ve reached a pivotal point in the world’s energy economy. The level of global energy consumption is unlike any other time in human history. There are many contributing factors, such as technological developments through increased data processing and the introduction of artificial intelligence, globalization and the move to diversified energy grids. In a recent article, Goldman Sachs shares that data center power demands will grow from 1-2% of total power demand to an estimated 3-4% over the next decade. According to Exxon’s most recent Global Outlook, the modernization of developing countries will also play a role in increasing energy demand. All these factors require us to look at energy security and how we can upscale our energy grids in step with this change. Businesses like Ergon, which provide service solutions for global industries, continue to innovate in step with changes in the market while helping customers adapt to this energy transformation.

Energy Consumption
According to a 2021 Energy Information Administration (EIA) report, world energy use is expected to increase by approximately 50% by 2050. A recent Reuters report highlights that in the U.S. alone, energy consumption has risen to over 4,000 billion kilowatt-hours since 2022, with record highs expected in both 2024 and 2025. As energy use increases, so does the need for diverse energy grids to support this uptick in consumption. And as more agencies adapt to the trend of creating more diversified grids, the need for reliable power distribution becomes more evident.

Transformers and Power Distribution
Energy transformers are the vehicles by which energy, generated from power plants, is distributed along these diverse grids to homes and businesses around the world. With such an important role in power distribution, the life cycle and performance of transformers are vital. Transformers must be able to provide the stability needed to manage voltage and maintain optimum performance long term. Simply put, while energy cannot be destroyed, its efficiency in power generation and distribution is heavily dependent on the quality of transformers. So, what keeps this vital equipment operating at optimal efficiency?

Transformer Oils
Transformers are only as good as the oils that sustain them. Transformer oils, also known as insulating oils or dielectric fluids, are responsible for cooling transformers, keeping them from overheating during the energy transmission process. They also prevent transformers from corrosion, extending service life and reducing downtime due to maintenance issues.

According to Technavio, the transformer oil market size is expected to grow by $1.13 billion by 2028. This growth is largely driven by a focus on power generation and strengthening energy grids to meet the demands of a consistent increase in global energy consumption, as well as an enhanced focus on renewable energy sources. Growth in the transformer oil market size has also been spurred by greater energy demand for high-performing data centers and electric vehicles (EVs), heating pumps and even air conditioning. Security and reliability are important factors for each of these growing demands, and transformers must be able to reliably power the processes associated with these demands. Hence, the importance of transformer oils. The cooling properties of these oils are critical to transformers’ capacity to handle multiple power processes.

Dielectric Fluids and Energy Stability
For 70 years, Ergon has provided innovative solutions to serve industries essential to global manufacturing and infrastructure. Part of our service includes the development, production and supply of specialty oils, such as HyVolt dielectric fluids for power transformers. These high-performing specialty oils vastly improve the lives of transformers and support growing energy trends, including clean energy transmission; voltage conversion for data information systems; the cooling of various parts of EVs, from battery systems to vehicle charging components; and more. Properties within our HyVolt solutions provide the stability needed to ensure optimal performance during power transmission and distribution.

Additionally, key to energy security and stable provision of the right energy load is a consistent supply throughout our grids. That’s why we not only provide quality dielectric fluids for transformers but have developed the supply chain infrastructure needed to ensure we can help keep industries, communities and energy moving.

Impact Where It Counts
As a solutions-driven organization, we recognize the significance specialty oils can have on the global marketplace, and we’re glad to make an impact where it counts in today’s need for energy security. Most excitingly, products like HyVolt allow us to help drive sustainability goals worldwide. A great example is our current involvement in Australia’s new EnergyConnect project. EnergyConnect is Australia’s initiative to support a sustainable energy future by integrating a 900-kilomenter transmission line (the largest in the Southern Hemisphere) that allows for the sharing of renewable energy between New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. Through the Australian specialty oils distributor, Molekulis, Ergon is supplying HyVolt I to support the transformers used for this initiative. This program will not only reduce energy waste but will also reduce utility costs for consumers.

Transformer oils are at the heart of global energy supply, and their role has gained in importance worldwide. Yet, more important than ever is our need to collaborate further to find ways to both secure energy supply as well as contribute to a more sustainable future. Being part of projects like EnergyConnect allows for such collaboration and is at the heart of our focus on meeting needs, supporting families and serving customers.

Learn more about how Ergon’s HyVolt solutions are powering your world for the long term at HyVolt.com.

Ergon Expands Role With Summer Bridge Engineering Program at Mississippi State

Sponsored by Ergon since 2022, the Summer Bridge Program at Mississippi State University’s Bagley College of Engineering has evolved into an even more transformative initiative for groups of incoming engineering students than it already has been for over 30 years. Initiated as part of a service project under the leadership of Bonnie Chapman, VP – Product Stewardship, Ergon has renewed our commitment to sponsor the program with a substantial pledge of $900,000 over the next three years. This funding supports various initiatives, including interactive workshops, travel to tour Ergon facilities statewide, student housing and the introduction of a full math credit to the curriculum.

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Transformative Experiences and Growth
The program, which aims to accommodate 35 – 50 participants annually, has made a lasting impact on its participants. Morgan Lounds, an incoming freshman from Oklahoma, shared how the program helped her forge new friendships and build confidence. “The program allowed me to improve my academic preparation and personal development,” Morgan said, emphasizing the program’s role in her growth.

Jordan Gillespie, a senior who participated in the program in 2022, described his experience as “very positive.” He appreciated the chance to connect with “like-minded individuals” and gain practical engineering experience. When asked what he’d say to future Summer Bridge participants, Jordan highlighted the importance of time management and perseverance he learned during his time in the program, stating, “Persevere today for a better tomorrow,” is a mantra he continues to apply in his academic journey.

Anahya Lewis, who recently completed the 2024 program and will be a freshman this fall also praised the program for easing her transition into college life. She appreciated the structure of the program, which included workshops, projects and networking opportunities. “The friendships and support system built during the program were invaluable,” she noted.

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Program Enhancements and Future Directions
Ergon’s involvement over the past three years has significantly expanded the program. Beyond an increase in the number of participants, the addition of a monthly book club under the guidance of Jamian Rush, Ergon’s Sustainability Specialist within the Product Stewardship Department, has been a standout feature. “It’s not just a summer program where we only engage in the summer; it’s something where we constantly have contact with the students from their first fall semester all the way through to graduation,” Rush explained. The book club, featuring books like Who Moved My Cheese?, aims to foster both personal and professional growth while maintaining the community students build with their fellow participants during their Summer Bridge Program.

Rush emphasized the program’s broader focus, stating, “This year, we really tried to focus on putting the students in that engineering state of mind … but also on general soft skills that the students would need to be successful engineers in any field.” Further success stories from alumni highlight the program’s effectiveness, with many students experiencing academic success and gaining early access to co-ops and internships.

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Looking Ahead
Looking forward, the program plans to increase engagement with more involvement from Ergon employees. “The goal is to make sure they know they have someone they can lean on and depend on … to develop strong connections before they go into the engineering field,” Rush said, underscoring the commitment of everyone contributing to the program to providing robust support for participants.

The Summer Bridge Program at Mississippi State University has proven to be a vital steppingstone for engineering students. By fostering academic success, personal growth and lasting relationships, the program not only prepares students for the challenges associated with earning an engineering degree, but also ensures they have the support needed to excel beyond their education well into their engineering careers.

Ergon is proud to support these efforts and prepare the next generation of leaders.

Ergon’s HyVolt Is Powering Australia’s Revolutionary Transmission Line Project

Ergon is proud to supply HyVolt I dielectric fluids for Australia’s new EnergyConnect — the largest transmission line project in the Southern Hemisphere. Through the Australian specialty oils distributor, Molekulis, HyVolt is being used as the insulating oil to support performance of transformers for this project.

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“Our involvement means contributing to a project that not only enhances the reliability and capacity of the grid but also supports Australia’s transition to a more sustainable energy system,” shared Ergon’s Juan Acosta, Vice President of Sales – Asia.

EnergyConnect is a $1.8 billion project centered on strengthening and expanding Australia’s energy grid through the integration of renewable energy sources and a 900-kilometer transmission line to support a sustainable energy future. The EnergyConnect project will allow energy to be shared between New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria via power generation plants and substations. Sharing renewable energy among regions highlights a unique opportunity of collaboration. Working together in this way not only helps drive greater environmental sustainability but also reduces utility costs for consumers.

This massive energy program requires high-voltage operations, meaning reliable transformers are needed to distribute energy from substations to various destinations along the energy grid. Hyosung Heavy Industries is supplying phase-shifting transformers, which control the flow of power along transmission lines, for this project. Such transformers are important for consumption-based power distribution, ensuring the most efficient use of energy.

With transformers playing such a significant role in this project, optimum long-term performance is key. Insulating oils, or dielectric fluids, are vital to protecting transformers from corrosion and overheating, ensuring consistency in voltage and reducing downtime due to maintenance issues.

“Hyosung selected HyVolt I uninhibited transformer oil for its superior quality and consistent performance, which are essential in ensuring the longevity and reliability of critical assets within Australia’s transmission network.” Said Juan.

Ergon is proud to be a part of this revolutionary project. Learn more about EnergyConnect here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SU54iVwP2Y.

About Ergon
Ergon is a group of privately held companies operating under three primary business segments: Energy & Specialty Solutions, Integrated Services & Logistics, and Pavement & Coating Resources.

M/V Miss Marley Crew Receives First Lampton Honors Award Challenge Coin

At Ergon, we take great pride in our core values of Empowered Service, Selfless Leadership, Purposeful Growth and Respectful Relationships. When our Ergon family adheres to these standards and embodies these values, it is important to acknowledge it as an accomplishment. Recently, crew members at Ergon’s Magnolia Marine Transport Company (MMT) exemplified our core value of Selfless Leadership.

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Members of MMT’s M/V Miss Marley crew responded to an industry vessel in distress following contact with the Upper Baton Rouge Bridge. Upon arrival, the Marley crew skillfully guided multiple loose barges to the opposite bank and away from docks, fleets and ships in the vicinity. While the crew views their action as nothing more than expected, their immediate reaction to help a fellow crew in their time of need is an honorable feat itself and highlights the comradery and brotherhood shared between all towboaters no matter the company or circumstances. This type of action is the very definition of integrity and is a great representation of the core values of the Ergon family. In recognition of this selfless act, the members of the M/V Miss Marley crew were honored as the first recipients of the Lampton Honors Award Challenge Coin, presented by MMT’s Senior Vice President of Marine Operations, Roger Harris, and the MMT President, Jacob Dykes.

The Lampton Honors Award Challenge Coin was recently developed by the MMT Safety Team in conjunction with the Lamptons (founding family of Ergon) to reflect company values. The purpose of the Lampton Honors Award Challenge Coin is to recognize MMT team members who go above and beyond during a lifesaving or significant safety event or emergency. These coins can also be awarded to recognize special achievements of team members who showcase exemplary performance. This type of coin is deeply rooted in history, as it has been a military tradition since World War I, and must be earned – it is not given freely.

Thank you to M/V Miss Marley crew members Steven Saunders, James Meyers, Clint Davidson and Sam Landry for your service to others during their time of need. Your Ergon family is extremely grateful for your bravery, prompt response and selfless dedication to helping others. You are the embodiment of Ergon’s core value of Selfless Leadership.

Keep up the great work!

Ergon Celebrates Headquarters Expansion With Groundbreaking Ceremony

Flowood, Miss. — On July 30, 2024, Ergon Inc. hosted a groundbreaking celebration for our headquarters expansion project at Mirror Lake Plaza in Flowood, Mississippi.

Founded by Leslie Lampton Sr. in 1954, the Ergon story began with just two employees, a used fuel transport truck and a one-room building in Jackson, Mississippi. The organization has since grown to include global operations, employing over 4,200 people, with 1,200 working in Mississippi alone. This new expansion will support over 200 new jobs in Mississippi.

Still family owned and operated, the Lampton family and Ergon employees remain committed to the mission that has driven our solutions-focused operations for decades: Meet Needs. Support Families. Serve Customers.

“Ergon has experienced a remarkable season of growth over the past five years, as we’ve expanded our market presence to be able to meet the evolving needs of our customers. However, we do not operate for profit alone. At the heart of what we do is our goal to make a positive difference in countless lives and through countless ways. Our headquarters expansion signifies our continued commitment to this goal and our mission. Ergon is a service company, and we look forward to continuing to serve in exciting, innovative ways moving forward,” said Kris Patrick, Ergon President & CEO.

In attendance at the groundbreaking celebration were several elected officials representing the State of Mississippi, the City of Flowood, Rankin County, the City of Vicksburg, Warren County and more.

“We’re grateful to all the elected officials and government representatives, including Governor Tate Reeves, Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann and the Mayor of Flowood, Gary Rhoads, for being part of this celebration not just for Ergon, but for the state of Mississippi,” said Whit Hughes, Vice President – Public Affairs and Government Relations for Ergon.

To learn more about the Ergon story, including the high-value solutions and specialized services we provide to global manufacturing and infrastructure industries, please visit ergon.com/about.

About Ergon
Ergon is a group of privately held companies operating under three primary business segments: Energy & Specialty Solutions, Integrated Services & Logistics, and Pavement & Coating Resources.

Contact:
Kathy Potts
Vice President – Marketing Communications
601-933-3000
kathy.potts@ergon.com 
ergon.com

Ergon Talks: Our People, Business, Culture and Values

At Ergon, we prioritize communication and continuous learning through many avenues, including our podcast series, Ergon Talks. This series serves as a valuable resource for our employees, customers and communities, offering insights into our industry and company culture and emphasizing our commitment to employee well-being and Purposeful Growth.

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Employees benefit from updates on company initiatives, industry trends and professional development opportunities, fostering unity and purpose within our workforce. Our series on Heart Health and Mental Health provides expert advice, reflecting our commitment to employee well-being, while the Safety Summer Series reinforces our dedication to a safe working environment.

Customers gain an insider’s view through Ergon Talks, learning about our operations and our commitment to quality and innovation. Episodes featuring industry experts discussing topics such as emulsified asphalt and infrastructure advancements help customers make informed decisions, fostering trust and contributing to our mutual success.

You can listen to Ergon Talks on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Stay connected with Ergon and join the conversations that shape The Ergon Way. Whether you’re an employee, a customer or a community member, Ergon Talks invites you to explore, learn and engage with us.