Hastings Expands Tool Demonstrator Program for Utilities
Utility operators gain increased access to technical on-site training and field support for hot line equipment.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Utilities
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Hastings Fiber Glass Products has expanded its Demonstrator program by adding three new staff members, bringing the total team size to four. The program, based in Michigan, provides nationwide technical support and tool capability demonstrations for energy distribution utilities.
Why it matters
By increasing its field staff, Hastings aims to enhance support for utility operators managing hot line equipment across the country. The initiative serves as a direct feedback loop to the company’s engineering department, potentially accelerating product innovation for field teams.
Hastings Fiber Glass Products now employs four staff members in its Demonstrator program, boasting a combined 95 years of field experience. The team provides national coverage for hot line tools and equipment, utilizing individual backgrounds that include up to 35 years in energy distribution.
The players
Hastings Fiber Glass Products
A Michigan-based manufacturer of hot line tools and equipment for the energy utility industry.
John Giancanelli
A Hastings veteran since 2008 with 20 years of prior experience as a lineworker who covers the Texas region.
Ben Hoover
A member of the demonstrator team with 20 years of experience in energy distribution based in Colorado.
Colby Quaife
A journeyman lineman with 20 years of field experience and prior tool demonstration work based in Florida.
Ryon Roberts
A demonstrator with 35 years of experience in energy distribution based in Florida.
The details
The Demonstrator team showcases the proper use and capabilities of hot line tools directly to utility clients. In addition to technical training, these specialists relay practical field feedback to the company's internal engineering team to drive future product innovation. Each member brings significant industry experience, ranging from journeyman lineman work to specialized energy distribution roles.
Timeline
October 15, 2026: Hastings Fiber Glass Products announced the program expansion.
Market Landscape
The expansion follows the industry trend of manufacturers embedding experienced field technicians into their sales and support channels to better capture real-world operational challenges. This approach aligns with broader manufacturing strategies to integrate user feedback directly into the product innovation lifecycle.
Operators currently utilizing hot line equipment should evaluate whether to schedule an on-site demonstration to bridge gaps in tool-use efficiency or training. Field managers should view this expanded team as a direct channel to escalate tool design concerns or specific field-performance requirements to the manufacturer.
The takeaway
The move suggests a focus on deepening technical support and improving product design through direct field expertise. Utility managers should track whether this increased demonstrator capacity results in faster deployment of new tool features tailored to specific line-work challenges.
Further reading
For broader trends in infrastructure equipment and utility technical support, see our coverage of Utilities.
Source note: This article includes information reported by T&D World.
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