When one thinks of Caterpillar and Gregory Poole Equipment Company, they probably think of the yellow earth-moving machines that help develop housing, roads, and more. However, the eastern North Carolina equipment dealer supplies another type of critical equipment made by the legendary manufacturer: generators.
Provided by Gregory Poole’s Energy & Transportation Division, Cat® generators are reliable and designed to handle critical conditions while meeting commercial and industrial power needs. One might not think about how the electricity they use is powered, but Cat generators provide power for different operations in cities and towns across eastern North Carolina.
“We’re typically seen only when needed. People take for granted their electricity,” says Len Clark, Business Development Manager at Gregory Poole.
On March 5, 2025, four Cat C175 generators were delivered to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to provide emergency power for the UNC hospital system. The delivery marked a milestone in a project that was launched over 10 years ago and became a new central plant of chillers and generators for the main hospital campus in Chapel Hill.
While most projects involving hospital power typically last three to five years, Gregory Poole’s ongoing commitment is part of a multi-team effort between UNC, Gregory Poole, architects, engineers, and contractors. Taking part in a large-scale project over a decade is no easy feat, but after being in business for over 70 years, long-term partnerships are the cornerstone of Gregory Poole’s trademark service.
“One of the foundational elements is a trust that has to be placed between all those entities,” says Steve Leese, Sales Manager at Gregory Poole. “We’re actually here for the long haul. And I think this very well demonstrates that we are a solutions provider helping them craft that vision and helping them achieve that vision through this 10-year cycle.”
It’s no secret that North Carolina is experiencing an exponential period of growth. Because of this, the need for hospital power throughout the state is set to increase too.
“As communities grow, the need for hospital beds grows. And as a hospital bed count goes up, so does their requirement for emergency backup power. And that’s where we come in,” Steve explains.
The four generators delivered on March 5 join two other C175s that were delivered earlier in the project scope. Even though the proposed total of six generators has been reached, the project could be expanded to include two more generators to reach 24MW of electric emergency standby power to the hospital.
“I don’t know if we’re the best kept secret at a hospital, but we kind of are. You’d have to go in these buildings and open the doors to actually see where we are,” Len shares. “All the equipment, the air systems, oxygen, all of it is backed up electrically. And our systems back all of that up.”
While Gregory Poole’s involvement with powering critical operations may be a secret to some, it is no secret to customers who depend on the equipment dealer to maintain power systems and integrate new ones.
“We’ve got highly qualified people at all levels doing this work and a lot of tenure doing it,” says Len. “We’ve got sophisticated electric systems that integrate all kinds of quality needs for people. We’re supporting existing electric power systems, electric generators that are 50 years old and we’re still supporting them.”
Steve adds, “We’re kind of a belt and suspenders provider. The belt, if you will, would be the infrastructure we support and the development of the permanent installation. And our service department that helps propagate that year over year… And then on the suspenders side is our rental equipment where we have machines in our rental fleet that can support them while something’s being repaired.”
The recent installation of Cat generators at UNC is no doubt a huge milestone that is set to benefit entire communities in eastern North Carolina. Looking ahead, Gregory Poole’s Energy & Transportation division hopes more operations will follow the project’s lead and consider making preparations as electrical demands are set to grow.
“Nobody thinks about the need for power until the power goes out,” says Steve. “If you pre-plan and you think about the future today, then the likelihood is when that emergency comes, you’re ready and it’s not an emergency for you.”
Your Next Electric Power Generation Equipment
At Gregory Poole, our team of experts across eastern North Carolina is dedicated to providing high-performing and reliable power systems. Whether you need ongoing maintenance service or a brand-new system, don’t wait for the power to go out to call. Contact us today to find out more about our diesel generator, electric power, and marine power systems.