FARGO, N.D. (October 27, 2025) — Border States, a leader in utility products and services, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Protective Equipment Testing Laboratory (PETL), a nationally recognized provider of certified dielectric testing. PETL is also accredited by the Association of North American Independent Laboratories for protective equipment testing (NAIL). This collaboration enhances Border States’ service offerings by ensuring customers have access to accredited, reliable and efficient testing services.
“Our customers depend on us for safety and compliance,” said Jeff Stauffer, Senior Vice President – Utility Core Market. “By partnering with PETL, we’re bringing them the confidence of certified and accredited testing with faster turnaround and uncompromising quality.”
The partnership solidifies Border States’ commitment to lineworker safety, operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. Together, Border States and PETL will provide seamless testing solutions that save time and protect crews in the field.
As a part of the launch of this new partnership, Border States’ existing test lab in Duluth, Minnesota, will cease operation effective December 31.
For more information, please visit PETL’s website, or reach out to Brent Leith, Director of Technical Solutions at Border States, at bleith@borderstates.com.
Protective Equipment Testing Laboratory (PETL) has been in business since 1993. They currently have customers throughout the United States and continue to grow on a weekly basis. They are a full-service NAIL-accredited electrical testing laboratory. Their professional service and equipment allow customers to test their equipment efficiently, effectively, professionally and in compliance with all applicable standards and regulations to keep them and their employees safe.
Border States supplies products and services to construction, industrial and utility customers. The 100% employee-owned company is rated the sixth largest electrical distributor in the United States by Electrical Wholesaling magazine. Border States has more than 3,500 employee-owners in 31 states. The Branch Support Center (corporate office) is located in Fargo, North Dakota.