Our History

Despite facing the economic hardships of the Great Depression, Sherman+Reilly survived by diversifying their services. The company developed early innovations in wire rope applications, including small suspension bridges and wire rope blocks. This expertise led to a winning bid for a cable bridge for the Tennessee Power Company, which they leveraged for further growth.  This adaptability marked an important foundation for their long-term success. These products were critical in various industries, and their work in the wire block sector laid the foundation for future growth.

In 1959, Sherman+Reilly’s introduction of permanently bonded neoprene sheave linings revolutionized the industry by providing enhanced durability for conductor sheaves. This technology quickly became standard for transmission and distribution line construction, improving the longevity and efficiency of conductor stringing blocks​.

Expansion into Overhead Power Line Construction

After World War II, Sherman+Reilly identified opportunities in the electric power industry, specifically in overhead power line construction. By the 1950s, they had developed a complete line of conductor stringing equipment, which became critical as the demand for larger transmission lines increased. Their development of lightweight aluminum conductor blocks revolutionized the industry, allowing them to handle larger electrical conductors while reducing the overall weight of the tools used​.

In 1972, Sherman+Reilly introduced the first Puller Tensioner in the North American market, the PT-2066. The 1970’s was marked Sherman+Reilly’s pioneering efforts in pioneering line stringing equipment, including several models of Puller Tensioners and Bullwheel Tensioners.

New Facility

In 1971 Sherman+Reilly moved to its present offices and manufacturing plant. This location provides 6,000 square feet of office space with close to 100,000 square feet of manufacturing space as well as storage and a test field to test new engineering concepts and every powered unit before it is delivered to the customer.

Lightweight Aluminum Conductor Blocks

As the electric utility industry demanded larger transmission lines with higher voltages, Sherman+Reilly continued developing a complete line of lightweight aluminum conductor stringing blocks. These lighter blocks allowed the industry to handle larger electrical conductors without the need for heavier, steel-based materials​.

The continued growth of underground installations supported further growth in Sherman+Reilly Underdawg series of units with the introduction of the “Air Dawg,” a Duct Dawg with an on-board air compressor, now known as the Duct Dawg Air DDHXA.

CableJet System

In 1991, partnering with Plumettaz, Sherman+Reilly launched the CableJet System. This revolutionary technique utilized air to “float” fiber optic cables through ducts, replacing traditional pulling methods. The innovation increased the speed, safety, and efficiency of fiber optic installations, helping establish Sherman+Reilly as a leader in the telecommunications industry​.

In 2011, Sherman+Reilly introduced the aptly named Revolution Series of Puller Tensioners that brought the puller tensioner designs from the 1970s and 1980s into the 21st century by introducing Safe-Zone® Cab and CANbus technology to make stringing equipment safer. The Revolution Series is a generation of equipment focusing on safety, ergonomics and efficiency. It represents a revolutionary approach to product design applied to cable pulling and stringing equipment.

Sherman+Reilly engineers created several larger Puller Tensioner for distribution and sub-transmission work. Partnering with the German manufacturer Zeck helped Sherman+Reilly quickly bring large transmission Bullwheel Tensioners and Pullers to market.

2019 S+R instituted refined quality control initiatives to improve product reliability and customer confidence.

In 2023, the KNOW+GO video instructional system was created to support end users of the Heritage and E+ Series of equipment.

6000 lb. Puller Tensioner

PT-6000H Heritage Series Puller Tensioner and a redesigned line of distribution Bullwheel Tensioners further supported distribution and sub-transmission line stringing projects with safer equipment.