PEARL HISTORY

In 1996, in the town of Laughlin, Nevada, 20 reconditioned electrical equipment supplier companies convened to discuss the pressing issues of their industry. These companies were passionate about addressing urgent concerns and problems that revolved around electrical equipment failure. The meeting’s agenda was focused on trust and reliability within the reconditioned electrical apparatus field. It was vital to them that problems of failure be solved with safe, top-quality electrical equipment. The outcome of this initial meeting was deciding that it was necessary for them to work together as a unified group to affect any industry changes and solutions.

Following the initial meeting in Laughlin, a second gathering was assembled in Denver, Colorado, with the purpose of formulating an action plan, as well as creating a set of goals and objectives, to create a professional association focused on reconditioned electrical equipment.

It was agreed from the start that the organization would be a standards-creating body. For these like-minded suppliers to work together, the founding group felt it necessary to create a Mission Statement and a code of business best-practices. They also needed to develop an educational program and produce a Reconditioning Standard. This standard was developed to ensure a better understanding of the important and committed role the association would play in creating a safer environment for businesses needing to extend the service life of their equipment. And, if necessary, to add to their existing stock similar equipment by acquiring it from known, credible sources.

This meeting in Denver created the inspiration from which the Professional Electrical Apparatus Recyclers League (PEARL) was launched. By 1997, the group had decided to introduce PEARL with a mission of creating awareness of and establishing integrity for this important aftermarket electrical apparatus industry.

Since its inception, PEARL has maintained its commitment to excellence by instituting technician training and certification programs; by working hand-in-hand with major OEMS, other electrical trade associations, and standards developers; by creating a standard and evolving beyond self-certification of this standard by becoming ANSI-accredited; and by connecting qualified member companies with customers in urgent need of reconditioned equipment.

Over the years, as the reconditioned electrical equipment industry has grown, PEARL has continued its commitment to those suppliers dedicated to improving the industry while solving immediate customer needs through technical expertise, historical product knowledge, dedication and cooperation.

In 2017, PEARL modified its brand to emphasize the ‘reconditioning’ purpose of the organization. They renamed themselves the Professional Electrical Apparatus Reconditioning League, while maintaining the identifiable PEARL acronym. As part of their rebrand, they introduced a refreshed logo that is modern and authoritative. PEARL’s mission statement was also updated to reflect their brand promise. The new mission statement pledges PEARL’s commitment to: “Developing, advancing and promoting safe reconditioning practices for electrical equipment.”