Monali Patel, Chief Technical Officer, Universal Load Banks.In-house manufacturing, uncompromised quality, customer-first mindset, technical prowess, and strategic partnerships, such as the one with Kanthal, a global leader in electric resistance materials, have empowered ULB to create high-tech solutions for critical industries worldwide. Monali Patel, Chief Technical Officer at Universal Load Banks, shares her insights into the company’s philosophy, operations, and the factors driving its success.

Engineering-driven growth 

ULB takes pride in designing every load bank in-house, giving the company complete control of the process from conception to production. “This approach allows us to maintain the highest quality standards and ensure that every detail meets our expectations,” says Patel.  

The company has invested in modern manufacturing technology, including laser cutting, bending, shearing, and tool room machines.  

“Our focus is to create the most reliable and technically advanced load banks in the market while prioritizing customer needs. We want to ensure our customers get solutions they can trust,” Patel highlights ULB’s broader mission.  

The Kanthal advantage 

Kanthal materials are incredibly robust. They can handle prolonged operation under high loads without breaking or degrading, which minimizes risks like wire breakage or element damage.

Kanthal has been a trusted ally to ULB since day one, providing high-performance electric resistance materials essential for load bank manufacturing. “When we started the company, we needed resistance materials that could meet our exacting standards, and Kanthal’s alloys stood out immediately,” says Patel. 

Patel elaborates on why Kanthal’s materials are indispensable for ULB: 

• High-temperature tolerance: “Kanthal’s materials operate at higher temperatures than alternatives, which helps us avoid issues like sagging. This is critical for ensuring our load banks perform reliably under even the most demanding conditions.” 
• Consistency and precision: “We work with thin Kanthal wires, usually between 0.7 and 0.8 mm, and they meet our precise specifications every single time. That consistency is vital for the reliability and durability our customers expect.” 
• Exceptional durability: “Kanthal materials are incredibly robust. They can handle prolonged operation under high loads without breaking or degrading, which minimizes risks like wire breakage or element damage.” 

Patel emphasizes that these attributes directly contribute to ULB’s ability to deliver dependable load banks. “Kanthal’s materials help us maintain steady watt density to meet and often exceed customer expectations. Their support has been an integral part of our journey,” she expresses. 

Innovating smarter load banks

With the advent of smart technologies, industries worldwide demand more compact yet efficient solutions, and ULB is answering with advanced technologies. By incorporating automation, temperature and airflow sensors, and smoother load step transitions, ULB is creating smarter and more effective designs. 

Patel emphasizes this evolution by saying, “Load banks are always evolving. The focus is on increasing load capacity in a smaller footprint while maintaining reliability. Kanthal’s electric resistance materials are pivotal in these advancements, offering the thermal stability and precision needed for next-generation designs.” 

A partnership rooted in trust

The collaboration between Kanthal and ULB is rooted in mutual trust and shared values. Over the years, Kanthal has demonstrated a deep understanding of ULB’s requirements, ensuring timely deliveries and high-quality materials that meet stringent specifications.

“Kanthal has always been communicative and proactive,” Patel remarks. Kanthal’s representatives have visited ULB’s facilities to align with their processes, strengthening the partnership through a hands-on approach. This collaboration exemplifies how strategic alliances can foster innovation and success.

Shaping a sustainable future together

As both companies continue to grow, the future of their partnership appears promising. ULB is expanding its product lines, exploring new designs, and entering new markets, with Kanthal playing an integral role in this journey.

Together, Kanthal and ULB are addressing current challenges and shaping the future of load bank technology to create a more reliable and sustainable energy landscape. This collaboration highlights the potential for extraordinary outcomes when two companies with shared goals and complementary expertise work together.