From Factory to Field | Power Pillars for Project Connections, A Case Study
Published 10 Nov 2025
From Factory to Field | Power Pillars for Project Connections
Thorne & Derrick, a Specialist Electrical Distributor for Lucy Zodion, have successfully completed delivery of the industry-leading Fortress range of feeder pillars to a major street lighting project for the Highways Department of Nottinghamshire County Council. The project demonstrated our combined customer service excellence, communication speed and technical support while ensuring full compliance to client specification. Upon payment completion the consignment of 27 feeder pillars was delivered ex stock from factory to field within 3 days.
Project Overview:
- Client: Nottinghamshire County Council
- Contractor: Fernmac Limited
- Product Supplied: Lucy Zodion Fortress Feeder Pillars
- Quantity: 27 Units
- Timeline: Delivered within 3 days
The Challenge
Fernmac Limited, sub-contracted to Nottinghamshire County Council, urgently required 27 galvanised steel feeder pillars delivered from stock to precise technical specifications for installation across the county’s highways network. Although Lucy Zodion was not the specified manufacturer, their Fortress range of feeder pillars recommended by Thorne & Derrick, fully satisfied the council’s design and performance requirements. Each feeder pillar was required to:
- Be constructed from galvanised steel with side-hinged doors and stainless steel/brass hinges
- Include a 15mm marine-grade plywood backboard, pre-treated with moisture-repellent lacquer
- Incorporate BS 88: Part 2 fuse links and a dedicated 10-way brass earth block
- Achieve a minimum IP34 ingress protection rating for outdoor installation
- Cut-outs and terminations integrated in accordance with Electricity Authority standards
Tight project timescales meant Fernmac needed a proactive and technically capable supply partner to coordinate specification, communication and logistics with Lucy Zodion.
The Solution
Upon receiving the enquiry, Thorne & Derrick reacted quickly to review the design drawings, confirm compatibility and liaised directly with Lucy Zodion to secure the required units from available stock. This rapid and coordinated approach ensured that the project remained on schedule, with all 27 feeder pillars delivered and installed in line and in time with the local authority requirements. By maintaining close communication between Fernmac, Lucy Zodion, and the council’s highways contractor, Thorne & Derrick ensured a smooth and efficient delivery process.
Results
The successful delivery of the feeder pillars demonstrated the value of agility, communication and collaboration across the supply chain.
Key outcomes:
- On-time Delivery: Project milestones were maintained without delay
- Specification Accuracy: Compliance with Nottinghamshire County Council’s design and regulatory requirements
- Customer Satisfaction: Clear communication between all stakeholders ensured confidence throughout the project
Sourcing the 27 feeder pillars within a short timeframe was a challenge, but Thorne & Derrick’s responsiveness made the process straightforward. They understood our technical requirements, liaised with Lucy Zodion, and ensured the pillars met Nottinghamshire County Council’s specification.Their clear communication and proactive coordination kept everything on track — the pillars arrived exactly when needed, helping us maintain project timelines.
Overall, working with Thorne & Derrick was an excellent experience. They’re professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to customer service, and we’d be happy to work with them again.
– Tom Cressey, Fernmac Limited
Powering Projects & Future Collaboration
Should you require support with the design and manufacture of standard or pre-wired Low Voltage Distribution Pillars please do not hesitate to contact Thorne & Derrick – specialist application and engineered feeder pillars are available to suit design requirements of Solar & BESS, Renewable Energy, Data Centre, Rail, EV and DNO projects for Independent Connection Providers (ICPs).
Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, are leading Specialist Distributors of LV-HV Cable Accessories, Jointing, Tooling, Substation & Electrical Eqpt Distributors and have been an Approved Supplier of Lucy Zodion for over 15 years.
About Lucy Zodion
Lucy Zodion is a leading UK manufacturer of street lighting control and power distribution equipment. Their Fortress range of feeder pillars is designed for durability, safety, and performance across infrastructure, highways, and industrial applications. Learn more here.
