How Oregon Tool, Other Platinum Equity Portcos Aided Hurricane-Stricken Areas

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December 02, 2024

While Hurricane Helene was causing devastating flooding in western North Carolina in late September, Oregon Tool technical sales specialist Millard Kidder and other members of his team were making plans to travel to the area to lend a helping hand.

Called the Oregon Tool Disaster Response Team, the group deploys teams across the country to help after natural disasters. From the program's first relief mission to the East Coast after Hurricane Sandy in 2012 to recent disaster relief, the team has offered support for first responders, utility crews, residents and tree services working to remove tree debris following storms.

Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm that is estimated to have caused at least $225 billion in damages and economic loss according to AccuWeather, was the first time in Oregon Tool's history that the chainsaw manufacturer deployed two trailers simultaneously to supply aid, equipment education and tool repairs to disaster-affected areas related to the same storm. The team set up shop in Asheville, N.C., which is the hub of western North Carolina.

"It carved a big swath up through Florida into Georgia and then obviously the flooding and tree damage up into North Carolina," said Kidder, who is based in central Florida. "There was plenty to do for two, so we deployed two trailers.

"It's devastation for sure."

ABC News has reported Helene is the deadliest mainland hurricane since Katrina in 2005.

The team helps anyone - no matter the brand. Oregon Tool also contacts distributors, provides onsite assistance and restocks shelves for retailers. Additionally, they coordinate with local nonprofits to help inform the impacted area of the free service through social and local media.

"We can help people make sure they are buying the right product," Kidder said. "Some of these people are without power or water so it's not a great environment for them, but when you can help them and guide them in the right direction it's huge."

Kidder said disaster relief is an emotional experience.

"We see how bad off some of these people are and how much it means to them and it's awesome to help people in need," he said.

Oregon Tool, which was acquired by Platinum Equity in October 2021, was just one example of portfolio companies that offered aid, supplies and donations in response to the Hurricanes Helene and Milton affected areas. Hurricane Milton, a Category 4 storm that hit Florida two weeks after Helene, is estimated to have caused $50 billion in damages.

US LBM Foundation Donates $500,000

The US LBM Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by building materials distributor US LBM, committed $500,000 to assist recovery efforts for communities in the southeast devastated by Hurricane Helene. This commitment included $100,000 donated by the L.T. & Lina Gibson Foundation and a donation match for all contributions made to the US LBM Foundation up to $100,000.

"We continue to keep everyone impacted by the storm in our thoughts," US LBM Foundation Chairman and US LBM President and CEO L.T. Gibson said in a news release. "Thanks to the supporters of the US LBM Foundation, we hope to provide more than $500,000 for both short-term and long-term assistance to our neighbors and communities as they recover from this historic storm."

Platinum Equity acquired a co-controlling stake in US LBM in December 2023 from Bain Capital.

Club Car

Club Car, located in Evans, Ga., acted promptly when Hurricane Helene hit the region. To provide direct relief to their employees and families, the organization had a two-day supply distribution for those affected by the hurricane.

"We're out here giving some ice, water and some nonperishable foods for our employees who've been affected by Hurricane Helene," Club Car Vice President of Operations Jim Stevenson said in a video. "As you can see here from all our volunteers, they're a great example of our black-and-gold spirit and we look forward to having our employees back at the plant and we hope everyone is doing well and safe."

Additionally, Club Car donated supplies to the United Way to further support the local community.

Platinum Equity acquired Club Car in June 2021.

Custom Truck One Source Offers Free Freight

In response to both hurricanes, Custom Truck One Source offered free freight on new truck shipments of storm-ready trucks to Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Virginia and Alabama through the end of 2024. By offering free freight, it lessens some of the financial burden for contractors needing equipment in the eight impacted states, enabling more equipment into the area to promote quicker relief.

Platinum Equity acquired CTOS in April 2021 via an investment into Nesco Holdings, Inc. that facilitated its acquisition of CTOS

Horizon Organic Donates Milk

More than 33,800 cases of Horizon Organic milk were delivered to disaster relief organizations in the affected areas. Platinum Equity acquired Horizon Organic from Danone in April 2024.

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