Hepburn and Sons LLC and Stäubli Electrical Connectors Announce Strategic Partnership to Develop Improved Insulated Bus Pipe for the U.S. Navy

Windsor, California – April 24, 2025 – Stäubli Electrical Connectors, a global expert in advanced connector solutions, and Hepburn and Sons LLC, a leader in Department of Defense (DoD) technology integration, are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership to develop an improved version of Insulated Bus Pipe (IBP), tailored to meet the U.S. Navy’s power distribution needs for next-generation high-energy pulsed power systems.

This collaboration combines Hepburn’s extensive expertise in DoD technology solutions with Stäubli’ s cutting-edge manufacturing and connector design capabilities. The result is an innovative IBP shipboard distribution system designed to enhance fleet readiness by streamlining ship construction. By integrating IBP, the partnership aims to eliminate time-intensive cable pulling from the critical path of shipbuilding schedules, improving efficiency and operational timelines.

“We are excited to join forces with Stäubli to deliver a transformative solution that supports the Navy’s mission-critical objectives,” said Dr. Patrick Lewis, Director of Technology Transition at Hepburn and Sons LLC. “IBP represents a sea-change in power distribution technology for advanced naval systems.”

“Partnering with Hepburn allows us to leverage our connector expertise in a way that directly addresses the Navy’s evolving needs,” said Stephen Langston, Business Development Manager for Power Transmission and Distribution at Stäubli Electrical Connectors. “Together, we’re setting a new standard for reliability, efficiency, and modularity in shipboard power systems.”

About Stäubli Electrical Connectors

Stäubli Electrical Connectors develops highly reliable connection solutions based on the MULTILAM contact technology. In the field of photovoltaics, Stäubli is a pioneer and global market leader with its MC4 connector portfolio. Stäubli provides connections for life in industries such as renewable energies, industrial automation applications, power transmission and distribution, railway, welding automation, test and measurement, medical devices and E-mobility.

Stäubli is a global industrial and mechatronic solution provider with four dedicated divisions: Electrical Connectors, Fluid Connectors, Robotics and Textile, serving customers who aim to increase their productivity in many industrial sectors. Stäubli currently operates in 28 countries, with agents in 50 countries on four continents. Its global workforce of 6,000 shares a commitment to partnering with customers in nearly every industry to provide comprehensive solutions with long-term support. Originally founded in 1892 as a small workshop in Horgen/Zurich, Switzerland, today Stäubli is an international Group headquartered in Pfäffikon, Switzerland.

Low Voltage Co-Axial Insulated Bus Pipe and Coupler

The Stäubli Electrical Connectors and Hepburn & Sons team (L to R) including Product Design Engineer Andy Garzoli, CFO Eric Hepburn, Business Development Manager Stephen Langston, Managing Director Ian Pratt, Captain Rick Hepburn, Head of Sales – Power Transmission and Distribution Jason Wright, Dr. Patrick Lewis, CEO Scott Hepburn, and Dr. Richard Beddingfield. 

The Stäubli Electrical Connectors and Hepburn & Sons team (L to R) including Business Development Manager Stephen Langston, CFO Eric Hepburn, CEO Scott Hepburn, Managing Director Ian Pratt, Captain Rick Hepburn, Head of Sales – Power Transmission and Distribution Jason Wright, and Dr. Patrick Lewis.

Hepburn & Sons CEO Scott Hepburn with Stäubli Electrical Connectors Managing Director Ian Pratt