Nichols Electric Case Study: The Benefits of Local Collaboration in Implementing Custom Electrical Systems
Nichols Electric • May 26, 2021
📍Crop Management Network Fertilizer Plant, Mayerthorpe, Alberta
Background:
The Crop Management Network (CMN)
provides quality crop input products, progressive solutions and valued services to farmers across Alberta. In 2020, CMN took over the operation of a fertilizer facility in Mayerthorpe.
Challenge:
CMN’s new location required a complete custom electrical system to meet the current and future operational needs of the site. An expedited timeline, vendor supply chain issues due to COVID-19 and the need for ongoing technical support, were key considerations in developing the system.
Solution:
During the project planning and development stage, we placed strategic orders to ensure all necessary components arrived far in advance of construction. To complete the scope of work within tight timelines, we were extremely diligent in the timing and execution of our sub-contractors and the systematic completion of our own work.
We engaged Shift Innovations & Controls, a local electrical and automation contractor, to collaborate on this project by developing a PLC/MCC (Programmable Logic Controller/Motor Control Centre) system and custom program to facilitate site operations. This system also allows our technicians to troubleshoot and diagnose system issues remotely or provide fast and local on-site support, if needed.
Benefits:
Through the collaboration between Nichols Electric and Shift Innovations & Controls, CMN will find significant time and cost savings simply by eliminating the need for inefficient and expensive national/international technical support. All technical support is now locally-based and physically located within two hours of the site.
CMN’s new expansion in Mayerthorpe was not a small undertaking by any means. The crew at Nichols Electric completed it in a timely fashion and continue to follow-up, ensuring everything is running smoothly. Their hard work and dedication to the job is truly appreciated and shines through with all the jobs they’ve completed for us.
- Bradley Hurst, General Manager, Crop Management Network (Mayerthorpe)
Teaming up with Sheldon and his crew on this project was a truly great experience. It’s nice to work with a team that has like-minded goals of achieving customer satisfaction, pride in their work and attention to detail in the quality of the product they deliver. Thanks to Nichols Electric for the opportunity to work together. Looking forward to more projects like this in the future!
- Darren Bolding, President, Shift Innovations & Controls Inc.
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