It was the Rittal Application Center in Houston where we met Brad Howell at the beginning of December – surrounded by equipment boasting the latest automation technology. The friendly Texan made a good first impression with his broad shoulders, confident stance and firm handshake. The owner of R&D Specialties knows what he wants – and what he’s talking about, especially in his specialist field of panel building. Since 2011, Howell and his some 70-strong workforce have been in big demand with oil and gas industry customers in the Permian Basin – one of the world’s largest oil reserves – and beyond. Together with his sister, he took over the company that his father had founded back in 1983.

THE GAME-CHANGER

We are catching up with Howell back in the very place where he first stood two years ago, looking for suitable automation solutions that would help his company grow. At the Rittal Application Center, he received personal, one-on-one support and advice at every step of the way, from planning to production. By seeing for himself how Eplan engineering software and Rittal automation solutions synergise to boost efficiency, he was inspired to act and, within just one year, the same benefits were realised for his own company. “Switching to Rittal and Eplan technology was a real game-changer,” says Howell. “The automation technology and software are enabling us to grow at last – even with the same number of staff,” he explains. This would previously have been inconceivable, as the company had reached the limits of its capacity. How can you be more productive with the same workforce? It’s hopeless! Why not simply take on some extra skilled staff? No chance! “The first-rate plant engineering skills that are needed aren’t taught at schools or colleges, and trained specialists are nowhere to be found,” says Howell.

• R&D Specialties

  Odessa, Texas, USA

  Since it was founded in 1983, the systems integrator and panel builder has been supplying UL-certified panels to oil and gas industry customers in the Permian Basin – one of the largest oil reserves on Earth – and beyond. Its product portfolio includes e-houses, MCC housings, rack integration solutions, battery backup systems, variable frequency drives, junction boxes and panels, including PLC panels.

   

SAVING OF 40 PERCENT

“Automation is the quickest and simplest route to growth. After all, it means we don’t need to take on additional staff,” he continues. Since last year, Howell has been completely transforming his plant engineering operations. Two Rittal automation solutions are in operation – a Perforex MT S for drilling and milling, and the Wire Terminal WT for fully automatic wire processing. The Eplan Electric P8, Eplan Pro Panel and Eplan Data Portal software tools ensure an unprecedented level of engineering efficiency and quality. “It now takes just eight employees to do the work that previously required 14 members of staff. That amounts to a time saving of around 40 percent,” reveals Howell.