Service engineer for actuators and control equipment

[LVS]

I previously posted a thread entitled "Valve Service Engineer"
thread408-195295. Please read the thread to understand my previous question.

I now believe what i really want to offer is a one man service for on site service & repair of actuators & control equipment throughout the UK. I have a good knowledge of pneumatic & electric actuators along with calibration of positioners & general control equipment.

So my ultimate question is, does this sort of service currently exist & if not would there be a market for it?

 

[ScottyUK]

Depends where you are, and what size valves and actuators you're able to take on, and how many at a time you can deal with. Look at where your prospective clients are: Aberdeen, Grangemouth, Teesside, Humberside, Cheshire, Milford Haven. We're desperate for a decent valve shop locally but it needs to have capacity to turn around a lot of valves in a short time, right first time, and at a competitive rate. Sizes range from 1" up to 60", actuators include pneumatic, motor-driven and hydraulic, positioners from plain I/P to full servo types.

Unless you have the resources to set up a shop with enough staff to provide 24/7/365 cover and invest in the facilities to strip, overhaul, test, calibrate, certify, transport, install, etc then I think you might have a tough time getting work from the heavy process and power generation users. Good valve techs in the North East should not struggle to find work but I can understand the attraction of working for yourself.

Good luck.


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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!

 

[NGiLuzzu]

LVS,
I would suggest you to contact the most important actuator & controls Manufacturers and try to get qualified by them as an "Authorized Repair Facility".

Probably it would not be easy (maybe many of the biggest Groups in the market already have their Service Network...), but for sure it would be a good reference!
And in any case, even only contacting the Manufacturers may bring you some useful information (for example about the equipment and quality system they require, the most common problems they face in the UK market, etc...).

Good Luck!!!
'NGL

 

[LeonInst]

http://www.newforestinstruments.co.uk/

This company offers a similar service in Fawley area, although site is currently under construction (I don't work for them but have previously dealt with them).

I would say however that offering a one man service isn't as easy as most larger companies (Although I can only speak for two oil companies personally) will look to use a company that has a good reputation and is well established.

Consider your knowledge and look for more specialised gaps (maybe desuperheater valves, three-way valves etc) as it will be these types of valves where companies will struggle to find expertise in repair.

Also look for companies without a UK service base, as you would then have a financial advantage in offering servicing on their valves rather than the company having to fly in an engineer from Germany for example.