OfCurrent Importance

Volume 2, Issue 3
Increasing our reach with robotic automation.
In today’s challenging economic environment,
businesses don’t merely desire maximum
efficiency; they need it, in order to remain
competitive. In many industries, maximizing
efficiency involves the automation of as many
processes as possible, and refining their control
systems to ensure maximum productivity from
each process.
As a result, Feyen Zylstra’s System Engineering
group has been in great demand as a go-to
source of just that expertise, not only locally
but throughout the Midwest and across the
country. For over 25 years, they have provided
advanced engineering solutions and services
to companies in a broad range of industries,
including automotive, material handling, food
and beverage and many more. Applications
have included PLC and HMI programming,
SCADA and custom software development,
motion control and vision inspection systems
and UL certified panel building.
While robotics engineering has been a logical
part of these offerings, it has become apparent
from both the increased needs of our customers
and the depth of our capabilities that robotics
needed to emerge as its own, dedicated full-
service work group. So welcome, Feyen Zylstra
Robotic Engineering!
The expanded focus and robotics experience
housed in this group allows Feyen Zylstra to
provide customers large and small with
complete robotics services, from the
development and integration of systems and
training of personnel to preventive maintenance
and component repair. Feyen Zylstra’s Robotic
Engineering group is currently a level one
integrator for Fanuc Robotics and has a growing
relationship with Motoman and ABB.
The group is under the direction of the
Engineering group leader, Jim Ebels and
Robotic Engineering manager, Dan LeMaire.
LeMaire has previous management and service
experience, and has been integrating and
programming robotic systems since 2002.
This expertise and professionalism will assist
in reaching our goals.
In recent years, Feyen Zylstra has been chosen to work on
a number of data center projects. And with the growing
volume and importance of information in today’s world, that’s
no small responsibility. Data centers provide for the secure
storage and maintenance of an almost infinite variety of
records and documentation. The many millions of banking
and business transactions that occur every day are processed
and stored in data centers. But other centers collect data that
– while much less obvious – is certainly no less important –
like data that help monitor the progress of spinal and brain
surgeries.
Historical and event logging made easy and cost effective!
Not exactly. In the past, the major emphasis has
been on expensive, all-encompassing SCADA
(Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)
solutions. This forced companies to choose
between doing without data that could improve
their profitability, or making the big investment
required for a “one size fits all” software system
designed to provide information integration
capabilities well beyond their needs.
performance of data collecting to continue
accurately even as connected stations may be
offline for things such as maintenance. When
the data feed stops from one part of the system,
others continue to feed valuable information.
This is where SEDataPro provides a real solution.
It focuses upon targeted data collection, with an
easy-to-use menu-driven setup and graphical
data architecture views. Because it is based
on tag structure, the database is automatically
driven by the creation and structure of the data
types being collected – no need for complex
integration to the SLQ
QL server. This saves time
and money.
At its core, SEDataPro utilizes a customized PLC
driver. This allows for multiple PLC connections,
each on its own thread. This enables the
Current Importance
Data Centers don’t just
protect information; they
protect people.
The group’s goal is to become the leading full
service provider of robotics solutions - including
first class integration, onsite technical support
and 24 hour service - to customers in West
Michigan and far beyond. With the Power of
Knowledge behind it, it is uniquely qualified to not
only respond to a growing need, but to lead the
thinking in new technologies and applications. The
group recently completed a “signature” project
in the automotive industry; a robotic system at a
Mercedes Benz facility that dispenses protective
wax into the cavities of car frames. (This first-ever
system was developed by Tape Industrial and
automated by Feyen Zylstra using Fanuc robotics.)
They say information is the new “currency” of
the information age. And that is certainly true
in manufacturing facilities. The more data you
receive about how your floor equipment is
functioning, the better you can fine-tune it to
maximize productivity, right?
Of
The ability to quickly and accurately obtain
data to be used for analytical processes is vital
in keeping operations running smoothly. But a
cost-effective, targeted data collection solution is
the best business decision – and the foundation
upon which SEDataPro was built. Computer
specifications and operating system resources
are the only limiting factors.
Feyen Zylstra and the Power of Knowledge have
been trusted by thousands of customers for
controls and engineering expertise. So it’s no
surprise the company has created a tool that
allows manufacturers to finally harness the
power of their data: SEDataPro.
A quarterly publication from
Every data center presents its own unique requirements and
challenges. But the number and diversity of recent Feyen
Zylstra data center projects has added to our extensive
experience. Here are just a few of them:
Online Tech.
On this data center and web hosting facility in Flint, Mich.,
Feyen Zylstra personnel worked around the clock to make
sure that Online Tech’s services continued to do the same.
Three existing 500 KVS Uninterruptible Power Supply
(UPS) units were replaced without as much as a minute of
downtime for the company’s users. Redundant plans were in
place to deal with the unexpected, but extensive pre-planning
helped the job go very smoothly. “We were never so happy to
be so bored,” one company officer said with a smile.
Liquid Web.
Another data center/web host, this Lansing company had
the same critical need for continuous “normal” operation
throughout the project. To achieve this, Feyen Zylstra
personnel ensured that workflow and manpower were
discussed often and in depth prior to the project.
Fifth Third Bank.
Always attuned to providing excellent customer service,
Fifth Third Bank wanted to ensure that its customers would
face absolutely NO service interruptions as several new
UPS units were placed on line at its facility in Grand Rapids.
Again, the extensive level of pre-planning that went into
this project helped ensure its success.
Landing a unique opportunity.
Getting to Japan takes a lot
more than a good map. In today’s
business climate, it requires
a network of strong business
relationships and a spirit of
collaboration. Both were key
elements in the choice of Feyen
Zylstra to provide services for
new fire suppression systems at
the U.S. Air Base in Misawa, Japan.
The project involves five hangers
housing F16 Fighting Falcons, part
of the 35th Fighter Wing, host unit
at the base. The base has 48
hangars in all, and all will eventually
need these system upgrades.
Feyen Zylstra has been contracted to provide
engineering design, procurement assistance,
inspection and other services for the project,
including the calculation and sizing of a new fire
pump and other components for sprinkler and
foam dispensing systems. The Construction
and Energy Management Systems work groups
are currently working with the Army Corps of
Engineers to develop those specifications.
The technical details of the project present
interesting challenges. Normal voltage services
in Japan are 50 hertz as opposed to 60 hertz
in North America, requiring adaptation of
familiar standards. In addition, the simple fact
that a number of international companies are
involved means that obtaining information is
more complicated and turn-around time for
shop drawings is increased. The Power of
Knowledge is a big advantage in tackling those
challenges.
210 Front Ave. SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
In This Issue
LANDING A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
U.S. AIR BASE, MISAWA, JAPAN 1
FEYEN ZYLSTRA’S EXPERIENCE
WITH DATA CENTERS
1
PARTNERSHIPS
BY MARLIN FEYEN
2
NEWS, NOTES, AND MORE
2
ICCF VOLUNTEERING DAY
3
SYSTEM ENGINEERING –
ROBOTIC AUTOMATION 4
SYSTEM ENGINEERINGSEDATAPRO
4
210 Front Ave. SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
616-224-7707
Fax 616-224-7799
2969 Keystone Rd.
Traverse City, MI 49686
231-486-8800
Fax 231-486-8882
1-800-748-0180 • www.feyenzylstra.com
Universal Forest Products.
Collaboration was the key in this project. Feyen Zylstra’s
electrical and low-voltage cabling groups interacted smoothly
with one another to keep the project on track and avert
problems. And both communicated closely with the client
to ensure that every action was clearly understood to avoid
unpleasant surprises. This was essential to ensure zero gaps
or data losses for the company, which has 9,500 employees
in more than 100 facilities across North America, processing
millions of transactions each day.
Priority Health.
Healthcare is a thriving industry with record-keeping
demands rising geometrically. Feyen Zylstra installed new
electrical service and redundant power systems to this 24/7
facility, and currently maintains those systems through the
comprehensive “TEGG” service plan.
One thing is clear; when it comes to data centers, Feyen
Zylstra has managed to collect plenty of data to demonstrate
serious expertise.
•
Once assembled, this team partnered with
Freesia Macross Corporation, parent
organization to 35 Japanese companies
including Nakamura Construction Company
– another partner, working under the major
contract holder Itogumi Construction.
The net result is a group of companies with
different strengths, each contributing its
particular expertise and credibility to the effort.
Team representatives met in May at Feyen
Zylstra to write a contractual agreement. In
July, they convened again in Japan for a site
visit and extensive discussions of the project.
At each step, the project planning became more
refined, and the relationships deepened. The
professional reputations of all involved ensured
that all project details would be addressed
thoroughly and competently, as in any other
project. But working through the differences
in food, language and business culture have
allowed the partners to gain an even greater
understanding and respect for one another.
When Mr. Beji Sasaki, owner of the Freesia
Macross Corporation, came to visit, he was
accompanied by his wife and children. His
eldest daughter, an accomplished operatic
singer, brought along a school friend, a talented
violinist, and together the two entertained the
group beautifully during the dinner.
Kent ISD.
When the Kent (County) Intermediate School District wanted
to convert a classroom, offices and small electronics cabinet
into a state-of-the-art data center, unique challenges arose.
Extensive retrofitting was required; the floor, for example,
had to be raised three feet to accommodate the cabling and
HVAC equipment needed for the new equipment. And to keep
the entire facility operational throughout the project, careful
planning called for all equipment to be staged nearby until it
was transported to the site and installed in one business day.
An Electrical Services Firm
But in many ways, it was the power of
collaboration and a strong network of partners
that proved instrumental in the way the project
has evolved. How does a respected firm based
in Grand Rapids, Michigan find itself working on
an air base in Misawa, Japan?
•
Feyen Zylstra was asked to provide some
consultation when the company president took
an international marketing class from a college
professor with knowledge of the project.
•
A Professional Engineering Certification was
required, so Feyen Zylstra turned to local fire
and security provider Vanguard Fire Protection,
a frequent partner in previous projects
throughout the southwest and Caribbean.
•
Vanguard in turn contacted Neptune
Engineering, a Florida company with expertise
in designing systems for the Army Corps of
Engineers, to serve as Engineer of Record.
That may not sound like it has much to do with
fire suppressant systems in a hangar in Japan.
But it has a great deal to do with relationships.
And with the way business is done today and
will be in the foreseeable future, companies that
know how to collaborate with other companies
across the street and across the globe are the
companies that will thrive.
Marlin Feyen, Beji Sasaki, Bob Zylstra.
Community Spotlight
The Leading Edge
Perspectives from the leadership team at Feyen Zylstra
Partnerships provide the path
through a changing socioeconomic world.
In the past decade,
there’s been an
explosion of
information
available at the
finger tips of
anyone with an
internet connection.
At the same time,
the speed and
velocity of global
programmed
investments have
Marlin Feyen
offered each of us
great opportunity. It can be a confusing time
as the world economy and society itself seem
to shift on a regular basis. But those who are
able to see through the chaos will be able to
take advantage. Moving forward, one thing
seems clear: a “smaller” world requires a bigger
network. Partnerships and collaborations will
play a key role in future growth.
The recent contract at the U.S. Air Base in
Misawa, Japan is one example. Feyen Zylstra
is leading a group to provide Engineering,
Procurement Assistance and Inspection
for a Fire Suppression Upgrade in four
hangers at the base in Misawa. A United
States-certified Professional Engineering
Certification and U.S.-manufactured
equipment are required for work on the
contract. This opportunity caused our firm to
partner/collaborate with local fire and security
provider Vanguard Fire Protection. They in turn
contacted Neptune Engineering from Florida,
an experienced firm with expertise designing
fire and security systems for the Army Corps
of Engineers and other energy providers.
This team in turn partnered with the Freesia
Macross Corporation, the umbrella organization
holding 35 companies in Japan, one of which
is the Nakamura Construction Company. What
was important in this collaboration was to
understand not only the scope of the project
but to respect and understand the business
culture of each organization.
Actually, understanding the client culture is an
important part of all the work our firm performs
regardless of the geographic location. But it
becomes even more critical as our horizons
expand and we partner more broadly. We must
make sure that our understanding includes
local conditions, both physical and logistic.
Increasingly, site-specific training is required to
be aware of hazardous conditions that could
develop. On the Dow Kokam project, each
employee must be aware of daily wind direction
in the event of an unplanned chemical spill.
With the Misawa project, normal construction
challenges were further complicated by issues
involving language, alphabet, metric standards
and so forth.
What is different in a partnership/
collaboration is that the parties
talk openly together about the
risks and opportunities.
We also discuss
precisely who is
bringing what
expertise so
that an efficient
performance
will be a reality.
With the Dow Kokam project, we have actually
partnered with some-time competitor Faith
Technologies to perform that work. The project
had strong preference for Michigan businesses
so as the project evolved, Feyen Zylstra took
that lead on all procurement,
scheduling and on-site
performance while Faith
provided the Engineering
from their Wisconsin
office.
With several Feyen Zylstra
projects in Tennessee we have
followed the mantra: expertise
is global, labor is local. We
have a working relationship
with a local electrical contractor recommended
to us by a General Contractor. His local office
and working relationships with suppliers and
craft tradesman smoothed the way for beginning
operations there. He in turn, has benefited from
Feyen Zylstra’s expertise and structure for larger
projects as well as offered his personnel work
on these projects. The obvious mutual benefits
are necessary for the relationship to work.
As our company looks beyond the Western
Michigan geography for work, each project must
be viewed as a unique challenge, requiring us
to combine our expertise with the right local
resources to do the job competitively and
effectively. A few years ago, our firm partnered
with a suburban Louisville contractor who provided
over thirty five tradesman for a major regional
distribution center. The need to be flexible and
creative is important as we examine each project.
A collaborative/partnering approach for projects
does take a significant investment in the early
stages. It is important to be certain that each
partner has not only the human resources,
technical expertise, equipment and financial
resources but also the character to weather
the challenges that often inhibit a successful
project. As subcontractor, we must offer best
practice ideas and be an active partner in
coordinating developments of the construction
documents. We must be willing to openly
share technical and financial information so
that mistakes can be caught before actual
construction. It takes a fair amount of trust and
courage to develop a successful partnership.
To explore and then enter
into some of these types of
contracts can be a stretch
for the organization. There
is a significant learning
curve; it does take courage
to move into the unknown.
But, for those who lean into
the opportunity, there are
significant rewards, both
personal and professional.
Feyen Zylstra volunteers
clean up homes,
lift up families.
Feyen Zylstra employee volunteers.
Some say “charity begins at
home.” But for the Inner City
Christian Federation charity
begins with homes. The
organization works in many
had purchased
them could
move in. Many
different tasks
were involved,
including
cutting down
trees, weeding,
adding mulch and other landscaping chores.
Garbage removal and other clean-up work
were also required.
Cindy Quizny, volunteer coordinator for
ICCF and the person responsible for
assigning tasks to the Feyen Zylstra
volunteers was very impressed.
ways to help low income families achieve
home ownership, and successfully keep and
maintain those homes once they do.
On May 20th, a contingent of more than 15
Feyen Zylstra employees volunteered to help
with that mission. Included were members of
every work group, and job titles
from field techs to department
managers, along with our Chief
Operating Officer!
The work itself literally covered
a lot of ground. Two houses that
were being renovated by ICCF
needed some final exterior work
before the families who
“Working with the staff of Feyen Zylstra was
a real treat. So much was accomplished…
the entire yard was transformed through
weeding, planting, digging up a massive
stump and removing a very large dead
tree. Even the neighbors stopped by to
comment on how nice it looked after the
team left,” Quizny said.
“The new homeowner is
thrilled with the results.
Your hard work saved
ICCF a tremendous
Before
amount of money by your free labor and we
are grateful beyond words.”
It was our honor and pleasure, Ms. Quizny.
And we at Feyen Zylstra would like to
commend the Inner City Christian Federation
for its hard work. In its 37 years of existence,
ICCF has built or renovated more than
500 homes, and helped keep an even
larger number of families in their homes
through programs that help them with
home maintenance information, financial
management
skills,
foreclosure
intervention
and more.
Before
At Feyen
Zylstra,
we believe
in strong
communities
– and we
would like to
welcome those
new ICCF
homeowners
to ours!
After
After
News, Notes and More...
All groups on deck! Amway project taps every
Feyen Zylstra work group.
Talk about one-stop shopping. Amway Corporation
is in the midst of relocating a nutritional facility from
Lakeview, California to Ada, Michigan. It’s a challenging
project, but it became less challenging thanks to
Amway’s decision to choose all five Feyen Zylstra work
groups to contribute their particular expertise.
This unique collaboration is better for Amway personnel,
since they can deal with one company instead of many.
It’s certainly better for those working on the project;
daily interaction with people you know and trust makes
for smoother results and fewer problems. And most
importantly, it’s very good for the project. With everyone
under “one roof” it is much easier to coordinate tasks
and work flow to keep quality standards high and the
project on schedule.
What is each group contributing to the project?
Electrical Construction: Providing primary electric
service to the building in a design/build basis.
Low-voltage Cabling: Installing fiber/communication
cabling for production equipment and staff in the new
building.
System Engineering: Updating safety circuits to the
production line, programming new equipment, and
building new control panels.
Energy Management Systems: Providing a fire alarm
system and temperature control system for the new building.
Service: Ensuring ongoing system performance.
Building construction is scheduled for completion in
late fall, with the complete equipment move and plant
start-up planned for June 2012.
LG Chem project earns praise,
presidential attention.
Feyen Zylstra’s Energy Management Systems group is
completing its work on a battery production facility in
Holland, Michigan that has captured plenty of attention
for its potential as a job creator and a model of
Michigan’s “green” future.
Feyen Zylstra’s responsibilities on the project include
the creation and installation of a building management
system that will monitor a variety of building systems.
These include heating and cooling, to maximize energy
efficiency and minimize power consumption. Coupled
with the fact that it will produce advanced-technology
batteries for electric vehicles, the facility serves as an
ideal example of the green economy many see as
Michigan’s future. Its groundbreaking drew a visit from
President Obama.
The project required tight time lines, but Feyen Zylstra’s
extensive knowledge and its experience in working
on very similar projects have allowed things to run on
schedule – and the client, JCI, is very pleased.
Once in production, the plan will supply batteries for
the Chevrolet Volt and other electric vehicles, and is
expected to create up to 400 West Michigan jobs.
JBS Packerland project puts meat on the table.
Feyen Zylstra’s Service work group recently completed
several projects for JBS Packerland in Plainwell,
Michigan. The work involved the installation and electrical
hookups of several new pieces of equipment used in the
meatpacking process. It is part of an expansion that will
increase the selection of quality meat available to area
customers and bring new jobs to the community.
In order to work on the premises, Feyen Zylstra
employees had to be trained and certified in proper
dressing, procedures and precautions required for
walking through production areas where raw meat is
handled. The constant need for vigilance over sanitary
concerns was accompanied by critical safety measures,
necessary when working so closely to powerful
machinery that cuts and processes the meat.
The client is quite pleased with Feyen Zylstra, especially
technician, Joel VanDuyn, for the way he lays out and
organizes each job, making it easy for the customer to
use and understand. Listening to the customer is a
key to Feyen Zylstra’s success in building great client
relationships. JBS Packerland is, well – a prime example!
First-ever bio-energy plant in Alpena
to create ethanol – and jobs.
The Alpena Prototype Biorefinery is one of a kind. But if
all goes well, it shouldn’t be for long. The facility, currently
nearing completion, has one primary goal: demonstrate
a financially viable processing method to make ethanol
from biomass extract in wood processing facilities.
The plant is being built at the Decorative Panels International
mill in Alpena, Michigan. Feyen Zylstra’s Electrical
Construction group is responsible for new electrical
construction and installation of electrical service.
The project has attracted a great deal of interest and
financial support from funding organizations that
understand the importance of such efforts and wish to
encourage their success. American Process Inc., owner
of the biorefinery, was awarded an $18 million grant
from the Department of Energy for its development. The
facility has been named a Michigan Center of Energy
Excellence by the Michigan Economic Development
Commission, earning a $4 million grant.
New jobs will be created as the facility reaches its
projected production capacity of 890,000 gallons
of ethanol per year. After its use as a demonstration
facility, the plant will remain available as a pilot plant
“for hire” by those conducting research into ethanol
production.
The long range project objectives and the value
proposition of turning a production byproduct into
useful energy clearly support the national goals of
energy independence, greenhouse gas reduction and
the creation of jobs in the “green” sector. The Alpena
Biorefinery may be one of a kind for now; but with the
lessons it will teach in sustainability and renewable
resources, it figures to be only the first of many.
Detention Center better by design/build.
Most correctional facilities are operated and funded by
the state or other governmental unit. But not the North
Lake Detention Center in Baldwin, Michigan, which is
owned and operated by a private corporation.
This fact allowed Feyen Zylstra’s Traverse City Electrical
Construction group to handle a recent remodeling of
the facility on a design/build basis. This, in turn, meant
a faster and smoother transition from thought to plan to
construction; when all elements are controlled by one
company, there is less paperwork, fewer delays and a
seamless integration of capabilities, leading to a better,
faster project.
The remodeling effort at North Lake changed the
configuration from a dorm style layout to a traditional
cell system. Now, the facility can house 1,750 inmates
at about half the operational and construction costs
as a state run facility. It may be a private facility, but
the public benefits are obvious: more room to house
criminals, and substantially lower operating costs.