The Electric Link - March 2024 Edition: Springing Forward

Greetings from Southwest Industrial Electric!

Spring has sprung at SIE, and there’s a palpable buzz in the air as we launch into new projects, spearhead innovations, and deepen our community involvement. This March was exceptionally vibrant as we celebrated Women in Construction Week, honoring the vital contributions of women in our industry. Our CEO, Kristin Larson, represented SIE at the Women in Construction event hosted by NAWIC LA, embodying our dedication to diversity and industry engagement. In this newsletter, we're excited to showcase the latest developments and initiatives that reflect our commitment and are driving Southwest Industrial Electric forward into a dynamic and inclusive future.

Recapping the EV Charging Summit and Expo:

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What an incredible event in Las Vegas! Our team had a fantastic time at the EV Charging Summit and Expo. A big thank you to everyone who visited us at Booth #1219. It was great connecting with industry leaders, sharing insights, and discussing future trends in EV charging technology. We also had a blast hosting both the; “Establishing Business for Electrical Contractors and Electricians” and “Dig It: Site Installations and Considerations” speaking sessions. Both sessions had hundreds of attendees and some of the most informative discussions of the entire conference. We loved connecting with everyone and look forward to the next opportunity. Missed the event? Catch some photo highlights on our socials!

Upcoming Events at Southwest Industrial Electric

ABC Spring Leadership Training

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We're proud to announce our participation in the ABC Spring Leadership Series on April 11th, where thought leader Stephen M.R. Covey will illuminate the path to building trust within organizations. It’s going to be an exceptional opportunity for our team to refine our leadership skills and bring those insights back to serve our clients better.

Earth Day 2024

Continuing our commitment to environmental stewardship, join us as we host our Annual Earth Day Event. This celebration is not just about understanding our environmental impact; it's about taking active steps towards sustainability in the electrical industry. We look forward to sharing and learning more about eco-friendly practices that we can all incorporate into our lives and businesses.

We're proud to announce our participation in the ABC Spring Leadership Series on April 11th, where thought leader Stephen M.R. Covey will illuminate the path to building trust within organizations. It’s going to be an exceptional opportunity for our team to refine our leadership skills and bring those insights back to serve our clients better.

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2nd Annual SIE Basketball Charity

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Looking ahead to May, the excitement builds for our 2nd Annual SIE Basketball Charity event. Mark your calendars for May 10th, as it’s more than just a game – it's a community gathering for a cause, where the competitive spirit of local AEC and related companies shine, and the winning team's charity of choice receives the proceeds. It's our way of fostering team spirit and giving back, a testament to our belief in combining passion with purpose.

These events are a cornerstone of who we are at Southwest Industrial Electric – dedicated to growth, leadership, and community. We can't wait to share these experiences with you, our valued clients and partners, as we learn, lead, and support one another.

Del Mar Expo

This April, we're excited to attend the Del Mar Electronics and Manufacturing Expo, a prime opportunity for us at Southwest to network and connect with industry leaders. This event is a hub of innovation, showcasing the latest in electronics and manufacturing. So, while we won’t be hosting a booth this year, we’re eager to meet and learn from key players in the industry, especially local manufacturers. Our focus remains on delivering top-notch electrical services, ranging from preventive maintenance inspections and infrared inspections to comprehensive factory relocations and new construction projects.

Although we won’t have a booth for demonstrations, we’re more than ready to discuss how we can support your operations and collaborate on future projects. If you're attending the expo and interested in exploring the facility maintenance-based services we offer, we can schedule a one-on-one meeting to dive deeper into your specific needs.

We’ll be at the Del Mar Fairgrounds April 24th. Should you have any questions or wish to arrange a meeting, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (323)255-6563.

Spotlight on Facility Maintenance: Embracing Spring with Energy Innovations

As we move into the warmer months, it’s a bustling time at Southwest Industrial Electric, where the focus is as much on maintenance as it is on sustainability. We take pride in our large-scale projects and advanced installations, yet we understand it's the essential and often less visible work that can have the most substantial impact. With the season's shift, companies must reassess their power requirements and ensure equipment is running in peak condition.

At Southwest Industrial Electric, we specialize in ensuring that your operations are optimized for the season ahead with our array of facility maintenance services.

  • Preventive Maintenance Inspection (PMI): Be proactive with our PMI service and tackle potential issues before they arise. Our team provides thorough inspections and with discounts for multi-year commitments, it’s the perfect opportunity to plan for uninterrupted productivity and lock in cost savings.
  • Infrared (IR) Inspection Services: Don't be caught off guard by electrical failures. Our IR inspections detect ‘hot’ spots and potential hazards, safeguarding your operations and helping to prevent costly downtimes.
  • Power Services: Dependable power is crucial, and whether you're considering an upgrade or in need of a new installation, our power services are here to ensure the continuous operation of your business. We understand that power is the pulse of your facility, and we are here to support every beat.

Southwest Industrial Electric is your partner in maintaining the health of your facilities. We deliver excellence and peace of mind, ensuring that your business’s needs are met with precision and care. Reach out to us today to discuss how our multi-year PMI plans can provide a solid foundation for a productive and prosperous season ahead.

Project Study: 6.3 MW Power Distribution & Rooftop Solar

Southwest Industrial Electric is at the forefront of integrating renewable energy solutions into our comprehensive service offerings. As emphasis on sustainability intensifies, so will our focus on developing and implementing renewable energy services that align with the needs of our customers. Here is a short ‘project study’ on one of our largest installations.

Background

Amazon's OXR1 warehouse in Oxnard, California, sought to dramatically reduce energy costs and enhance sustainability through a major solar energy initiative. Southwest Industrial Electric (SIE) was commissioned to execute this high-profile project with the objective of installing a substantial rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system.

Challenge

The project required meticulous planning and execution to integrate a massive 6.3-Megawatt Roof Mount PV System without interrupting the warehouse's bustling operations. The project required the installation of two 3000A power feeds and ensuring the new system seamlessly connected with the existing electrical infrastructure.

Solution

SIE, in collaboration with Borrego Solar Design Engineers, implemented a robust solar power system. The technical scope included:

  • The installation of two 3000A 3PH 480V Switchboards.
  • Laying (34) 4" conduits from the rooftop to PV switchboards and from switchboards to main services.
  • Wiring for the power feeds, ensuring reliable connections and safety compliance.

The exterior installation covered over 14,400 solar modules and 50 inverters, along with necessary civil work and roof protection measures to maintain the integrity of the warehouse structure.

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This Month in Electrical History: Remembering Edith Clarke

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As we commemorate both Women’s History Month and the groundbreaking achievements in the field of electrical innovation, it’s crucial to spotlight the pioneering women who have made invaluable contributions. This month, we honor Edith Clarke, the first professionally employed female electrical engineer and the first female professor of electrical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. In a time when the field was overwhelmingly male-dominated, Clarke's ingenuity and tenacity blazed a trail for women in engineering. She patented the "Clarke Calculator," a graphical device that simplified the equations electrical engineers used to understand power lines, in 1921. Her legacy is a testament to the significant role women have played and continue to play in shaping the electrical industry.

Learn more here: https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/clarke-edith

Meet the Team – Liliana Jauregui:

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Meet Liliana, her position at SIE is the purchasing manager. What interested her in this work is the challenge and the constant learning.

“There are many things I enjoy about my job. I enjoy researching items and/or services for better pricing and availability. I also enjoy being able to assist our techs with their material needs and getting a better understanding of what the materials are used for.

What I enjoy the most about working at SIE is the relationships I’ve built. From my coworkers to our vendors.”

TESTIMONIALS FROM OUR RECENT WORK IN MARCH

You guys do lots of projects for us. Honestly you guys are great and have picked up the slack where we needed it. When we need anything electrical, we will definitely reach back out.

  • Matt V. with Medlin