Oomiak is a seasoned player in the refrigeration sector, with a footprint extending across Australia and Asia.
With 25 years of hands-on experience in design and development, they represent a substantive share of major refrigeration initiatives across Australia.
GPS Electrical Services took the helm to Design and Construct an all-encompassing electrical and controls package for a sprawling three-storey facility with a 45,300m2 floor area.
Among the infrastructure were a large multi-zoned chiller and freezer, switch room, condenser deck, and an expansive plant room housing various ammonia compressors, control panels, glycol pumps, and accumulator vessels.
Our end-to-end service offering included meticulous switchboard design and manufacturing, culminating in robust SCADA development and deployment.
Executed to perfection at our Thomastown factory, we manufactured four refrigeration service switchboards, an NH3 Detection Control Panel, a Bakery MCC, and several other smaller control panels.
The strategic installation of electrical cable supports and wiring was orchestrated with precision to more than 30 evaporator fan units across multiple factory storeys.
The project unfolded in the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic, dramatically affecting material availability and introducing extended lead times.
Component and hardware shortages became commonplace, with lead times stretching further than anticipated. This posed a serious risk, as delays in material availability could derail our planned project timelines. We employed a multi-faceted strategy to mitigate these risks. This included establishing alternative supply routes, negotiating with suppliers for expedited deliveries, and maintaining a buffer stock of essential components. We also worked closely with Oomiak and other stakeholders to communicate these challenges transparently, ensuring everyone was aligned and prepared for any potential delays.z
With the majority of our skilled team located in Melbourne and travel restrictions due to the pandemic, the easy movement of our in-house experts to the project site in NSW was off the table.
In light of these constraints, we pivoted our strategy to utilise local labour resources in NSW. While this approach had its own challenges—primarily skills gaps and lack of specific experience in industrial electrical and refrigeration systems—it also offered a unique opportunity.
In cases where specific expertise was non-negotiable, we used remote consultation methods to bring our Melbourne-based experts into the loop for problem-solving and quality assurance. This two-pronged approach not only allowed us to maintain project timelines but also helped us adhere to our uncompromising standards for safety and quality.
Despite daunting challenges, including site-wide lockdowns and health risks, GPS Electrical Services showcased our ability to adapt and deliver. We successfully met all of Oomiak’s project requirements, on time, with no delays. The use of local labour resources and quick strategic pivots proved effective in keeping the project on course.
For senior managers in the industrial sector, this project serves as yet another testament to GPS Electrical Services' unmatched capabilities in managing complex electrical needs, all while upholding the highest safety and quality standards.
This case study is an excellent demonstration of our commitment to not just meet but exceed client expectations, regardless of the challenges involved.
