Compressed Air Best Practices - October 2008 - (Page 47) Compressed Air Industry AUTOMOTIVE TRANSIT | 10/08 | GROWTH IN ALBERTA: NORTHWEST EQUIPMENT How was Northwest Equipment started? In June of 2000, two partners and I (Mr.Van der Meer) started Northwest Equipment here in Alberta. We were a total of four people and had our offices in Calgary. In 2003, we acquired the Compressed Air Division of Brittania Compressor Sales. I had been a sales person and partner at Brittania from 1979 to 1997. Brittania wanted to focus on the oil drilling business and we are 100% focused on compressed air systems. The acquisition was good for both companies. Alberta Northwest Equipment Headquarters in Airdrie, Alberta. Our slogan is “Total Compressed Air Solutions.” We prefer the customer give us their application and then we will find the best solution for them. This philosophy has worked well for us. Northwest Equipment grew 30% per year between 2000 to 2005. This rapid growth led us to move to a new facility in Airdrie, Alberta. We now employ 34 people and operate a 12,500-square-foot facility sitting on 1.6 acres. The facility gives us the ability to fabricate customized packages for our customers. It is also a full service shop where we can overhaul and service air compressors. Please describe your oil-field instrument air packages. Compressed air in the oil field is used for instrument air. Most control valves and actuators, in the oil and gas industry, are air operated. The design specifications call for unmanned compressed air systems. Due to the low ambient temperatures here, the compressed air must be dry air with pressure dew points to -40 ˚F (-40 ˚C). Some installations will also specify a -100 ˚F (-73 ˚C) dew point. A Turn key Compressed Air Building leaves for the oil fields. www.airbestpractices.com 47 http://www.airbestpractices.com
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