Open-System Controls Solution Solves Chemical Manufacturer’s Maintenance Delays

Facility managers at a global chemical manufacturer were frustrated by delayed provider responses for building automation system maintenance and repairs and quickly sought solutions at their South Texas research and technology center. In the company’s fast-paced and high-stakes business, any loss of productivity is unacceptable, especially at one of its two key global research centers.

The manufacturer’s locations include a South Texas center and West Texas chemical manufacturing plant, now both supported by TDIndustries’ technical expertise.

Maintaining Building Automation and Controls Systems

Building automation and control systems integrate your building’s hardware and software on a single platform. These systems aim to optimize building performance, but dealing with aging or mixed legacy systems can be challenging.

A closed building automation system is engineered with strict manufacturer control, often preventing customers from using other vendors after installation. In contrast, an open system is vendor-agnostic, allowing the use of multiple systems and manufacturers in one cohesive framework, providing more flexibility and cost savings.

How TDIndustries Supports Mission Critical Manufacturers

In 2018, the manufacturer reached a crossroads with its former contractor and submitted a request for proposal for a controls system retrofit at its South Texas location. The company’s main priorities were to find a partner offering the flexibility of an open system and high-quality customer service. TDIndustries (TD) answered the call to help provide the controls system that best fits the company’s needs.

As one of only two global research and technology centers, productivity at the South Texas location's laboratories could not be disrupted. TD’s extensive industry experience allowed Project Manager Charles Boehm and his team to quickly assess the building’s critical environment challenges and present flexible solutions.

With their technical knowledge, the TD team converted the existing Metasys closed system to a Niagara open system. They readdressed all default controllers and devices, ensuring proper programming transfer across the network automation engine. These devices include terminal units like fan power boxes, air handling units, chillers, boilers and ductless variable refrigerant flow systems.

Prioritizing Business Productivity and Safety

“We were able to take over the whole system without disrupting any of the comfort or lab conditions,” says Boehm. Throughout the renovation, TD maintained clear communication and a safe working environment for employees and products.

With TD’s new interface on the open system, this South Texas location now has real-time information and visibility of energy consumption, fault detection and diagnostics. This customizable software helps streamline processes and provides tools to better understand and respond to internal customers faster.

TD Controls at the South Texas facility has grown to include the construction of a 15,000-square-foot building, a retrofit and renovation of multiple lab areas and proactive maintenance across six buildings, totaling about 95,000 square feet.

Building on proven success, TD expanded its partnership with this manufacturer in 2021 to include controls and facility services for a West Texas administration building and a central plant at its chemical manufacturing facility.

Dependable and High-Quality Service

Since 2018, this company has relied on TD’s skilled technicians for timely on-site service. TD recognizes the importance of maintaining smooth operations at each site.

“When they call us, they know we answer the phone. We respond quickly without a lengthy bureaucratic process,” says Boehm. TD’s dependable customer service is a key factor in their successful relationship with the manufacturer.

TD Controls Offerings

TD meets the demand for complex building controls and fully functional building automation systems throughout a building’s life-cycle, from design to installation and service. For a partner that prioritizes your company’s unique building automation and controls needs, submit an audit or quote request or call 1-800-864-7717.