Shermco Industries

Shermco Industries is a North American provider in wind energy power systems testing, maintenance and repair. Through established processes of on-site analysis, in-house design and application research, as well as comprehensive execution of both customer and national standards work scopes, the company delivers quality services and repairs for demanding operational requirements to all sectors. Shermco's mission is to protect the health and safety of employees, meet internal and external customer requirements and expectations, and continually improve quality management systems, processes and products. It also strives to provide competitively priced services to customers. From high-voltage equipment to small electric machines, Shermco Industries does it all.

By Scott Meador, Vice President, Shermco Industries, USA .

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In the Beginning
Peter A.. Sherman founded Shermco in Dallas, Texas, in 1974. Prior to starting the company, Mr Sherman repaired aircraft generators during the Vietnam War. As the war came to an end, he put together a team of industry experts from national companies to form Shermco Industries. Shermco has grown to be a single-source provider for major industrial manufacturing plants, electric utility companies, and city and county governments.

Shermco Today
With headquarters in Irving, Texas, a sales office in Brussels and service centres around the USA, Shermco now has over 250 full-time employees and exceeds US$ 50 million in annual revenues. The company comprises two strategic business units: the Apparatus Services Division (ASD) and the Engineering Services Division (ESD). Started in 1974, ASD is one of the largest independent service shops in the USA for AC and DC electrical rotating equipment. As well as shop repair services, ASD has a Field Service group, Drives/Automation Services, Wind Energy Services, and a Fossil Services department which services the oil and gas industry. Started in 1981, ESD services the electrical power distribution market, which consists of low, medium and high-voltage electrical power distribution equipment. Staffed with NETA-certified electrical test technicians, electrical engineers and Texas-registered professional engineers, ESD provides efficient, safe and reliable testing and maintenance of commercial, industrial and utility electrical power systems to its blue-chip customer base.

Key Players
Ron Widup is executive vice president and general manager of Shermco Industries. He has been with the company since 1983, and has been instrumental in growing Shermco into a leading US provider of electrical power system testing and maintenance services.

Scott Meador is vice president for the Apparatus Services Division of Shermco Industries. Mr Meador specialises in developing wind energy service agreements with European OEMs and Fortune 500 North American companies, implementation of new technology in the market, expansion of service offerings, and acquisitions that complement the company’s existing business units.

Thad Brown is vice president for the Engineering Services Division of Shermco Industries. Mr Brown has been involved with electrical testing and maintenance for his entire working life and started his career in the Gulf of Mexico region of Texas. With overall responsibility for production and sales activity of ESD, he manages the advancement and execution of Shermco’s engineering services across all areas of North America.

Corporate Philosophies
Shermco’s success is based on a customer-centred approach and employee engagement with clear values. In the early years, the business model was based on post-World War II manufacturing and customer service standards. With the decline of American manufacturing and the explosion of the global economy, Shermco adapted a combination of business models from customers in the European Union and Asian markets to maximise operational efficiency, while retaining its independence. As a result, the present business model continues to attract international companies, which need independent representation and quick solutions delivered in the North American market.

Shermco believes well-adjusted employees create new revenue streams and adapt easily to changing market conditions. Recognising the individual as its greatest asset, Shermco aims to maximise the quality of life for each employee through financial, health and safety programmes. As a result, employees have voted Shermco as ‘Best Place to Work’ in the Dallas area three times since 2005.

Shermco Products
Shermco Industries offers a substantial inventory of products, including motors, controls and power equipment from virtually every major brand. In addition, each product is backed by factory-authorised technicians, installation services and repairs. Products include:

• electrical AC motors and generators
• electrical systems and safety training
• AC variable frequency drive systems
• programmable controllers
• infrared sight glasses
• DC motors, drive systems and soft start systems
• power transmission equipment
• industrial motor control and switchgear

Shermco also offers the wind industry a vast inventory of spare parts for brand name generators.

Shermco Industries – Powering the Future
Electric power is the future. Clean fossil, nuclear, wind, geothermal and solar power is the new economy for the world. Demands for clean, reliable power systems and machines are driving significant developments in technology. US and EU energy policy is shaping a green economy and will experience sustained growth for many generations. Shermco has positioned itself as a part of this new economy by servicing customers worldwide and expanding existing global markets. Through customer-centred services and collaboration, Shermco will continue to listen, learn and execute with precision in the industry. In addition, Shermco continues to expand its capabilities and expects to broaden its array of services in both the wind and other, more general, industries.{/access}