Due to the commitment and hard work of our employees, Olsson Industrial Electric was named #15 on the list of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in Oregon 2024 by Oregon Business Magazine. This is the 9th year Olsson Industrial Electric has appeared on the list.
Interested in joining the Olsson team, check out our available openings!
In collaboration with Roseburg Forest Products, Olsson Industrial Electric provided engineering, design, construction, and equipment for Roseburg’s brand new Chester Engineered Wood Greenfield Facility. This $300-million endeavor culminated in an advanced, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility based in Chester, SC, and features the highest capacity press in the world. Olsson’s Construction, Controls, and Engineering Divisions were responsible for implementing and overseeing the project, which commenced in 2017.
The scope of the project included comprehensive electrical design, provided by OS Engineering, which consisted of all power distribution from the 12.47kV utility feeds down to 120V control power and convenience receptacles. The team was also responsible for arc-flash and system power modeling, relay protection design and programming, and a high resistance grounding system.
Design and construction consisted of a full electrical design-build, including power distribution, controls, lighting, and IT communications–the latter of which included a company-wide backup server. Throughout this process, Olsson worked with multiple system vendors to ensure proper tie-ins for all systems, in addition to providing comprehensive startup and system support. Some of the installed equipment includes 15kV MV Swgr, several pad mount transformers in varying VAs, (8) 480V switchboards, multiple 480V and 120/240V panelboards, and over twenty-five 48V motor control centers. The facility is equipped with (2) 150kW backup generators with automatic transfer switches, and is powered by over 31 miles of underground PVC conduit, 2,000 feet of cable tray, and multiple programmable logic controllers and HMI units.
Throughout the three years and 100,000+ working hours that this project has been underway, Olsson and Roseburg have reported zero safety incidents in the electrical construction of this facility. Olsson completed the project in 2020, proudly clocking in under budget and on time.
OS Engineering’s drafting team provides complete design and drafting services for industrial power distribution, small utility substations, industrial automation, and engineering design services. Our dedicated design team can draft designs for hydro, solar, coal, and other types of power generation systems. OS is dedicated to providing the full package, including electrical construction, electrical engineering, and controls capabilities. Our designer-drafter team serves our electrical and controls and automation divisions.
Our complete in-house service offerings, including automation, controls, and construction, allow us to offer full design builds that set us apart from the competition. We can engineer, design, draft, build and test a project from start to finish with our team’s drive and innovation. Our diverse vertical market experience includes not only small utilities, but also industrial and generation work. We can revise existing drawings, provide full lines of original drawings, perform drawing file conversions, and create drafts for overall layout.
Our experienced team is made up of four full-time designer-drafters and two part-time drafters whose specializations range from generation drafting to automation and controls design. All have industrial electric, utility, and/or generation experience. We work with a range of software, including AutoCAD Full, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD LT, Revit, Inventor Pro, and MicroStation.
Because we always have a team of power-specialized electrical engineers informing the design and drafting process, we’re able to ensure design functionality from a power and/or automation perspective. This power-centric approach means we can offer variety and efficiency in design and implementation. Furthermore, our experienced field electricians ensure constructability and installation of all of our designs.
Operating under Rockwell Automation, Allen-Bradley is the primary company that Olsson Industrial Electric partners with when it comes to control systems hardware. As a leader in the industry, Allen-Bradley carries the widest selection of installed hardware in North America, making them the obvious choice from among the competition.
One of the primary reasons why Olsson chooses to partner with Allen-Bradley is the premier product support. Ordering spare parts and receiving parts support is easy with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, which has built a large support infrastructure to sustain their client base. Our system integration partnership with Allen-Bradley means we receive priority support, making it easier for us to solve problems for our customers and clients. If there’s a problem we can’t solve, Allen-Bradley sends experts out in the field to help out. With a deep in-house expertise when it comes to hardware issues, it’s easy to rely on their deep support network for backup.
Our technicians at Olsson take training classes on Allen-Bradley’s products so that we’re always up to date on their equipment offerings. Due to our extensive hardware knowledge, Allen-Bradley’s sales team recommends Olsson to potential clients in our region. We also receive hardware discounts based on the volume that we sell, which allows for a mutually beneficial and prosperous partnership.
Some of the primary equipment we use from Allen-Bradley includes Variable Frequency Drives (VFD), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), push buttons, switches, power supplies, terminal blocks, and many more control panel components. Olsson frequently utilizes Allen-Bradley’s hardware and services for industrial control, utility, and power projects. Sold in our area by North Coast Electric, it’s easy for us to get Allen-Bradley equipment from a trusted, long-term supplier.
As one of the most ubiquitous hardware suppliers in the industry, Rockwell Automation’s system integrator program is the clear choice when it comes to supplying Olsson’s clients with the best hardware for their projects.
In an exciting new collaboration with the USACE Tulsa District, we are pleased to announce our forthcoming work on the RS Kerr Modernization of Electrical Infrastructure project. Awarded in October 2019, this $15 million endeavor marks Olsson’s first partnership with the USACE Tulsa District.
Olsson will provide the necessary design-build services to replace the two existing 67 MVA, three-winding, generator step-up (GSU) transformers with two new 80 MVA GSU transformers to include relocating them away from the powerhouse to a new location adjacent to the existing 161 kV switchyard. The construction of new transformer foundations and containment systems will be sequenced with the site delivery of new transformers, supplied by others under a separate contract.
Once each new transformer is in place, the corresponding pair of main unit generators will be reconnected to the new transformers via new 15 kV bus and switchgear. Included in the electrical upgrades to the powerhouse infrastructure are new 480 V station service switchgear that will power the main unit generators and facility support systems. Olsson’s sister company, Greenberry Industrial, will perform mechanical upgrades, including new generator unwatering pumps, new powerhouse drainage pumps, and a new monorail hoist for maneuvering electrical equipment to the lower levels of the powerhouse. This project will have a rapid turnaround, with contract completion in less than two years from the time of award.
We anticipate breaking ground in October 2020 and all three divisions of Olsson will contribute: Olsson Industrial Electric, OS Engineering, and Olsson Controls.
Olsson Industrial Electric will provide all on-site project management and electrical construction services. Our experienced hydroelectric team will consist of a Site Superintendent, Quality Control Manager, Safety Officer, and several industrial electricians. Throughout the project our team will work closely with RS Kerr Powerhouse personnel and OS Engineering to develop and execute a sequence of construction that will maximize continuity of operations throughout the project.
OS Engineering will be the designer of record for the GSU Relocation and will provide technical coordination for the electrical infrastructure upgrades covered by the original contract. This includes comprehensive technical reviews of the contract drawings and specifications as well as coordination between multiple suppliers for the design and manufacturing of equipment. The team will also identify opportunities to optimize existing designs in an effort to improve the final configuration and functionality of the overall system. OS Engineering will provide technical support for the construction team and execute detailed commissioning plans throughout the project.
Olsson Controls’ UL 508 Certified Panel Shop will fabricate a remote control panel for the new SQ1 480V switchgear and perform all controls integration for the 15kV and 480V switchgear itself. The integration of switchgear controls is an expanded capability for Olsson’s panel shop and demonstrates our commitment to incorporating the newest technology in control systems for our valued clients.
Olsson looks forward to working with the USACE Tulsa District and building relationships in this new region. To learn more about the scope of Olsson’s capabilities and projects, visit us here. To learn how you can contact one of Olsson’s three divisions, click here.
Olsson Industrial Electric is pleased to announce that we will be participating in the 2019 HydroVision International trade show in Portland, Oregon from July 23rd–25th.
HydroVision International is the largest global convention of hydro professionals, covering topics ranging from asset resilience and sustainability to market trends and strategies. Attendees will receive access to over 60 conference sessions—featuring over 350 speakers, technical paper presentations, panel discussions, and small group poster presentations—as well as the opportunity to earn professional development hour credits.
Stop by our booth (#9103) at the Oregon Convention Center during the show.
Show Details
Oregon Convention Center, Halls A–E
777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Portland, OR 97232
Tuesday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Exhibitor Hall Open | 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Exhibitor Hall Open | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Exhibitor Hall Open | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Join us Wednesday, July 24th, for a Happy Hour co-hosted by Greenberry Industrial
Altabira City Tavern (across from the Convention Center)
4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
We look forward to meeting with individuals within the industrial electric community and expanding our professional network.
In December 2018 , we (Olsson) welcomed Garrett Electric into the NAES Corporation family of companies. Established in 1978, Garrett Electric is an experienced commercial and industrial electrical contractor headquartered in Richland, Washington. We are thrilled to join forces with Garrett as both companies (Olsson & Garrett) will benefit from expanded service offerings, increased manpower and a larger service area.
Comprised of over eighty highly skilled tradesmen, electricians, engineers, programmers, and administrative professionals—the Garrett Electric team possesses ample expertise that will greatly augment our existing foundation. Not only are we gaining the aptitude of the Garrett team, but we will also benefit from their reputation of excellence in the industrial and commercial markets. We are proud to acknowledge Garrett Electric’s steadfast commitment to quality and their abounding recent accomplishments, including work with Columbia Water Supply, turbine replacements for Priest Rapids Dam, turbine installation for Ice Harbor Dam, and work with Washington State University Tri-Cities Student Housing.
Olsson and Garrett have recently partnered on a large capital improvement project for Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) in Wallula, Washington. Working together, our team has delivered a craftsmanship-quality product, on-time, with no safety incident – a true testament to Garrett’s expertise and commitment to safety. We are proud to add Garrett to our family of companies and confident that our partnership will flourish.
Olsson is proud to announce that it has adopted Procore as its new project management software.
Developed specifically for construction, Procore’s intuitive technology helps to streamline workflows and maximize efficiency. Through a centralized platform accessible on any device, Olsson’s team can connect with customers in real time, solving real problems that save time and money.
For more than 30 years, Olsson has proudly invested in new technologies that increase productivity and better serve our customers. To learn more about Olsson’s capabilities and commitment to superior quality service, visit www.olssonelec.com/about.