CR Electric amps up Niles manufacturer with electrical upgrade
CR Electric has been part of a major electrical upgrade at Jet Stream International (JSI) in Niles, nearly tripling the facility’s capacity to support growing production demands and new equipment.
The project increases the facility’s electrical service from 600 amps to 1,600 amps while modernizing aging electrical infrastructure.
“Everything was pretty much maxed out to capacity,” said Dale Barber, project manager at CR Electric.
Strengthening the service
To relieve that strain, CR Electric has replaced outdated electrical equipment, installed a new transformer and main service, and reconfigured existing electrical feeds to distribute loads more efficiently.
Barber explained that some connections were handling multiple electrical loads, causing equipment to run hot. Electricians separated those loads and put in larger feeds where needed to reduce stress on the system.
At its peak, CR Electric had five electricians on site handling the extensive improvements.
JSI manufactures electrical fittings, conduit fasteners and mechanical components used in various industries. That worked out well for CR Electric.
“They provided all the hardware we needed for the project,” Barber said.
One market in particular has significantly boosted JSI’s business.
“We’ve been growing and adding machines. It kind of started with the data centers,” said Walt Baust, engineering manager at JSI.
To meet demand, the company added a new 500-ton press, twice the size of its previous largest.
“We’re bringing in more and more presses, and there’s just not enough power to power them,” Baust said.
Making the switch
Modernizing the facility’s aging electrical infrastructure was a big undertaking, particularly with production continuing throughout the project.
“They’re going to demo the old substation and reroute the existing high-voltage cables into a new transformer, which has more capacity,” Barber said.
The new configuration will route electricity underground into the facility’s new 1,600-amp service, eliminating the need for much of the aging outdoor equipment.
“The outside pole will come down, and the old transformers will come out.”
CR Electric and Niles utility crews coordinated an eight-to-10-hour shutdown on a Saturday to transition to the new electrical service while minimizing disruptions to production.
The initial phase of the electrical upgrade has taken about three months, with CR Electric planning to return for additional improvements as the larger project progresses.
Connections that last
The service upgrade is part of an eight-phase electrical modernization plan that Baust estimates could span approximately four years.
Future phases include replacing remaining outdated wiring and installing new lighting throughout the facility.
Barber credits collaboration with JSI for helping the project progress smoothly.
“Walt has been a huge help in the planning, coordination and layout with engineering,” he said.
CR Electric’s relationship with the company goes back decades. Baust, who started with the company as an intern in 1988, recalled the contractor handling electrical controls and programming for the business under a previous name in the 1990s.
That positive experience helped influence the decision to bring CR Electric back for this major upgrade.
“They treated us good back then. Now, they’re going to be our primary company for everything,” Baust said.
It’s a reflection of the trust local electrical contractors build through quality workmanship and dependable service.
CR Electric is a member contractor of NECA-IBEW Electricians, an association consisting of IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown, IBEW Local 573 in Warren and signatory electrical contractors throughout the Mahoning Valley.
