How AJ forged a solution that combined durability, functionality, and attention to detail

When Texas-based Shipp Engineering Services set out to construct large site-built power distribution centers in the southwestern U.S., they knew weather was going to be a challenge.  The specific territory of West Texas-to-New Mexico could be inhospitable. High winds with gusts up to 30-40 miles per hour were common, and arid conditions made dust storms a frequent occurrence. When it did rain, flash flooding and hail often came along with the storm front.

With all of these challenges, Shipp knew that every component had to be functional, tough, and adaptable. In particular, the doors had to safeguard the personnel working inside the centers, as well as the expensive, temperature-sensitive electrical equipment within.

When the extreme weather came, unsecured doors were always at risk of blowing open, so the closure mechanisms had to be reliable as well as rugged.  The doors also had to provide a range of access to allow both personnel and equipment to enter and exit.

Finding supplier that could address all these attributes became a critical mission.

The AJ solution

Shipp discovered AJ Manufacturing (AJ) and were visited soon afterward by a member of the sales team. Shipp explained the required specs: they needed standard, single person entry doors, large double doors, and exterior maintenance equipment doors. The double doors needed a full 8’ wide x 9’ high opening, and the exterior equipment doors not only needed the 9’ height requirement, but also a variety of widths to match the equipment inspection openings.

AJ modified some of their standard tooling processes to build custom doors for Shipp, and adjusted their standard manufacturing process to Shipp’s needs. AJ provided a high-quality, durable product within Shipp’s time frame.

According to Kent Bradley, project manager at Shipp, AJ proved to be one of their best suppliers in every aspect.

A successful partnership

“Unlike other doors we had seen in the past,” says Bradley, “the AJ products came to us pre-installed in their frames which saved us a lot of time.”

According to Bradley, it’s not unusual for an assembling company to lose components or damage various items on the doors, but AJ responded with all the parts Shipp needed so they didn’t lose time waiting on the job site  AJ even took on the task of painting the doors, which saved Shipp even more construction time in the field.

“It is refreshing to work with a team that are truly experts in their field,” says Bradley.  “They provide their products in a very timely, friendly manner.  Every aspect of the doors reflects that the AJ team not only has a high regard for quality, but also has a goal to help us look good.”