TAS Talks Modular: Recent Episodes
TAS Energy
This is TAS Talks Modular, a media channel where we explore worldwide modular solutions, featuring innovative and custom designs. Join us as we talk modular!
In an ever-changing environment such as technology, solutions must be flexible, versatile and adaptable. That’s especially true of data centers as the amount of data and applications grows.
Today, modular construction is a mainstay for many industries. According to the Modular Institute, the modular industry doubled in size to $8 billion from 2014-2019. The need for quick, flexible construction solutions during the pandemic makes the modular construction industry busier than ever. So, with the needs greater than ever before, how should people approach a modular construction project? To answer that question, Neil Smith, VP of International Products at TAS Energy Inc., joined TAS Talks Modular and shared his thoughts and experience on the subject. From oil and gas, offshore platform implementations in the North Sea, Smith got his first taste of the necessity for modular building. “As you can imagine, that sort of location of a plant is a very difficult one to build in,” Smith said. “So, the modular approach was the only way production platforms could be moved into place and produce the oils.” Smith said, when considering a modular project as part of an overall build, it is essential to consult with modular experts at the beginning stages. It can only lead to headaches down the road when the right modular approach isn’t considered upfront. “As soon as the idea of the actual construction of a plant, whatever that plant may be, is formed,” said Smith. “To do it from a modular perspective, at that point, it’s the time to involve the modular experts.” In addition to design challenges, a large-scale project may entail the build's location also having logistical challenges. “There are different factors people have to consider for locations,” Smith said. “One is, is it easy to get people in and out of the location? You have to transport people to and from the site. Another consideration is you may have hundreds or even thousands of people on a large project site. Where are they going to live? Where can they be accommodated? Do I have accommodations in that area, and, if I don’t, what am I going to do?” These are more reasons why it is critical to involve modular experts in a project's planning stages.
TAS is able to lean on its large facilities in Houston and sleek supply chain to make sure it’s able to deliver the solution when the client needs it.
“We have all the phases that would traditionally go into a stick built, but we do them in a very shortened schedule in our factory,” Grumski said.
He also praised the amount of experience and intellectual property TAS has acquired over the years to meet customer demands thanks to decades working with high-tech companies.
That won’t change, even as TAS changes hands after this year’s acquisition by Comfort Systems.
“Part of my job as the CEO was to find a long-term owner for the business that would ensure the seamless continuity for our customers, provide additional capabilities and resources, and also provide expanded growth opportunities for our employees,” Grumski said. “I’ll tell you, with Comfort Systems, I firmly believe we’ve found the ideal, long-term, strategic owner for TAS.”
Grumski found that Comfort Systems is committed to maintaining the current culture, confidence in modular solutions and desire to keep the current management team with no disruptions to projects.
It’s clear modular solutions will continue to grow, and TAS can continue to boast one of the most effective and experienced teams in the industry.