July 2010 Vol. 65 No. 7
Business
DFI Invests In RS CityLiner For Diversification And Global Expansion
Since 1966, DFI Corporation has supplied the oilfield construction industry with first-class pile-driving, pile supply and trucking services. As the core business for DFI, oil and gas have provided the company with significant growth and success; however, the seasonal nature of the oil and gas industry means that projects are not balanced throughout the year.
“For the past few years we’ve wanted to diversify,” said Sean Freeland, general manager of DFI. “When the oil business is good, it’s very good. But we needed more consistency, the ability to expand into a business that is outside of oil and gas – also one that is of an opposing season so that we can blend crews and maximize work-hours throughout the year.
“One of my employees brought to my attention cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) for the repair of mainline sewer pipes,” continued Freeland. “While this work happens all year, it is more common to reline pipes in the spring and summer seasons, while oil and gas work typically happens in the fall and winter. So we quickly realized that CIPP was a perfect complement to our existing business model. We also realized that it was not only something that would satisfy our immediate business goals, but also allow DFI to grow geographically. The possibility of enhancing our expansion into the United States and beyond was very appealing to us. By reducing our vulnerability to local recessions and other economic concerns, CIPP provides us a certain security.”
Once the decision to diversify into CIPP had been made, DFI’s management had to determine the most effective way to enter this market. After thorough research into the CIPP industry, DFI chose RS Technik who offers the RS CityLiner system for mainline rehabilitation and repair.
RS Technik, headquartered in Switzerland and represented in the Americas by RS Lining Systems, based in North Carolina, offers the only fully-automated, mobile CIPP system available in North America. When it comes to “find and fix”, emergency work and multiple mobilizations common in maintenance contracts, the RS CityLiner systems provide logistical advantages including the ability to prepare, impregnate and install DOW formulated epoxy liners right on the job site, enabling rapid response to needed repairs.
RS Technik’s Joanne Hughes further explains. “Our exclusive, on-board computerized feature allows full visibility to project inspectors from wet-out through installation. In spite of ever-changing environmental conditions, our automated systems ensure that jobs are done right the first time. This high level of quality control results in repeatable success, saving both time and money.”
In a recent visit to Europe, Freeland and his team experienced comprehensive, in-the-field training. “It was extremely hands-on,” he explained. “We saw several job sites, all with different conditions. We left with a clear idea of what to expect, and what’s expected of us in order to be effective in the field and delivery quality work for our customers.”
With a desire to be a full-service provider as quickly as possible, Freeland is also considering the MaxLiner system which will fulfill his need to offer lateral CIPP repair services, as well. “I want to be the one-stop shop,” Freeland explained. “Including CIPP into our service offering is load-leveling. We will now have consistent business throughout the year, and with RS Technik’s support, we believe we can be the first-responder, no matter where in the world the business leads us.”
For More Information
RS Technik or MaxLiner: (919) 481-1977, www.rstechnik.com
DFI Corp.: (877) 334-7453, www.dfi.ca
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