Comprehensive switchboard manufacturing and mechanical services specialist NRP Electrical Services is finding new ways to invest in the future, as it approaches its 50th anniversary.
With demand growing for standards compliant, Australian-manufactured, and custom-engineered switchboards, the WA-based manufacturer is investing in capability, compliance, and workforce development.
Established in 1978 with a single electrician building switchboard panels, NRP now has a modern 3000 sq m manufacturing facility that provides a complete in-house offering that includes engineering, design, sheetmetal fabrication, powdercoating, electrical assembly, electrical installation, control systems, service and site maintenance.
“The key is to never sit still,” says Peter Johnson, Director, NRP. “We believe our people are the key to our success, so we invest heavily in their education and training, and where possible we promote from within,” he says.
“The result is that we have had more than 60 staff with 10 or more years of continuous years of service and a further 35 staff with 15 to 40 years of service.”
Compliance, standards, and independent testing
Peter says one of the most significant changes in recent years has been the introduction of AS/NZS 61439.
“I believe AS/NZ 61439 is a fantastic step forward for the switchboard industry, with its focus on safety and making sure switchboards and related switchgear are fit for purpose, but implementing it across the board – including contractors and subcontractors – can be a challenge for switchboard manufacturers,” he says.
NRP services a broad range of industries across Western Australia – and projects internationally – with its switchboards being used in power generation, mechanical services, building management, mining, commercial, government, and hospital applications.
“With the implementation of AS 61439 we had the choice to specialise in modular or custom-made switchboards, and it made great sense to continue with our custom-made offering with our state-of-the-art in-house manufacturing capabilities,” says Peter.
“Our aim has always been to be one of the best custom switchboard builders in Australia, and to take our offering to the next level, we opted to independently test our switchboards with our major suppliers’ switchgear using the TUV Rhineland facility in Melbourne. This gives our customers an additional level of independently verified assurance that our products are high quality, safe, and reliable in service,” he adds.
Industry collaboration and workforce development
As part of a focus on educating staff, NRP’s leadership decided early in the company’s history to become a member of NESMA.
“NESMA advances the interests of switchboard manufacturers, and encourages Australian manufacturing. There’s a strength of community there that’s highly valuable to us,” says Peter.
“Not only does NESMA protect member interests, but it provides education to the industry as a whole, including contractors and non-members, which was particularly important with AS/NZ 61439, and continues to provide value in other areas,” he adds.
“NESMA brings together like-minded people in our industry, who are all working toward the greater good, even if they might be competitors in day-to-day operations. We all want to enhance safety, quality, and Australian manufacturing.”
Future demand: renewable energy and EV infrastructure
In line with the company ethos of never sitting still and always moving forward, Peter identifies green energy and EVs as two of the biggest impacts on the future of the switchboard industry.
“Building switchboards for the green energy industry requires more complex and technical engineering. The need for it to be fit for purpose and safe is greater than ever, so I can see NESMA playing a crucial role here,” he says.
“Additionally, EVs are driving a general increase in the size and capacity required of switchboards, and we’re seeing more panels being required for photovoltaic power generation as a result. This provides NESMA members with some great opportunities for growth.”
“To keep up with so many opportunities, NRP plans to continue investing in its staff. We currently have 10 apprentices with us right now, and we plan to give them a well-rounded experience from switchboard building through to installation.”
“Investing in people, standards, and capability is what keeps manufacturers competitive. That approach has served us well for nearly 50 years – and it will carry us forward into the next 50,” concludes Peter.
