Frankie’s Corner

Powering the Future: WPI's Legacy and Expertise in Power Generation

Standby Power(2)
Prime Power
Standby Power
When did WPI first venture into Power Generation, and what motivated the decision to become a part of the company’s offerings?

WPI’s venture into Power Generation started more than 64 years ago and has become an integral part of our DNA. Our journey began in the 1960s, where we initially focused on packaging power systems for numerous oil and gas companies. As a US-based company with a global presence, we have engineered, fabricated, and packaged generators that have been installed all around the world.

From the beginning, our specialization has primarily been in Prime Power Generation, rather than Standby Power. This focus on providing reliable backup power solutions has allowed us to excel in meeting the critical needs of various industries. 

Power Generation has been more than just a segment of our business—it has played a vital role for more than half of our existence. The decision to venture into this field was driven by our commitment to delivering exceptional solutions and being a trusted partner in providing reliable and efficient power systems.

From the 1960s to the present day, our expertise in Power Generation has continued to grow, allowing us to consistently meet the evolving needs of our customers. With our extensive experience and dedication to excellence, we look forward to providing innovative power solutions for many years to come.

Being a private and family-owned company, for over 100 years, how does WPI’s involvement in Power Generation align with its values of service and support?

At WPI, our core values of service and support remain unwavering, transcending across industries. Whether we are catering to the Power Generation sector or any other field, our commitment to service excellence is a fundamental aspect of our operations.

Service is not just a department for us; it is a core focus that underpins every aspect of our business. We prioritize ensuring that our customers receive top-notch support and assistance at every stage of their journey with us. 

Our support infrastructure is designed to go above and beyond, encompassing access to quality parts, expert technicians, and round-the-clock availability for our

valued customers. We understand the critical nature of uninterrupted operations, which is why we provide proactive and responsive support 24/7 whenever our customers need it. 

Irrespective of the product or service we are engaged with, our dedication to service excellence and comprehensive support remains consistent. We take pride in being a reliable partner that customers can trust, ensuring that their needs are met with the highest level of professionalism and expertise.

How do WPI’s Power Generation initiatives play a role in supporting the Gulf Coast area, especially during challenging times like Hurricane season when both our customers and our employees are impacted?

As a company headquartered in Houston, Texas, we find ourselves at the forefront of handling emergency situations. Our focus on Standby Power solutions becomes especially critical during acts of nature, such as hurricanes and freezing conditions, which can significantly impact the reliability of power systems.

In these challenging scenarios, the demand for our services is amplified, necessitating the deployment of our best technicians round the clock. Our support is primarily geared towards Commercial and Industrial applications, including vital establishments like hospitals, businesses, and manufacturing facilities. It’s imperative to provide unwavering support and expertise in these essential sectors remains a top priority for us. 

We understand that there are numerous unforeseeable circumstances that can impact power systems, and it is during these times that we truly shine. Our commitment to supporting our customers and ensuring operational continuity often requires our technicians to put in long hours and make personal sacrifices, being away from their families to respond to these critical situations. 

Addressing these challenges involves meticulous planning and preparation, ensuring that we have the correct parts readily available, the right tools at our disposal, and the necessary factory support to swiftly resolve issues. There are indeed numerous moving parts that come into play to deliver effective support and maintenance in such high-stakes situations.

Moreover, we have observed that these emergency scenarios are becoming increasingly frequent in the Gulf Coast area, making our dedication to being available and responsive even more crucial. Ultimately, our ability to answer the phone and deliver unparalleled care and support to our customers is paramount, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to ensuring their continuous operations, even in the most trying circumstances.

Along with our Standby Power group, WPI is working on other exciting jobs which include Prime Power. Can you elaborate more on what is going on with regards to Bitcoin Mining and Natural Gas Engines driving generators?

Alongside our work with the Standby Power group, we’re diving into some exciting developments in Prime Power, particularly in the context of Bitcoin Mining and Natural Gas Generators.

Bitcoin mining has emerged as a fascinating venture for us. This sector presents a unique opportunity to leverage rental equipment effectively while addressing environmental concerns. Specifically, we’re exploring ways to utilize natural gas that would otherwise be flared into the atmosphere. By doing this, we not only provide a viable power solution but also tackle the environmental challenge of flared gas, making our operations both economically and ecologically beneficial.

In our efforts, we’re making significant investments and building a rental fleet that includes options for various applications beyond our traditional offerings. Historically, we haven’t had a prime power rental fleet, so this is a new and promising development for us. This expansion is complemented by our focus on offering solutions for drill rig spaces, where we can now provide natural gas engine options instead of the conventional diesel gensets.

The shift from diesel to natural gas is particularly advantageous given current oil prices. For our customers, it represents a more economical and environmentally friendly choice. This transition aligns with our goal to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of power generation across different sectors.

Overall, our work in these areas reflects our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility while meeting the evolving needs of our clients.