For years, Baker Group electrical engineers, designers and technicians have been quietly working for agricultural businesses, providing the full range of electrical capabilities and gaining a loyal client following. “The leadership of other ag companies are now waking up to our capabilities,” says Dan Dillavou, a Senior Project Manager in Baker Group’s Electrical business unit with over 35 years of experience in classified, industrial, commercial and power distribution projects.

Experience in All Areas of Ag
Ag clients include grain storage, handling and processing facilities with intricate processes that turn grain into products such as food products, extracted oils and chemicals. “No matter what their project, we have the people, knowledge and experience to fill their needs,” Dillavou says.

Ag-related electrical projects have special piping and wiring requirements. When dealing with grain dust, for example, eliminating the risk of explosion requires designing and wiring according to Class I, Div. I or Div. 2 code. Many clients have highly classified, proprietary processes, which requires the ability to gain a keen understanding of those processes – as well as guaranteeing that confidentiality will be maintained.

“We commonly deal with conveyors, bagging systems and highly computerized work such as robotics,” says Dillavou. “There’s nothing they can throw at us we cannot handle in electrical design.”

Design-Build Delivery Provides Best Results
To provide top-notch results in all aspects of any given project, Baker Group advocates the design-build delivery method, in which Baker Group is responsible for all aspects of the project. Working closely with the project owner, the design-build process includes:

• 3D scanning and building information modeling (BIM), which enable engineers and designers to detail an existing facility’s infrastructure with pinpoint accuracy. This provides the information from which code-compliant electrical systems are designed.
• Prefabricating many electrical components in Baker Group’s Advanced Manufacturing facility. Fabricating components in a controlled environment provides higher quality and lower field labor, and usually expedites the construction schedule.
• Skilled technicians whose experience combines with Baker Group’s precise design and detailing work for smooth installations. Unexpected surprises are virtually nil.

“Above all, our ag clients depend on us for our knowledge of their industry, processes and needs, and our ability to adapt to whatever processes they use. They also look to our design-build capability to simplify their project demands, reduce or eliminate problems, and streamline costs and construction schedules,” Dillavou adds.