DC Engineering | Industrial & Commercial Refrigeration Systems & Cases

Many of the client’s job sites involved complex demands like ceiling-mounted racks or equipment that had to fit through tight corridors during remodels.

Solution

The Zero Zone ability to engineer and deliver tailored systems is unmatched. When another manufacturer backed out late in the project, Zero Zone stepped in, delivered a ceiling-mounted rack solution, and backed it with a warranty. This large project for Dierbergs Markets was late in the permitting phase when their manufacturer said they couldn’t do it, setting back the project timeline. The solution involved supporting an 8,000-pound rack system on a platform that was mounted in steel structures from threaded rods.

According to Louis Perry, DC Engineering Refrigeration Manager, Zero Zone makes more customization to meet the client’s requirements than any of the other OEMs.

“If I had to put customization importance on a scale from 1 to 10, it’s at least a nine… And I hate doing that to Zero Zone, but they’re the only ones that will sit there and work with me on those type of complexities.”

Projects often stall when design documentation doesn’t match field realities. For DC Engineering, reducing RFPs and rescoping would eliminate unnecessary proposal loops.

Solution

Zero Zone provided DC Engineering detailed submittals prior to manufacturing, which were reviewed and refined in collaboration.

“Zero Zone will send out a submittal on the equipment prior to the production phase. There is back and forth correspondence where we fine tune what is required.”

“It’s all detailed enough between maintenance and installation that I don’t have to put out many RFPs. If I’m not getting many RFPs, it’s because customers see the added value and don’t feel the need to do an RFP…they understand what we’re providing.”

Several OEMs failed to deliver when projects encountered real-world constraints or required last-minute changes.

Solution

Louis recommends only two equipment manufacturers without hesitation. “Zero Zone is one of two companies I recommend basically 100 percent of the time.”

“Zero Zone does so much work upfront to make sure the client gets a seamless start. If I make a mistake Zero Zone will ask me about it and I’ll correct it. If I see something I don’t like, I go to them and they listen.”

The relationship is grounded in mutual honesty, open communication, and responsiveness. Louis explained the confidence in the installation is based on his collaborative experience with Zero Zone.

“With the support of Zero Zone as the equipment provider, I can take more jobs [more difficult jobs] only because I know they will do everything in their power to build something that’s going to work for the client, short and long term.”

After installation, Louis knows his customers will have the support for the life of their products.

The internal skill gaps among newer engineers who lack manufacturing experience can create troubles with how designs are communicated.

Several OEMs had failed to deliver when projects encountered real-world constraints or required last-minute changes.

Solution

As DC Engineering trains new staff, Zero Zone helps bridge knowledge gaps and streamlines onboarding. Communication, manufacturability and mentoring help build a more reliable team.

“Communication is just the absolute key. I definitely want this information to be able to build my systems. After all the calls I’ve done on their behalf, Zero Zone has not just the ability to configure or to design based on requirements, but also the manufacturability of your ideas.”

Louis emphasized the importance of shared values and leadership.