DELIVERING ON QUALITY

ASAP Industries Manufacturing has 20 years’ experience of state-ofthe-art CNC and manual machining solutions, specialising in the oil and gas industry. US Sales Manager Jack McIntyre discussed the company’s impressive range of services and devotion to quality control, in conversation with Imogen Ward and Phil Nicholls.

Supply issues remain a challenge for companies around the world. ASAP Industries Manufacturing took direct steps to improve the supply situation for its customers.

“In order to be competitive around the Gulf Coast, Texas, Louisiana and surrounding areas, we deliver using our own trucks,” explained US Sales Manager Jack McIntyre. “So, we offer transportatio n at no additional cost to customers along our service route, delivering new products and repair services.”

F ounded in 2001 by Timothy Deroche, ASAP rapidly moved into new headquarters in Houma, Louisiana. Steady expansion has been almost a constant feature at ASAP, as the company grew both its manufacturing facilities and the range o f services offered to clients around the Gulf Coast and the Permian Basin in Texas.

The 2021 expansion of facilities in the Permian Basin increased the size of the ASAP campus and offers supporting welding, stress relieving, MPI and hydro testing, plus repair and recertification of critical pressure control equipment. This site at Midland, Texas, now mimics the range of services available in ASAP’s headquarters.

Alongside these new facilities, ASAP continues to buy new machinery, according to Mr McIntyre: “We recently invested in three 700 CNC machines, and we're constantly looking for ways to improve, taking a lean approach to see how ASAP can operate more efficiently.”

A diverse range

Enjoying over 20,000 square feet of raw material storage, ASAP can react to a customer's needs immediately with prompt manufacture and delivery of required items. The company is one of the quickest oil and gas machine shops operating in the US market. ASAP delivers an impressive range of manufacturing services:

“We specialise in a quick turnaround with our in-house machinery and on-site raw material inventory,” Mr McIntyre said. “ASAP responds to the customer quickly, at a competitive price. We’re doing that by having the best people and equipment.”

From drill-through and wellhead components to flow control equipment, ASAP designs, manufactures and delivers the required equipment for almost any project. API 6A and 16A licenses, plus ISO and Q1 certifications demonstrate the quality of the ASAP products that are suitable for every operating condition.

ASAP produces API-licensed equipment for drilling contractors, E&Ps, pressure pumping, rental and other operating companies. The company also creates engineered parts from complex third-party drawings. This includes state-of-the-art CNC and manual manufacturing solutions – from custom machining to welding.

In terms of welding, ASAP’s ASME IX qualified welding procedures include high-strength base metals ranging from AISI 4130 and F22, to 8630 using SMAW, FCAW, TIG, and SAW processes for inlay and pressure-containing welds. The experienced team deploy some of the most advanced welding procedures in the industry, coping with even the most demanding high- and low-strength alloys.

ASAP also offers repair, rebuild and recertification services on BOPs, frac valves, spools and adapters. This process cuts customer costs by extending the life of their assets. The company performs a complete teardown and dimensional inspection to determine the condition of the equipment, then advises the client accordingly. Finally, ASAP offers a range of sand separators and plug catchers, designed to protect equipment during well-testing and flow-back.

Proactive management

While ASAP’s busiest area is the Permian Basin, the company also delivers to the whole of the US. Maintaining such a diverse range of services requires daily meetings to streamline productivity and ensure the team achieve the on-time delivery that clients rely upon.

Mr McIntyre was confident that ASAP’s working practices contributed to the company's success: “Our competitive edge comes from having top employees, experienced management, effective communication from the sales teams, regular meetings between these groups and a vast amount of inventory.”

This proactive management at ASAP supports one of the largest quality control departments in the sector. Harnessing the abilities of an experienced workforce, ASAP is committed to maintaining the highest possible standard of manufacturing throughout its extensive range of services.

ASAP’s rigorous quality control regime is reflected in the standards of its products. This, however, this is only part of the picture, as the finished equipment also needs to reach the client: this is where ASAP’s delivery service pays dividends. By running its own shipping operation, ASAP retains control of this vital step in ensuring customer good will and satisfaction. One avenue of expansion at ASAP is for global delivery of its manufacturing. The company’s competitive pricing and quick turnaround gives it broad appeal in the global market. ASAP is currently popular with clients in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Germany and the UK. The establishment of an expanded global supply chain would enable ASAP to reach even more customers.

A team effort

ASAP’s appreciation of good will extends to the important role its suppliers play in the company’s success. “We constantly work with them on equipment purchases,” Mr McIntyre explained. “If we have to, we’ll take a larger shipment, or if they need quicker payment, then we'll do that. ASAP also sends out forecasts regarding what we think we're going to need in four to six months, to give our partners a heads up on our needs.”

To minimise waste, ASAP carefully manages its use of raw materials to be as efficient as possible. The company also partners with recyclers to further reduce its environmental impact.

As to be expected of a company that took control of its own customer deliveries, ASAP appreciates the challenges of global supply issues. ASAP’s extensive stock of raw materials is geared towards facilitating prompt delivery to customers, but this large inventory also shielded the company from the worst effects of any pandemic-related supply chain issues.

ASAP is determined to maintain its reputation as the most competitive machining facility in the US, offering excellent value for money to clients. Retaining control of the supply process is a vital part of this goal and ensures the on-time delivery customers expect.

Mr McIntyre acknowledged that further geographic growth at ASAP is possible. If there was sufficient customer demand for a new ASAP manufacturing facility, then the company would give the new location serious consideration.

Regardless of where ASAP operates, in the US or around the world, the philosophy of the company will endure. “It's a hands-on team effort,” concluded Mr McIntyre. “Anyone from the CEO, down to the guy that receives the deliveries will lend a hand to any project, or help a client in any situation, absolutely without hesitation.”