Commissioned!

A few years ago, my partner and I met because of a humble 200kW genset. At the time the machine became critically damaged from an overload situation. While at a past employer, before we had formed a company, I responded to the challenge and lent a hand along side a couple other fine gentlemen from that same company.

The facility in question (where it was once stationed) required the machine to run continuous duty, at times at a 105% load factor. The environment was dusty and hot. While bigger machines were available (and suggested), the customers budget only allowed for an edge of reason solution. Together, we persevered and fitted a new alternator end (because the old one melted). Eventually, Point8 used all of the tricks we had up our sleeves and played with the engine to eek out more power. We reworked the enclosure to allow for more airflow. Fast forward 6 months, when that generator left site; it had dutifully performed its part. Whole and intact.

Sadly, we would go on to divest that asset from our fleet as one of the first actions post incorporation. It was time. That generator had served its purpose; we had formed a friendship that would endure long past the last kWh was delivered.

This was a big moment for us. The generator that brought us together would leave us, but the memories would be written to our history.

A few weeks after the sale of this unit, we would win our very first end to end job. At the time this win felt unlike anything I had ever experienced. I was euphoric. It was also our largest purchase order at that time.

Anyone who has endeavoured to open a business, will know how hard it is to gain a customer’s trust. What it takes to battle against established businesses in a competitive industry. What it takes to build a reputation on the back of a small startup.

Personally, I felt validated. As if all the accumulated learning & experience lead directly to this one moment. My partner having been in business for decades, had long since become used to this feeling. For myself, however, this was a massive turning point in my career & life.

The order we received entailed a transfer switch, generator, installation & some modifications to the UPS. While I have enjoyed great success in my career, never before had it been under the banner of our burgeoning company.

Those of you who know me personally, you’ll know how passionately invested I am in the industry and what it means to be a part of the energy fabric of this province. That is why this moment is so meaningful to us.

The photo above depicts the delivery, commissioning, and successful closure of our first purchase order. While the exuberance of this moment would never dim, there were challenges along the way. Design changes, long lead times, site changes to name a few; we still found a way to persevere, to deliver the right solution instead of throwing in the towel.

While Point8 has been entrusted to supply larger projects since, this one is special to me.

One and a half years after the doors opened on Point8 Power Systems , we have closed the work order on this beautiful HiPower HSY50. The customer required a reliable solution for their aged and ailing UPS to support their internal data centre. At this site, the generator in concert with other P8 solutions provides the last line of defence for when the power does unfortunately, go out.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who continues to collaborate with us in finding the right solutions. As our reputation, experience, and reach continues to grow, I remain sentimental about our humble beginnings. Please forgive this celebratory post, as moments like these remind us of why we embarked on this journey in the first place.

-Adam