Ethanol and Bio Diesel related projects have been a significant part of our business in recent years. Our role in these projects has been widely varied. Our strong experience base in rail, milling, grain handling and storage has prepared us well for this work. Teamed with technology providers, our roll has ranged from tasks like unit train loop tracks and tank foundations to full balance of plant services. VAA now offers planning, civil and structural engineering, industrial architecture, and recently began offering electrical and mechanical engineering.
Integration of VAA engineering groups with other project team members such as technology providers, owners and contractors requires close documented communications. Using tools such as design criteria documents, WebEx and living issues log shared electronically on a weekly basis has contributed to our success. We have developed an understanding of the processes in ethanol and bio-diesel plants which makes us a highly effective and proactive team member.
VAA looks forward to new technologies that will make alternative fuels more viable in the United States. We are well positioned to serve in the process support role. Our particular strength is in the early planning stages. We have the ability to quickly understand the owner’s objectives and then to provide early planning and engineering for preliminary pricing and scheduling. Experience has shown us where we can provide the most useful information for business decisions with modest expenditure of time.
