GRB Gives Oil and gas companies Peace of Mind

"We are giving people peace of mind; at GRB, it's part of the culture," says GRB president, Rick Giammarino, P. Eng.

Calgary-based GRB is a medium-sized firm specializing in engineering for the oil and gas industry. It provides oil companies with engineering and project management required to move their oil to the refinery in a safe, efficient manner. GRB helps oil companies get their products to market ontime and on budget. "We meet tough deadlines, add value and find ways to reduce costs."

Giammarino, who worked for 20 years on the producer side before establishing GRB in 1999, brings a thorough understanding of what energy companies need to succeed, to every project. "We have a very strong sense of what the client's needs are and what is important to the client — and we really try to align ourselves with that," he says. "We are fit for purpose — we provide you with what you need, no more and no less."

GRB has worked on heavy oil batteries, gas plants, compressor stations, pipelines, well site facilities and water plants, with projects ranging anywhere from $200,000 - $100 million in size. "We have a very strong work ethic, and it's driven from the top down."

GRB Is Big On Quality

GRB is very big on quality, which Giammarino defines as 'meeting expectations.' "We really focus on understanding the client's expectations, making sure our perceptions are the same as theirs, and making sure we can perform to what they want." This is where the company's quality management system (QMS) comes into play, ensuring consistency and efficiency, while at the same time, helping it in its quest for constant improvement.

Developed over the past five years, QMS helps eliminate costly mistakes, saving both time and money. GRB uses the latest technology and software for process simulation, databases, cost control and 3D design. Stringent controls ensure that projects are completed on time, and on budget. "Most importantly, the people at GRB are team players who will provide you with peace of mind through the services they provide."

GRB Is More Than A Place To Work

Major challenges include equipment and labor costs, as well as the need for experienced engineers who can provide the leadership and engineering guidance that's required. "We have been quite successful in recruiting people and have a very strong team of individuals with strong technical and project management skills." How GRB attracts and retains staff, is by offering competitive compensation, as well as a working environment that is welcoming and friendly. "It's more than just a place to come and work, says Giammarino, who takes pride in the fact the 83–employee firm is like a big family. "We work closely together and have a lot of social functions. We respect people's need to take time off to be with their families, and we try to reward people for their accomplishments through a very lucrative, performance-based, bonus system."

Giammarino, who believes that controlled, sustainable growth is the way to go, is proud of the fact that GRB has been able to maintain a healthy yet manageable growth rate. "I view it as my life's work — to build a strong company that grows organically and is based on a really strong foundation. This company really is about doing something that is different and special. We know that's happening, because we've received testimonials confirming that we are doing a great job."

Don't Believe Us, Believe Our Customers

Client's can't say enough about what GRB brings to the table. "Their dedicate, knowledgeable staff and thorough work procedures are reflected in their consistency of completing facilities work on schedule and on budget," says one client at a major E&P firm, who has worked with GRB over the past several years.

Another client, who has worked with GRB for more than 10 years, comments: "They have been my first call on all projects, providing superior engineering service while adapting to program changes and maintaining their flexibility, even when project parameters changed during the busy winter drilling season."

And another client says: "GRB continues to add value and find ways to reduce cost, improve operation, and meet tough and capricious deadlines in our upstream oil and gas facility projects. GRB really knows what the owner wants and needs from an EPC firm."

It's no wonder that Giammarino sees tremendous opportunities ahead. "The market is very strong right now. We've got great commodity prices, so there is lots of opportunity for our firm in both the conventional and heavy oil industries," he notes.

GRB has put together a team of engineers to meet the requirements of the oil and gas industry's SAGD sector, and is negotiating with several clients work in Northern Alberta. It is a leading EPCM firm in coalbed methane work, and has completed more than 20 grassroots projects in the last four years. "We see more CBM work coming, based on strong gas prices, and should also see much more conventional oil and gas work coming in as a result of strong oil and gas prices," Giammarino says.

For GRB Engineering, People + Processes + Productivity = Success

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