Dixon Electrical Systems & Contracting, a successful Huntington-based business, has been serving clients across six states for more than 20 years. During that time, the full-service company has grown and now employs more than 65 people to serve its residential, commercial and industrial clients.
When Dixon officials saw an opportunity to diversify and expand their business by competing to become a supplier to Rockwell Automation, a national leader in industrial systems, they seized the chance. First, Dixon had to establish a Quality Management system that met Rockwell’s standards for becoming a contractor.
To achieve this requirement, Dixon turned to RCBI, which has a 30-year history of assisting companies in their efforts to establish and maintain quality systems. The company applied for and was awarded an Early-Stage Funding Opportunity (ESFO) grant from RCBI to help implement the requisite standards to bid on the Rockwell contract. ESFO is largely funded through the generous support of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.
Carmen Archer, RCBI’s quality & environmental management systems specialist, worked closely with Dixon employees for six months to implement processes and procedures for maintaining quality and for documenting those procedures. As a result, Dixon was awarded a Rockwell contract to produce specialized electrical panels for the industrial giant. In a relativity short period, three more contracts followed.
In addition to helping secure Rockwell contracts, RCBI’s assistance has had additional benefits, according to Mark Walters, project manager for Dixon. “It has improved the communications, documentation and organization of the panel shop operation,” Walters said. “We appreciate Carmen’s help. She did a great job and was a joy to work with.”
To learn how RCBI’s Quality Services team can empower your company by helping boost efficiencies, implement quality systems and qualify for new contracting opportunities, contact Erica Cheetham, director of Quality Services, at or 304.781.1687.
