Future Proofing lights and post-mounted LEDs.
Parts handling is facilitated as well with a“ bullpen” area that allows heavy components to be lifted and staged by crane, minimizing manual handling risks.
The facility also incorporates:
• In-ground and mobile column lifts with built-in safety locks
• Overhead cranes positioned throughout the shop
• A dedicated battery room with its own ventilation system
• A fabrication bay for consolidated tool use
• Beacon lights on overhead doors to signal door movement
• An all-electric spotter to move heavy equipment in and out of the facility Hendricks emphasized that designing the facility required careful planning and a willingness to think long term about scale and adaptability.“ We balanced facility requirements with the reality of our budget to create a first-class garage focused on safety,” he said.
Arizona Public Service The Arizona Public Service( APS) HUB West garage, opened in September 2023 in Buckeye, Arizona, was built to support highvolume maintenance operations. The 26,000-square-foot facility features six drive-through bays, including dedicated preventive maintenance and wash bays.
Design elements of the HUB West facility focus on productivity and technician safety:
• High-clearance bays
• Wide spacing between bays to accommodate large toolboxes and vehicles
• A 10-ton overhead crane with dual pick points for handling large components
• Catwalks along wash bays to reduce the need for climbing on equipment
• Skylights to maximize natural lighting
• A carousel tire storage system to improve space utilization and inventory management
APS also invested in a dedicated hydraulic cylinder rebuilding workstation to reduce reliance on outside vendors and improve turnaround time.
A feature of HUB West as well is a training center designed for in-person and remote instruction that is equipped with presentation screens, audio systems, and virtual meeting capability.
Overall, Botma noted that the HUB West facility prioritizes vehicle flow, staging, and standardized processes.“ One of the important things to consider when designing a shop,” he added,“ is that it meets current demands and anticipates growth.”
Offering Ideas
The EUFMC educational session included a Q & A segment where Hendricks and Botma answered questions on operational challenges and emerging trends. Insights they provided on a range of topics included:
Telecommunications and Connectivity: APS has addressed the need for reliable communication systems in garages, including incorporating automated landline systems to support parts departments and scheduling.
Digital Transformation: Ameren Missouri is shifting from paper-based to digital systems using laptops and online manuals, and equipping technicians with mobile devices for field access.
Bulk Fluid Management: Ameren Missouri’ s automated bulk fluid system uses sensors to monitor tank levels and trigger vendor deliveries. To address security concerns, the system operates on a separate cellular signal.
Climate Control: APS employs systems that shut off air conditioning when bay doors are open to conserve energy.
For shop facility design, the EUFMC session underscored the importance of strategic foresight and practical execution.
The Arizona Public Service( APS) HUB West garage is a 26,000- square-foot facility featuring high-clearance bays and wide spacing between bays. Included are six drive-through bays, including dedicated preventive maintenance and wash bays. The shop also has a hydraulic cylinder rebuilding workstation to reduce reliance on outside vendors and improve turnaround time.
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