Background:
AMICUS, a leading provider of specialized chemicals, such as bentonite to help in the completion of slurry walls, has distinguished itself in the market through its commitment to efficient supply chain management, technical expertise, and customized solutions. Facing challenges common to the industry, AMICUS has successfully addressed client needs, particularly in technical support, material supply, and logistics.
Client Profile:
Among AMICUS’s key clients is Nicholson Construction, a prominent company in the deep foundations industry. Equipped with dedicated personnel in the field, at the office, and across the globe; Nicholson has a lengthy list of successful completed projects. AMICUS was awarded the opportunity to assist in one such project, the Arbuckle Reservoir Project located in Lane City/Wharton, TX.
Challenges Faced by Client:
Nicholson’s project at the Arbuckle Reservoir in Lane City/Wharton, TX presented a number of challenges. The slurry wall was to be constructed at the bottom of the Reservoir, which was located an hour and a half from Houston, TX. They anticipated needing 9500 tons of bentonite delivered in bulk to their horizontal and vertical silos on location. challenges such as logistical complexities, the need for large quantities of material in a remote area, technical support, and quality control were some of the pain points AMICUS identified and developed a tailored solution to address them effectively.
Solutions Provided by AMICUS:
- Logistical Expertise: AMICUS created a customized transportation solution that included railing the bentonite from the bentonite mine in Wyoming to a third party transloader in Houston, TX. Once the railcars reached Houston, AMICUS arranged drivers to haul the bentonite in dry bulk pneumatic trailers from the railyard to Nicholson’s silos at the bottom of the reservoir.
- Large Quantities of Material: AMICUS identified that one ton of bentonite is 2000 lbs, each railcar holds approximately 100 tons of material, which is 200,000 lbs per railcar. The project anticipated needing 9500 tons, so AMICUS worked with Nicholson to schedule 95 railcars to ship from Wyoming to Texas and be transported out to the site by truck in 396 truckloads.
- Technical Support: AMICUS provided comprehensive technical guidance, educational resources, and project-specific consultation when Nicholson needed questions answered in the field,to optimize material usage and overcome technical challenges.
- Environmental Compliance: Emphasizing sustainability, AMICUS assists clients in adhering to environmental regulations and achieving sustainability goals through environmentally compliant products and advisory services.
- Customized Solutions: Understanding the unique needs of each project, AMICUS develops tailored solutions, from material formulations to project management tools, ensuring optimal outcomes for clients.
Projects Supported by AMICUS:
AMICUS collaborates with clients on a variety of projects, including tunneling, horizontal directional drilling (HDD), deep foundation construction, environmental remediation, water treatment facilities, mining, civil engineering, renewable energy, and large-scale residential and commercial developments.
Questions Answered by AMICUS:
Clients seek answers to various queries, ranging from technical specifications of materials like Bentonite and polymers to logistical solutions for fluid loss, solids buildup, and waste reduction. AMICUS provides insights into product usage, environmental compliance, and on-time delivery, addressing clients’ concerns comprehensively.
Conclusion:
Through its commitment to supply chain optimization, technical expertise, and customized solutions, AMICUS has significantly improved project timelines and outcomes for its clients. By understanding and addressing client challenges effectively, AMICUS has established itself as a trusted partner in the construction and drilling industry, driving innovation and sustainable growth.
This case study highlights AMICUS’s ability to deliver value across diverse projects, emphasizing its role as a strategic partner in meeting the evolving needs of the construction and drilling sectors.
