Shale supply chain is discussed
BOARDMAN
Learn about the energy industry, research companies’ needs and be ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All are pieces of advice given to companies seeking to enter the shale supply chain.
The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber hosted a Shale Supply Chain Seminar on Wednesday as part of the Youngstown Ohio Utica & Natural Gas (YOUNG) Series, in partnership with the Ohio Shale Coalition. The event at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center in Boardman was sponsored by Farmers National Bank and Accord Occupational Health Services, and more than 160 people attended.
Panelist Mark Matusic, manager of corporate development for Chesapeake Energy Inc., said there are hundreds of companies “champing at the bit” to supply energy companies, and that to be noticed, local companies should become educated and advocate for the industry.
Companies that want to enter the supply chain also need to have excellent safety records and the required certifications and compliance, said panelist Xavier Tison, business-unit manager for east continent and northeast, FMC Technologies Inc.
“It is rigorous and hard to get your foot in the door,” said Ryan Litwinovich, contract manager of the material and supply-chain group for Console Energy Inc.
Litwinovich added that companies need to be ready round the clock.
“Rigs never shut down. They don’t take the holidays off. ... We might need water, or a truck to deliver casings, tools or even groceries,” he said.
But Matusic said local companies can have an advantage because many nationwide energy companies have directives to use local suppliers and regularly use local construction and trucking companies.
Dana Swogger, a business manager for TAG Distribution, attended Wednesday’s seminar to learn if her company, which focuses on supplying food, paper products and janitorial supplies mostly to schools and medical facilities, also can serve the needs of energy companies.
“It’s good to learn more about the shale industry and how it will affect the Valley’s economy and how local business can prepare,” she said.