Case Study:
Reinforcing Reliability: The Metal Enclosure Upgrade That Streamlined Utility Operations
A major natural gas utility provider in Illinois faced ongoing challenges with their equipment protection structures across hundreds of field locations. The company stores natural gas underground and has numerous above-ground access points with valves, pumps, and piping that require protective enclosures to prevent freezing and ensure continuous operation.
This customer turned to RDI Enclosures to develop a more adaptable solution after years of challenges with their aging FRP structures. With extensive experience in both FRP and metal enclosures, RDI was uniquely positioned to understand their specific requirements and provide a better alternative.
For more than two decades, the utility relied on fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) enclosures as the standard solution for housing field equipment. Initially chosen for their lightweight design and resistance to corrosion, these structures appeared to be a smart choice for outdoor environments. However, as the FRP enclosures aged, a range of performance and durability issues began to emerge—raising concerns about their long-term reliability and suitability for critical infrastructure.
In addition, the utility had multiple small FRP buildings in different locations to cover different components, creating inefficient layouts and increasing maintenance requirements.
RDI Enclosures partnered closely with the utility to engineer a powerful, all-encompassing metal enclosure solution tailored to their unique challenges. This innovative collaboration delivered a results-driven approach that included:
Custom-Engineered Designs
RDI created custom-engineered enclosures designed specifically for each application rather than trying to fit the company’s equipment into standard sizes. In a few cases, RDI built L-shaped configurations that could replace multiple FRP structures with a single integrated solution
Field-Adaptable Construction
The metal buildings feature a steel cage structure with replaceable panels, allowing for on-site modifications when needed This feature became particularly valuable when pipe locations differed from original specifications.
Equipment Integration Capabilities
The structural framework within the metal enclosures allowed for the secure attachment of equipment to walls and ceilings without compromising building integrity, a significant improvement over the original FRP limitations.
Corrosion-Resistant Materials
To address concerns about the longevity of metal in outdoor environments, the enclosures from RDI featured specialized coatings designed for long-term durability, backed by a 20-year warranty on exterior panels.
Comprehensive Service Support
Beyond simply manufacturing the enclosures, RDI handled the on-site installation of the enclosures, including making crucial field modifications when pipe locations differed from specifications. We’re also continuing to work with them for ongoing design consultation. Our comprehensive service approach created a seamless experience for the utility and ensured successful implementation across hundreds of installations.
When the utility company upgraded to custom metal enclosures, the results were game-changing. Discover how this switch delivered faster performance, long-term savings, and built-in flexibility for the future:
Modular panels make repairs quick and easy—no need for specialized crews. That means less downtime and more uptime.
Spacious, integrated designs offer better access, so routine checks and servicing are faster, safer, and more efficient.
Engineered with superior insulation and rugged materials, these enclosures keep equipment protected—even in freezing conditions.
One custom metal enclosure can replace multiple FRP buildings—cutting costs, simplifying infrastructure, and boosting ROI.
Faster setup and easy modifications mean your operations stay on track, with less time offline and more time delivering value.
Need to upgrade or expand? These enclosures are designed to evolve with your needs—no major overhauls required.
Unlike FRP, metal enclosures resist fading and chalking, keeping your site looking sharp and professional for years to come.
What began as a way to overcome FRP limitations evolved into a long-term partnership. The utility now works with RDI on both replacement projects and new installations, with hundreds of metal enclosures deployed across their operations.
The relationship extends beyond standard manufacturing to include custom solution development for unique challenges. When the utility faces complex protection requirements, RDI’s engineering team develops the designs needed to meet their goals.
The transition from FRP to metal enclosures represents a significant improvement in how the utility approaches equipment protection. This case demonstrates how infrastructure decisions like enclosure material selection can have far-reaching operational impacts when multiplied across hundreds of installations.
RDI Enclosures is ready to help you tackle your next enclosure project with custom metal solutions to protect your equipment and meet your needs. Contact us today to discuss your next project and see how we can engineer solutions designed for your specific applications.