Phoenix Manufacturing

Superior Control Delivers Rapid, Custom Control Panel Solutions for Phoenix Manufacturing

Challenge and Expectations

Phoenix Manufacturing is a local company producing evaporating cooling machinery systems, located just down the street from Superior Control. When they came to Superior Control, they weren’t looking for abstract design consulting or slow, multi-phase projects. They needed control panels that could be built to specification and delivered fast, often within two weeks, to keep their own assembly lines running on schedule.

The stakes were high. Competitors had offered “out of the box” control panels that didn’t match specifications and required Phoenix Manufacturing to modify them in-house leading to wasting time and creating unnecessary risk. For a business where downtime directly impacts customer commitments, this was unacceptable.

On top of speed, Phoenix Manufacturing’s technical requirements were complex. Changes in motor specifications directly affected component selection, including the control transformer, branch circuit protection, wiring, and motor control devices. The transformer and fusing had to be sized precisely for motor voltage and current to ensure proper secondary protection and isolation. Wire gauge and color coding were adjusted not only to handle load current but also to clearly indicate phase per NEC and UL 508A standards. The motor protector (manual motor starter) provided branch-rated circuit protection - delivering the overcurrent protection, thermal overload protection, and disconnecting means required for compliance. Its trip settings were calibrated to each motor’s full-load amperage (FLA), determined by horsepower and voltage. Contactors and starters were carefully sized for reliable performance, with wiring configurations tailored for single-phase versus three-phase motors.

Later, Phoenix Manufacturing introduced open-type panel configurations — assemblies without enclosures — offered in two sizes depending on the evaporative cooler model. To support this, Superior Control expanded the job coding system by adding a letter designation during ordering to clearly distinguish panel types. Customers also began requesting variable frequency drives (VFDs) in place of traditional motor starters to provide smoother fan startup and shutdown, as well as optional PID control loops for air temperature regulation. Each of these variations required precise design modifications, minor in appearance but critical to ensuring safety, compliance, and reliable functionality.

In short, Phoenix Manufacturing needed a partner who could adapt quickly to technical variations while delivering UL 508A-compliant, plug-and-play panels at unmatched speed.

The Build and Process

Rather than approaching this relationship with a typical vendor mindset, Superior Control embedded itself as an extension of Phoenix Manufacturing’s team.

Rapid Design-to-Delivery Workflow
Because Phoenix Manufacturing often worked from minimal specs, Superior Control developed a streamlined internal process to convert a voltage/motor code into a complete control panel design almost immediately. Direct access to their technical documents and historical layouts provided a strong foundation, enabling panels to be engineered, assembled, and delivered within just two weeks, or even faster when urgent needs arose.

True Plug-and-Play Solutions
Phoenix Manufacturing wanted simplicity on the shop floor. Superior Control delivered fully built panels ready to mount and connect immediately. For enclosed models, the team predrilled entry points for power conductors and thermostat signal wiring, included mounting holes for accurate attachment, and equipped each unit with preassembled conduit assemblies for fan and pump circuits. This streamlined integration ensured secure mounting, efficient field installation, and full compliance with UL 508A and best wiring practices.

Clean, Organized, and Operator-Friendly
During an early site visit, Superior Control observed that competitor panels were messy with hard-to-read labels, inconsistent wire color schemes, and poor organization. Beyond appearance, these “out of the box” solutions required Phoenix Manufacturing to make modifications themselves, leading to wasted effort and potential errors.

Superior Control tackled this by designing panels that were visually clean, color-organized, and clearly labeled. The result: operator-friendly systems that reduced confusion, minimized wiring mistakes, and stood apart from competitor offerings.

Customer Perspective First
Where many vendors design from their own processes backwards, Superior Control started from the operator’s point of view. Every decision prioritized usability: reducing unnecessary complexity, anticipating operator behavior, and aligning with Phoenix’s existing workflows. This mindset became central to building trust and efficiency in the partnership.

Outcomes and Impact

The collaboration delivered measurable results for Phoenix Manufacturing by addressing immediate production challenges and ensuring long-term process stability.

Reliable Speed That Keeps Production Running
Superior Control consistently met their two-week turnaround goal and often delivered even sooner. If Phoenix Manufacturing noticed an error, Superior Control corrected it and returned the panel the same day, preventing costly downtime. This level of responsiveness has been a game-changer for operational reliability.

Simplified Operations and Reduced Oversight
Because panels arrived fully assembled with installation kits, Phoenix Manufacturing’s team could mount and connect them without additional engineering oversight. This reduced internal labor and allowed engineers to focus on product development rather than troubleshooting panels.

Consistent Quality and Reduced Errors
The clean, organized layouts improved operator confidence, reduced wiring mistakes, and eliminated the cluttered setups Phoenix Manufacturing had struggled with in competitor panels. Every panel arrived documented, labeled, and tested, delivering consistency across builds.

Direct Impact on Business Growth
By keeping production moving without interruption, Superior Control helped Phoenix Manufacturing remain competitive on shorter lead times. The team has reported increased business this year, crediting part of that growth to their ability to respond quickly to customer demand, made possible by Superior Control’s reliability and speed.

Conclusion

The partnership between Superior Control and Phoenix Manufacturing demonstrates what’s possible when a control panel provider operates not as a distant vendor but as a trusted teammate. By prioritizing customer perspective, building true plug-and-play systems, and committing to lightning-fast turnaround times, Superior Control has become an essential part of Phoenix Manufacturing’s operations.