Don Neigel on Optimil Machinery’s Panel Shop

PBSI Optimil 400

By Blake Marchand

Don Neigel is the Manager of the CSA certified panel shop at Delta, BC’s Optimil Machinery. Optimil Machinery builds panels for various industries, including, forestry, mining, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and entertainment. Don is a 20-year veteran of the electrical industry. Throughout his career he has held various positions in sales and account management.

“Although my university education focused largely on the social sciences,” Neigel told Panel Builder & Systems Integrator, “it helped me to understand people. My sales skills are largely due to spending a great deal of time and energy getting to know people and helping them identify their needs and responding quickly to those needs.”

As it so often happens, Neigel entered the electrical industry almost by accident, simply being in the right place at the right time. Although, he did note that even from an early age, he possessed a passion for electronics and technology.

“My enthusiasm for technology certainly had a role in shaping my career trajectory but, like many, I “fell” into this line of work by being in the right place at the right time,” he explained.

Neigel started his own business working with personal computers, before shifting toward work with embedded computing systems.

“After more than a decade in this field, I realized that, while the technology was of great interest to me, it didn’t allow for much one-on-one interaction with customers,” he continued, “My interest in getting to know individual customers more fully and cultivating more long-term relationships grew when I moved into a work opportunity with a local electrical distributor.”

Neigel told Panel Builder & Systems Integrator that Optimal Machinery’s wide-ranging customer base, coupled with Optimal’s diverse inventory of equipment often result in some unique opportunities.

“On the surface, building panels might not appear to be particularly varied,” he said, “However, one of the most interesting parts of my current role is supporting a diverse range of customers and their often-unique projects.” Adding, “We build panels for so many different industries that we get to see our panels used in many contexts.”

“Because Optimil has access to equipment that many other panel shops do not have, clients seek us out for specialized services, often for jobs that have unusual requirements. For example, we have access to a laser cutter, plasma cutter, large overhead cranes and a full machine shop. By attracting projects that are both complex and distinctive, our team is able to engage in some interesting problem solving and innovation.”

 Next, we asked Mr. Neigel about some of the bad experiences that are important to competent panel building.

He explained that “similar to other industries, miscommunication is probably the most significant cause of strife. Sometimes this occurs between clients and suppliers and, other times, it can be an internal issue.”

“Negative experiences have lasting effects on relationships, and I view my role as one that requires both macro and micro attention. I have to make sure that we have a healthy line of communication between the shop and clients, me and my team, and other suppliers so that all vested parties are protected against ‘surprises’.”

When it comes to management, and the success of a manager, whether for a panel shop or any other business, quality communication is an essential aspect. If an employee, employer, client, supplier etc. is not aware of an issue, that issue cannot be properly addressed.  

Neigel continued to say that, “while there is always a possibility of errors, it has been far easier to recover when there is an open and trusting relationship.”

Addressing issues as they arise throughout a project not only mitigates the damage caused, but as Neigel explains, it also forges a positive working relationship with clients as well as colleagues.

With our final questions for Mr. Neigel, we asked him about the challenges he faces as a panel shop manager, as well as the key aspects in turning out a quality project.

What produces a quality project, how do you ensure Optimil’s panel shop is turning out quality work?

As a CSA certified shop, we follow very strict rules and guidelines to ensure we produce the very best panels for the customer. In addition, we only employ Red Seal journeymen and apprentice electricians in our shop. Because today’s industrial control panels are becoming more and more complex every day, having Red Seal electricians enables us to help catch issues while the panel is still in the shop instead of in the field. This results in smoother and faster commissioning, with fewer errors.

What is the biggest challenge in being a Panel Shop Manager, today?

The biggest challenge would be in parts delays. The industrial control panels are often only part of larger projects that have long and complex schedules. Panel delays can have serious ramifications for the entire project. Despite our best efforts, sometimes delays can occur and we strive to be up front and honest in discussing options for our customers. Open communication is the best way to ensure that any issues are dealt with as soon as they occur.

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Andreas Sobotta to Assume Role of Vice President North and South America for Pilz Automation

    Andreas Sobotta to Assume Role of Vice President North and South America for Pilz Automation

    Pilz Automation Safety Canada L.P. announces that their long-term CEO and GM, Andreas Sobotta, will assume the role of Vice President North and South America, effective immediately. He will still work from the Canadian office in Mississauga and visit all other subsidiaries in North and South America. Pilz will take their time to find a… Read More…

  • SEW-Eurodrive: MAXOLUTION System Solutions

    SEW-Eurodrive: MAXOLUTION System Solutions

    Whether in production or logistics operations, MAXOLUTION is synonymous with innovation in factory automation – across all industries and worldwide – helping you achieve your vision of an adaptable and resilient lean smart factory. Under the MAXOLUTION brand, SEW-EURODRIVE creates customized solutions for cutting-edge materials handling technology – from the shop floor through to IT.… Read More…


Sponsored Content
The Easy Way to the Industrial IoT

The way to the Industrial IoT does not have to be complicated. Whether access to valuable data is required or new, data-driven services are to be generated, Weidmuller enables its customers to go from data to value the easy way. Weidmuller’s comprehensive and cutting-edge IIoT portfolio applies to greenfield and brownfield applications. Weidmuller offers components and solutions from data acquisition, data pre-processing, data communication and data analysis.

Visit Weidmuller’s Industrial IoT Portfolio.


ADVANCED Motion Controls Takes Servo Drives to New Heights (and Depths) with FlexPro Extended Environment Product Line

Advanced Motion Controls is proud to announce the addition of six new CANopen servo drives with Extended Environment capabilities to their FlexPro line. These new drives join AMC’s existing EtherCAT Extended Environment FlexPro drives, making the FlexPro line the go-to solution for motion control applications in harsh environments.

Many motion control applications take place in conditions that are less than ideal, such as extreme temperatures, high and low pressures, shocks and vibrations, and contamination. Electronics, including servo drives, can malfunction or sustain permanent damage in these conditions.

Read More


Service Wire Co. Announces New Titles for Key Executives

Bruce Kesler and Mark Gatewood have been given new titles and responsibilities for Service Wire Co.

Bruce Kesler has assumed the role of Senior Director – Business Development. Bruce will be responsible for Service Wire’s largest strategic accounts and our growing Strategic Accounts Team.

Mark Gatewood has been promoted to the role of Vice President – Sales & Marketing. In this role, Gatewood will lead the efforts of Service Wire Company’s entire sales and marketing organization in all market verticals.

Read More


Tri-Mach Announces the Purchase of an Additional 45,000 sq ft. Facility

Tri-Mach Elmira Facility

Recently, Tri-Mach Inc. was thrilled to announce the addition of a new 45,000 sq ft. facility. Located at 285 Union St., Elmira, ON, this facility expands Tri-Mach’s capabilities, allowing them to better serve the growing needs of their customers.

Positioning for growth, this additional facility will allow Tri-Mach to continue taking on large-scale projects, enhance product performance testing, and provide equipment storage for their customers. The building will also be the new home to their Skilled Trades Centre of Excellence.

Read More


JMP Parent Company, CONVERGIX Acquires AGR Automation, Expanding Global Reach

Convergix Automation Solutions has completed the acquisition of AGR Automation (“AGR”), a UK-based provider of custom, high-performance automation design and systems integration primarily to the life sciences industry.

Following Convergix’s acquisitions of JMP Solutions in August 2021 and Classic Design in February 2022, AGR marks the third investment in Crestview’s strategy to build Convergix into a diversified automation solutions provider targeting the global $500+ billion market, with a particular focus on the $70 billion global systems integration and connectivity segments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Read More


Latest Articles

  • Making the Sustainable Transformation of the Process Industry a Success

    Making the Sustainable Transformation of the Process Industry a Success

    By Krystie Johnston and Dr. Manfred Jagiella – Sustainability facilitates opportunity when approached with a mindset to preserve resources and promote circularity. We share one Earth, and it is our global responsibility to care for it for the next generation. Endress+Hauser is one global company that understands this responsibility – and practices it as well.… Read More…

  • Why NOARK’s 12VDC Shunt Trip Coils for MCCBs Make Power Systems Reliable and Safer

    Why NOARK’s 12VDC Shunt Trip Coils for MCCBs Make Power Systems Reliable and Safer

    Circuit breakers are an essential component of any modern electrical system. Designed to protect your home or business from potential overloads or short circuits, these devices are your first line of defense against electrical fires. There are, however, situations where remote tripping of the circuit breaker may be required. It could be for operational reasons,… Read More…