Gary Cantrell
Industrial Electrical Asset Reliability & Obsolescence Specialist
With over 20 years of experience across manufacturing, utilities, food and beverage, and marine industries, delivering projects that keep critical operations running safely and reliably. My work spans retrofit and retrofill solutions, controls and automation upgrades, high-voltage distribution systems, and rotating equipment projects, including Motor-Generator (MG) set modernization and commissioning.
I manage full-scope electrical projects — from initial scoping and funding requests through procurement, contractor coordination, installation, and commissioning. My approach combines hands-on technical expertise with strong project leadership to ensure every project is delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest safety and reliability standards.
Whether you need support on retrofit/retrofill modernization, controls integration, high-voltage equipment projects, or full-facility electrical planning, I bring a practical, results-driven perspective that bridges engineering, operations, and construction. I also specialize in industrial electrical obsolescence and critical spares management, helping facilities future-proof their assets and minimize operational risk.
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Electrical Project Planning & Scope Development
Utility Power & Distribution: Scoping for outside power work — poles, feeders, and transformers.
Substations & High-Voltage: Planning upgrades, retrofits, and new installations.
Controls & Automation: PLC, HMI, and drive installation projects — from design to commissioning.
Facility Electrical: Lighting upgrades, new installations, and energy-efficiency projects.
Major Equipment Projects: Large-scale systems such as overhead DC cranes and other critical equipment upgrades.
Machine & Equipment Upgrades: Modernization and retrofitting of motors, generators, pumps, compressors, and other rotating machinery to improve reliability, efficiency, and lifespan.
Maintenance Planning & Reliability Programs: Develop preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance strategies; optimize equipment availability and reduce unplanned downtime.
Develop accurate budgets, schedules, and risk assessments for projects of all sizes.
Prepare RFIs and funding requests to secure capital approval.
Create detailed execution plans that minimize downtime and maximize safety.
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Retrofit & Retrofill Solutions
Sourcing OEM-certified equipment from ABB, Eaton, Schneider, and other trusted suppliers.Upgrade obsolete breakers, MCC buckets, switchgear, and substations to extend system life.Ensure compliance with UL, NFPA, and other industry safety standards.Deliver cost-effective modernization solutions that avoid full replacement of critical assets.
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PLC & Automation Controls Upgrades
Design and implement PLC, HMI, and automation system upgrades.Integrate controls with existing systems for seamless operation.Support facility automation projects that improve operational efficiency and reliability.Troubleshoot and optimize control systems to minimize downtime.
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High-Voltage & Substation Projects
Upgrades and modernization of high-voltage distribution systems (5kV–15kV).Ensure safe installation and operation of substations and switchgear.Conduct system assessments to improve reliability and operational efficiency.Coordinate with engineers and contractors to meet compliance and safety standards.
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Full Lifecycle Project Execution
Owner’s representative from concept through commissioning.Manage contractors, vendors, and internal teams to deliver projects on schedule and budget.Oversee procurement, logistics, and material delivery to optimize workflow.Ensure successful project completion with minimal disruption to operations.
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Outage Planning & Reliability Optimization
Develop detailed outage schedules to minimize downtime.Coordinate across operations, maintenance, and reliability teams.Identify areas for reliability improvement and implement solutions.Balance production needs with safe execution of electrical projects.
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High-Voltage Rotating Equipment
(MG Sets & Large Motors)
Provide full-scope project planning and coordination for Motor-Generator (MG) sets, synchronous motors, and other high-voltage rotating equipment.Condition assessments & upgrade planning for aging MG sets.Retrofit and modernization projects to improve reliability and efficiency.Outage planning & contractor coordination for motor rewinds, alignment, and commissioning.Integration with power distribution systems and controls/automation upgrades.Safety compliance for high-voltage work (NFPA 70E, OSHA.
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Vendor Management & Procurement
Source and manage OEMs and specialty contractors.Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and project requirements.Negotiate and coordinate contracts to meet budget and timeline expectations.Serve as the single point of accountability for project delivery.
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Cross-Industry Expertise
Experienced in aluminum manufacturing, utilities, marine, and heavy industrial facilities.Ability to adapt solutions to each client’s unique operational and regulatory environment.Skilled in balancing technical, operational, and budgetary requirements.