Non Destructive Testers Limited

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The humble beginnings of Non Destructive Testers Limited (NDT) date back to 1985 when the company began with a team of less than 20. Soon after their inception, this Trinidad-based company providing a range of inspection, testing and heat treatment services to the construction, petroleum, petrochemical and other energy related sectors of industry, began to grow.

“We started off as a very small service contractor and in the mid-nineties we expanded significantly around 1998. We began with only a handful of employees and at present we’re up to about 170 employees. We have three company directors, a chairman, nine shareholders and myself as managing director” NDT Managing Director Ludmila Tackoor says.

“We have an extensive client base and a strong, committed team servicing Trinidad, parts of the Caribbean, Suriname and even Houston.”

While Tackoor points out that NDT are “a comparatively small and localized company” within the industry, it is startling to look at what they have accomplished. It would appear that their secret to success is extremely simple: Quality.

“Our underlying goal is to always maintain the highest quality service possible, to work with our clients through every situation that may arise and present dependability as a company that is able to respond to clients request within a moment’s notice” Tackoor explains.

“What really allows us to stand out is the consistent quality of our service.”

NO CHALLENGE TOO GREAT
Smaller than international competitors? Perhaps. But less capable? Certainly not. NDT have meticulously cultivated a range of working relationships and means of supplying services that might initially appear beyond their reach.

“We have roughly 20 different competencies that we provide under non-destructive examination. We also have numerous joint-venture agreements with internationally recognised companies to assist us in providing additional services, latest technologies and advanced NDE services. This enables us to provide an unlimited range of competencies that can be sourced through these joint-venture partners and to always be able to provide any service our clients may require.” Tackoor explains.

“We focus heavily on quality so that any work we do comes with the stamp of management’s assurance that our clients will receive only the very best our service has to provide. Our technicians are highly trained and experienced, capable of solving and sourcing answers to any problems and if additional assistance is required then management is always available to discuss with the assurance of reaching a resolution. Our management team is always on call to assist and meet the needs of any client, even just to troubleshoot and solve minor problems.”

This has culminated in successful and long-standing client-company relationships of notable success.

“A particularly large project that we have completed is the 56 inch cross-island pipeline project where we provided automated ultrasonic inspection, radiographic, other NDE methods and a host of civil, painting and coating and welding inspectors” Tackoor says.

This is a project that NDT have successfully run with the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago. Amongst the services NDT provided to this project are “certified Welding Inspectors during the construction of the 56” Cross Island Pipeline Project” and “Welding Inspectors during the Off-loading and Storage of T & T Limited of 56”diameter piping for the NGC – Cross Island Pipeline Project (CIPP)  and the Beachfield Upgrade Development (BUD) Pipeline Projects” as outlined in their company resume.

Other clients include British Gas, BP, Proman, Repsol, Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago, Sttasolie, EOG Resources and Samsung Engineering’s operations in Trinidad and Tobago to name a few.

Tackoor emphasizes that the way in which these relationships tend to mature and continue are as a result of the efficiency, reliability and competencies of their entire staff which go out day after day representing their company with dedication and pride.

“In the past we have noticed that some lifelong clients who may switch to one of our competitors for a project have always come back to us once they have experienced what our competition has to offer. It’s a learning experience for both of us and whatever problems we encounter while working with our clients, we always try to resolve them and depart with a satisfied customer” she says.

CLIENT-DRIVEN GROWTH
As NDT continue to grow and develop, Tackoor cites client-based requirements as a major driving force.

“A lot of clients do recognise that our being a comparatively small and localized company means there are a few restrictions on the technology we can implement in terms of what is cost effective. In those cases we liaise with clients on whether they are interested in a particular technology. If they show that interest and commitment we work with them and invest in the necessary technology, implement the training and start this uniquely for them. So a lot of our work is very client driven” she says.

This is reflected in their process of project design too.

“Another vital aspect is working with our clients before a project actually kicks-off. Sometimes our clients do not actually know what is required when they come to request our services” Tackoor explains.

“In those cases we commit a lot of non-billable time before even starting the project to streamline the process, procedures and project deliverables, to show what is actually required in terms of manpower, equipment, scheduling, expenses and any unforeseen situations that could arise. We spend a lot of time setting out the groundwork with our clients prior to beginning our projects in order to ensure they run smoothly.”

GOALS GOING FORWARD
NDT have come a long way in their near- 25 years in existence and their formula for growth appears tried, tested and timeless today.

“Our long-term goal is really to break out into the advanced energy technologies and a calibrations facility to provide that service for our clients” Tackoor says.
“More immediately we strive to operate efficiently and effectively. Where there is global downsizing going on everywhere right now, we are really working to efficiently streamline all aspect of operations. This is our interpretation of cutting expenditure, by educating our workforce and instilling the importance of cost reduction by increasing productivity, efficiency, eliminating wastage, lost time, etc. instead of staff downsizing as you see happening all around you today. We really look for continuous improvement. We have our quality management system in place and we’re trying to get that 100% implemented by the end of this year to be fully operational in accordance to ISO 9001.”

Throughout their multitude of projects, partnerships and development, one message reigns clear.

“Everything boils back down to the quality of service that we provide” Tackoor says.

Now with their value, commitment and wealth of expertise firmly understood in Trinidad and Tobago, NDT looks to be a true go-to company for anyone in the industry in need of inspection, testing and heat treatment services.

In the coming years NDT seeks to build on this enviable position and are currently planning their ascent.