Question for those of you that work in the refineries

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 14, 2015 | 09:18 AM
  #1  
oscs's Avatar
Thread Starter
8 Second Club
iTrader: (19)
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 6
From: Cypress, TX
Default Question for those of you that work in the refineries

I'm curious if the machine shops in these Refineries sub contract out machine work? I'm the sales manager at a rather large Machine shop in Houston and often wondered how much these places sub out.
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2015 | 11:35 AM
  #2  
codyvette's Avatar
TECH Resident
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (24)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 858
Likes: 14
From: Brazoria TX
Default

We do most of our own here at Phillips 66 in Sweeny. We have a full machine shop and plenty of machinists. Well, that's what they call themselves anyway.
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2015 | 12:12 PM
  #3  
oscs's Avatar
Thread Starter
8 Second Club
iTrader: (19)
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 6
From: Cypress, TX
Default

We have some pretty big equipment suited for big valves and what not. I figured these places must farm out work in one capacity or another. You have any idea who makes that call? or "what person" makes that call?
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2015 | 01:53 PM
  #4  
codyvette's Avatar
TECH Resident
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (24)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 858
Likes: 14
From: Brazoria TX
Default

There is not one specific person but it is literally not enough outsourced work to make it worth while. The last thing I saw go out was a set of aluminum connecting rods from an ancient POS recip. It probably wasn't $200 worth of machine work.
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 02:51 AM
  #5  
Inspector12's Avatar
TT-TECH Veteran
20 Year Member
iTrader: (29)
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,779
Likes: 4
From: Pearland
Default

ExxonMobil Baytown- has a full machine shop here, but work is often sub'd out because of time constraints a lot of times. Since its a Co. run a lot of times they get backed up so if you need something faster etc... It goes to an outside source. Most of the units Mechanical dept.'s make those calls on who does what for them although I'm sure the places are already company approved etc... I'm in operations and couldn't tell you who you need to call to be an approved contractor machine shop etc... I'm guessing your just going to have to call and start asking around for someone to help you get on the list. GL!
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 07:52 AM
  #6  
oscs's Avatar
Thread Starter
8 Second Club
iTrader: (19)
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 6
From: Cypress, TX
Default

Originally Posted by Inspector12
ExxonMobil Baytown- has a full machine shop here, but work is often sub'd out because of time constraints a lot of times. Since its a Co. run a lot of times they get backed up so if you need something faster etc... It goes to an outside source. Most of the units Mechanical dept.'s make those calls on who does what for them although I'm sure the places are already company approved etc... I'm in operations and couldn't tell you who you need to call to be an approved contractor machine shop etc... I'm guessing your just going to have to call and start asking around for someone to help you get on the list. GL!
Thanks. I figured some of the larger places had to sub out with the amount of activity going on. Car looked great at TI by the way. It seemed to be doing quite well.
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 09:23 AM
  #7  
jdoyle's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (27)
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 3
From: DFW
Default

what does it take for someone to get a machinist position at one of the refineries or oscs's machine shop? I have a degree in finance and am currently employed using my degree but i feel that i would get more satisfaction from my work by working with a tangible object.
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 09:36 AM
  #8  
oscs's Avatar
Thread Starter
8 Second Club
iTrader: (19)
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 6
From: Cypress, TX
Default

Originally Posted by jdoyle
what does it take for someone to get a machinist position at one of the refineries or oscs's machine shop? I have a degree in finance and am currently employed using my degree but i feel that i would get more satisfaction from my work by working with a tangible object.
Right now? Nothing. The city is dead! You need experience man. take a class and go take a job making squat. Its not easy to just jump in.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-6

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 11:28 AM
  #9  
codyvette's Avatar
TECH Resident
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (24)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 858
Likes: 14
From: Brazoria TX
Default

Easy. Just be related to someone in a prestigious position around here. If that doesn't happen that way it is really up in the air. Phillips just hired out of a military pool and while I am all for supporting our veterans, it didn't make for skilled craftsman. Next go around it may be back to cousins, in-laws, and Outlaws. Just keep putting your name in the hat and be diligent.
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 01:29 PM
  #10  
oscs's Avatar
Thread Starter
8 Second Club
iTrader: (19)
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 6
From: Cypress, TX
Default

Originally Posted by codyvette
Easy. Just be related to someone in a prestigious position around here. If that doesn't happen that way it is really up in the air. Phillips just hired out of a military pool and while I am all for supporting our veterans, it didn't make for skilled craftsman. Next go around it may be back to cousins, in-laws, and Outlaws. Just keep putting your name in the hat and be diligent.
Key to any good salesmen! Guess its time to make some phone calls.
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 08:46 PM
  #11  
twinturbo496's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 363
Likes: 2
From: Racine, Wisconsin
Default

Just mill & lathe work, or do you also do laser cutting, cnc plasma, press brake, etc?

We outsource lots of work, but usually outside Houston because we can't (won't) compete with what oil field companies are willing to pay.
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 09:49 PM
  #12  
oscs's Avatar
Thread Starter
8 Second Club
iTrader: (19)
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 6
From: Cypress, TX
Default

Originally Posted by twinturbo496
Just mill & lathe work, or do you also do laser cutting, cnc plasma, press brake, etc?

We outsource lots of work, but usually outside Houston because we can't (won't) compete with what oil field companies are willing to pay.
We are turn key. We either A use local shops or use our sister companies in Wisconsin. We have laser/fab/friction welding/stamping and your standard machine capabilities. Who do you work for?
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2015 | 03:46 PM
  #13  
twinturbo496's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 363
Likes: 2
From: Racine, Wisconsin
Default

MCFA Hammerly & BW8
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2015 | 09:07 PM
  #14  
charlie_gonzales's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 364
Likes: 1
From: Houston, Tx
Default

I'm not certain who we use at the plant, but I can find out. That's if we even sub contract the work out. Similar to Inspector12, I also work in operations so I don't know much about the machine shop.
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2015 | 01:26 AM
  #15  
Inspector12's Avatar
TT-TECH Veteran
20 Year Member
iTrader: (29)
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,779
Likes: 4
From: Pearland
Default

Originally Posted by oscs
Thanks. I figured some of the larger places had to sub out with the amount of activity going on. Car looked great at TI by the way. It seemed to be doing quite well.
At TI I was doing some testing on a few things that have been bugging me and it was consistently getting faster, and it did perform well just not consistent enough to do that well as far as wins, but thanks for noticing. TI will humble just about anyone anyways. Learned that almost from the start lol!
Sorry not more help on the plant work. This place is like a three ring circus and I never really know who to tell ppl to call etc... GL!
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2015 | 09:02 AM
  #16  
oscs's Avatar
Thread Starter
8 Second Club
iTrader: (19)
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 6
From: Cypress, TX
Default

Originally Posted by charlie_gonzales
I'm not certain who we use at the plant, but I can find out. That's if we even sub contract the work out. Similar to Inspector12, I also work in operations so I don't know much about the machine shop.
Charlie, Please do.
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2015 | 09:08 AM
  #17  
oscs's Avatar
Thread Starter
8 Second Club
iTrader: (19)
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 6
From: Cypress, TX
Default

Originally Posted by Inspector12
At TI I was doing some testing on a few things that have been bugging me and it was consistently getting faster, and it did perform well just not consistent enough to do that well as far as wins, but thanks for noticing. TI will humble just about anyone anyways. Learned that almost from the start lol!
Sorry not more help on the plant work. This place is like a three ring circus and I never really know who to tell ppl to call etc... GL!
I can only imagine. I saw that number 12 on the side putting in work though.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:59 AM.

story-0
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-1
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-3
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-6
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-7
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-8
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE