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When reviewing factory electrical contractor references, examine the work delivered before focusing on the client's name. Consider facility type, project status, the company's role and traceable supporting information together. Experience in the same sector is a useful starting point, but does not by itself establish suitability for your new investment.
How to assess an electrical contractor’s factory project references
When reviewing factory electrical contractor references, examine the work delivered before focusing on the client's name. Consider facility type, project status, the company's role and traceable supporting information together. Experience in the same sector is a useful starting point, but does not by itself establish suitability for your new investment.
Match the reference to your project requirements
Work in a food factory, textile facility or production workshop may involve different needs. Look beyond sector labels and ask which electrical systems were actually delivered.
If your project depends on MV connections, machine supplies and automation interfaces, structure the review around those requirements. A candidate that has delivered comparable technical work in another type of building may also deserve consideration. Do not base the decision on the building category alone.
Establish the company's actual role
Design, equipment supply and installation can be divided between several companies. Ask whether the candidate acted as main contractor, subcontractor or supplier for a defined system.
Make a broad statement such as “we worked on this project” more specific:
- Which systems were included in your contract?
- Were design and site installation managed by the same team?
- Which work packages were delivered by other companies?
- What responsibilities did you have for testing and handover?
A written scope summary gives these answers a clearer basis for the quotation discussion.
Distinguish completed, ongoing and illustrative projects
An ongoing contract can demonstrate current activity, but does not provide the same evidence as work that has been completed and handed over. Ask for clarification if the reference page does not state the project status.
Apply the same distinction to imagery. A factory illustration or concept project should not be treated as a record of an actual installation. Check which project a photograph represents and what information it supports.
Use a consistent reference review record
| Review field | Information to record |
|---|---|
| Facility and location | Project name, location and type of use |
| Project status | Ongoing, completed or awaiting clarification |
| Contractor's role | Contracted work and responsibilities |
| Technical scope | Systems delivered and stated boundaries |
| Source | Official project page or shareable record |
| Open questions | Information still needed for your investment |
Use the same structure for every candidate. Where public information is unavailable, mark it as awaiting verification rather than filling the gap with an assumption.
How can CANEL's Ulpatek reference be read?
CANEL's Ulpatek Filter Facility page identifies the project in Istanbul and lists a floor area of 12,650 m². Its described scope includes MV and LV systems, lighting, low-current systems, machine connections and as-built documentation.
This provides an initial answer to which work was carried out at which facility. It does not establish an unstated delivery duration, cost, client satisfaction score or performance outcome. Seek separate confirmation if those matters are important to your decision.
Ask the client about how the work was managed
Where the client and candidate agree to a reference discussion, go beyond a general question about satisfaction. Select issues relevant to your project, such as scope changes, communication, coordination with other teams and document handover.
Record the project and period to which the comments relate. Focus on the working arrangements needed for your decision rather than requesting information that cannot be shared. One person's positive assessment should not be presented as a guarantee for every future project.
Complete the review with the proposed team and offer
A relevant previous project does not automatically establish that the proposed team and current offer match your new requirements. Consider references alongside the quotation, programme and project organisation.
Use the factory electrical contractor selection guide for shortlisting and the RFQ guide for comparable offers. Other documented CANEL work can be explored through the project portfolio.
Frequently asked question
Does a reference page replace a qualification document?
A project page is one source for review. Assess the technical capability, team, documents and responsibilities required for the new project separately.
