The eSAFE Blog

◀ Back to Blog

At eSAFE, our work goes beyond inspections. It’s about building authentic, collaborative partnerships with our clients. Recently, we had the opportunity to highlight one of those partnerships through a collaborative photoshoot at DCA Controls Inc., a company with over 20 years of experience designing and fabricating custom control panels for industrial and commercial applications.

This visit was particularly meaningful for our inspector, Mike Schmidt, who previously worked at DCA Controls as an electrical apprentice. For Mike, returning as an eSAFE inspector was a full-circle moment: reconnecting with a team and company that shaped his early career in industrial controls and automation.

What DCA Controls Does

DCA Controls specializes in creating control panels, the central “brains” of automated machinery and systems. These panels orchestrate operations for complex automated equipment, making their reliability and safety paramount.

eSAFE’s role is to inspect these panels and ensure they meet all relevant CSA and ESA standards before shipment. This ensures not only compliance but also the safety and confidence of DCA Controls’ clients.

“eSAFE has been an important partner in helping our team maintain compliance and uphold the highest safety standards,” says Ryan McEachran, Director of Operations at DCA Controls. “By working closely with eSAFE, we streamline approvals, reduce project delays, and provide our clients with confidence that every system is built and tested to meet strict regulatory and safety standards.”

A Full-Circle Partnership

Mike’s personal connection to DCA Controls added an extra layer to this collaboration. From his early days as an apprentice working alongside Bill Doidge in Brantford to returning as an eSAFE inspector, Mike understands the hands-on challenges and complexities of industrial automation and compliance.

“Every interaction with eSAFE has been a learning experience — they’ve helped me navigate complex designs and unique project requirements,” notes John Bello, Senior Estimator & Project Designer. “Their inspectors are approachable, knowledgeable, and creative when it comes to problem-solving. They collaborate with us throughout the process and help find solutions that make sense.”

This kind of collaboration embodies eSAFE’s commitment to “Service Beyond Standard”, ensuring our clients receive expert inspections alongside practical support and guidance.

Capturing Collaboration

We are proud to feature DCA Controls Inc. as a valued client. The collaborative photoshoot offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their day-to-day operations, showcasing the attention to detail, teamwork, and innovative problem-solving that go into every control panel they build. This session also captured the energy and dedication of the people who make DCA Controls a trusted name in industrial automation, giving a visual story to complement their technical expertise.

Discover more about DCA Controls and their custom automation solutions: https://www.dcacontrols.com/