Management

Keith Church – President
Keith started his lengthy oilfield career in 1978 with Academy Services becoming a journeyman electrician, in 1992 Keith became the President of Academy Services and served in that title until Academy was acquired by Nabors Drilling in 2001.
Keith then became the Operations Manager for Nabors Drilling in charge of electrical and automation for numerous rig builds around the world and held this position for ten years.  It was during this time that Keith gained invaluable knowledge and formed many lasting relationships that he still has today.
In 2011 Keith along with many of the original Academy Services personnel formed ARP Automation Controls Inc.  ARP is proud to build a control system and automation platform that exceeds current industry standards and has been enjoying great success since its implementation in numerous automated rigs worldwide.  ARP prides itself on the outstanding level of service and reliability it offers clients, mandating a reputation built on implementation, innovation, ascendancy, and authenticity.

Cory Ziebart – VP of Operations
Cory started his career in 1996 as an electrician for Academy Services in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. By 1998 he was involved in the designs, controls and programming of DC SCR drilling rigs. In 2000, Academy Services was contracted to build a control system for one of the first drilling rigs in Canada with an AC Drawworks. Cory and colleagues, were in charge of the design, programming and instrumentation on that first AC rig which is still in service today. Since then, Cory has been involved in numerous rig builds around the world. 3000 HP rigs in Saudi Arabia, 3000 HP jack-ups in Dubai, 2000 HP Platform rigs in the Gulf of Mexico and land rigs in North America, leading the projects with many of the same personnel that are employed by ARP Automation today.

Peter O’Brien – Senior Systems Designer
Peter started his career in 1997, becoming a Journeymen red seal electrician in 1999. He joined Academy Services in 1999, where he spent over 15 years programming and designing drilling rig electrical and control systems. His attention to detail and work ethic are unrivaled in the industry. His never ending and ever growing list of qualifications include; PLC, HMI, Process Control, Electro-Hydraulics, Digital electronics, AC drives, DC systems and many more.
Peter joined ARP in 2015 and has continued his role as a Project Leader and Coordinator heading up Nabors Alaska’s CDR 3 project.

Rick Beniuk – Leduc Operations Manager
Rick started his career off in 1978 as a electrical apprentice for the oilfield lighting manufacturer and service provider Northern Rig Lites, where he worked and received his Red Seal Journeyman certificate. Rick continued his dedication to the service industry until the winter of 1992, this is where he moved to Calgary to continue his career with Precision Drilling. This was the era of multiply companies all joining under one umbrella where he strived to bring consistency to the company. In 2003 the company had grown and was now in the new age of technology and headed into the international markets where maintenance programs played a huge part. His passion for perfection kept all drilling rigs and equipment at the top of the list in all aspects of the international industry. He was involved with the development from the DC rig generation into the AC rig market and expedition of technology and controls into today’s standards, which change continuously. After spending time Internationally Rick joined Savanna Energy in 2005 to assist in bringing this new drilling company into the AC control drilling market.
Rick joined ARP in the fall of 2013, where his experience in bringing projects and personnel together has quickly broadened the outlook of the company. With a new shop, warehouse and yard located in Leduc, ARP has become a major player in the industry.

Mitchell Egger – Systems and Applications Manager
Mitchell’s career started with Academy Services in Brooks, Alberta in 1998. Moved from Brooks to Calgary in 2001 and become certified as a Journeymen Red Seal electrician with Academy Services Oilfield division. During his 10+ years with Academy he continued his education with AC Drive, SCR, PLC, HMI and many other courses.
Mitchell’s years of field service and commissioning experience both domestic and international now afford him real life drilling control systems expertise and knowledge to design control systems that unquestionably put our customers at the leading edge of drilling rig automation.
Upon starting with ARP he has designed and implemented the control system on the Citadel Drilling TA 2 CT 1 and 2 series fully integrated automated rigs. Citadel’s control system performance is now leading industry.

Gord Robinson – Electrical Manager
Gord started with Academy Services in 1984. He has been there every step of the way growing with Academy from a small electrical company to being a global electrical provider. He has unparalleled knowledge in Generator and integrated control systems, hazardous area installation, commissioning and troubleshooting. Throughout his years Gord has been tasked with the mentoring of several apprentices and electricians. Gord always makes sure the job is being done safely and effectively.
Gord started with ARP in 2013 and has continued his duties as Electrical Manager, overseeing the day to day operation of the shop and field service.

“Our employees are essential to the continued growth of our company. This includes our electricians, warehouse staff, administrative staff and everyone in-between. They are the heart and soul of our company and come face-to- face with our clients and vendors. Through teamwork, superior quality, innovation and safety we provide exceptional service to everyone we do business with.”

-Cory Ziebart
VP of Operations