ABOUT US
Superior Design. Super Quality. Superior Service. Why would you settle for anything less?
Superior Energy Systems has engineered, manufactured and installed propane infrastructure since 1975. We offer the engineering expertise, services and support to meet the needs of any application.
We build made-to-order propane vaporizers and mixers, portable and permanent rail towers, metering and odorant skids, propane autogas dispensers and complete dispensing stations. We are in the unique position to handle your entire project from start to finish — from planning and installing to service and maintenance . High-quality materials, customization, superior craftsmanship and responsive project management go into every job.
Our emphasis on safety, including codes and standards expertise and complete training programs, sets us apart from the competition. Our team holds leadership positions in the National Standards Institute, National Fire Protection Association, National Propane Gas Association, Propane Education & Research Council and many more industry organizations. We also are a member of the Energy Department’s Clean Cities program.
Learn more by downloading our company brochure.
Events and Trade Shows
Each year we attend, exhibit and speaks at dozens of shows, conferences and workshops across the United States about propane safety, regulation and infrastructure. Keep up-to-date on where we will be in the near future.
July 10-11: STN Expo, Reno, NV
August 4-6: Texas Propane Gas Association convention, Galveston, TX
September 11-13: Bus Con, Indianapolis, IN
October 19-20: GIE Expo, Louisville, KY
NEW DATA: Propane Dramatically Reduces Emissions over Diesel in Real-World Tests
When comparing the in-use emissions levels between a 2014 model-year propane autogas bus and diesel school bus, a study funded by PERC and conducted by West Virginia University found that the autogas engine’s nitrous oxide emissions were between 93 and 97 percent less...
Ensure Both Safety and Compliance in Workforce Training
In a new Safety First column in LP Gas magazine, propane professional Randy Warner warns retailers that ensuring employee safety goes beyond regulatory compliance. Fortunately, PERC resources help you do both. Download information on federal DOT, OSHA, and EPA...
May Newsletter
View our May newsletter here!
School Transportation News: Pa. School District Wins Environmental Award for Propane Buses
Upper Moreland School District was recognized along with 22 other local and state agencies, by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, as nearly three-quarters of its fleet is now comprised of propane school buses. Upper Moreland was one of three...
COMMENTARY: THE TRUTH ABOUT EV EMISSIONS
Did you know that electric vehicles produce emissions just like any other fuel? A popular myth permeating the fleet industry today is that EVs are the only fuel that can significantly reduce fleet emissions. It’s simply not the case. Learn the truth about EV...
NEW DATA: PROPANE ENGINES DRAMATICALLY REDUCE EMISSIONS OVER DIESEL IN REAL-WORLD TESTS
New research has found an even greater emissions disparity during real-world use between a propane autogas school bus and a diesel bus of the same model year than what previous laboratory tests had found. Earlier this year, the Propane Education & Research Council...
2,430 New Propane Autogas School Bus Registrations in 2017 Push National Total in Operation to Nearly 15,000
Since 2012, propane autogas school bus registrations have increased by 676 percent WASHINGTON (May 1, 2018) — New propane autogas school bus registrations for 2017 reached 2,430, pushing the total number of propane autogas school buses currently in operation at public...
School Transportation News: North Crawford School District Goes and Saves Green with Propane-Fueled School Buses
SOLDIERS GROVE, Wis. — Over the past two years, North Crawford School District has added Blue Bird propane-fueled school buses to its fleet. These buses lower the district’s carbon footprint while reducing transportation costs. “We were spending a lot of money and...
Industry Volunteers are Committed to Progress
In a recent column in LP Gas magazine, outgoing Chairman of the Safety and Technical Training Working Group, Bruce Montroy, recognized the volunteers who work on PERC's safety and training programs and certifications. These volunteers, as well as members of PERC’s...
FleetOwner: Natural gas returning as smart transportation fuel
Despite the advancements, there still are maintenance, cost, and operational concerns associated with natural gas. That may be a reason other alternative fuels are also gaining traction in the freight transportation sector. For example, Roush CleanTech has seen two...
Key Team Members Profiles
Donald Fernald
President and CEO
Donald (Don) Fernald has more than 45 years of experience in the design, engineering, manufacturing, construction, sale and service of gas equipment. He has been involved with Superior Energy Systems since 2002 and introduced innovative approaches in the design of equipment in this highly specialized field. Don graduated from UCLA with an associates degree in accounting and gained a bachelor of science from Cleveland State University.
Don has served on multiple research, safety and risk management committees with the Environmental Protection Agency, National Propane Gas Association, Propane Education & Research Council and Ohio Propane Gas Association. Since its inception in 1999, Don has served on PERC’s Advisory Committee in the Research and Development working group.
A regular speaker at Institute of Gas Technology seminars throughout the U.S., Don has also presented technical papers to the World LP-Gas Forum.
Don enjoys spending time with family, golfing and boating.
Derek Rimko
Vice President of Operations
Derek Rimko manages the company’s operations,sales efforts and customer relations as well as overseeing all in-house personnel. He has served the propane industry for 24 years and has been with SES since inception. Derek graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and advertising.He stays active in numerous state propane gas associations andalso serves on the Propane Education & Research Council’s Advisory Committee in their Market Outreach Working Group. Derek enjoys being with his family and traveling.
Mike Walters
Vice President Safety & Training
A member of the Propane Industry for over 40 years, with over 25 years as a Safety Professional, Mike’s educational background includes New York Academy of Fire Science, Syracuse University and Columbia Southern University. He is certified in Environmental Compliance and Accident Investigation as well as several certification areas of the industry’s Certified Employee Training Program.
Mike is a charter member and served for over 20 years on the Propane Education and Research Council’s Safety and Training Advisory Committee; serving as Chairman for four years (2004-2007). A recipient of the NPGA Safety Award, Mike served for many years on the National Propane Gas Association’s Certified Employee Training Program (CETP) Certification Committee and is a member of an Industry Trade Magazine Editorial Review Board. Mike is considered a subject matter expert in the development of safety and training programs within the propane industry.
Mike serves on the Board of the Ohio Propane Gas Association, the NFPA 59 Technical Committee on LP-Gas Utility Gas Plants, NFPA 30A Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages, NFPA 1402 Technical Committee on Facilities for Fire Training and Associated Props and the Underwriters Laboratories UL 87 and 495 Standards Technical Panel. Mike is also a member of the International Codes Council and the American Society of Safety Professionals.
In his spare time, Mike spends time cruising his ’57 Chevy as a member of the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America Cuyahoga Valley Region.
Greg Whitesel
Director of Engineering
Greg Whitesel oversees all civil, mechanical and electrical engineering documents as well as leads the design for all propane bulk terminals and autogas installations. . He has been with SES for almost 20 years. He holds an associate’s degree in mechanical design from Lorain Community College. In his spare time, Greg enjoys being with his family and outdoor recreation.