Bullert Industrial Electric Powers Up with Trimble Layout Technology

Project Overview

Bullert Industrial Electric, Inc. is a Redding, California-based electrical construction company founded in 2013. With a management team carrying over 80 years of combined industry experience, Bullert specializes in industrial, commercial, civil, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) electrical work across Northern California - serving sectors from water treatment and mining to commercial construction and healthcare.

As Bullert began winning larger, more complex projects - including a major tribal gaming and hospitality development at Rancheria and a multi-floor hospital in Yreka - their traditional manual layout methods became a critical bottleneck. Tasks that required multiple electricians and days of grid-line measurement were threatening project timelines, accuracy, and profitability. Bullert's Project Manager Jordan Taylor recognized that to remain competitive in the BIM-driven world of modern construction, they needed to adopt geospatial layout technology - and fast. The path forward led them to California Surveying & Drafting Supply (CSDS), a Trimble authorized dealer and technology partner.

Why CSDS?

Bullert's decision to partner with CSDS was driven by the company's reputation for technical expertise, responsive support, and hands-on training - not just equipment sales. Jordan Taylor worked closely with CSDS's Brett Clarke and the CSDS Technology Enablement Team to implement the Trimble workflow from the ground up.

CSDS provided discovery, consultation, on-site training, and ongoing technical support - equipping the Bullert team with not just the tools, but the knowledge and confidence to use them effectively on demanding real-world job sites.

Solutions Deployed

• Trimble S7 Total Station - High-accuracy robotic total station for precise point layout in complex construction environments.
• TSC7 Data Collector with Keyboard - Durable, field-ready controller optimized for working in challenging outdoor and indoor conditions.
• Trimble Access Software - Industry-leading field software for coordinating BIM data, managing points, executing layout workflows, and generating documentation.
• BIM-to-Field Workflow (Revit / Civil 3D integration) - Transforming architectural and MEP design models into precise field coordinates for layout.
• CSDS Professional Services & On-Site Training - Personalized onboarding, job site coaching, and ongoing workflow optimization support.
• GNSS Integration Consulting - Guidance on integrating GPS/GNSS for outdoor work areas with seamless compatibility within the Trimble ecosystem.

Implementation & Results

Getting Started: From Training Room to Job Site

Bullert's onboarding journey began with foundational training covering station setup, resectioning, and coordinate systems. While the initial training established the baseline, Jordan quickly discovered that the most transformative learning happened directly on the job site - adapting workflows to the specific demands of each project.

Key technical hurdles included mastering coordinate systems and shared project coordinates, integrating Revit and Civil 3D data by exporting points to CSV and uploading to Trimble Access, and understanding grid lines and grid line offsets within the BIM model. CSDS's support team were instrumental in troubleshooting and resolving these challenges through direct assistance and ongoing guidance.

The Rancheria Project: Single-Person Layout on a Massive Scale

The Rancheria project represents Bullert's largest project to date — a large-scale commercial construction job requiring extensive electrical layout including home runs and floor boxes across massive square footage.

Using the Trimble S7 and Trimble Access, Jordan was able to execute layout tasks that previously required multiple electricians working over several days — as a single-person operation, often completing the same work in hours.

“The Rancheria project was our biggest. Being able to go out there and lay out the home runs and the floor boxes by myself — that is huge. That would have taken multiple electricians multiple days with the old way.” - Jordan Taylor

The ability to pull up BIM coordinates directly in the field and stakes each point to specification - with a documented record of what was laid out and at what tolerance - dramatically reduces the risk of costly rework and contractor disputes.

“I can go pull it right up and say, according to the BIM, this is my point. I laid out here with this tolerance. Now we do not have to dig up concrete and fix things. That is huge - people like to point fingers and make you pay a lot of money.” -  Jordan Taylor

Impact on Workflow

---

• Labor Reduction – Multi-person, multi-day layout tasks now completed by a single operator in hours.
• BIM-Grade Accuracy - Precise point layout aligned to Revit and Civil 3D models, reducing rework and disputes.
• Documentation & Accountability - Built-in point records and tolerance reporting provide a defensible as-built trail.
• Scalability - One-person layout capability enables Bullert to take on larger, more complex projects with existing staff.
• Competitive Positioning - BIM and Trimble experience opens doors to higher-value project bids with general contractors who demand precision.
• Speed to Market - Faster layout cycles accelerate overall project timelines, improving client satisfaction and reducing carrying costs.

Building a Competitive Advantage

For Bullert Industrial Electric, the decision to invest in Trimble technology was not about improving existing workflows - it was about becoming the kind of electrical contractor that can compete for the most demanding, highest-value projects in the Northern California market.

BIM coordination and digital layout experience have become increasingly important factors in general contractor selection. Bullert's investment with CSDS and Trimble positions them as a technology-forward MEP partner - capable of working at the precision level that modern healthcare, commercial, and industrial construction demands.

“This has opened up doors for us. Having BIM and Trimble experience on our resume - that makes us more competitive when we are bidding. It is something GCs value.” - Jordan Taylor

Training & Ongoing Support

The CSDS support model extends far beyond the initial purchase. Jordan Taylor credits the ongoing, responsive partnership with CSDS's field and technical team as a key factor in Bullert's successful technology adoption.

From on-site coaching during critical project milestones to remote troubleshooting and follow-up calls for workflow optimization, the CSDS team has served as a consistent resource throughout Bullert's technology journey.

“I feel like I've learned a ton. CSDS’s Technical Enablement Team’s visit helped me more than anything - being on site, seeing the actual workflow, which is where it clicked.” - Jordan Taylor

For contractors new to Trimble layout technology, Jordan's recommendation is clear: prioritize real-world, job site training over classroom-only instruction. The ability to troubleshoot live with support from a knowledgeable partner like CSDS accelerates adoption and builds the confidence needed to deploy the technology effectively.

The CSDS Difference

Bullert Industrial Electric credits CSDS for:

• A complete Trimble technology solution tailored to electrical contractor layout workflows
• On-site training and field coaching that accelerated real-world adoption
• Responsive technical support from a team that understands construction - not just equipment
• Access to an expanding ecosystem of geospatial solutions including subsurface utility locating, drone services, and ground penetrating radar
• A long-term partnership model focused on Bullert's growth, not just the initial sale

Where Industry Is Going

The electrical contracting and MEP industries are undergoing a fundamental shift. BIM coordination, digital layout, and data-driven construction processes are no longer differentiators reserved for large national firms - they are becoming table stakes for winning the best commercial, healthcare, and industrial projects.

According to Jordan Taylor, contractors who embrace these technologies early - and build the workflows to deploy them effectively - will lead the next generation of construction in Northern California and beyond.

“Accuracy is the most important thing to me. You can save time, but if you are not accurate, you're digging up concrete. With Trimble, you're accurate - and you have the documentation to prove it.” - Jordan Taylor

CSDS and Trimble are positioned to help electrical contractors, MEP firms, and construction companies make this transition - with industry-leading equipment, expert training, and a support partnership that scales with your business.

Frequently Asked Questions