Ranger Plant Constructional Company
Ranger Plant Constructional Company, Inc. was founded in June of 1972, in Abilene, TX. The company was formed by Cecil Castleman, Frank Ford, and Woody Strickland. Cecil, Frank, and Woody were friends for many years and had worked together during this time for other contractors. They began working in the industry at a very young age. Cecil, at the age of 19, went to work for El Paso National Gas Company. Frank, at 22, started working for Dresser Engineering Company. At 22, Woody began working for Olsen Engineering Corporation. Throughout the years, they became highly respected for their knowledge and expertise in the installation of compressor stations; which included large diameter pipe, hot tie-ins into existing pipelines, hydro-testing, oil flushing, concrete, instrumentation, electrical and start-up. Their top priority was to meet project milestones, especially startup dates. With this in mind, they built a team that became highly respected for their expertise and project management.
In 1971, Ben Greene, Construction Director for Tennessee Gas Transmission, knew Cecil and Frank were interested in starting a construction business. He advised them to decide on a company name and get a banker; then he would add them to Tennessee Gas’ bid list. Mr. Greene had met Cecil and Frank years before when they were with Olson Engineers, the General Contractor on an extensive project for Tennessee Gas Transmission. The widespread project covered an area from Chalmette, LA to Ada, MN. Throughout the construction of this project, Mr. Greene and his team held numerous meetings with Cecil and Frank due to their invaluable expertise in compressor station installation.
Ben Greene’s encouragement was the final blessing Cecil, Frank, and Woody needed to start the company. Ranger Plant Constructional Company was founded in 1972 with a foundation built on integrity, impeccable work ethics, and consistently meeting milestones.
Yearly Highlights
Today
As Ranger Plant Constructional enters its 52nd year, we continue to be an industry leader in the installation of natural gas compressor stations, meter and pump stations. Ranger remains committed to its founding vision and core values that were established in 1972; integrity, work ethics, and meeting milestones.
2022
50th year anniversary! Ranger Plant Constructional is licensed to perform work in 49 states, including 11 states requiring a qualifier. Ranger has completed over 700 projects, with total installed compression exceeding 2,500,000 horsepower. This includes 238 reciprocating compressors and 153 turbine compressors.
2022
Ranger is awarded its 46th project from Northern Natural Gas; projects occurred from 1973 to 2022
2020
Ranger is awarded its 41st project from Kinder Morgan; projects occurred from 2004 to 2020
2018
Kinder Morgan awarded Ranger the 2018 "Outstanding Safety Performance” for the Natural Gas Business Unit. Ranger Plant Constructional was selected from among 1898 contractors.
2014
Net Mexico awards Ranger the Agua Dulce compressor station which supplies Mexico with natural gas. The station includes (4) electric driven compressors totaling 100,000 HP, the largest horsepower ever installed at one station.
2012
Ranger is awarded its 23rd project from Florida Gas Transmission; projects occurred from 1991 to 2012
2011
Cecil Castleman was awarded the Model Business Leader by the Abilene Reporter News.
2011
Kinder Morgan awarded Ranger the 2011 "Best Safety Performance” for the Business Unit Contractor. Ranger Plant Constructional was selected from among 500 contractors.
2007
Kinder Morgan awards Ranger its largest single project valued over $38M.
2007
During the next 3 years, Ranger works extensively with Kinder Morgan to construct multiple compressor stations associated with Rockies Express Project; resulting in the installation of 13 compressor stations and 2 meter stations, a cost plus contract exceeding $200M.
2004
Annual revenue reaches $35M. Ranger’s construction services extend into Arizona.
2002
Kern River awards Ranger seven compressor stations for the Kern River Expansion Project; an EPC contract exceeding $50M.
2001
Ranger completes its first EPC project totaling $13M. Total installed compression surpasses 1,000,000 Horsepower, including 156 reciprocating engines and 84 turbine engines. Ranger is awarded a $7M contract as a lump sum.
1998
500th project completed successfully; Ranger’s new clients include Colorado Interstate Gas, Northern Border Pipeline, South Carolina Pipeline, Texas Eastern Gas, and Tenneco Energy. Ranger’s construction services expands into Wyoming, Missouri, Ohio, and West Virginia. Ranger’s geographic footprint now increases to 34 states.
1994
Total compression reaches 475,000 Horsepower; Ranger expands its construction services into Oregon, Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, and South Dakota.
1993
Cecil agrees to buy-out Frank and takes controlling ownership of Ranger.
1991
A total of 125 reciprocating engines and 19 turbine engines are installed. Total compression Horsepower surpasses 350,000. Ranger expands its construction services into Utah, Nevada, Florida, Indiana, Arkansas, and South Carolina. Ranger is awarded a $4M lump sum contract. Annual revenues hit $25M.
1991
Cecil and Frank agree to buy-out Woody. Cecil and Frank become the two major shareholders.
1990
Ranger is awarded its 71st project from Exxon; projects occurred from 1975 to 1990
1989
Ranger’s new clients include Columbia Gulf Transmission, Enron, Natural Gas Pipeline, and Southern Natural Gas. Ranger’s construction services travel into new states; Virginia, California, New York, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
1987
Ranger is awarded its first lump sum contract over $2M.
1986
Ranger surpasses 200 projects, which include 98 reciprocating engines and 7 turbine engines; totaling 215,000 Horsepower of compression.
1984
New clients include Shell Oil, Red River Gas Pipeline, Southern Natural Gas, and Union Carbide. Ranger’s work radius now expands into Georgia, Alabama, and Montana.
1984
Northern Natural Gas negotiates with Ranger a project with an extremely compressed schedule, located in a remote area of North Dakota. Ranger is selected for this project because of its exceptional reputation for completing fast-track projects on schedule. Ranger earns the respect of Northern Natural Gas by commissioning the project ahead of schedule.
1981
Ranger’s headquarters move into a newly constructed office building. Northern Natural Gas awards Ranger its first lump sum contract over $1M.
1980
A total of 92 projects have been completed; including 53 reciprocating compressor engines, one (1) turbine compressor engine, 10 cryogenic facilities, seven (7) CO2 facilities, and two (2) dehydration units. New clients are Pride Refinery, Texas Oil & Gas, Warren Petroleum, High Plains Natural Gas, Transcontinental Gas Co., LaVacca Gathering Co., Transwestern Pipeline, Valero Gas, and Lone Star Gas. Ranger’s construction services move into Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
1975
Ranger completes 25 projects, including 17 reciprocating compressor engines, six (6) CO2 and six (6) cryogenic facilities. Projects are awarded by Tennessee Gas Transmission, Exxon, Northern Natural Gas, and Panhandle Eastern Pipeline. Ranger’s construction services travel into the states of Kansas and Louisiana. Ranger moves from Frank’s home into an office trailer on a two acre lot. Revenue is $2M.
1972
Ranger opens its doors for business and sets up operations in Frank’s home. Cecil and Woody take roles as Job Superintendent and Estimator. Frank’s responsibilities are Sales, Marketing, Estimating, and Accounting. Ranger’s first two jobs are awarded by Tennessee Gas Transmission; one located in De Kalb, Mississippi, and the other located in Collinwood, Tennessee. Revenue is $200,000.