Benchmark Electric lands Colliers contract for East Memphis generator upgrade

Benchmark Electric will design and install a Cummins 200kW diesel standby generator for a six-floor East Memphis office building, replacing aging equipment and restoring life safety backup power. The project is aimed at keeping elevators, lighting, fire pumps, and alarm systems running during outages. Why it matters: - The new generator is meant to keep critical life safety systems operating during utility outages. - The upgrade supports elevator service, egress lighting, fire suppression, and fire alarm systems at the East Memphis property. - The project helps the building meet fire and life safety code expectations during storms, grid failures, and other disruptions. What happened: - Benchmark Electric said it won a contract from Colliers Property Management to design and install a Cummins 200kW diesel standby generator. - The work will take place at a six-floor office building in East Memphis. - The new system replaces an aging generator that no longer provided full standby coverage. - Benchmark Electric is based in Cordova, Tennessee. The details: - The generator will serve as the building’s primary standby power source for emergency egress lighting in stairwells and corridors. - The system will support passenger and freight elevators. - The system will also back up fire suppression pump systems. - Fire alarm notification systems are included in the backup load. - David Richey, president of Benchmark Electric, said the company will remove the old equipment and commission a new Cummins 200kW system. - Richey said the goal is to provide dependable standby power for the next 20-plus years. - Colliers Property Management is part of Colliers International, which operates in 70 countries and manages more than two billion square feet of property worldwide. Between the lines: - The contract fits a broader push by property managers to upgrade standby power as severe weather and grid reliability concerns grow across the Mid-South. - Benchmark Electric is positioning itself as a specialist in commercial standby power, not just a general electrical contractor. - The company also highlighted its role as the top-selling Cummins dealer in North America, underscoring its relationship with the generator brand. What’s next: - Benchmark Electric will complete the site assessment, permitting, installation, load bank testing, and preventive maintenance work tied to the project. - The generator installation should give the property a more resilient backup power setup for future outages. - Benchmark Electric said it continues to serve residential, commercial, and industrial standby power customers across the Mid-South. The bottom line: - The Colliers contract gives Benchmark Electric another high-visibility commercial project and restores life safety backup power to a key East Memphis office building.