IT Outsourcing Solutions Empowering a Renewable Energy Leader

When Verbio North America (Verbio NA) was founded in 2018 — it began as a small startup with only two employees, a big vision, and an immediate need for a firm with reliable IT outsourcing services and support.

From those early days, Rehmann Technology Solutions (RTS) was an integral part of Verbio NA’s journey from the continent’s first subsidiary of Verbio, a global biofuel and bioenergy manufacturer headquartered in Germany, to a leading renewable energy producer in North America. Today, with 150+ employees and three plants operating in the U.S. and Canada, Verbio NA credits RTS for much of the IT infrastructure and resilience that has helped power its rapid growth and success. 

“Not Just an MSP—A True Partner”

As Verbio NA’s needs grew, so did RTS’s role. Initially hired as a managed service provider (MSP) to set up a single office, RTS quickly demonstrated its commitment to tailoring its robust IT outsourcing services to its client’s unique — and quickly evolving — needs.  

“When we first started, it was simple things — computers, printers, and network security,” says Greg Northrup, president of Verbio NA. “Within six months, we recognized the need for a fully built-out network and our own IT person as a point of contact. RTS has been with us every step of the way.” 

Verbio NA hired Ryan Wolf to be that internal point person. Having worked with many different IT outsourcing companies throughout his career, Wolf says he had a good sense of what to expect from RTS.

He was pleasantly surprised. From the moment he entered his role as Verbio NA’s manager of IT, Wolf (now head of information technology for the company) says it was clear that RTS went beyond what he was accustomed to in a typical MSP-client relationship: “I tell people that RTS isn’t just a managed service provider. They are part of our team. They care about our company like they work here. They’ve been to our sites, and they understand our company as if they were a direct hire working for Verbio.”  

Handling Complexity with Expertise

Verbio NA’s biorefinery sites are massive operations. Each spans hundreds of acres, runs 24/7, and requires constant, secure operations and exacting logistical planning and execution. IT demands are immense. But RTS designed and implemented resilient, reliable IT solutions that have evolved and expanded as quickly as Verbio NA has — from supporting distributed control systems, to managing corporate network integrations, to ensuring seamless data and communications within and between sites in the U.S., Canada, and Germany.  

Wolf recalls his first experience with RTS: “I flew out to Nevada and saw just how massive our plant was. This plant’s about one-quarter-mile wide and a half-mile long. To hear that RTS drove out there and installed all the networking infrastructure and got all the equipment set up and running – I realized RTS has a lot of passion for our company.” 

A Crucial Ally During a Ransomware Crisis

When a ransomware attack struck Verbio’s global headquarters in Germany in 2021, RTS’s proactive measures protected Verbio NA from being compromised. “RTS’s response was instantaneous,” says Wolf. “They helped us isolate our systems within minutes, keeping the attack contained to Germany. It was a testament to the security measures RTS had helped us put in place.” 

Northrup adds that RTS’s preemptive security protocols and comprehensive employee training also proved invaluable. “We’ve avoided major incidents because of the rigor RTS brought to our processes,” says Northrup. “RTS has provided all our employees with cybersecurity training, so we know how to avoid an incident and what to look for.” 

Supporting Growth and Innovation

Today, Verbio NA uses almost every service RTS offers, from server and network administration to cybersecurity and helpdesk support. This allows Verbio NA to focus on its mission of creating renewable energy. “We’ve spent hundreds of millions of dollars to build plants that produce renewable natural gas, ethanol, and biodiesel,” says Northrup. “We don’t have time to focus on IT, and we don’t need to —because of the relationship with have with RTS.” 

Looking Ahead Together

Verbio NA’s partnership with RTS exemplifies how tailored IT outsourcing support can empower growth and innovation. “RTS is willing to listen to the direction that we are trying to go with our company, and adapts their solutions to fit,” says Wolf. “They’re not following a ‘boxed offering’ approach; they’re helping us write ours.”

As Verbio NA continues to expand its footprint in North America, its executive and IT teams can remain confident that RTS will be there to ensure the IT infrastructure and support driving and protecting their company is as sustainable and reliable as the fuels their biorefineries produce. 

Reader Bonus: How to Choose an IT Outsourcing Partner

Looking to outsource some or all of your IT needs? Here’s what to consider as you compare and evaluate potential IT outsourcing partners. 

1. Technical Expertise
   Choose a firm with a proven track record of technical skills. Look for a team with certifications from well-known organizations like Microsoft, VMware, Cisco, Fortinet, etc., to ensure they have the experience to manage your IT infrastructure effectively.
2. Experienced, Stable Team
   Ask about turnover. A firm with good staff retention signals a stable and knowledgeable team, ensuring consistent and reliable support for your growing needs.
3. Business-Focused Approach
   Many managed service providers focus only on managing your technology, but the best will have breadth and depth in both service and skill to enable alignment with your business goals. Look for an partner that can offer tailored solutions, such as real-time financial platforms, part-time executive-level IT consultants (like a vCIO), or risk management services. They should proactively work to protect not just your network but your entire ecosystem, including key processes involving your clients and vendors.
4. Flexible Reliable Support
   Ensure the firm you choose provides support that matches your organization’s schedule and operational requirements. They should offer availability and responsiveness when you need it most.
5. Proactive Care and Monitoring
   The right partner will not only respond to problems; they’ll proactively work with you or you IT team to prevent them.

Need Help Deciding?

Not sure where to start? Reach out to Rehmann for an initial assessment to evaluate your IT infrastructure’s health and identify vulnerabilities. If you already know what you need, a detailed assessment (like a framework discovery) can help uncover whether Rehmann’s IT solutions align with your business goals.