Operators Unlimited Celebrates 20 Years of Environmentally Focused Wastewater Treatment

Southeast Industry leader reflects on accomplishments and focuses on future opportunities

Duncan, SC. (March 18, 2021) – Operators Unlimited, Inc. is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2021. The company was founded in 2001 by Ray Patton and in 2003 opened its first brick-and-mortar location in Mauldin, SC. This move prompted the hiring of now President, Ben Fields. Ray Patton passed away in 2015 at which time Ben Fields purchased the company and began to streamline Operator Unlimited’s industry focus.

Fields set a new course for the company by engaging in marketing efforts and refocusing industry priorities and service offerings. In 2017, OU took growth steps and moved to its current location in Duncan, SC. The company expanded its service offerings for industrial wastewater treatment facilities to include operational support and staffing, chemical treatment, engineering services and design-build solutions for South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia creating a strong presence for Operators Unlimited in the wastewater industry.

“Our milestone of 20 years in business is a testament to our ability to embrace challenges and our strong company culture,” says Ben Fields, President of Operators Unlimited. “We value gratitude, and we are thankful for our customers who helped us get where we are,” said Fields.

Operators Unlimited is a humble company that values company culture. Their team members approach their work with humility and a mindset to put others before themselves. In 2018 they initiated the Caring Team to enhance the caring culture already present within the company. Operators Unlimited’s mission is transformation in both the literal and figurative sense of the word. Not only does the Operators Unlimited team transform water by removing contaminants, the team strives to create transformative outcomes for their clients and the industry. All while creating lasting impacts on the company, community and environment.

Operators Unlimited understands that continual learning and improvement are critical to a fulfilled life. Dedication to internal development and client success earned Operators Unlimited its first NSF® Certification in 2019. Their steadfast commitment to customer and company success continued in 2020 with significant lab advancements to increase testing capabilities and the ability to better serve their customer partners.

Operators Unlimited is focused on continued growth, while keeping the caring company culture a top priority, by embracing new challenges and striving for efficiency. For additional information about Operators Unlimited, their services and culture, visit their website. Team members, customers, vendors and community members are invited to celebrate alongside Operators Unlimited using #OU20years on social media.


Founded in 2001, Operators Unlimited, Inc. offers their customer partners confidence through efficient wastewater treatment and regulatory compliance, resulting in the freedom to focus on their primary business. No matter the service segments utilized, Operators Unlimited customer partners experience operational efficiency, cost predictability and process peace of mind for their industrial wastewater treatment facilities. Learn more at operatorsunlimited.net.