FABRICATORS MAKING TODAY’S SKYLINE POSSIBLE
On behalf of the AISC, let us be the first to welcome you to this year’s North American Steel Construction Conference. The 2004 edition in Long Beach, CA will prove to be another exciting opportunity for steel design and construction professionals: • Start with your bottom line profitability, and work your way up. NASCC affords the opportunity to analyze the latest engineering data on fabrication, detailing, and erection techniques. • Educational opportunities are abound in every phase of steel construction including such timely topics as Quality Issues In Construction Documents. • Network with your friends in the industry: peers, customers, associates, even perhaps future employees. Investment in new technologies pays off for HLM Steel, says Bryan McWherter, President. -Read how Peddinghaus, the AISC conference, and design software helped grow their firm. Page 7
The prestigious Harvard Business Review is long considered a bible for today’s business activities and practice. Global firms research Harvard’s data for significant topics that affect their growth and vitality. These can vary from economic forecasting to environmental impact studies to diplomatic issues affecting international transactions. Peddinghaus looked to this honored publication for meaningful direction as it pertains to obtaining customer feedback on new machine purchases and installations. Thus, a new Peddinghaus Survey was developed to gauge the satisfaction level of our customers who have purchased CNC machines in 2002 and 2003. In early January, 2004, each Peddinghaus customer who purchased a CNC machine responded to five questions concerning the installation process and service responsiveness. Each question was scaled 1 through 10 - with 10 showing complete satisfaction. An amazingly high response from our customers consistently gave Peddinghaus high marks for customer service, machine reliability, and overall approval. I recommend purchasing Peddinghaus to a close friend or colleague... A true sense of customer satisfaction is the willingness to recommend a purchase to a close friend or colleague on the steel fabrication industry. In Peddinghaus’ survey, over 93% replied with a resounding 9 or 10 that they would heartily recommend purchasing a Peddinghaus machine to a member of our industry. continued on page 2...
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STEEL FABRICATOR’S REVIEW
Spring, 2004
Concerned with rising structural steel prices? Read on for some data to “steel your will” On January 29, 2004, the AISC delivered a heartening message to the steel construction industry. The same steel construction industry that has been ravaged by lack of construction projects and pillaged by low profit margins. Attrition has taken its’ toll on our industry in the past couple of years.
and mill inventory, says the AISC.
A short time ago the horizon seemed much brighter with; many steel construction projects on the desks of architects and detailers. Estimators were kept busy with multiple projects and renewed interest in fabricated steel. In fact, the Spring, 2003 edition of the Steel Fabricators’ Review, pointed to a phenomenon in the Steel Industry: in February, 2003, steel prices dropped. The largest price cuts were for wide flange shapes, which dropped 4.2% from January, reflecting a huge 7.9% reduction from 2002 pricing levels. Then something else happened to usher in the new year of 2004 - sky rocketing steel prices.
Industry analysts predict a calming effect on steel prices in the third quarter. How? Supply and demand is one free enterprise method. The repeal of the 201 Tariff will bring foreign steel back to our shores. Increased competition results. How can my company survive until prices settle?
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Ever-increasing steel prices have been the talk of the industry: not only in the USA, but around the world. The British Construction Steel Work Association (BCSA) issued an urgent message to all members on January 23 alerting them to the problem. Who’s to blame? The mini-mill steel manufacturing process thrives on scrap steel, with the increased foreign demand, and the less domestic availability, prices rise. Consider these: -The burgeoning Chinese economy has upped the ante on scrap steel - as of this writing, scrap was at $225/ton. -Lowered U.S. manufacturing capacity the past two years has generated less scrap steel. -Currency valuation with a weaker U.S. dollar has had prohibitive effects on the normal transactions for imported steel shipments. -A coal mine fire in West Virginia led to lower U.S. output of coke. Putting Things in Perspective The AISC’s January release also identifies significant issues. Lou Guthert, P.E. President, advises, “Raw material costs are only one component in the price of a steel building. The impact on the price of a fabricated and erected steel frame is far less.” Even with the increases, steel still rep resented only around 20% of the final cost of the frame and just 3% of the build ing cost. According to the AISC steel mills are paying more for scrap, but wide flange is readily available from steel mill production and service center inventory. In fact, domestic production of wide flange today exceeds domestic demand. In 2004, the domestic market for wide flange material in buildings is forecast at 3.6 million tons. Domestic producers have a capacity of more than 6 million tons. In addition, there currently is an estimated 800,000 to 1 million tons of structural steel in service center
The same instructions that FDR gave in 1941 are still true, “The only thing we have to fear - is fear itself”. Seasoned steel professionals have experienced the peaks and valleys of our industry the past decade, so remain confident in your business acumen. Wide flange sections are still readily available according to Steel Service Center sources. When bidding a project, consider the following, which BCSA is advising their members: • Include a clause in the contract to the effect that their price is based on steel at today’s level and will increase according to the price at the time of delivery • Make a sufficient allowance for future increases up to the expected time of order • Accept the pricing risk themselves. Many members now include a “steel price variation clause” in their tenders. Steel fabricators, rest assured that the AISC is spearheading price stability efforts and is working feverishly to assist its’ members. We are all in this battle together. In the business war of steel versus concrete, our industry cannot afford to lose any battles - especially over prices. The AISC marketing group has taken many positive strides in the competition with concrete. Converting parking garages to steel construction - long a concrete stronghold was a majority initiative. To lose market share now due to price increases cannot be tolerated.
Lyle Menke, Editor Steel Fabricators’ Review
Spring, 2004
STEEL FABRICATOR’S REVIEW
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Company profile: Service Steel Inc. provides fabrication and erection of structural and miscellaneous steel to general contractors. We also, sell stock materi als to the general public. Company history:
A Proud Family Tradition: Matt, Herb, and Monte Taylor
Herb Taylor founded Service Steel Incorporated in September 1965. The first customer we had was Quality Construction, a local contract ing company. Our 2 employees fabricated that job in our shop, which had expanded, added employees and purchased a building and property.
A Peddinghaus Conversation with the Taylors How did your company evolve from its founding to today? A new facility for fabrication was completed in 2002 with the focus of that building being the Peddinghaus BDL-760 drill and ban saw. Our newest expansion now brings our total operating area to approximately 49,750 square feet. The market trends have demanded lower prices and faster delivery schedules. The drill line has proven cost effective and increased our production ability. Product quality has also improved. What was your justification for pur chasing Peddinghaus at that time? We purchased our BDL-760 in 2001. Our justification was to be capable of producing larger projects and providing a lower cost base to customers, while increasing profits. Expansion was a major consideration. What do you feel is the most important issues facing our industry? The most important issues facing the industry today in our opinion is the increasing costs relating to small businesses in the market place. The industry developments of drafting and estimating software when coupled with CNC machinery can produce quicker and better estimates and projects. What key dri vers will change the future of your company? Rising insurance costs and liability are key factors for the future. The ability to bond jobs will also come into play.
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Spring, 2004
What are the greatest challenges you expect to encounter in the next three years? Project scheduling with contractors erection schedule, balancing out the usual drawing and site delays. What new technology ha ve you purchased or have considered to remain competiti ve? The BDL-760 drill line is the base of our technology edge and will be coupled with the latest drafting and estimating software to carry us into the future. How has purchasing Peddinghaus impacted your company? Our Peddinghaus BDL 760 has increased our fabrication speeds and quality. These increases have changed our capabilities and therefore our ability to handle larger projects. Service Steel employs a Peddinghaus model BDL760 drill in tandem operation with a model 30-16 band saw. A complete material handling system eliminates costly crane handling and has streamlined their operation. Herb, Monte, & Matt Taylor are available via telephone at (256) 883-1190.
Spring, 2004
STEEL FABRICATOR’S REVIEW
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Peddinghaus’ “Wall of Fame” A tribute to the achievements of structural steel Projects of Edyce Ingenieria Ind.Sa, a leading fabricator in South America are depicted below. Edyce is based in Santiago, Chile with structural fabrication facilities in Concepcion. They currently utilize two Peddinghaus CNC structural drills, a Peddinghaus FPB 1500 Plasma Detail Punch and a Fabripunch F1170 for processing plate components. An Anglemaster AFCPS 623 is employed for angle iron and flat stock detail requirements. Edyce is capable of processing over 2,500 Metric tons of structural steel monthly. Structural software is employed for stress analysis, which can be downloaded into X Steel format that is then loaded directly into the Peddinghaus equipment for automated fabrication.
The Alitec project consisted of 1,100 metric tons for this food processing facility located in Pargua-Puerto Monte Chile. This was detailed with X Steel software, and completed in 2002.
This detailed connection for the Alitec project was designed with X Steel and processed on the Peddinghaus FPB1500 and AFCPS623.
The Valdivia Boiler Recovery Plant contained over 3,400 metric tons of fabricated structural steel. It is located in San Jose de la Mariquina, Valdivia, Chile. Edyce completed this project in 2003.
This complex connection was designed with Plan Design Management System software which provides stress analysis detail; it was interfaced with X Steel for direct downloading into the Peddinghaus systems for automated fabrication.
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STEEL FABRICATOR’S REVIEW
Spring, 2004
Peddinghaus’ “Wall of Fame” A tribute to the achievements of structural steel The 11,500 tons of structural steel for the Hyatt Center at 71 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL. was fabricated by Cives Steel Co. Midwest Division, Wolcott, IN (Mr. Rich Connelly 219-279-4000). The fifty (50) floors of this project were erected between May, 2003 and February, 2004. Architects were Pei Cobb Freed & Partners / A. Epstein & Sons International; structural engineer was Halvorson Kaye; and Bovis Lend Lease was the General Contractor. This project required 2,000 steel detail drawings in the span of about 6 months. Approximately 600 loads of structural steel were delivered in staged sequence to two cranes with all off-loading occurring in a 24 foot wide alley way between the project building site and another high rise.
Hyatt Center Chicago A Project of Cives Steel Co. Wolcott, IN Mr. Rich Connelly (219) 279-4000 Norak Steel Construction, Ltd. Norak Steel Construction, Ltd., a fabricator in Concord, Ontario, recently worked on the Vaughan Mills project, at the corner of Rutherford and highway 400 in Vaughan, Ontario. The building includes 2,345 tons of structural steel, 2,127 tons of joists and 261 tons of trusses.
Vaughan Mills, Vaughan, ON Norak Steel 44 Creditstone Road Concord, Ontario Mr. Peter Ober (905) 669-1767
Very small bracing members were used in the project design. Plates with very large angles were used in the rigid connections to compensate. The project was delivered on schedule despite the engineering challenges related to connection.
Spring, 2004
STEEL FABRICATOR’S REVIEW
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A Leap of Faith Delivers Dividends for HLM Steel
HLM Steel 31 W 335 Schoger Drive, Naperville, IL 60564 630-898-6006 When Harry L. McWherter founded HLM, Inc. in 1983 with a single welding truck, the main focus of his firm was performing Life-Safety renovations in schools and other public structures. HLM’s reputation for quality and service spread quickly in the industry, and soon referrals were arriving from architects and engineers looking for dependa ble service. Small field and job site welding projects blossomed into small additions” small additions soon grew into new building projects - and the rest is history. One of HLM’s primary business goals has always been to provide customers with products and services that help grow their business. “Partnering is the current descriptive term, but in the 1980’s it was called taking care of your customers”, explained Bryan McWherter President. McWherter added, “In order to meet our customer’s increasing expectation levels, we needed to expand and grow - so we g rew the firm”. The first major step for HLM was to add sophisticated software programs to aid estimated, detailing, project management, and Design-Build work. They thoroughly researched the market for a software package that met their specific requirements now - and in the future. This software purchase streamlined much of the documentation aspects of structural f abrication - but a bigger issue loomed. “With the down turn in the economy and pricing driven to ‘at cost - and below - ‘levels, we knew we had to be as efficient as possible to stay in business” “Not only was estimating and steel purchasing crucial to profitability, but shop efficiency became a major focus,” advised Bryan, “shop labor and the resultant manhours needed per ton were key factors for our bottom line .” To improve their shop, HLM determined that better, more productive, equipment would be needed. But monies were tight, and most spending was put on hold. In 2002, however, HLM invested in their first Peddinghaus machine , a PDL 24 “portable drill”. The unique design of this tool eliminated most manual layout, and saved them a major step in hole production. It was used on beams, columns, channels, virtually everything in their structural fabrication production. “The PDL-24 was the first step in improving our processing procedures. The equipment was cost effective and could aid our personnel in quick beam production”, explained Bryan. “It open our eyes to the advantages of increased shop productivity. NASCC 2003 - A Springboard for Education and Growth One of McWherter’s business philosophies is to take “baby steps” regardless of how aggressively you may want to grow your business. Exhaustively research costs - whether it is equipment, personnel, or software, and purchase only what you deem justifia ble. Always keep your bottom line profitability in sight by focusing on overhead costs. With these thought in mind , HLM faced a pivotal decision in their g rowth process. Expectation levels of customers were heightened, and to proceed in meeting that corporate goal, HLM made the decision to purchase a booth at the AISC sponsored NASCC Conference in April, 2003 in Baltimore. Their goal was to maximize exposure of their firm to architects, engineers, contractors, and related industry partners. At the same time, they took the
continued on page 11...
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STEEL FABRICATOR’S REVIEW
All structural connections are depicted on this sculpture.
Spring, 2004
Pictured in the photo are President, Mr. Larry Fagg (R) and Vice President,Mr. Leroy Fagg (L), of Larco Industries, Beaumont, TX.
The Texas Structural Steel Institute (TSSI) has donated structural steel connection teaching sculptures to various universities in the Lone Star State. These include Lamar University in Beaumont, as well as the University of Texas Austin, Texas A & M University, and the University of Texas at El Paso. The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) provided the design. Participating fabricators in the construction of these teaching sculptures were Larco Industries, Beaumont; American Steel and Aluminum, Grand Prairie; Ennis Steel Industries Inc., Ennis; Safety Steel Services Inc., Victoria; and Western Steel Company, Corpus Christi.
Surveying The Future
Fred Tangelder, Regional Manager
continued from page 1...
over ten years of industrial sales. Fred brings knowledge of many areas of manufacturing and fabrication during his previous tenure.
Of significant interest were the accompanying comments ranging from “Your service staff rates a 20 out of 10 when it comes to cus tomer satisfaction!” and “Peddinghaus wanted us to succeed, and performed well beyond our expectations to insure this achieve ment.” As our headline states, surveying the past does prepare for the future. Peddinghaus is digesting all this data to further improve our machine effectiveness, overall documentation, and customer responsiveness. Peddinghaus is grateful for such loyal customers, who remain not only industry colleagues, but close business friends, as well.
The Steel Fabricators’ Review is a quarterly publication published in Bradley, Illinois
Lyle Menke, Editor Steel Fabricators’ Revie w Bradley, Illinois 60915 Phone: (815) 937-3800 • Fax: (815) 937-4003
Fred has an economics degree from State University of New York, Buffalo, and currently resides in the Detroit area with his family. Peddinghaus Corporation, Bradley, IL is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Fred Tangelder as new Midwest Regional Sales Manager. Fred brings a broad background of engineering experience, highlighted by
You may contact Fred via email at fred-tangelder@peddinghaus.com or his cell 586-610-1099.
Spring, 2004
STEEL FABRICATOR’S REVIEW
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STEEL FABRICATOR’S REVIEW
Remanufactured TDK 1000/3 drill has been a profitable investment for New Jersey Iron.
Spring, 2004
Corbet Way, a building project fabricated by New Jersey Iron on their remanufactured Peddinghaus equipment.
“The reliability, capacity, and precision of my remanufactured TDK 1000 drill line has enabled my company to reach new lev els of volume and accuracy of fabricated steel, without increasing the physical size or amount of manpower at our facility. Peddinghaus service has been fantastic, and their cumulative knowledge of the industry has given my company maximum return on my investment.” Larry Karpinsky Jr. Vice President New Jersey Iron Inc. Jackson, NJ
BEFORE
FACTORY REBUILT
Peddinghaus TDK-1000/3E Drills • CNC 4 Axis Control • Angle Capacity up to 8 x 8 x 1-1/8” AFTER
• Maximum Beam Width - 39” • Maximum Flange Height - 24”
Call us for an unbelievable value 630-655-6322
Spring, 2004
STEEL FABRICATOR’S REVIEW
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continued from page 7... opportunity to educate themselves on new technolo gies in machines and equipment, software detailing, and current engineering developments. It was during the NASCC that they became fully cognizant of the advantages of automated structural production. “I had contended for years that HLM never, ever needed an automated beam processing system. I had my key staff members attend the show with me , and I vividly recall our conversions, “explained McWherter, “the facts could not be denied that we needed to automate to stay competitive - and we needed to do it quickly”. The NASCC Conference afforded HLM the opportunity to examine all equipment manufacturers at the same time. Firms from Japan, Europe, and the USA were all exhibiting machinery under power. Thus a clear, concise assessment of each machine and firm could be made. HLM scrutinized drilling times, features, and total throughput capabilities for all equipment manufacturers.
We Chose Peddinghaus “We chose Peddinghaus”, explained McWherter, “not only for their technology, but because they know the industry, and worked within our budget to find the right fit for HLM now - and in our 5 and 10 year business plan. The interface already existed between our software package and Peddinghaus’machine. Peddinghaus were friendly professionals who guided us through the process, always keeping our corporate goals in mind. With a smile, Bryan adds, Everything that Peddinghaus told me proved to be exactly true. They explained that their drill/saw tandem cell would bury my welders and fit-up guys with work - they were absolutely right, and helped with this production bottleneck. We always took for granted the material handling aspect of our business. But Peddinghaus showed us in detail how an effective handling system minimizes cost b y reducing crane and fork truck handling. Handling a beam with a crane does cost you money - every time. “Buying this Peddinghaus system was my personal Leap of Faith, and I have never been more pleased with the result”.
AISC Certification Builds Business HLM is very proud to have recently received their AISC Certification. They feel that achieving this milestone offers them increased exposure to new bids and building projects. “I believe it is beneficial for all owners, developers, architects and engineers to push using AISC Certified Companies on their projects. A few architectural and engineering firms have started requiring certified fabricators in their specifications”, says McWherter. HLM believes that structural steel fabricators need to work on improving an image of being “specialty contractors”. Structural firms are not your typical construction subcontractor. Our work is a critical path and we should be compensated accordingly. It is a fact that engineers and architects use fabrication shop submittals as a check to their building design. Design drawings and sometimes incomplete, RFI’s are slow to be answered, unrealistic schedules drive fast paced projects...bottom line - steel makes the difference. Quality structural software has enabled us to detail and manage projects as sophisticated businesses. We are moving away from being an industry known for being behind the times and turning into a technology driven industry. This is a great improvement for all steel contractors who utilize the technology available to them.
Insurance and Bonding Challenges Suppliers and similar subcontractors are going to have continual difficulties with insurance and bonding issues. The costs and assorted risk to operate our structural fabrication business escalates every year, while pricing is driven down. Today’s excruciating market conditions are even driving established firms out of business.
New Markets Bring New Opportunities From their detailing software purchase in 1997 to their purchase of a Peddinghaus drill line system in 2003, HLM has positioned themselves for the future. “Our Peddinghaus BDL 760/3 drill was a remanufactured machine that was purchased through their Structural Steel Systems Division. This was a pre-owned machine that Peddinghaus technicians cleaned, inspected, replaced, and updated with current components.” “Not only was it meticulously remanufactured and painted, the 760 carried a factory machine warranty for parts and service. Placing this drill in tandem with a model 30-16 band saw and 120’material handling system gave us an ideal structural fabrication cell. The rapid system installation had us operational in four short weeks from our initial visit to their Bradley, IL facility. “Our Peddinghaus equipment immediately made us a more productive fabricator,” says McWherter, “With our 760/30-16 system, we are able to grow and compete in larger structural projects. Before, we subcontracted a good portion of the structural processing out of house. Now, it is all produced internally”. This new technology puts us in an aggressive position for estimating and product delivery - on small or large tonnage jobs. Peddinghaus - the Pinnacle in Equipment for Structural Steel Fabricators “The customer service, support, and daily interest in HLM’s success g ives us a real comfort level with Peddinghaus,” advises McWherter, “Without a doubt, Peddinghaus is the Pinnacle in equipment for structural steel fabricators. Their products are rugged, durable and designed for the tough American mar ket”. HLM encourages innovation by consistently engaging their employees for ways to improve their overall operation. Software, machinery, personnel, education...business is all about being willing to make changes and this requires taking some risk. Bryan advises his employees to be honest and to deal with the facts; do not be afraid to make a decision. “HLM is no longer the small miscellaneous fabricator customers knew about, says Bryan McWherter proudly, “We are one of the most technically advanced fabrica tors in the Midwest. When it comes to project management, and on stop shopping, HLM leads the way!”
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Spring, 2004
A Peddinghaus “Wall of Fame” Project from FabArc Steel Amniston, AL
Mr. Gene Heathcock (205) 831-8770
Birmingham, Alabama
Photo courtesy of Gary Knight + Associates, Inc.
Lakeshore Foundation Fitness, Recreation and Education Center The Lakeshore Foundation Fitness, Recreation and Education Center in Birmingham is a dream come true for staff and members of the foundations’s board of directors. The new facility provides exemplary fitness and recreation programs that focus on persons with physical disabilities. Serving more than 3,400 people annually, the Lakeshore Foundation assists those who have experienced physically disabling conditions such as a stroke, an amputation, cerebral palsy, post-polio, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, injuries sustained through accident or violence, and injuries to the head or spinal cord. “The new construction provides space to expand fitness, aquatic, recreation and competitive athletic programs,” said Jen Remick, communications director for the Lakeshore Foundation. “The new recreation center is one of the largest in the world focused on serving people with physical disabilities. The environment is friendly, accessible and home to state-of-the-art equipment.” The new facility includes an aquatic facility with two pools, a fieldhouse with three basketball courts and a 200-meter track, a fitness and aerobics center, an air-weapon shooting range, and a sports science lab. The facility is 100-percent accessible, greatly exceeding requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The building’s administrative suite is positioned along the front wall of the gymnasium; in this location it masks the scale of the gymnasium’s high wall. Marvin C. Housworth, FAIA, director of interior design for KPS Group, Inc., the project’s architect/interior designer, said they organized two major activity wings - a gymnasium and an aquatic center - on either side of the
Photo courtesy of Gary Knight + Associates, Inc.
central lobby, allowing the facility to grow in either direction if necessary. The construction team made an effort to maximize natural light in the facility. A two-story glass wall in the lobby allows a picturesque view into the lobby from above. The gymnasium has extensive glazed areas along its wall facing the neighboring forest. Materials for the fieldhouse include brick veneer, exposed concrete structure, an exterior insulation finish system (EIFS) on the south and east walls, aluminumfascias, an EPDM roof, and an aluminum storefront system with opaque and vision glass. The administration portion of the building is
Spring, 2004
STEEL FABRICATOR’S REVIEW
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brick veneer, with EIFS and a storefront system with insulated glass and aluminum glazing for the punched openings. A curtain wall system with clear vision insulated glass exists in the lobby as well as cement board, a storefront system at the south end, continuous skylight, and an EPDM roof. The aquatic center is an exposed concrete structure with brick veneer, EIFS side walls, fascias and soffits. It has the same glazing as the fieldhouse and a standing seam metal roof.
dynamic new programs because of some of the new amenities. The new facility is a key to Lakeshore Foundation continuing to be a world leader in the provision of these services.”
Housworth said one project challenge was trimming “an ambitious program down to the owner’s budget.” The second challenge was to fit a massive building on a beautiful wooded and hilly site in a context-sensitive and cost-effective way. In response to that challenge, the two-story, 127,000-square-foot building was sited on a sloping hillside to reduce its bulk viewed from the existing campus and to take full advantage of wooded views from inside the building. The use of nature, space and light contributes to a more cheerful and positive feeling for patients, staff and visitors.
FabArc Steel Supply, Inc Structural Steel Fabricator
“The new facility affords us the opportunity to serve many more individuals with physical disabilities and their families,” said Remick. “In addition to a growth in the numbers served, we offer
Spring, 2004
Russo Corporation Drill Shafts, Shoring, Site Work, Utilities
STEEL FABRICATOR’S REVIEW
L-R: Dave DeCarlo, John Schilling, Cecil Swaim comprise the backbone of Peddinghaus daily telephone service assistance with over 54 years cumulate PEDDINGHAUS experience. Tami Day quarterbacks all service inquiries for prompt response. • Phone and Parts Assistance 7am - 7pm, CST, Monday - Friday • Peddinghaus Service Techs Average 8.5 Year’s Experience • Detailed Training Programs for software machine operation • Regionally located service technicians • Best Warranty in the business! e-mail: service1@peddinghaus.com or todd-cordes@peddinghaus.com
ABCM-1250/3 CNC Structural Thermal Cutting System Delivers Productivity The dynamic productivity of CNC Structural Thermal Cutting is best evidenced by Peddinghaus users who realize full machine payback justification on ONE job with the ABCM 1250/3.
How Long Do These Copes Take You?
Block Copes 1.4 minute
Rat Hole with Bevel 1.1 minute
Two Block Copes on lead and trail end
Rat Hole with Bevel on lead and trail end
Dog Bone Configuration
3.1 minute
3.3 minute
1.2 minute
Peddinghaus Corporation 300 North Washington Avenue Bradley, Illinois 60915 Phone 815-937-3800 • Fax 815-937-4003 www.peddinghaus.com
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Spring, 2004
To Our Industry Friends As many of you are aware, Peddinghaus Corporation was honored to celebrate our 100th year in business in 2003. This longevity can only be attributed to you – our good friends and customers in the steel construction industry. I am personally grateful for your support these many years. Peddinghaus is privileged to participate in such a dynamic industry, where the business environment fosters vibrant architectural and engineering designs that challenge us all. This issue of the Steel Fabricators’ Review reports on the achievements of various members of the steel construction industry in both North and South America. Though each fabricator is diverse in their company business plan, there is a common theme to structural steel’s daily challenges for each firm. From our communication with fabricators, here are some pertinent issues facing our industry today:
Anton Peddinghaus -
Steel Pricing. Without question, the skyrocketing cost for structural steel sections is affecting how the entire industry estimates current projects. As of this writing, most WF sections were readily available; not so for heavy plate. Various sources report the availability of plate may be most critical in the coming months. Shop Drawing Delays. This age old dilemma never seems to go away. The critical line between profitability and red ink lies in the release of accurate, approved drawings to the shop floor. Is more sophisticated design software the answer? Hopefully, the electronic age will hold a key. The battle with concrete is ongoing, and becoming more critical with the current price instability for structural steel. It is a bitter pill to see concrete replace steel construction projects solely due to material cost. What a pity for the AISC initiatives for parking garage construction to be eroded by steel costs. Labor. Even as politician’s scurry for “manufacturing jobs”, it has been difficult for certain steel fabricators to find and maintain quality shop employees who are schooled in the arts of layout, welding, and structural fabrication.
These are some issues, that we share, but Peddinghaus needs your voice and opinion on topics that are important to you. What affects your individual firm? What challenge is your company facing in the second quarter of 2004? Peddinghaus needs to know how we can assist you, and I would appreciate if you contact my colleagues or myself directly at 815-937-3800 or via e-mail anton@peddinghaus.com. Your input is vital to us. On these pages, we have chronicled the many achievements of structural steel for the Peddinghaus Wall of Fame. I urge you to please participate, and send your steel construction project photos to our staff. We wish to identify and promote these wonderful projects for the entire industry to share and enjoy. As you can see, Peddinghaus is grateful for our past, but we depend on the future. As the steel construction industry moves forward this century, remain confident that Peddinghaus will remain as in integral partner - proud to do business with “structural integrity”.
Volume 16
NEWS FOR THE STRUCTURAL STEEL & PLATE FABRICATOR
Steel Fabricators’ Review Washington and Grove Street Bradley, IL 60915
Spring, 2004 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID PERMIT NO. 38 Kankakee, IL