■ SEAA partners with GMF Steel Group, Members for Career Event

In January, SEAA held its second Career Fair to spread awareness about the career opportunities available in the steel construction industry. Hosted by member company GMF Steel Group in Lakeland, Fla., the Career Fair brought together approximately 100 students from five local high schools and 70 students from technical colleges.

“As an association, one of our goals is to invest in the future of the steel construction industry. One way we can do that is by working with our member companies to host these types of educational events,” said Pete Gum, SEAA’s Executive Director.

“While it can be difficult to know exactly how many students end up having a career in the steel industry, we are making a difference for members and their local communities by showcasing what the skilled trades have to offer,” said David Deem, President of SEAA and President of Deem Structural Services.

Sporting hard hats, vests, and other PPE provided by sponsor Columbia Safety and Supply, students rotated through 13 stations staffed by SEAA members and equipment suppliers. Florida based contractors who participated were GMF Steel Group, Bowman Steel, Gardner-Watson Decking, Gardner-Watson Studs, and Shelby Erectors.

Students could observe or participate in hands-on demos of welding, steel modeling, rebar tying, surveying, decking, and more. Trivent Safety Consulting led the students in a dynamic stretch routine to highlight the importance of physical health in the skilled trades. Industrial Training International provided a Virtual Reality crane operator simulator experience. Others stations included:

• Certified Slings and Supply, Safety Equipment Station

• GMF Steel Group, Rigging & Surveying and Quality Control

• Hilti, Stand-up Decking Tool Station

• National Center for Construction Education & Research

• Nelson Stud Welding, Stud Welding Station

• Red-D-Arc, Welding Station

• SafeWaze, Fall Protection Station

• SDS2, Steel Modeling Station

The response was positive from both students and teachers in attendance. “This hands-on event helped to reinforce everything we have been telling our students about having a career in the trades,” said Thomas Hoien, a teacher at Fort Meade Construction Academy. “Being able to get them out of the classroom where they can try different tasks, see the technology being used, and ask questions gets them excited for the future.”

Following the career fair, GMF Steel Group received inquiries about its Structural Steel Ironworker Apprenticeship Program. Introduced last year, the program uses the SEAA/NCCER curriculum, which provides nationally recognized credentials. Participation in training is free and all apprentices employed by GMF Steel Group qualify for employee benefits. “We are offering a career path—by teaching a skilled trade and providing the opportunity to work toward many different roles within the company,” said Andy Norman, President of GMF Steel Group.

“From GMF Steel’s commitment to host and coordinate with schools, demo stations executed by many companies, to lunch provided by Gardner-Watson Decking, the support of our member companies doesn’t go unnoticed and the event wouldn’t have been a success without them,” said Gum.

■ Preferred Vendor BBSI Now Offers Discounted Workers’ Comp Insurance for SEAA Members

SEAA announces that it has partnered with BBSI to provide a special insurance program in which SEAA members receive an automatic 10 percent discount on their workers compensation premium, as well as an opportunity to earn back 5 percent based on claims performance.

BBSI is a leading provider of organizational infrastructure solutions that are customized to the unique needs of business owners in all 50 states. Member companies will be assigned to a dedicated team to provide support for loss control, human resources, employee recruiting and retention, payroll and timekeeping. Other benefits include access to group health insurance, 401k, a learning management system, and more. More information can be found at bbsi.com. Contact Tucker Smith at tucker.smith@bbsi.com for more information on the SEAA program. •

■ Exhibitors Preview New Products

SEAA’s 2023 trade show, to be held in St. Augustine, Fla., features more than 40 exhibitors. The following vendors announce new products for steel the construction market. Check out the full list of exhibitors online at the Trade Show link on the SEAA Convention & Trade Show page.

■ JLG Introduces Self-Leveling Boom Lift to North America

JLG Industries, Inc., has released the JLG® 670SJ self-leveling boom lift to the North American market. The 670SJ automatically adapts to terrain on slopes up to 10 degrees in any direction, while driving with full functionality at 67-ft platform height.

The 670SJ’s is designed to adjust the boom lift’s chassis to the ground conditions, rather than having to adjust the ground conditions to the machine. This allows the boom lift to navigate uneven terrain while driving at height from one job to the other without lowering the boom, leading to significant productivity gains throughout the workday.

The boom lift allows for 73-ft work height and 57-ft of horizontal reach, with 550-lb unrestricted and 750-lb restricted capacities, and is has three operating modes. Self-leveling mode enables the machine to work at full height on slopes up to 10 degrees. Travel mode can be used when the boom is stowed to move across the job site at a faster speed, and shipping mode allows the entire machine to be lowered once in position on a truck, reducing its travel height.

■ Unique Anchor System Saves Contractors Time and Money

Hilti North America, a global leader providing innovative tools, technology, software, and services to the commercial construction industry, introduces the Kwik-X Dual Action Anchor system, the first of its kind on the market, combining the high performance of adhesive anchors and installation speed and simplicity of screw anchors.

Reducing multiple steps in the traditional adhesive anchor installation process, Kwik-X reduces costly man hours and jobsite expenses. Kwik-X can reduce installation time by up to 70 percent and save up to 20 percent in total cost of installation when compared to traditional adhesive anchoring systems.

Comprised of the convenient Kwik-X pre-portioned adhesive capsule and Kwik HUS-EZ screw anchor, the system provides the necessary performance for safety-critical applications. It reduces the number of steps in the installation process, such as hole cleaning, curing time, and dispensing – eliminating adhesive waste and the need for accessories like brushes, air com pressors, and dispensers.

This simplicity results in increased productivity by reducing the risk of human error. Additional features such as high per formance in real jobsite conditions and the capability to remove and reinstall the anchor in the same borehole help cater to the needs of the installer. These factors help save contractors time and money.

■ Exclusive Turn-of-Nut Wrenches Released by GWY

Founded in 1975 as TC Bolt Corporation, GWY, LLC, has grown to be a global leader specializing in the sales, rental, repair, and calibration of industrial installation tools and wrenches. We provide several product lines equipped to handle the most demanding applications and projects from all over the world. In partnership with TONE, we’ve combined years of bolt fastening experience with quality wrench manufacturing to custom design our exclusive line of turn-of-nut wrenches. Installing hex-head bolts using the turn-of-nut method enhances steel erection by taking the guess work out of each bolt installation. Compatible with ¾” up to 1-½” bolt diameters, the GPTN turn-of-nut wrench series features LED indication lights, overload protection, and an integrated reverse kit. This series of installation wrenches automatically tightens the bolt assembly to the preset rotation and meets the high state and federal standards for structural fastening without the need for jobsite calibration. However, calibration is necessary for certain installation wrenches and tools at least once a year to verify that they’re operating accurately and reliably. Our newly upgraded calibration equipment offers in-house calibration of pneumatic, electric, hydraulic, and hand torque wrenches, as well as bolt tension calibrators.

■ New Miller Welding System Designed for Structural Fabrication and Steel Erection

New XMT® 650 ArcReach® Systems from Miller Electric Mfg. LLC are designed to maximize productivity and cost savings while delivering the power needed for structural fabrication and steel erection welding. Point-of-use control lets users weld and gouge with a single system and easily make process changes at the feeder without a control cable. These features improve productivity and deliver cost savings while providing the robust power needed on the jobsite and in the shop.

The system’s two parts are an XMT 650 ArcReach power source and an ArcReach 16 wire feeder. Configurations are available for field and shop appli cations, with polarity-reversing (PR) and non-polarity-reversing power source models — both compatible with the ArcReach 16 wire feeder. The remote polarity-reversing model lets operators switch polarity at the feeder, so they can quickly change between welding and gouging without having to walk back to the power source.

When it comes to power, XMT 650 ArcReach Systems remove more material per pass when gouging without sacrificing control; the power source is rated for 3/8-inch carbon. The ability to use large-diameter filler metal wires and large wire coils also helps operations improve project timelines and minimize downtime.

■ Liebherr Debuts LR1400SX Crawler Crane

The New LR 1400 SX Liebherr Lattice Boom Crawler Crane is built for Construction work with a maximum load capacity of 441 tons up to a 16-foot radius. The main boom measures 312 feet, with a Luffing jib providing up to 371 feet of additional lift height. Maximum hoist height is 574 feet, and maximum lift radius is 407’. It has a 603-horsepower diesel engine that allows extra power/ speed for boom and swing while traveling with a load on the hook. Transport weight for the LR 1400 SX crane is 50 tons, and platform and railings remain attached to the upper carriage during transportation and fold down when at jobsite. The machine totally self-assembles, and it is possible to operate the machine with remote control if so needed.

The four crawler drives enable the LR1400SX crane to maneuver on job sites where space is tight, including track width adjustment that allows access on narrow roads.

■ Deltek ComputerEase Introduces Equipment Center

Deltek ComputerEase is the leading construction software provider of job cost accounting, project management and payroll services. Contractors stay in control from any location, offering affordable tools to proactively manage jobs, inventory, finances and people, mobilizing the office to the field. Deltek’s dedicated team is committed to providing service excellence, product innovation and adapts to the evolving industry and legislation. Thousands of companies have entrusted Deltek ComputerEase for decades to beat the competition, increase profits and earn money back.

Deltek ComputerEase recently introduced the Equipment Center, allowing your information to integrate with job costing, purchasing, and invoicing while providing real-time access so that you will know where you stand on every job—from anywhere, at any time. To better control your equipment expenses, Deltek ComputerEase helps you determine the real cost of ownership and operation, monitoring the overall performance and location of each piece. Not only can Deltek ComputerEase help you manage the internal use of your equipment and tools, but if you have the need to rent them out to third parties, Deltek ComputerEase can handle that too. You can quickly set up pricing and charge accurate rates. Even swap your equipment to and from jobs without affecting billing.

■ Lincoln Electric Maverick 325X

The Maverick® 325X delivers the industry’s next-generation of compact, diesel engine driven welder/generators. The Maverick 325X provides the latest welding technology, including a next-gen display, optimized weld modes, and advance engine monitoring. The machine promotes fuel savings with variable engine RPM and auto start/stop capabilities, and delivers plenty of jobsite power with 400 amps of welding output and 10kW of clean, single-phase auxiliary power. This multi-process machine optimizes performance with specialized stick modes, wire welding capability, and direct-connect spool gun for pulsed aluminum welding. The Maverick 325X offers advanced machine control with 4.6-inch digital display of process setup, maintenance reminders, and PIN authorization. Auto-Stop/Start Technology saves fuel, prevents excessive engine wear and reduces emissions by automatically turning off the engine during idle periods and restarting when welding resumes. The embedded CrossLinc® technology enables voltage control at the arc and improves jobsite safety and efficiency by eliminating the need for extra wires and controls.

■ Steel Erectors Save Hours with Remote-Controlled Crane Hooks

OTH Pioneer Rigging, Montreal, Quebec, announces new lifting hooks that are remotely controlled to allow workers to release rigging from loads safely from a distance. With unlimited hooks synchronized on the same remote, users can design their own setup. Both models (4,400-lb and 11,600-lb Working Load Limit) work with vertical, basket, or choker setups and any kind of attachment (wire rope, nylon rope, chains, eye bolts, etc.) to lift up to 100,000 lbs. For high cycle tasks such as steel erection the remote-controlled hook can save up to four hours of the time it takes to release loads over the course of the day. With a range of 200 ft, the remote control is color-coded to coordinate with hooks, which can be opened all at once or one at a time. The shape of the hook is designed for work in harsh environments, and features long-lasting battery life, capable of making more than 100 lifts per day for a full week before recharging is required. More than 400 units are already in use in North America. The hooks are ASME, UL/CSA, and FCC/IC compliant. OTH Pioneer Rigging has permanent customer service with shipping on spare parts and accessories in less than 24 hours, offers annual inspections, and offers new users the opportunity of a oneweek free trial.

■ Red-D-Arc Now Offers Tru-Weld TW6900 Stud Welder

Red-D-Arc offers the Tru-Weld TW6900 Stud Welder, a fully-integrated 3000A single-gun stud welding system, and a dual-gun system, the Tru-Weld TW6902. Designed to perform the most challenging stud welding jobs, this system includes a TW6900 power supply, TWE17000 HD stud gun and all required cables. It’s made in America and has an enhanced duty cycle making it excellent for production environments. The system has an improved user interface that makes setting it up more intuitive with digital controls for time and current, and comes equipped with factory and customizable presets.

It includes PRO-TECH’D technology that protects gun circuitry. Fine tune your stud welding with features that improve weld control, prevent double triggering, save on chuck wear and count studs so you don’t have to keep track while you're working. For more information about the Tru-Weld TW6900 visit reddarc.com or call your Red-D-Arc representative today.

■ New XStep from Skyjack Addresses Problem of Standing on Scissor Rails

Safety has always been at the forefront of Skyjack’s development and the new XStep is no exception. The most recent IPAF Global Safety Report cited falls from the platform to be among the most common type of incidents leading to death – a finding that has remained consistent over the last decade. Paired with the relatively common practice of operators standing on railings to gain more height, it became clear that a tool to allow increased reach in a safe manner was needed. With XStep, working height is maximized and productivity is improved with increased access into and around difficult spaces such as ceiling mounted structures.

XStep provides operators with an additional 19” of jobsite access via the sturdy platform mounted securely on the mid rails. The design and height of the top railing on the XStep, as well as entry and exit via the locking gate, ensures operators have the same degree of security as a conventional platform.

Notably, the XStep can be installed by one person in 5 minutes without the need for special tools. Retrofittable to previous Skyjack DC scissor models, XStep can be conveniently moved from one scissor to another, allowing for increased fleet flexibility. •