Winter 2024 Issue

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Dramatically Increase Efficiency

With a large project on the horizon and more on the way, AMS Industries, Inc. invested in a Watts Specialties, LLC pipe cutting machine and immediately reaped benefits. “Pipe cuts that were previously taking one man 40 hours to complete are now being cut in 8 hours—including olets!” said Beth Thullen, fabrication shop superintendent at AMS.

Watts Specialties

Racing Ahead of Casino Schedule

To meet the tight timeline for a new multimillion-dollar casino and hotel, The Severn Group leveraged the Victaulic grooved copper system’s design flexibility and on-site fabrication capabilities to manage the project’s most critical aspects. As a result, The Severn Group was ahead of schedule on every portion of their scope of work. Victaulic is a major sponsor of MCAA24.

Victaulic

Predictive Maintenance Streamlines Operations

With the nClarity predictive maintenance (PdM) platform, Mazza Mechanical transitioned from the traditional preventive maintenance model to a digital-based service, streamlining business operations considerably. Mazza Vice President Ledgie DeRose explained, “We are now able to get early warnings when issues emerge without having to go onsite. This is far more productive than our old approach of dispatching techs 12 times per year.”

nClarity

Executive-To-Executive Meetings, Strategic Discussions & Innovation Await At MCAA Converge

Want to improve your business relationships, gain product knowledge and leverage your business strategy? Join us for MCAA Converge. More than just a meeting, MCAA Converge is a meticulously crafted experience designed to address the unique needs of your company. Picture executive-to-executive meetings, a melting pot of strategic discussions, and an atmosphere buzzing with innovation.

Simplify Remote Monitoring & Maintenance

Installing smart products like the SC Argus™ Pro suite from SLOAN (an MCAA24 benefactor) allows facility managers to monitor and maintain products remotely, saving time. These products also reduce water usage, improve sustainability, and contribute to a healthier, more hygienic restroom environment.

SLOAN

Highlighting Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity risks rank as a top concern for companies worldwide. CNA, a supporter of MCAA24, offers Risk Control e-Talks, a series of short podcasts (about 15 minutes each) on risk and resilience. Season 3 focuses on cyber resilience. It offers insights into current cyber attack trends, cyber risk management approaches, and solutions to manage this significant threat to business resilience.

CNA

Staying Healthy on the Job

On-the-job safety hazards are a constant risk for mechanical contractors, with some of the most frequently reported injuries coming from routinely used tools and equipment. A few simple precautions can go a long way toward helping maintain health.

Ridge Tool Company

Building the Industry Workforce

LAARS, a Bradford White Company (and a benefactor of MCAA24), is working closely with MCAA and the United Association (UA) toward a shared vision of continuous support for a trained, skilled workforce that is committed to safety, quality, and productivity. LAARS and the UA have established more than 50 advanced water heater and boiler training labs across the United States, with many more in development.

LAARS, a Bradford White Company

Fueling Growth With a Software Solution

Former service technician Kevin Harris started Preferred Mechanical Group (PMG) 4 years ago with two technicians; now PMG employs 52 technicians and an office staff of 26—and Harris projects continued growth over the next few years. ServiceTrade talked with Harris about his company’s impressive growth and how the service software helped him build an efficient, technician-centric company.

ServiceTrade

Department of Defense Announces New Cybersecurity Requirements

In 2020, the Department of Defense announced a new strategic effort to provide enhanced cybersecurity efforts for their building projects going forward. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) will ensure accountability for companies to implement cybersecurity standards to protect sensitive data during the design, build and operations of DoD facilities. Through research grants by the John R. Gentille Foundation and ELECTRI International, a video series, along with official DoD CMMC documentation, has been produced by MCAA’s Chief Security Fanatic, Nick Espinosa to provide ongoing updates on CMMC changes as the standard evolves and in-depth tutorials on all 110 CMMC Level 2 security controls.

Rethinking Construction Site Sanitation

With help from Morris Group International® (MGI) and its AcornVac® vacuum plumbing system, Matt Davenport of Southland Industries designed portable toilets that are easy to transport and use less water than other options, saving the company money and time. Portable toilets are notorious for their unpleasantness, and Davenport, Southland’s project constructability lead, found them downright “inhumane.” MGI is a major sponsor of MCAA24.

Morris Group International

Managing the Houston Heat

By specifying a new Marley® MH Element™ Fluid Cooler from SPX Cooling Tech, LLC, Letsos Company provided a more efficient, more sustainable alternative to repairing the deteriorating existing cooler of an historic Houston building while maintaining a similar footprint, simplifying the installation process.

SPX Cooling Tech, LLC

Help Keep Your Project Up to Code

Specifications provide clear instructions on a project’s intent, performance, and construction; a detailed specification can anticipate and answer construction questions onsite, saving the contractor time and money. Combined with drawings, they are contractual documents that can minimize project risk and give support if any legal issues arise. When the project is finished, construction specifications become part of the audit trail and can form the basis for future management or policies, such as best practices to optimize future endeavors.

NIBCO INC.

Extra Eyes Onsite, Catching Errors Early & Cutting Travel Time

Thanks to photos and videos captured onsite by OpenSpace technology, U.S. Engineering fixed an error during construction that would have required expensive rework if it had not been caught early. With OpenSpace, U.S. Engineering managers are keeping tabs on projects remotely, saving hours of travel time and costs.

OpenSpace

Preventing a Prolonged Power Plant Shutdown

Through a preventative maintenance program, F.W. Webb Company found and fixed oil leaks at a New Hampshire power plant that could have caused major problems. Instead of a long shutdown that could have affected electricity customers across New England, F.W. Webb completed repairs during a planned two-week plant closure.

F.W. Webb Company