Smart Solutions – Winter 2025 Issue

Seamlessly Integrating Software & Fab Tools with PypeServer & Bassett Mechanical

Transferring data between different software programs and the fabrication shop exposed Bassett Mechanical to inefficiencies and potential for errors, so they adopted PypeServer software to streamline the process, which has saved time and cut down mistakes. A full-service contractor, Bassett Mechanical specializes in designing, fabricating, installing, and maintaining mechanical systems across several industries. Tyler Petersen, Bassett’s vice president of manufacturing, turned to PypeServer for seamless integration between Bassett’s multiple design software programs and the fabrication tools in the shop.

PypeServer, Inc.

Simplify Tagging, Save Time Featuring Marking Services Inc.

An energy company in the Southeast teamed up with Marking Services Inc. (MSI) to replace its outdated labeling systems across their electricity generating plants, saving time and labor. Working closely with the company, MSI developed a standardized labeling system to help with safety, compliance, maintenance, and emergency response at the company’s many plants (including solar and hydroelectric facilities). As a result, the company implemented a labeling and asset management program using more than 500,000 labels. MSI’s field team ensured proper and precise installation, which in turn saved the energy company time and labor.

Marking Services Inc.

MCAA and Partners Team Up with Virginia Tech to Improve Head Protection

Thirteen years after releasing the first independent safety ratings for varsity football helmets, the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab is expanding into the construction industry. This summer, researchers will begin an 18-month study to develop the first ratings system for safety helmets, commonly referred to as hard hats or construction helmets, using their five-star scale. This project is being funded and guided by the John R. Gentille Foundation, ELECTRI International, the American Society of Concrete Contractors, and The Association of Union Constructors in an effort to reduce the number of head injuries in our industry.

Increase Sales and Customer Satisfaction with XOi & J.M. Brennan, Inc.

With XOi, J.M. Brennan, Inc. was better able to show customers exactly what their projects needed and why, resulting in increased sales and revenue. Tracking their key performance indicators (KPIs) with XOi, J.M. Brennan has seen their closure rate for field quotes increase by 10 percent, among other improvements.

XOi

A Novel Solution to High-Rise Pipe Rehab with NuFlow Technologies & Althoff Industries

NuFlow Midwest, in partnership with Althoff Industries, successfully completed a large-scale pipe rehabilitation in a 60-story Chicago high-rise by using NuFlow Technologies’ cured-in-place pipe lining (CIPP) for hard-to-reach pipes, avoiding costly, disruptive removal and preserving vital building systems. This minimally invasive solution enabled Althoff and NuFlow to comply with Chicago’s building codes while preserving surrounding mechanical systems and reducing downtime in shared spaces.

NuFlow Technologies

Raising Project Quality, Safety, and Sustainability: Advice from Wheatland Tube

In an evolving industry where quality, labor shortages, safety, and environmental impact are top-of-mind, mechanical contractors are faced with critical decisions when specifying materials for their projects. Choosing domestically manufactured products like Wheatland Tube’s 100-percent domestic line of standard pipe over their imported equivalents can increase the quality, safety, and sustainability of any project.

Wheatland Tube

Customized Pipe Cutter Saves Time & Money with HGG Group & Cerris Systems North Central, Inc.

Cerris Systems North Central, Inc. (formerly MMC Contractors) needed a unique pipe cutter to meet rapidly growing demand, so they collaborated with HGG Group to develop the first-ever ProCutter 900 RB. The results were immediate, with instant time savings. A recurring job involving 30” pipes that used to take two weeks to cut now only takes four days.

HGG Profiling Equipment, Inc.

Advances in Oil-Free Compressors: Copeland Explains

In the air- and water-cooled chiller markets, oil-free compression technology is emerging as a more efficient, quieter, more easily applied, and easier-to-maintain alternative to legacy screw compressors. For original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end-users of mission-critical chillers in large HVAC applications, oil management adds costs and complexities to system designs—which typically result in declining energy efficiencies throughout their lifecycles.

Copeland

Beacon Economics Report Offers a Strategic Decision-Making Tool for Service

The 2024 Beacon Economics Market Report for MSCA is here! This essential report delivers up-to-the-minute insights and data-driven analysis tailored for mechanical service contractors. Uncover updated key trends for 2024, including market shifts and economic forecasts that directly impact your business. This study is an invaluable resource for looking at market trends that will help guide strategic decisions and keep you competitive. Don’t miss out on this powerful tool—download the new report today!

Small Steps, Big Wins: Staying Ahead with Cumulative Learning Featuring Tyfoom

For mechanical contractors, staying competitive is a constant battle. But that doesn’t mean you need to make big changes that take a lot of time, effort, and money—it’s about making small, steady improvements over time in processes and people that add up to remarkable results. Focusing on marginal gains and cumulative learning offers a practical way to boost efficiency, reduce risks, and retain top talent—all while building a smarter and more capable workforce.

Tyfoom

Doubling Shop Productivity with Novarc Technologies Inc. & W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, Inc.

W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, Inc. saw a 200-percent increase in shop productivity and a 12-fold increase in weld productivity by implementing Novarc Technologies Inc.’s collaborative Spool Welding Robot (SWR). They are also realizing a 100-percent pass rate on radiography tests (RTs). The SWR has reduced W.W. Gay’s dependence on highly skilled welders, of whom there is a global shortage.

Novarc Technologies Inc.

MCAA’s New Podcast Available Now

Welcome to Inside MCAA, The Blueprint to Mechanical Contracting, the podcast dedicated to unveiling the strategies and resources that power success within the Mechanical Contractors Association of America. Hosted by renowned Customer Experience Coach and NEI Instructor Frank Favaro, each episode dives deep into the wealth of educational tools, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts that define MCAA.

Chain Hoist Simplifies Install & Saves Labor with MILWAUKEE TOOL & Hooper Corporation

Switching from manual hoists to MILWAUKEE TOOL’s M18™ Compact 1-Ton Chain Hoist with ONE-KEY™, Hooper Corporation minimized the physical demands on its workers while making installation much easier and decreasing downtime. Using a cordless chain hoist takes less time to set up and also allows Hooper’s team to get into more tight spaces, increasing efficiency overall. MILWAUKEE TOOL is a benefactor of MCAA25.

MILWAUKEE TOOL

Improving Efficiency & Morale with Customized Software with Procore & McKinstry

After multiple failed attempts to implement project management software that worked for everyone, McKinstry finally found success with Procore. The customized product from Procore increased efficiency, cut delays, and improved morale. Procore is a benefactor of MCAA25.

Procore Technologies, Inc.

Message from Parthiv Amin, M/SC Chair: Efficiency Everywhere, Every Day

This issue of Smart Solutions demonstrates how you can rely on MCAA manufacturer/supplier partners to become more efficient and productive on the shop floor, in the field, and in the office.

Maximizing Efficiency with Novel Uses with Stratus & Postler & Jaeckle Corp.

Labels have traditionally been used in construction to convey basic information, but Postler & Jaeckle Corp. is applying Stratus labels and weld maps to transform their practices, so their teams work smarter, not harder. Jesse Gorman, vice president at Postler & Jaeckle, recognizes the potential for using labels to communicate more detailed, actionable data. His goal is to build directly from the labels, an approach that maximizes their utility in conveying essential information for installing components accurately, boosting his team’s efficiency. Using technology from Stratus, data are extracted and printed onto labels, providing teams with easy-to-understand guidance onsite.

Stratus

Quality & Productivity Soar with Tecnar and Way Engineering

Way Engineering was skeptical that automated welding could deliver the high quality they demanded, but Tecnar’s Rotoweld 3.0 technology proved so effective, the company purchased a second machine just three months later. The Rotoweld is also helping Way Engineering adapt to the industry-wide shortage of skilled welders.

Tecnar

Avoiding Turbulence with SLOAN & P.J. Dionne Company

P.J. Dionne Company found that using Sloan’s AER-DEC® Integrated Sinks helped make a complex installation at Logan Airport a more collaborative effort. (SLOAN is a benefactor of MCAA25.) Sloan’s AER-DEC Integrated Sinks contribute to the airport’s sustainability goals while offering high standards of hygiene and efficiency.

SLOAN

Winter 2025 Issue

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