Cianbro Equipment & Starcon Logistics Integration

Cianbro Equipment & Starcon Logistics Integration a Success

EQUIPMENT & STARCON

n By Megan Barnes

common challenge for an organization the size of The Cianbro Companies (TCC) is how to leverage best practices across the organization without negatively impacting customer service. This is what the Cianbro Equipment LLC (CEL) team was tasked with solving when they began the CEL/Starcon Logistics integration process. CEL Manager Doug LaCroix explains, “It began with the creation of the 2018 CEL Business Plan. Some of the initial tasks identified were: document similar processes at CEL and Starcon Logistics, utilize LEAN principles to identify best practices, and document best practices for later inclusion in our standard operating procedures. Simultaneously, we had to identify what items (equipment/tools/scaffolding) Starcon routinely rents from third party suppliers.”

Once the information was gathered, several questions needed to be answered. What can we do to leverage the information? How do we create synergy/efficiencies between CEL and Starcon Logistics? How do we standardize the equipment rental process? Equipment Superintendent Buddy Kershner elaborated, “We knew we needed help from subject matter experts if we were going to complete the integration process successfully without impacting customer service.”

A team was created with members from CEL, Starcon Logistics, corporate IT development, corporate finance, and Starcon finance. The team held weekly meetings, creating an outline identifying the required resources: team members, infrastructure, and systems. Next, the team finalized an enterprise resource plan with a budget. Key components of the plan included Starcon Logistics migrating to CEL’s software platform (M3), streamlining all processes using lean principles, implementing identical processes/best practices throughout CEL/Starcon Logistics, and centralizing all Starcon 3rd party rentals through CEL/Starcon Logistics.

After preparation and training were complete, the integration took place on March 2, 2020. It immediately enhanced customer service, allowing customers to have the same experience whether in Pittsfield, Maine; New Lenox, Illinois; La Porte Texas; and everywhere in between. The integration was a success due to the collaboration and efforts of everyone on the team. The success serves as proof that the saying is true, NO ONE IS SMARTER THAN ALL OF US!

Truck Mount Bundle Extractor

No one is smarter than all of us!

Fabrication & Coatings Involvement with Puritan Project

FABRICATION & COATING

n By Rob Nickerson

t the end of April 2020, when Cianbro partnered with Puritan Medical Products to renovate an old manufacturing facility, it was all hands on deck. Cianbro Fabrication & Coatings Corporation (CFCC) was involved early in the project to secure the steel that was needed first in order to meet the aggressive timeline of the project.

For CFCC, the orders started coming in early May: reinforcement for the roof, framing for air units, and plenty of painted guardrail. Schedule was always the top priority, ranging from weeks to days between order and delivery. On multiple occasions, an early morning phone call would result in a completed delivery that very afternoon.

Speed and flexibility are two hallmark traits CFCC has always held and the Puritan project was their opportunity to shine. The newly added second shift in Pittsfield proved to be invaluable in hitting critical production milestones, while Georgetown worked tirelessly on maintaining commitments toward other projects. Project manager Mark Hansen closely coordinated with shop supervisor Craig Chambers to match production to site needs.

After a massive team effort and more than 2,000 shop work hours, the fabrication portion of the Puritan project closed out at 1.14 productivity and no safety incidents. With this project delivered safely and on time, Cianbro Fabrication & Coatings Corporation is ready for the next project!