Major Upgrades at Cianbro’s Fabrication & Coating

Renovations modernize operations and provide a safer work environment

Fabrication & Coating

By Jason Higgins, Finance Leader

In recent years, Cianbro Fabrication & Coating Company (CFCC) embarked on renovations at its facility in Pittsfield, Maine, including the acquisition and installation of a new blast room, which is a critical part of the shop’s operations. The old blast pit was built in 1987, and after more than 30 years in service, it had reached the end of its useful lifespan. The team spent much of 2021 readying the foundation, finishing the canopy roof, and building a small annex to prepare to install the blast room.

The multi-year renovation project was completed throughout 2022 and included the state-of-the-art abrasive blast room and system that measures 18 feet tall, 24 feet wide, and 60 feet long, used to prep steel for coating, a steel plate duplicator and related building enclosure, and reclaimed fabrication floor space.

Since its installation, the new blast room and system have drastically improved throughput time, reduced annual maintenance costs, eliminated equipment breakdowns, and provided a safer work environment for team members. Some of the significant features include the following:

• Full heavy-duty floor constructed of grating to reclaim blast media.

• Continuous flow in and out.

• Adjustable lighting wall/ceilings.

• A superior dust collection system.

• Floor rating of 10,000 pounds per square foot.

• A fall protection system to allow for work at elevated heights.

“The new blast room’s innovative technology enhances vision inside the booth and maintains cleaner airspace for our team members through its dust collection system, keeping safety at the forefront of this renovation,” says Ryan Graves, Safety Manager. “The new blast room also contains recessed light fixtures and an automatic grit cut-off system that also minimizes the grit accidentally released from the hose.”

“The modernization and upgrades have allowed us to perform our fabrication indoors, which is a much safer environment,” adds Craig Chambers, Fabrication Superintendent. “In addition, we have gained capacity and control over our production schedules, significantly reduced equipment main- tenance and downtime, minimized the need for third-party subcontractors, and eliminated additional material handling, all adding value to our customers.”

The reclaimed fabrication floor space was completed in September and is divided into two work areas totaling 2,500 square feet, each with overhead cranes. New energy-efficient overhead lights brighten the work area, and large bay doors provide access to material handling equipment and outside air. Storage racks on the work area’s sides store frequently used welding equipment and supplies.

Key renovation tasks included demolition of the old blast pit, removal and disposal of used blast media, backfilling the pit with aggregate, installing rebar, and pouring concrete to complete the new floor. The team also installed bulk shielding gas distribution lines and other utilities before moving on to exterior wall framing for the bay doors, each of which has a new approach apron. For its final task, the crew installed the new exterior blue siding.

“The facility upgrades have greatly improved our shop flow,” says Mark Hansen, Project Manager. “We have less downtime due to equipment issues and can keep more work in-house and in our control. These factors, combined with the added fabrication space, allow us to get more work out the door and meet aggressive schedules, which helps improve our customer’s satisfaction.”

“This project was born out of concern for the health and well-being of team members who, day in and day out, show up to perform a very difficult job,” says Ted Swenson, Sales and Estimating Manager. “Making the numbers work financially presented challenges that needed to be overcome. In the end, the team rolled up their sleeves and figured out a way to not only make it work, but to add value to the bottom line.”

CFCC has performed significant work to advance Cianbro’s jobs at TimerHP GoLabs, P-381 Tri-Venture, and more. By providing high-quality fabricated steel, eliminating defective parts, and offering other value-added services such as industrial coatings and detailed modeling for these critical projects, Cianbro was able to meet the owners’ project schedules.

Additionally, CFCC and Cianbro Equipment and Logistics have teamed up to repair and paint nearly 50 flexifloats. Previously, a third party performed this work because the old blast pit’s floor had deteriorated, and the room only had one entry/exit door. In the new blast room, the trailer is driven through using the yard truck.

“The investment that The Cianbro Companies has made in CFCC’s facilities and equipment is a clear message of confidence in our team,” says Mark McLean, Director of Operations. “With the help of the CEL properties team, we have accomplished these upgrades with little impact on our everyday operations. Thank you to all those involved!”