for your help in producing this edition of High Spirit.
Courtney Ashby
Rose Crandall
Joy Dickson
Franc Genoese
Noah Ginder
Shannan Givler
Darryl Gordon
Jackee Hoskins
Aidalis Lopez
Mike Lorelli
Brad Mowbray
Stephanie Reese
Brian Reichert
Elaine Richard
Laurèl Rolle
Kathryn Ross
Laurie Salzmann
David Schreck
Emily Shirk
Mike Shirk
Colton Smoker
Robin Stauffer
Scott Werkheiser
Rusty Wynegar
l A Message From The Chief Executive Officer
F Team High Stepped Up to the Plate in a Very Challenging Year
l Industry Leadership
F A Creative CAC Event
F HCG Produces Its First ThinCast Rainscreen Project
F Hotel Renovations Impress Travelers
F HCC Boasts an Exceptional Safety Record
F HCG Earns AA Architectural Certification
F High Honors
l Environmental Stewardship
F Wet Blasting Reduces Air Emissions While Increasing Efficiencies
F StructureCare Prolongs Parking Garage Life Through Innovation
F Fume Extraction Unit Improves Plant Air Quality
F HCC Focuses on Environmental Impact for Armstrong Flooring Inc. Project
F Greenfield Estates Upgrades Net Green Results
l Community Commitment
F High Co-Workers and Retirees Pledge Generously to United Way
F High Foundation Sponsors 2020 Extraordinary Give
High co-workers were invited to join fellow co-workers at an outdoor “S’Mores and More for Extra Give,” at the S. Dale
High Leadership Center.
To read “S’More” about this important community event, see page 13 of High Spirit!
High Spirit is published as a service to High® co-workers and retirees, and their families. Submissions, comments, and suggestions are welcome and should be submitted to: Laurie M. Newmoyer, Editor lnewmoyer@high.net 717/293-4479
Welcome to 2021! With the supply of COVID-19 vaccines ramping up and line of sight to businesses and our economy more fully opening up, we’re optimistic that we’ll soon be in the seventh inning of this terrible pandemic. Brighter days are ahead, but the leadership and ownership of High also look back at 2020 as a time when you showed what we’re made of and demonstrated great strength, agility and grit. In this message I’d like to take a quick look back at our businesses in 2020.
Very early on in the COVID-19 pandemic, we set three new priorities for the year:
1. Support our co-workers and ensure a safe and healthy environment;
2. Be there to serve our customers, communities and country, and execute well; and
3. Take responsible steps to ensure we have a bright future ahead.
Make no mistake, you accomplished all three. We’ve talked so much about the first priority through the many video messages and other communications, so I won’t rehash that here. I’ll simply say that our robust screening processes, contact tracing, re-engineering of work, transition for some to working remotely, flexible leave policies, and caring from all of you have made a huge difference in lives in 2020, and that continues today. In our 2020 Co-worker Engagement Survey, the highest rated dimension was our response to COVID-19. I know there are things we could have done better and will learn from, but we’re very proud of how the High team responded!
On the business front, High Industries had several big accomplishments in 2020. High Steel Structures made excellent progress in our non-bridge segment, with a big win of the 270 Park Avenue project in New York City, and in growing bridge share in our markets. High Steel Structures and High Structural Erectors delivered very well for our customers, including on the very challenging Purple Line Project which we have highlighted in videos. High Concrete Group completed Project Osprey, a large investment to improve quality and add capacity for our architectural strategic growth priority. While we fell short of our 2020 architectural revenue goal, the actions taken have put us in better position for 2021. The team was certainly busy with the largest parking garage project in our history – ConRAC at Newark Airport – and several others. We also made a
big decision and investment in 2020 for High Transit to soon take over shipping operations for High Concrete Group, where we previously relied entirely on outside partners.
In the growth areas of StructureCare and new products at High Steel Service Center, we were encouraged to see growth versus 2019. This shows we’re gaining share as both markets were negatively impacted by COVID-19, and the teams lost three-plus months of new customer development activity due to pandemic-related restrictions.
Switching to High Real Estate Group, we were able to maintain strong occupancies in our residential and commercial portfolios, and provided needed financial support for many commercial, retail, and residential tenants. Our collective team of High Associates, High Construction and Greenfield Architects demonstrated impressive tenacity and partnership, winning two major new clients this year – Armstrong Flooring headquarters and Penn State Hershey Medical – and executing very well on the construction and lease-up of seven development projects. Despite a sixweek construction shutdown, COVID-19 capacity restrictions on jobsites, and supply chain disruptions, all seven are on budget and either on schedule or, at most, one to three months behind. Additionally, we acquired land for a new residential development in Charleston, South Carolina.
By now we all know High Hotels was severely impacted by COVID-19, but we couldn’t be more proud of the team’s commitment and courage in what was a very demanding environment. They were there to serve many important customers who really needed us to be there for them. Without question, the High Hotels team outperformed the competition, which helped mitigate the financial losses.
This is just a brief snapshot of how we accomplished our three goals for the year. Congratulations Team High! Now it’s time to get vaccinated and beat this pandemic! More vaccine supply is coming soon, and we’ve communicated the various accommodations and support we’re providing to help you do so. As we enter the seventh inning of this pandemic, now is not the time to stretch and relax. Let’s stay 100% committed to following the rules and keeping each other safe, and getting vaccinated when supply catches up. With that, we’ll have the opportunity to see much brighter days ahead soon, with greater prosperity, fewer restrictions, and more gatherings to connect with each other and with our loved ones. On a personal level, I can’t wait to spend less time managing this pandemic and more time out connecting with all of you, and thanking you for your contributions and commitment. Be safe and be each others’ keepers. Rendering of the new Armstrong Flooring headquarters in Greenfield.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a dramatic effect on the kinds of activities Co-worker Activities Committee (CAC) can provide. Co-workers are working extra-hard, so it’s important that we play extra hard, too! That’s why coworkers and their families were asked to submit artwork depicting the work performed at High. CAC then chose the best of the best to be featured in its 2021 calendar. While there were lots of great submissions, the following co-workers or family members – shown in parentheses –had their artwork featured in the calendar:
• Cassie Adams, HCL (Riley)
• Glen Barrows, HT
• Brittani Fry, HCC
• Cassie Fuller, HHL
• Patrick Hess, HT
• Jolin Hoover, HT (Joseph)
• Michael Jobe, HT
• Jon Kleiber, HAL
• Connie Marshall, HHL/HSS
• Sharon Murry, HSSC
• Julio Santiago, HSS
• David Schreck, SC (Andy and Leah)
• Jenni Simmons, HCL
• Tammy Slotter, HHL
• Leea Snyder, HHL
• Mindy Stasio, HHL
• Mark Walton, HAL (Deanna), above
In 2020, construction began on a new Transportation Center for Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. This marks High Concrete Group’s first project utilizing its ThinCast™ product. In all, 2,104 square-feet of ThinCast in a mix of alabaster and obsidian colors will enhance the building’s exterior.
A rainscreen is a methodology for enclosing a structure with an external protective material over a building’s waterproof membrane layer. While being able to act functionally as any other available rainscreen system, ThinCast also adds the natural beauty of concrete to the mix. Showcasing natural aggregates with a variety of colors and sizes, a modern sophisticated look can be added to any building. Choosing ThinCast for this project gave High Concrete Group, High Construction and Greenfield Architects the opportunity to collaborate with each other using a new product.
Located in Greenfield, this 86,000 square-foot flex building will house three transportation-focused majors, including the College’s new Diesel Technology program. This new facility will allow Thaddeus Stevens to increase enrollment from 50 to 125 students.
Production of the 134 ThinCast panels needed for the building began in October 2020 and concluded in December. Installation began in January 2021.
Two properties in the High Hotels Ltd. portfolio underwent full renovations in 2020. The Hampton Inn-Harrisburg West, Pennsylvania, and the Courtyard by Marriott-Lancaster, Pennsylvania, both completed a full redesign of the lobby guest rooms and meeting facilities.
Along with the roll out of a fresh, contemporary look to all guest rooms, the Hampton Inn will be one of the first in the brand to offer the Hilton Connected Room experience which allows guests to set their favorite television channels, stream popular apps, set room temperature, or adjust lighting all from their mobile device.
The hotel lobby, front desk and breakfast area at the Hampton showcase a sophisticated, neutral design. Professional meeting spaces are now like-new, including the addition of a state-of-theart boardroom that can accommodate up to twelve attendees comfortably. Even the popular fitness room features upgraded work-out equipment.
Most notable is the new, modern exterior façade and Porte cochere entry. New outdoor patio furniture and fresh landscaping complete the improved outdoor experience.
The Courtyard by Marriott now welcomes guests with a new, contemporary lobby design throughout that features popular media pods, communal tables, and comfortable seating
around a modern gas fireplace. Stylish new furnishings in rich navy and grays accent warm wood tones.
The hotel’s Bistro, bar and outdoor patio areas have also been redesigned and upgraded. Guests can still enjoy a convenient breakfast or a freshly brewed Starbucks® in a comfortable, safely-spaced dining area. The outdoor space is designed for socializing, with cozy seating and a new fire pit.
Each of the hotel’s guest rooms have been given a dramatic makeover seen in the new plush bedding package, carpeting, furnishings, wall coverings, draperies, and even an enhanced bathroom experience with new floor-to-ceiling showers.
The fully redesigned meeting room can accommodate socially-distanced meetings with space for convenient breakouts and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment. After a successful meeting, guests may choose to relax in the redesigned indoor pool or whirlpool spa, work out in the hotel’s on-site fitness room, or opt for a Yoga class or a run in Greenfield.
High-owned hotels are committed to providing the safest stay experience possible, and work to instill confidence back in travel. All hotels have implemented the enhanced cleaning protocols and procedures required in Marriott’s ‘Commitment to Clean’ and Hilton’s ‘Clean Stay’ programs.
High Construction Company has recently hit two major safety milestones: As of the end of 2020, they had gone two-and-a-half years without an OSHA Recordable Injury, and ten years without an OSHA Lost Time Injury. This is an example of what happens when every person chooses to work safely. These milestones could not have been achieved without an amazing safety culture among field co-workers and office staff. High Construction coworkers receive frequent safety trainings, complete daily safety inspections, and conduct weekly safety discussions with their subcontractors to identify and mitigate hazards on their job sites.
“These types of achievements would not be possible if it were not for the support and training that all team members receive from High on a regular basis. The training helps all team members identify unsafe conditions…”
– Dan Cartwright (HCC Superintendent for 19 years)
“To reach achievements like these, it takes a good safety culture. It does not come down to one individual person. You need the whole team working safely to make it happen.”
– John Burkholder (HCC Superintendent for 17 years)
In an industry that is full of safety hazards, this is a great example of what it takes to work safely every day. Congratulations to the entire High Construction Team on these amazing achievements!
Precast Concrete Institute (PCI) is revamping its architectural precast certification program to create a self-sustaining fabricator certification program for architectural products based on independent inspection of plant quality management systems, production techniques, equipment, and personnel. The goal is to assure the specifier and owner of nationally uniform, high quality manufacturing capabilities among geographically separated and independently owned companies. This new certification expands the previous A1 category into four separate categories – AA at the highest level, through AD. Each of these require high quality precast products, but requirements for color and finish, panel geometry, technology usage, and production capability start at AD and progress to AC, AB, and AA. Each plant must apply for a category and earn certification through plant audits and review of mock-up panels, with two audit opportunities available for certification qualification. Both the Denver and Springboro plants applied for the AA certification category – the most difficult to attain – and were recommended for that level, passing in Fall 2020 on their first attempts. This is an impressive accomplishment and a testament to High Concrete’s architectural expertise. To date, only 41% of plants audited nationwide received certification on their first attempt across all categories. This demonstrates High Concrete Group’s top-notch architectural capabilities to specifiers, and bolsters its already strong quality reputation.
You can find more info on the program at https://www.pci.org/archcert
…earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University. Patrick joined High Steel Structures in 2011 and serves as Electronic/ Mechanical Technician.
Mathew E. Birney
…earned a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Villanova University. Mat joined StructureCare® in 2014 and serves as Field Engineer.
Thumbi N. Kamau
…earned Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) credentials, formerly Engineer-in-Training (EIT). An Associate Design Engineer, Thumbi joined High Steel Structures in 2008.
A High Steel Structures project in its Williamsport Plant for the state of Connecticut required production of tub girders, rather than the typical I-beam girders used in the construction of bridges. These tub girders didn’t fit into the existing blasting machine used to prepare girders for painting, requiring them to be hand blasted. “It became more and more difficult for the blasting operation to share a production building with the painting operations,” said Ben Lakis, Yard and Coatings Supervisor. Blasting creates dust, resulting in the shutdown of painting operations and creating constraints in finishing the project. “We literally had to wait for the dust to settle in the building before we could paint the girders. We needed to make an adjustment in order to keep both processes operating efficiently,” said Jake Fisher, Plant Manager.
A team was formed and led by Ben to investigate the use of an alternative blasting process that would not create as much dust, while still meeting customers’ needs. The first process considered was the use of dry ice. Because of its extreme cold temperature, it is very hard and can be used for removing rust; however, after several attempts using this process, it was determined that dry ice didn’t meet the specifications required by High Steel Structures’s customers.
The new wet blasting process reduces dust and allows HSS Williamsport co-workers to work inside the plant or outdoors.
The second blasting technology investigated was a new process referred to as “wetblasting.” This process uses sandblasting material mixed with water, which is then blasted at high pressure to remove rust. Not only was it effective in removing rust, but it eliminated 80 to 90% of the dust typically emitted into the environment by dry blasting. Because the wet blasting trial showed favorable results, the team decided to move forward with this process. “This was only the beginning,” according to Ben. Approval from High’s Environmental Health and Safety Team, Engineering and High Steel Structures’s customers was still needed.
Obviously, the approval of this new process was a high priority. Not only did it allow for blasting within the same building as the painting operations, but because of the minimal dust created, it could also be used outdoors. Once the decision to move the process outdoors was made, the Maintenance Department supplied the equipment with water and compressed air, and designed a means to collect overspray and rust removed from blasting.
This total team effort netted wins for manufacturing operations, the environment and our customers. Thank you to all involved in the trials and implementation of the wet blasting process!
Reducing waste and cost by extending the useful lifecycle of parking garages is at the heart of StructureCare’s business and values. Progressive deterioration, often caused by neglect, can escalate to premature failure and a shortened service life. Replacement, although costly, is sometimes the only feasible solution. Through education and proactive predictive maintenance , StructureCare® helps extend the useful life of parking structures, mitigating cost and risk, adding predictability, and providing peace of mind to facility teams.
For a regional hospital, StructureCare was tasked with engineering and implementing a solution to restore a severely deteriorated column and girder supporting multiple stories of a heavily used parking structure over a central utility plant. Challenges of working in an active garage while maintaining continuous operation were compounded by extremely congested mechanical and electrical equipment around the column. To facilitate the repairs, StructureCare installed temporary shoring to support the loads on the column and girder; however, the location of the mechanical equipment prevented use of typical shoring systems. They designed and fabricated custom shoring with structural steel that could be surgically installed in tight spaces. This also required very close coordination with the client and a mechanical contractor to temporarily remove and relocate some of the mechanical equipment. StructureCare also developed an innovative solution to use custom-designed crane pads to serve as the foundation of the shoring. These solutions allowed both the parking garage and critical infrastructure for the hospital to remain in service.
Throughout the project, they thought outside the box when conventional solutions were not possible, and were
able to achieve what many other firms could not. A unique “turn-key” approach enabled StructureCare to work directly and seamlessly with the vendor to design and implement the solution.
The root cause of this structure’s deterioration was a leaking floor drain. With proper maintenance, the owner of this parking garage can avoid costly repairs going forward, helping it to remain in service for many more years.
In 2020, the High Steel Structures Operations Team made it a priority to find a solution to a legacy issue on its CNC equipment that would improve co-workers’ working environment: Finding a way to capture the fumes created during plasma cutting on the CNC machines on top of the plate. High Steel Structure’s current smoke extraction units are downdraft systems, which do a good job collecting fumes on the bottom of the plate; however, with the large size of the material, some fumes escape. And while our annual air monitoring tests have always shown our working environments to be at safe, acceptable exposure limits, closing all the windows and doors in the winter months caused a smoggy working atmosphere.
To address this issue, High Steel Structures piloted use of a fume extraction unit called the Miller Filtair. Equipped with a zone flow head, this unit is designed as a localized smoke extractor for a fixed location welding or burning process. The problem was getting the unit to move along the CNC plasma gantry, while keeping it within two- to three-feet of the torch head at all times. Luke Mowrer, Lancaster’s Maintenance Supervisor, devised an innovative design solution for mounting the primary unit and head securely on the gantry, enabling the Miller Filtair to collect 85% of the smoke on top of the plate during plasma cutting. What makes this unit so effective is its ability to create an air barrier with a dual fan system on the head, which is three times larger than other extraction units.
The blue arrow shows how fumes from the CNC machine are pulled from the top of this large piece of steel into the Miller Filtair, leaving a smog-free environment for HSS co-workers.
High Steel Structures has expanded this system on both CNC burners in Lancaster’s Plant Two, and looks to continue efforts to implement this technology in other production areas in the future.
High Construction Company is currently renovating two buildings for Armstrong Flooring Inc. (AFI). Located within the Greenfield Campus, the focus is on repurposing the structures to fit the new tenant’s needs, while maintaining as much of the existing building materials as possible and limiting the environmental impact to the land around the buildings.
The first building is a 24,500 square-foot structure that is being reinforced with additional structural columns and Glulam beams, while maintaining the existing roof and overall shell of the building. The exterior façade will be updated with large storefronts, masonry and brick veneer, and Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS). The interior will receive a new floor plan layout, while utilizing some existing interior walls. The original tongue and groove ceiling will remain exposed throughout most of the building, along with the original and new Glulam beams, to create a modern and appealing aesthetic.
The second building is broken into two sections. The existing 16,000 square-foot structure is being re-utilized; new storefront windows will be installed, and the building will be refaced with EIFS. The front 18,500 square-foot section of the structure was demolished and will be replaced with a structural steel building with large storefronts, masonry and brick veneer, and EIFS to match Building 227. The existing side of the building will be reconfigured inside to meet AFI’s needs.
Greenfield Architects, the project architect, was careful to preserve most of the existing structures, with a specific focus on maintaining the buildings’ footprints to preserve the environmental land around them. A storm water basin has been added behind the Building 227, along with some added parking spots, but disturbance remains minimal. To keep as much of the demolished materials out of the landfill as possible, High Construction and the demolition contractor were able to recycle approximately 87% of the material that left the site. In addition, much of the masonry material that was removed from Building 227 was crushed down and used as clean backfill on the project.
High companies are committed to sustainability within the communities where its co-workers live and work. For that reason, ownership has invested significant capital over the past ten years to renovate all 371 apartment homes at Greenfield Estates in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Upgrades include new kitchens, General Electric (GE) Energy Star appliances, water conserving fixtures, and LED lighting, among other things.
High Associates Ltd.’s dedication to sustainable practices helped earn Greenfield Estates a Green Globes® Certification from the Green Buildings Initiative. As part of a recent refinancing with Fannie Mae under its Green Initiative, this program is designed to improve and preserve the quality of multi-family properties, while lowering utility costs and saving money for both property owners and renters.
“The benefit of these green improvements is lower utility costs for our residents, a lessened impact on our environment, and a lower interest rate from our lender,” said Brad Mowbray, High Associates’ Sr. Vice President of Acquisitions/Residential. “It’s a win for us all!”
In a crucial time of need, High co-workers and retirees continued to show their generous support to the United Way during its 2020 annual Campaign. Companywide, High exceeded its annual goal of $200,000, raising a total of $231,879 from 543 pledges.
$ 1,937 Greenfield Architects Ltd.
$19,921 High Associates Ltd.
$72,572 High Company LLC
$23,189 High Concrete Group LLC
$ 3,327 High Construction Company
$ 3,298 High Environmental Health and Safety Consulting Ltd.
$22,114 High Hotels Ltd.
$ 7,525 High Steel Service Center LLC
$44,287 High Steel Structures LLC
$ 3,510 High Structural Erectors LLC
$ 3,514 High Transit LLC
$26,685 High Retirees
Items of note from the 2020 United Way Campaign include:
• The High Hotels Corporate team had 80% participation, followed by Hampton Inn-Harrisburg West, Pennsylvania, with 60% co-worker participation, Homewood Suites by Hilton-Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with 57% participation, and TownPlace Suites-Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with 56% co-worker participation.
• Seven High Hotels locations had 50% or higher co-worker participation.
• High Transit saw the biggest dollar increase from the 2019 Campaign with $1,850; next was High Company, with an increase of $1,627; and High Structural Erectors, with an increase of $1,118.
• Many High companies met or exceeded their campaign goals; High Retirees, High Associates, High Company, High Environmental Health and Safety Consulting, High Steel Service Center, High Transit, High Structural Erectors, High Concrete Group, High Hotels (11 hotels), and High Steel Structures.
• In addition to campaign pledges, several High companies participated in special events which helped exceed our annual goal. These companies - High Hotels, High Concrete Group, and High Company - raised $3,998.
Thank you to High’s Campaign Coordinator, Aidalis Lopez, and to the company campaign coordinators - Carolyn Workinger (HHL), Linda Sams (HSSC), Shannan Givler (HSS), and Megan Spatz (HCG) - for helping to make our 2020 Campaign a great success. A special thank you goes out to all the co-workers and retirees who gave generously, enabling United Way to support organizations that provide services to those in need in the communities in which we live and work. Thank you for Living United!
In the past eight years, over 216 hours (9 days) of giving, the Lancaster County Community Foundation’s Extraordinary Give has raised in excess of $60 million to benefit more than 500 organizations in Lancaster County, many of whom are supported by High Foundation. The 24hour on-line event brings people together and engages them in the important act of supporting their community.
The impact and reach of the Extraordinary Give continues to grow each year, and once again, a new record was established in 2020, with $13.4 million raised in 24 hours. For those interested in statistics, this equates to: $558,000 per hour; $9,300 per minute; or $155 per second!
As a Presenting Sponsor, High Foundation, along with Rodgers and Associates, the Lancaster County Community Foundation, and other sponsors, created a stretch pool for every dollar received up to $500,000. Many High co-workers also took the opportunity to participate by both contributing and joining fellow coworkers at an outdoor “S’Mores and More for ExtraGive,” a drop-in at The S. Dale High Leadership Center that included complimentary coffee, a hot chocolate bar, and s’mores treats!
“We’re delighted to join the Community Foundation as a Presenting Sponsor of the Extraordinary Give,” said High Foundation’s Executive Director Robin Stauffer. “This event is an important point of philanthropic engagement for all ages that is producing meaningful results in Lancaster. We want to see it thrive.”
