MESSENGER
Celebrating Manufacturing Day
Facility Tours Offered at M. Davis & Sons
On October 4, 2024, M. Davis & Sons celebrated Manufacturing Day in the U.S.A. by hosting two facility tours that showcase our commitment to innovation, quality, and expertise in manufacturing. The day provided an opportunity to open our doors to visitors allowing them to experience firsthand the processes and advanced technology behind our custom control panels, power distribution equipment, as well as our pipe and pressure vessel fabrication capabilities.
Our tour locations for this year —VTi by M. Davis in Newark, Delaware, and the Pipe Fabrication Shop in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania— highlighted our dedication to excellence and our role in driving progress within the manufacturing sector.
Spotlight on VTi by MDavis
The tour at the VTi by MDavis facility provided an in-depth look at the custom control panels and power distribution equipment manufactured at this site. This tour highlighted our Team in action, showcasing their skills in designing, assembling, and testing custom control panels and power distribution equipment that meet the highest industry standards. From conceptualization to the final product, our Team goes the extra mile with meticulous attention to detail in each panel and piece of equipment manufactured there.
Exploring the Pipe Fabrication Shop
At the Pipe Fabrication Shop, our experts showed off their skills and techniques to create top-quality piping solutions for various industrial applications. Our guests were introduced to the extensive process of pipe fabrication, from the initial design and layout to cutting, welding, and final assembly. They also saw the innovative tools and technologies we use to ensure the highest levels of quality and consistency in our fabricated products.
The Importance of Manufacturing Day
At M. Davis & Sons, we view this day as a chance to share our deeprooted passion for craftsmanship, and showcase the innovative solutions we bring to the fabrication and manufacturing landscape.
Your Invitation to Explore Our Facilities: In-Person or Virtual
We are always eager to share our story and expertise. For an in-person tour or a virtual presentation of our capabilities, please contact us at Sales@MDavisinc.com.
Project Insight: Lab Expansion
Ocugen, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company in Malvern, Pennsylvania, recently expanded its lab facilities to support its cutting-edge research. The company required an upgraded space with advanced infrastructure, including clean rooms, chemical storage, and preparation areas M Davis was chosen as the lead mechanical contractor to execute this complex expansion project, overseeing all process piping, plumbing, mechanical piping, and equipment installation
Our scope of work included installing approximately 7,000 feet of piping and tubing for various critical systems, such as:
Additionally, M. Davis managed the installation of all plumbing fixtures, including specialized items like trap seals, eyewash stations, and water heaters. Before installation began, we collaborated with EDiS Company to create a 3D model of the plumbing, HVAC, and lab gas systems A mobile BIM station was set up on-site to visualize the building's components, significantly improving coordination among all trades
Key Challenges & Solutions: Working in a congested environment with multiple trades presented a challenge We addressed this by employing precision planning and leveraging tools like TouchPlan for scheduling Close collaboration with other subcontractors ensured that the complex routing for the process piping was executed efficiently One of the standout aspects of this project was our comprehensive rigging plan to lift the building's HVAC equipment, including a 38,000-pound boiler house, onto the roof. Our crew coordinated with the boiler house manufacturer to manage the equipment’s center of gravity during the lift, ensuring safe and accurate placement.
Despite the complexities and challenges, the Ocugen expansion was completed on time and within budget. Our proactive approach to managing changes and our commitment to precision helped ensure that Ocugen's upgraded facilities meet the stringent demands of their biopharmaceutical research
Mike Gilmartin CFO
Promotion! Penny Beaty Promoted to Assistant Controller of M. Davis & Sons
Penny Beaty, a long-time team member of M Davis & Sons, began her career with the company in Job Cost billing where she quickly advanced to the roles of Supervisor and Accounting Manager. Her dedication to accuracy and resourcefulness have been instrumental in strengthening the leadership of the accounting department
In her new role as Assistant Controller, Penny will assist in leading financial operations while driving efficiencies within the department. Her experience and understanding of the company’s processes make her an asset to M. Davis & Sons.
“Penny leads the accounting department with exceptional job cost expertise, commitment to improving processes, timely communication, and thoughtful team management. Penny's value to the accounting department and the project management team at M. Davis cannot be overstated” states M. Davis & Sons Controller, Emily Sweeney.
From Concept to Creation
M. Davis Engineering Interns Build a Tabletop Modular Skid
This summer, we provided our engineering interns with a unique opportunity to develop their skills by taking on a real-world project: building a tabletop modular process skid. The project, conceived by M. Davis Engineering Manager Sean Boston, was intended to create a scale model of our separation skids for display at industry conferences
The Vision Behind the Project
The project aimed to simulate the functionality of a fullscale modular skid, typically 40 feet long by 10 feet wide and 8 feet tall. The team needed to scale this down to a 4-foot by 2-foot by 1.5-foot version, adhering to a 10:1 ratio while ensuring that key components like piping and equipment retained their realistic appearance.
This summer's Engineering Interns Gianna, Ken, Jake, and Emma were selected to lead various aspects of the project. Each intern was given distinct responsibilities, which helped them develop specialized skills while collaborating as a cohesive team
A Hands-On Engineering Experience
Ken reflected on the learning process: "My biggest takeaway was understanding the communication and process required to bring an engineering project to life. Schooling is one thing, but working on this model taught me how much planning, teamwork, and adaptability are involved in real-world engineering "
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Meanwhile, Jake was responsible for the equipment and piping modeling, which involved using Inventor software to design the intricate piping system that forms the backbone of the modular skid
Challenges and Solutions
The project had its challenges. As the team worked on scaling down the model, some creative adjustments were necessary The hands-on nature of the project also required the interns to interact frequently with the fabrication shop to ensure that their designs were manufacturable
Emma recounted her experiences collaborating with the shop: "One of the things that stood out to me was the communication between the team and the shop There were a lot of different parts and aspects to the project, and it was important to make sure the drawings were aligned with shop standards "
Sean Boston expressed pride in the interns' progress: "They took ownership of the project. This project wasn't just about building a model. It was about preparing our interns for the challenges of real-world engineering and they rose to the occasion.”
Mike Gilmartin CFO
Table top model in progress
M. Davis Partners with the Food Bank of Delaware to support L.O.G.I.C. Program
A Path to Opportunity
At M Davis & Sons, we are committed to building strong communities We believe in investing in people, particularly those seeking a second chance at life and career success We're proud to partner with the Food Bank of Delaware's L O G I C (Logistics, Operations, General Warehousing, and Inventory Control) program. This 14-week training initiative prepares students for careers in the booming warehousing and logistics industries, providing them with essential skills, certifications, and real-world work experience. It also covers OSHA-10 General Industry, forklift certification, and Manufacturing Skills Standards Council credentials
A New Beginning for Many
Many of the L O G I C program's participants come from challenging backgrounds Through L O G I C , they've found structure, stability, and a fresh start The graduates that have been hired are shining examples of how the program can transform careers and lives. Through the training and support offered by the L.O.G.I.C. program, they're now on the path to success.
M. Davis: A Company That Believes in Second Chances
M Davis & Sons is proud to be one of the local employers offering work experience and permanent positions to L O G I C graduates Tom Bullock, an M Davis & Sons supervisor, praised the dedication and work ethic of the L O G I C grads who have joined our team "They came prepared, and they've been great workers. I don't have a single complaint about any of them. I tell them daily about how good of a job they're doing "
The Road Ahead
As the L O G I C graduates continue to grow in their roles at M Davis, they're setting an example that with determination, hard work, and the right support system, you can build a bright future. We are honored to partner with the Food Bank of Delaware and our commitment to this initiative is a testament to our belief in the power of community involvement
A MILESTONE REACHED
M. Davis Celebrates 15 Years as a Certified Woman-Owned Business
October is a special month for M Davis & Sons, Inc as we celebrate our 15-year anniversary of being certified as a woman-owned business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) This milestone comes amidst our 154th year of operation, making our story one of both tradition and transformation As a 5th generation, family-owned company, we have deep roots in the construction, fabrication, and maintenance industries, and we are proud to continue a legacy that has evolved to include a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
Founded 154 years ago, M Davis has been a cornerstone in the construction industry, growing from a small family business to a leader in construction, fabrication, and maintenance Over five generations, we’ve maintained our dedication to quality, integrity, and innovation, values that have guided us through more than a century of change Our WBENC certification, first received 15 years ago, represents not just our commitment to supporting women in business but also our ability to adapt and thrive in an evolving marketplace
The Power of Certification in a Historical Context
Achieving WBENC certification was a natural progression for M Davis, reflecting our ongoing commitment to innovation and diversity This certification has opened doors to new business opportunities, allowed us to build strategic partnerships, and strengthened our reputation within the industry For a company with over 150 years of history, this certification symbolizes our forwardthinking approach and our dedication to maintaining relevance in a competitive market
Empowering Future Generations
As a family-owned business with a long-standing history, we understand the importance of legacy. But we also recognize the importance of evolving that legacy to empower future generations. Our commitment to fostering female leadership within our company and the broader industry is a crucial part of that evolution. We’ve made it a priority to mentor and support women at all levels of our organization, ensuring that our legacy of leadership continues for many more generations to come
A Heartfelt Thank You
To our clients, partners, and dedicated team members: your support over the years has been invaluable You have helped us reach this milestone, and we look forward to achieving many more together As we move forward, we carry with us the same dedication, innovation, and family spirit that has defined M Davis for 154 years
M Davis Executive Leadership (L to R) Charles Davis (Chairman), Peggy Del Fabbro (CEO), John Gooden (President & COO), Mike Gilmartin (CFO),
Todd Moran (VP Risk Management), Christina MacMillan (VP Strategic Development) and Scott Dolor (VP Operations)
ONE SOURCE FOR ALL
INDUSTRIAL CONSTRUCTION FABRICATION AND MAINTENANCE
