MESSENGER


We are thrilled to announce that the Associated Builders and Contractors Delaware Chapter has honored M. Davis & Sons with the Excellence in Construction Award. This award recognizes outstanding craftsmanship, innovation, and collaboration in construction projects.
The award was presented in the category of Mechanical Contractor $2million-$5million for our work on a project at Ocugen, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company advancing breakthroughs in gene therapies, vaccines, and biologicals. The project, awarded to us by general contractor Integrated Project Services, spanned from March 2023 to its successful completion in February 2024.
Ocugen aimed to expand its laboratory facilities to include clean rooms, chemical and cold storage areas, and preparation spaces. M. Davis & Sons served as the lead mechanical contractor for the project, installing all process piping, plumbing, mechanical piping, and critical equipment.
This project was particularly challenging, as it involved installing more than 7,000 feet of piping and tubing within a highly congested work area. This required seamless collaboration with other trades, including electrical subcontractors and others, who were simultaneously working on-site. The project demanded rigorous planning and coordination to avoid overlapping and ensure a smooth workflow.
Our team embraced this challenge with expertise and dedication, exemplifying the precision and teamwork that defines M. Davis & Sons. By leveraging careful scheduling, clear communication, and innovative approaches, we delivered a high-quality facility that met Ocugen's operational requirements and supported its mission of advancing medical science.
The ABC Delaware Chapter recognition highlights the hard work and expertise of our entire team It reflects our commitment to excellence in delivering high-caliber projects and fostering strong partnerships with our clients and contractors As we look ahead, we remain committed to setting the standard in construction innovation and craftsmanship, one project at a time
This article explores how prefabrication can revolutionize operational efficiency in manufacturing, using DuPont's Cooling Tower Upgrade project as a case study It highlights the benefits of prefabrication, including minimized downtime, improved quality, streamlined logistics, cost control, and custom solutions.
The DuPont Challenge
DuPont's Experimental Station in Delaware faced a critical task: upgrading an aging cooling tower from the 1950s while maintaining facility operations The project compressed a year-long job into six months, with a strict deadline tied to the start of the cooling season Traditional on-site assembly posed logistical issues, prompting the need for innovative solutions
Prefabrication: A Smarter Approach
Off-site Construction: Components built in a controlled environment
Quality Assurance: High standards of precision and testing
Ready for Installation: Full assembly and testing done before delivery
Benefits of Prefabrication
Minimize Downtime
Eliminates inefficiencies of on-site assembly reducing operational disruptions
Custom Solutions
Precision and Quality
Controlled fabrication ensures consistent quality and eliminates rework
Streamlined Logistics
Consolidates design, assembly, and testing into a single solution
Cost Control
Reduces installation time, rework, and material waste
M. Davis specializes in custom prefabrication solutions tailored to meet unique manufacturing challenges. Our team collaborates closely with clients to design components that fit specific requirements, ensuring a perfect match for each project's needs
Success Story
The prefabrication of DuPont's new cooling tower proved successful Control panels were fabricated in Newark, DE, while steel and piping work occurred in another shop This approach allowed for last-minute adjustments in a controlled environment Precision work enabled large pieces to be fitted into seemingly impossible spaces despite space constraints.
Transform Your Operations
If you face challenges similar to DuPont's project, our prefabrication services can provide innovative, cost-effective solutions Let us help you reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and achieve your project goals Contact M Davis today to learn how our prefabrication expertise can transform your processes
Mike Gilmartin CFO
We are pleased to announce Jacob Lyon's promotion to Project Manager Since 2021, Jacob has been the Operations Manager for M. Davis's Power Distribution Equipment manufacturing branch, known under the brand name "VTi by M. Davis." He will continue to oversee the shop and field work for control panels and power distribution equipment
Prior to 2021, Jake worked in CAD, Instrumentation, and Engineering since he was hired in 2014. His dedication to accuracy and technical abilities have been instrumental in running work efficiently with a high success rate
"Jake leads the team at VTi by M. Davis with enthusiasm and a solid background in the electrical side of the business. His educational background in Engineering and Instrumentation, partnered with his desire to run projects and overcome obstacles, has made him an asset to the team," states M. Davis & Sons President & CFO Mike Gilmartin.
Giving back to the community is an integral part of our company culture Our recent volunteer initiatives reflect our commitment to making a meaningful impact where it matters most.
One of our efforts this season is Stockings for Soldiers, where care packages are prepared for deployed troops. These small gestures of appreciation and support serve as reminders to those serving far from home that their sacrifices are deeply valued.
In addition, our Holiday Food Drive spanned across all four of our fabrication shops, rallying employees to donate to our neighbors facing food insecurity.
The company's executive leadership also actively engages in community outreach, John Gooden participated in the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce program "Principal for A Day at The John Dickinson High School, " located in Wilmington, DE, where he worked alongside teachers and administrators to understand the challenges and successes of today's academic environment.
Most recently, our engineering team members met students and mentors of the Flaming Phoenix Robotics team out of Chester County, PA Our team members had the privilege of a live robotic demonstration and encouraged bright minds.
By investing time, energy, and resources into our communities, we reaffirm our belief that stronger communities lead to stronger futures.
INDUSTRIAL CONSTRUCTION FABRICATION AND MAINTENANCE