Structural Systems 40th Anniversary Feature

32 PAGE SPECIAL SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2015.

2. APRIL 26, 2015

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AS WE CELEBRATE the 40th anniversary of Structural Systems Ltd (SSL) and I reflect over the years on how many of our Williams Industries Inc. companies started, I recall that in almost every case SSL was called on to enable us to deliver for those various new companies on time and within budget.

Structural Systems Ltd actually came about as a direct result of my interest in motor racing. I became obsessed with building more powerful racing engines for my friends and in order to do this, I had to have welding and steel fabrication facilities.

I started by reading design books to educate myself, then I designed racing intake and exhaust manifolds for engines and I modified cylinder heads, installed larger valves, changed camshafts, et cetera.

In order to determine which modifications yielded the most power a method of measuring the power, produced was required so I designed a simple fan dynamo meter at first, then

APRIL 26, 2015. 3

THE SINGLE SEATER Terrapins racing cars developed by Ralph Bizzy Williams and his team. (GP) a much more sophisticated one. Having achieved power outputs that even the English manufacturers of the engines marvelled at, the next step was to build complete single-seater racing cars called Terrapins.

These were very fast, but when OPEC raised the price of oil, I saw no future in racing cars.

Along came my brother, Sir Charles [Williams], one day and told me that the Industrial

Development Corporation called him to ask if I would meet with a French Canadian, Andre Breau, who was in the island and wanted to set up a business to manufacture steel open web joists.

I agreed because by then I had several really good welders who I needed to find work for.

We met, applied for fiscal incentives, received concessions thanks to Major Sam Headley and the late Right

Excellent Errol Barrow, and Structural Systems Ltd was born. For 40 years, there has never been a dull day in my life as a result.

This company is the can-do company of Williams Industries Inc. I love the SSL team because they never say no. For 40 years, every time I have called upon them to perform way beyond outstanding, they would always rise to the challenge. Like me, they love to be challenged and they love to be innovative and to win.

I can say without fear of contradiction that SSL has been the biggest exporter of our group, having won the Barbados Industrial Development Corporation Exporter Of The Year Award on several occasions.

All across the Caribbean, SSL buildings stand out, especially after hurricanes because buildings around them are collapsed, while the SSL buildings stand undamaged like the day they were erected. This company has won the top award given by the United

RALPH ‘BIZZY’ WILLIAMS, CHAIRMAN (GP) States Metal Building Component Manufacturers’ Association for producing the Best Commercial Building Of The Year in 1983.

On their 40th anniversary, I salute the men and women of SSL for never failing to respond positively to a challenge and for providing me time and again with opportunities to stand proud of their achievements as the founder of the company.

I ask God to bless them for the next 40 and 100 years, and more.

– RALPH ‘BIZZY’ WILLIAMS Chairman, Williams Industries Inc. (GP)

4. APRIL 26, 2015

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Structural Systems Ltd’s Board

RALPH ‘BIZZY’ WILLIAMS CHAIRMAN I AM DELIGHTED to be welcoming you in celebrating Structural Systems Ltd’s (SSL) 40th anniversary. Forty years is a milestone. It’s an occasion to celebrate, an opportunity to momentarily look back, but yet a golden ticket to chart the path forward.

Being with the company for nearly 23 years, I have seen firsthand the many changes which the company has successfully adapted and implemented in the name of progress, from the upgrade of design software to new technologies and advanced equipment.

Since the global recession of 2008, SSL has experienced years of fluctuating sales, affecting not only our bottom line but our employees as well. Times have been tough, which is all the more reason to celebrate this landmark which our company has reached.

The recession has seen many businesses closing their doors, Barbadians losing their jobs, and families on a whole being

JOHN FRANCIS DIRECTOR

LEONARD PAYNE DIRECTOR

affected. However, I am proud to say that SSL has managed to maintain the majority of its staff during this economically challenging time. This has only been made possible through the vision of our chairman, loyalty of our existing customers, generation of new customers, and the company’s ability to go the extra mile.

We acknowledge that times have changed and with a more open market within the steel and construction industries, our competitors are constantly bringing new innovations and products to consumers.

Structural Systems Ltd welcomes competition.

It provides yet another chance

HAROLD SKEETE DIRECTOR

for us to demonstrate to our customers that we indeed have the capability and expertise when it comes to producing a top quality steel product, whether it is a multi-storey building or a simple manhole cover.

SSL has proven itself time and again. For example, we have shown that in times of national security our team was able to prepare temporary homes for the inmates of Her Majesty’s Prison when it was destroyed by fire.

We have established on many occasions, the ability SSL has to meet tight deadlines for the advancement of sports tourism, getting the job done without question. SSL proved it in 1991 with the fabrication of a

NICHOLAS BRANSON DIRECTOR

windsurfing platform that was built in 48 hours and again in 2014, we provided evidence of our efficiency and capability when we fabricated and erected seven structures for the remodelling of the Bushy Park Racing Circuit.

Throughout this company, you will realise there is one common sentiment that is expressed by all employees; when work is there to be done, no matter how difficult, you just get it done. This is proof that there is indeed a difference between interest and commitment. When someone is interested in something, it is done only when it’s convenient; however, SSL employees have proven that they are committed

General managers through the years Ralph “Bizzy” Williams (1975 – 1979 and 2002 – 2003) Harold Skeete (1979 – 2002) Mike Van Buskirk (2003 – 2004) SSL CURRENT MANAGEMENT TEAM: (From left) Nicholas Branson – Director/Sales and Estimating Manager; Colin Johnson – Stores Manager; Berrace Walkes – Metal Products Sales Manager; Mark Hinkson – General Manager; Jason Holder – Project Manager; David Reece – Director/Production Manager; and Kenny Allen – Structural Engineer/Design Manager. (GP)

Andre Gibson (2004 – 2014) Mark Hinkson (2014 – Present)

DAVID REECE DIRECTOR

MARK HINKSON, GENERAL MANAGER, SSL

(GP)

individuals, for on a daily basis they commit to tasks, accepting no excuses but only results.

I wish to congratulate all those employees whom would have worked above and beyond the call of duty in their time here, whether they have been employed from the inception or as recent as six months ago.

Structural Systems Ltd would not have been able to maintain its status in the manufacturing industry for the past 40 years, nor would it have been able to achieve its success if it were not for your hard work and commitment.

Our product is steel, but our strength is our people. We take pride in knowing that ALL of our team members have been the driving force behind four decades of success. With God’s grace and guidance, and the continued commitment and determination of our team we will be around for many years to come.

– MARK HINKSON, GENERAL MANAGER

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ONE OF SSL'S earlier buildings, distributor R. L. Seale.

G. CRICK operating the hydraulic punch.

(GP)

(GP)

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LOADING STEEL at the dock.

(GP)

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OLD DRAWING OFFICE in Warrens, St Michael.

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STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Kenny Allen on an old computer. (GP)

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6. APRIL 26, 2015

Interview with Williams Industries Inc. Director Leonard A. Payne.

OFTEN DESCRIBED by some within the Williams Industries Inc. Group of Companies as one who keeps “tight reins” on the finances of the companies; the good intentions of Leonard A. Payne can occasionally be misconstrued.

For a man from very humble beginnings, being one of amongst ten other siblings, Payne’s hope for people is merely to have them be self-sufficient, self-reliant, and self-sustaining.

In an interview conducted for this publication one could really see the true generosity of a man who sought only to impart a positive purpose in the lives of the employees within the Group of Companies.

Question: When did you first start working with the company and what was your progression like through the company?

Reply: When I first joined the company it was in April 1979 and at the time there were only three companies: Structural Systems Ltd, C.O.Williams Electrical and Terrapin.

However, within two, three months of working here, Terrapin was no longer because it was losing money like a burst pipe.

By September of that year, we got our first and very large computer which occupied approximately two thirds of a 10'x12' room.

When Mr Williams first told me in August that he had a computer coming I asked him who was going to manage it, because back then I knew nothing of computers, couldn’t even spell the word (laughing).

So when he informed me that he had no clue who would manage it, I subsequently took charge of that computer, taking care of payroll and stock entry, eventually graduating to controlling the accounts receivables.

In those days, there was somewhat of a system in place for accounts; however I had to put particular systems in place to regularise both C.O.Williams Electrical Ltd and Structural Systems Ltd, because the bills were handwritten by Mr Williams and he tried to get those bills out by the beginning of the month.

Where we are now is light years compared to where we were, having all the computerised systems. I remember relying on Leroy Johnson back then after realising he had the aptitude to handle computers and he then became my second accountant for Structural Systems Ltd. The company has progressed so much, back then drawings were done on big boards. I remember when we got our first Beamline, it was a second-hand line that was dismantled from the company we bought it from and sent here in three or four parts and Stephen Osbourne

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reassembled that line with ease.

I was not only involved in accounts, but I enjoyed getting around in the company and seeing what was going on.

Question: What accomplishment has the company made that you are most proud of?

Reply: Structural Systems Ltd has been the backbone and really one of the main spades of Williams Industries Inc., so the fact that it is and has been such a stable company over the years, and one that looks after its employees, is a major accomplishment in itself.

This can be seen through the years of service which persons have put into the company. Through Structural Systems Ltd, measures were put in place to allow employees to have a savings plan and policies were developed whereby employees can be assisted with loans, be it for a home, a car or for educational purposes.

So even though I would always encourage the employees to save first and look after themselves first, employees knew that Structural Systems Ltd has always been the company that in the end would look after its people and make provisions for its people.

Question: What have you found to be vastly different now as compared to when you first started?

Reply: Communication was a lot easier and more personal. What I have found to be a convenient, but not necessarily a good thing is communication by emails. I can send you an email with specific words and you will get the gist of what I am saying, but when I see you in person and relay the same words it is only then that you will see the true emotions to tell whether I am annoyed or pleased.

It has been getting more and more prolific to send emails, but I wish to caution persons that we are going in the wrong direction. The Group in general is a people-centred business and there needs to be physical interaction, after which and you wish to have it on record an email can be sent, but we need to keep the physical lines of communication open.

I am not a person that sees you just as an employee, but I want to see you and interact with you, that way you will be able to tell when there is something wrong, even if you don’t say.

Question: There is the opinion within the Group that you can’t get money out of Mr Payne easily; is there a reason why you have been so meticulous with money over the years?

Reply: It is alright for me to give you a fish,

but I would rather teach you how to fish. Now I look back at my own life, I have seen why I am the way that I am.

I came from a poor family, from a background of 11 children with a sole breadwinner, but I saw how there was an opportunity for each one of us to make something out of our own lives by being prudent with what we have.

I did not quite understand it at the time, but borrowing back then was not an option for us. If we didn’t have it, we tried to live without it. So it isn’t that I didn’t want to lend money, but you would have persons coming, requesting a loan to buy a fridge just because they want to change it and not necessarily that it has gone bad, or persons wanting to borrow money to have a party.

Now when a person comes for a loan because a child or family member is ill that is different, but when the medical insurance came about, it gave persons the opportunity to be on the medical plan.

There were times when employees’ credit was way out of line and drastic measures had to be taken.

So it is not a matter that I did not want to see persons progress, but I wanted employees to have a sustainable progression, take responsibility for themselves, then at a later date they can look back and have something positive

LEONARD A PAYNE, DIRECTOR. (GP) in their lives to show for it.

Question: What philosophy has guided you through your tenure at Williams Industries Inc. and by extension Structural Systems Ltd? Reply: First and foremost, even though I have not always walked with the Lord as I do now, I believe that the Lord has guided me through my life. I have gotten where I am today because of the Lord; He has positioned me in this role for a reason, whether it be to inspire others to come closer to Him or just to bring the business to Him in prayers.

Secondly, I tried my best to carry out

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by JOHN FRANCIS I WISH TO CONVEY my heartiest congratulations to the team at Structural Systems Ltd (SSL) on achieving this significant milestone.

The celebration of 40 years of existence is one for which we all can be proud. While we celebrate, we must recognise the selfless contribution of our founder and chairman and the earlier teams in developing this company from a challenging birth to the foremost steel fabrication company in the English-speaking Caribbean.

• From Page 6. and display the highest business integrity.

Question: As a Williams Industries Inc. director, what vision do you have for SSL? Reply: Well the whole dynamics of the world has changed, but if the leadership of Structural Systems Ltd continue to put

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My association with the company began with my appointment as Director of Manufacturing Operations in July 2004.

This was no doubt viewed with a high degree of trepidation as I was viewed as a “BRC man”.

Within short order, however, I was welcomed by all and sundry, and was allowed to integrate and fully participate and provide direction in the management of the company.

The company continues to win my admiration for its adaption to change; this was clearly evident when we employed an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

God first then you have places to go.

There must be no misconception that the company is merely in existence because of man’s ability, but rather through the help of the Lord.

The company will be successful once employees within the company continuously stand up with integrity, consult God, and pray for guidance.

If the company does things with the best of integrity, price jobs the best it knows how to, and encourages its employees to be as productive as they can be, then the sky would be the limit.

system. This embrace of new technology meant a complete shift in the way the company functioned and meant a complete sacrifice by the entire team to get this system up and running by the go live date.

This type of effort was without doubt embedded in the company’s DNA from inception.

Over the years, no doubt we have experienced several changes which have demonstrated the team’s commitment and determination.

With the advent of the world recession, we like most businesses that rely on a buoyant construction industry saw sales and profitability decline during the period, but the attitude displayed by the team was one of perseverance and eternal optimism.

I am always impressed with the “we will get it done” attitude that pervades the company; whether this means a return to profitability after a difficult year or getting some complex never before seen or conceived job completed within a next to impossible deadline.

I fondly remember the work that was done for the 2007 World Cup at Kensington Oval which was commended by all for the quality of work and the near impossible timelines that were met.

The erection of the Worrell, Weekes and Walcott Stand (3Ws) remains the centrepiece of the redeveloped Kensington Oval. Barbados was able

JOHN FRANCIS DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS (GP) to showcase this to the entire world with pride.

The many structures fabricated and erected by Structural Systems Ltd dot our landscape in Barbados and across the region, and stand testimony to the quality for which we are known, admired, and respected.

Producing a quality product is the mantra of the company and is applied equally to the production of a seven storey building as it is to a minute item produced by our metals product department.

8. APRIL 26, 2015

by ALDRIC BARNETT FOUR YEARS AGO, on March 4, 2011, Structural Systems Ltd embarked on a journey to become an environmentally conscious entity. We committed to an agreement with the Future Center Trust, forming an in-house committee, loosely monikered the “Green Team”.

This team of five would work in conjunction with former green business coordinator Lani Edghill, and navigate Structural Systems Ltd through the Green Business Barbados Programme. In truth, the decision to join the programme, which was in its relative infancy at the time, was made quickly. The social and financial benefits of doing something rather than nothing were always plain to see and as a well known player on the Barbados commercial landscape, Structural Systems Ltd always prefers to be a leader.

Climate change and energy conservation are concerns for everyone. Carbon dioxide produced by human consumption of fossil fuels and generation of electricity accounts for 85 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. These greenhouse gases act like a blanket trapping heat in the atmosphere and contributing to climate change. This gas action is not helped by the continued stripping of our planet of foliage and vegetation and forest, which would dissipate and convert some of this carbon dioxide. The results of climate change are evidenced in all climates with the increasing intensity and length of storms, flooding and drought. Global atmospheric concentrations tested in the last 200 years have increased in direct proportion with the industrialisation of modern society.

Structural Systems Ltd has been at the forefront of Barbados’ local manufacturing industry for the past 40 years. Recognising that fossil fuels are the lifeblood of the manufacturing process in heavy industry, and in lieu of a viable alternative energy source, the hastily created but carefully considered Green Team focused its efforts on achieving specific eco-driven standards in our manufacturing and administrative methods. We aimed our efforts at waste reduction and recycling, energy conservation in the office, water conservation, pollution conservation and management, and environmental awareness education for the office.

After ensuring that our goals were realistic, attainable,

INTO THE BIN for recycling. Aldric Barnett leadiing by example. (GP)

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THE GREEN TEAM: (from left) Aldric Barnett, Jillian Nicholls, Charlene Hinkson and Bernard Walcott. (GP)

and measurable, we launched into a busy seven-month period.

Each member of the team was responsible for one of the five areas earlier mentioned. We recycled toner and ink cartridges; we gathered used sheets of paper for reuse internally; we replaced dishwashing liquid and harmful phosphatefilled cleaning agents; we maintain a functioning water collection system; we changed fluorescent lights bulbs from T12 to T8 type; we planted trees on the property and purchased plants for the office to help improve air quality; we eliminated hand towels from bathrooms and replaced them with energy-efficient hand dryers; we encouraged two-sided printing; we encouraged the elimination of styrofoam containers and packaging in our company canteen; we even created a community recycling area where all employees can bring their recyclable waste for collection and dispersal to SBRC on a monthly basis.

Structural Systems Ltd was officially named a Green Business on October 20, 2011.

We at Structural Systems Ltd eagerly anticipate playing our role in the national

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THE clean-up crew relaxing after a hard day’s work.

APRIL 26, 2015. 9

(GP)

GARBAGE by the truck load was collected during the beach clean-up. (GP) GREEN TEAM members on clean-up duty. (GP)

• From Page 8. conservation and ecological footprint conversation as we move forward. We annually participate in Clean-Up Barbados, joining forces and muscles in 2014 with Stantec Consulting to look after our adopted beach at Barclays Park. Special thanks and recognition go out to the Green Team members – Jillian Nicholls, Charlene Hinkson, Bernard Walcott and former team member Shem Prescott.

Without you all, the road would have been arduous, the efforts tenuous.

We expect that we will be held to our high standards and hope that we will be used as examples of determination and achievement to businesses and the wider community.

Our leaders have expressed a desire to see Barbados as a green country, and we at Structural Systems Ltd wish to be a major part of that during the next four decades.

ALWAYS A COMPANY to keep up with the times and the innovations that come, Structural Systems Ltd made it its prerogative to further its green movement by purchasing one of the hot new electric vehicles through Megapower. Initially as a plight through Williams Industries Inc. Structural Systems Ltd became one of its companies to acquire the zeroemission vehicles that now have special parking in many locations throughout the island.

With special spots dedicated to EVs at Sheraton and Limegrove, among others, these completely green vehicles show exactly how dedicated Structural Systems Ltd is to a better and brighter future.

THE HUNDRED PER CENT electric car.

(GP)

10. APRIL 26, 2015

WITH THE AVAILABILITY of customer service training programmes and advancement in technology which should make the quotation process easier, our customers have high expectations of our Sales Team, and they rightfully should.

The sales process has changed over the years and our Sales Team is strongly depending on the leadership of the sales and estimating managers and their years of experience to guide them on NICHOLAS BRANSON, Director/Sales & new sales and best Estimating Manager. (GP) practices.

NICHOLAS BRANSON H&B Hardware currently has I joined Structural its lumber yard. In 1985, I Systems Ltd (SSL) on the was moved to the main August 2, 1982 as a fabrication workshop as a draughtsman working in the supervisor and worked under Design Department under Mr David Reece until 1987. the meticulous guidance of After returning to the drawing Mr Harold Skeete. We were office with Mr Skeete as an located in what we called estimator in 1987, I was "the containers" or a then promoted to senior temporary building on the estimator in 1991. corner of the site where ACE I worked under Steve

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BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT SALES & ESTIMATING TEAM: (From left to right) Ondre Spooner (estimator), Nicholas Branson (Director/Sales & Estimating Manager), Kevin Skeete (sales rep), Rakina King (estimator), Robert Godson (senior estimator). (GP) Bunning until I was asked to be sales manager for Caribbean Metals in St Lucia in 1994.

However, after the decision was made to scale back on the steel fabrication in St Lucia, I returned to Structural Systems Ltd at the end of 1995 as senior estimator. In 2000 I was appointed to sales and estimating manager after the untimely death of Mr Bunning, subsequently followed by an appointment to SSL’s board of directors in 2006.

The biggest challenge currently faced on a daily basis is ensuring we are correctly interpreting the design information we receive from our clients. We (Estimation Department) can very easily under quote a project due to the

misconception or elimination of important facts and design features, resulting in a sizeable loss for the company. The converse to that would be to overestimate a project which makes us uncompetitive, forcing our customers to look elsewhere.

Some of my funniest experiences have occurred while travelling through the Caribbean on business. I remember while renting a car on a visit to Dominica, there was a large sign at the back of the counter which said you were to drive on the left-hand side of the road.

So after waiting about 15 minutes for the sales clerk to reappear and pondering my drive down to Roseau on the very narrow

roads, I asked her if they still drove in the middle of the road in Dominica. Without saying anything, she turned around and made a phone call indicating there was a problem at the counter and requested assistance.

Thinking there was an issue with my documentation or rent-a-car, I waited a while until finally a very concerned looking car rental manager arrived and asked to see my driver’s license. Apparently, the sales clerk had told the manager that where I came from they drove in the middle of the road. Both the manager and I had a good laugh after I explained my sarcastic remark. The memory of that experience always makes me smile

• Continued on next page.

cebsales@electricalindustriesgroup.com

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• From Page 10. every time I rent a car.

During the last five or six years, SSL has suffered economically like everyone else due to the world recession. During this time, we have managed to retain the majority of our long-standing staff unlike other companies which have been forced to lay off experienced workers. We have also strived to maintain the quality of our products while not straying from our mission to be the foremost supplier of prefabricated metal buildings and products in the Caribbean region.

I am happy to say that one of the most important parts of the culture at Structural Systems Ltd has not changed. While there may be some minor changes that have crept in over the years, once you have worked at SSL for more than a couple of months, you realise that there are fundamental values that do not get compromised. These values start with the fair way in which all staff and customers are treated with dignity and respect. Through the years, Structural Systems Ltd has never and will never compromise on our standards with regard to the quality of materials we use or the quality of workmanship which goes into the fabrication of our products. These values have been passed down from senior management and continue to be adhered to in the present day.

As mentioned above, not only do I see SSL remaining the foremost supplier of prefabricated metal buildings in the Caribbean region, but I see Structural Systems Ltd gaining

market share throughout the Caribbean region as a result of our performance during these hard economic times.

By maintaining our high standards and honouring our obligations in every aspect of our day-to-day performance, whether it is by correcting mistakes which have been made in our products or refunding clients for changes in work scope, we never knowingly, leave a customer BERRACE WALKES, unhappy.

Metal Products Sales & Estimating Manager. (GP)

BERRACE WALKES I started working at Structural Systems Ltd in 1974 as a welder, and then came through to a group leader, then to a supervisor and now to the metal products sales and estimating manager.

A number of things have changed over the years, for instance when we first started, workers would use their initiative to get things done. Now, all measurements must be on paper otherwise the job cannot be completed.

I remember one funny

METAL PRODUCTS Sales & Estimating Team: (from left) Shane Forde (senior estimator), Ann Lashley (estimator/cashier), Berrace Walkes (Metal Products Sales & Estimating Manager) and Ricardo Holder (estimator). (GP)

Speightstown, tel: 422-4101 | Waterford, tel: 425-1370 email: mail@barbadoslumber.com 8:00am to 5:00pm OPENING HOURS: Weekdays: Saturdays: 8:00am to 3:00pm

Free delivery islandwide

experience I had as a group leader was when one morning the boss, Mr Williams, came and said, “Walkes, the client paid for the building but he can’t afford to pay our installation crew and his people have no idea how to sling the steel or where each piece of steel is supposed to go. I want you to go and show them how to put up a building.” I was in a quandary since I had never worked on-site nor have I ever put up a building before. However, I realised that the client’s workers were looking forward to my “expertise”.

I went and took on the task with confidence never leading the client to believe that this was my first time doing this job. The client was pleased and called Mr Williams thanking him for the good work which I had done.

Over the years, I have found that fabricating different components is one of the most challenging aspects of the job, yet one of the most rewarding experiences once the job is done and the customer is satisfied.

Structural Systems Ltd is a company that not only cares about its customers but its employees as well and this is proven by the fact that every worker who has worked with the company for over ten years is given company shares. We have come a long way and I look forward, in the not too distant future, to the company becoming the leading steel fabricator in the Caribbean.

12. APRIL 26, 2015

A PRODUCTION MANAGER is involved with the planning, coordination, and control of manufacturing processes; but we aren’t just any manufacturing company. We are the backbones of buildings that have stood the test of DAVID REECE, time.

Director/Production It takes a real Manager. (GP) talented group of people to bring to life drawings, and though times have changed that is what David Reece has – a talented team of individuals that like the rest of departments are the strength of this company. But how did Mr Reece do it over the years?

DAVID REECE I started working at Structural Systems Ltd in August 1979. I was hired as Production Manager, but proposed to Mr Williams that before taking up my position that I be allowed to work in each department under a senior workman doing whatever was required in that department.

After having worked in all of the departments, I was formally appointed production manager.

In those days, professional advancement through the company meant knowing the company inside out. Knowing each machine, how to maintain and repair equipment, how to build machinery like all the cranes at Structural Systems Limited.

Once that was achieved then you began understanding the numbers side of the company. As time went on, you earned respect, you earned trust, and that is how I have worked for Structural Systems Ltd. Over the years what I have found to be challenging is making sure that the employees are happy doing what they are supposed to do, and that materials, equipment, and tools are at hand

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PRODUCTION TEAM: (From left), Carmel Ifill (manufacturing supervisor), Jillian Nicholls (metal products supervisor), and David Reece (Director/Production Manager). (GP) to get the job done efficiently.

Finishing the job and delivering the job on time can also be challenging at times, and ensuring that customers get what they want.

The most challenging and frustrating time spent at Structural Systems Ltd though, was the time spent planning the layout of our new plant at Cane Garden, and the step-by-step movement of all the machinery from Warrens to Cane Garden without compromising the delivery of our products to our customers.

In the early days, everyone did anything.

Everything was a new adventure, nothing was unachievable. If you didn’t know how to do it, you found a way to get it done.

I remember one day that Mr Williams gave me my first project to build a rack for the shot blaster and he almost choked me for building it, not to the way he wanted it built. We both learnt a lesson that day; always make sure that everyone understands, that they are on the same page and drawings should not be done on cigarette boxes.

While things have changed over the years with respect to how things are done, we continue to employ good people and we have made great strides in doing things better and more efficiently.

Back then, we found interesting ways of completing a task that might not have been the most safe and efficient way of accomplishing it. Once we had a big anchor about two and a half tons in weight, about eight to ten feet tall that was completely rusted up; nothing would move this rust.

We were at Warrens then and the captain had lost the original one off of Carlisle Bay; so we took the anchor and put it up on a big open space where we kept the stock beams. We found every wooden pallet on the compound, every piece of wood and covered the anchor; every cardboard box, paper, you name it, and anything that could burn we used it.

It was the first time Warrens was ever that clean. We lit up the anchor, but there was an oversight as we had the forklift and Mr Williams’ black Mazda parked near by.

The heat got so hot and it was only by luck that we realised that the paint on the side of the vehicles facing directly to the flames had started to bubble.

You should have seen the commotion to get the forklift and car moved. All Grenville Gill could say was “It too hot, it too hot.

Oh Lord! De car, de car!” Well the cars were saved and the next morning the anchor had no rust.

The captain came and asked, “How did you get it done?” He never found out, but to this day I know how to de-rust a rusted up anchor, how to clean up a property, and how not to park cars near a big bonfire.

The years have seen great accomplishments for the company, but the ones I am most proud of are the fabrication of the Cubic Space Frame Roof at The Central Bank of Barbados, and the completion and delivery of the Kensington Oval stands that Structural Systems Ltd. fabricated. It was some of the most technical work that I have done, along with

arawak@arawakcment.com.bb

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APRIL 26, 2015. 13

METAL PRODUCTS PRODUCTION TEAM: Back row (from left): Bruce Reece (foreman), Ricardo Ifill, Dwayne R. Marshall, Ranako Cummins, Beniko Worrell, David Eugene, Dwayne A. Marshall, Frederick Davis and George Grandison.

Centre row (from left): Dwayne Atwell, Suzanne Best, Euralene Clarke, Luke Williamson, Jillian Nicholls (supervisor), Ricky Worrell, Alvin Lokey and Clevant Sobers (foreman) Front row (from left): Justin Jackman, Deveron Alleyne, Shalter Hunte, Charles Cox, Kurwin Smith, Ryle Crichlow and Noel Scantlebury. (GP)

Looking to the future • From Page 12. the welding and weld testing that was done. With the tight delivery times, what we achieved was very impressive.

My vision for the company is to invest in new equipment, recruit young talent, train them well, improve what we do, look for new horizons, new challenges, and keep Structural Systems Ltd. at the forefront and No. 1 in metal fabrication within the Caribbean and other markets that we can enter into.

MANUFACTURING PRODUCTION TEAM: Back row (from left ): Dale Dottin, Brian Jemmott, Otis Bradshaw, Keajan Wade, Kardar King, Carlos Watson and Andre Worrell.

Centre row (from left): Michael Blackman, Eric Maynard, Omar Skeete, Charles Knight, Jerry Adams, Geoffrey Crick, Joseph Olice, Owen Jordan, Lascelles Davis and Andrew Watson.

Front row (from left): Nigel Corbin, Baggio Skeete, David Gilkes, Randy Luke, Tirron Gollop, Gilbert Kellman, Miguel Caldeira, Geoffrey Skeete and Michael Marshall. Missing are: Nicholas Clarke, Kerry Lauren, Jason Pinder and Hillary Gibbs. (GP)

14. APRIL 26, 2015

DESIGN TEAM: (From left to right) David Lyder (draughtsman), Harold Archer (draughtsman), Charlene Hinkson (industrial engineer), Kenny Allen (Structural Engineer and Design Manager), and Aldric Barnett (senior draughtsman). (GP)

SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL

KENNY ALLEN STRUCTURAL I have been here for SYSTEMS LTD’s 35 years, started in 1980.

(SSL) in-house team I came in the capacity of of designers and structural engineer under engineers stand Mr Harold Skeete and went ready to face any on to become the head possible of the Design Department. manufacturing This job does not really challenge with carry any challenges, you efficiency and have different designs you expertise. are faced with and each Whether for one is more of a learning commercial, KENNY ALLEN experience than a challenge. industrial, Structural Engineer When I first came to work agricultural, and Design Manager here, there was no AutoCAD, or recreational (GP) everything was done by purposes, SSL is hand; technology has indeed backed by a vast come a long way in that respect. portfolio of durable structures We have moved from AutoCAD to throughout the Caribbean.

StruCAD to what we are presently Its constructions are highly using now, TEKLA. This software diverse: churches, schools, has reduced the time in which we retail stores, factories, can design an entire building, it is warehouses, hotels, offices, excellent. sports complexes, and even simply Every building that we have one-car garages. designed gives us great pride; every All buildings are designed to the building that remains standing is a Caribbean Wind Code and overseen testament to our accomplishments. by structural engineer and design The future of Structural Systems manager Kenny Allen, ensuring the Ltd is favourable once God is in highest standards of quality control control and life is given to all the are delivered and the exacting SSL family. standards set for strength are met.

SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL

THE SIGNIFICANCE of an efficient Maintenance Department must not be disregarded as it plays such a vital role in the success of a lean manufacturing company such as Structural Systems Ltd. The preventative care of our machines and equipment permits us to effectively reduce waste and administrate an economical and incessant manufacturing operation. The outlay of habitual maintenance is minuscule when it is compared to the cost of a major breakdown; therefore it was with no hesitation that we have selected the best people for

APRIL 26, 2015. 15

MAINTENANCE TEAM: (left to right) Kemar Holder, Chester Culbard, Bernard Walcott (supervisor), Steven Roach, and Neil Pile.

Missing is Movel Boyce. (GP) SSL's Maintenance Team and ultimately the best suited person to supervise the team, Bernard Walcott.

BERNARD WALCOTT In 1989, I started working with SSL as an apprentice electrician, then I gradually moved through the ranks to senior technician and eventually to the position I hold today as

maintenance supervisor. Over the years, what I have found to be most challenging is communication with persons throughout the company and dealing with the attitudes of persons working in the company.

Through the years, there are aspects of the business that have changed compared to when I first started working here and

mainly it is because of the advancement of technology, these are areas such as accessibility to manufacturers, suppliers, and technical services.

It is because of these advancements in technology and machinery that the company has been able to grow and subsequently go through a

smooth transition during its relocation process. In addition, SSL has proudly been able to effectively renovate Kensington Oval into the eye-catching beauty it is today.

As we celebrate 40 years of existence, it is my desire that the company continues to be successful, providing better products and services to the customer.

16. APRIL 26, 2015, SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL

APRIL 26, 2015 SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL. 17

The Gem of SSL . . . Wendy Williams

SUNDALE TRADING, Cane Garden, St Thomas.

WENDY WILLIAMS is what many of the veterans of Structural Systems Ltd (SSL) would consider to be one of the sweetest ladies they know.

A lot of their fondness can be attributed to the fact that she has been a “mother” for the company from its inception. In 1975, when the company was established, Ms Williams was a young mother at the time, yet this did not deter her from providing the emotional and motivational support for her former husband and the staff of SSL. Staff members have clear memories of the many kind gestures this “gem” of the company would action, especially in the provision of food for staff during the early projects.

In a recent interview, Ms Williams affectionately remembered the days of preparing pelau or breadfruit salad and stew food for the staff working on various projects, especially with projects such as the Central Bank and the Barbados Flour Mill to name a few.

Having two young children at the time the business started, she never let that prevent her from being an avid supporter of the company. Staff members recall seeing her with the motorcycle and the bucket seat at the side with the children in tow. “There was a lot of work then and the company worked numerous weekends,” Ms Williams recalled, “so on Saturdays and Sundays the children would go with me wherever the site was to be with the boys.”

Out of all the companies within the Williams Industries Inc. Group, Ms Williams remembers Structural Systems Ltd as being the one which held more of her exciting memories.

“I was more with the boys of Structural Systems Ltd because of “Pecos”, as he was friendly with ‘Bizzy’ and I, and then a lot of the older guys as well that are still with the company, like Hayden, Morgan, Gerald. A lot of the guys would help me up here at the track (Bushy Park) and we had some good times.”

Medium in stature, but full of love in her heart as displayed by her unfailing ability to open her home to the SSL family at any time, Ms Wendy Williams encourages the employees of Structural Systems Ltd to hold onto the Lord and have faith during this recession and through faith everything will work itself out.

(GP)

JOINT VENTURE Intercoat Canada/Structural Systems Limited (SSL) First adhesive/silicone paper coating machine fabricated by SSL with motorised equipment installed by Intercoat Canada, and shipped to Bangkok, Thailand on July 5, 1996. (GP)

DESIGNED WITH GLASS, built with steel ITC Building at Warrens, St Michael.

STAINLESS STEEL FERMENTERS AT WEST INDIES RUM DISTILLERY.

(GP)

(GP)

A BULLARD at the Bridgetown Port.

(GP)

16. APRIL 26, 2015, SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL

APRIL 26, 2015 SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL. 17

The Gem of SSL . . . Wendy Williams

SUNDALE TRADING, Cane Garden, St Thomas.

WENDY WILLIAMS is what many of the veterans of Structural Systems Ltd (SSL) would consider to be one of the sweetest ladies they know.

A lot of their fondness can be attributed to the fact that she has been a “mother” for the company from its inception. In 1975, when the company was established, Ms Williams was a young mother at the time, yet this did not deter her from providing the emotional and motivational support for her former husband and the staff of SSL. Staff members have clear memories of the many kind gestures this “gem” of the company would action, especially in the provision of food for staff during the early projects.

In a recent interview, Ms Williams affectionately remembered the days of preparing pelau or breadfruit salad and stew food for the staff working on various projects, especially with projects such as the Central Bank and the Barbados Flour Mill to name a few.

Having two young children at the time the business started, she never let that prevent her from being an avid supporter of the company. Staff members recall seeing her with the motorcycle and the bucket seat at the side with the children in tow. “There was a lot of work then and the company worked numerous weekends,” Ms Williams recalled, “so on Saturdays and Sundays the children would go with me wherever the site was to be with the boys.”

Out of all the companies within the Williams Industries Inc. Group, Ms Williams remembers Structural Systems Ltd as being the one which held more of her exciting memories.

“I was more with the boys of Structural Systems Ltd because of “Pecos”, as he was friendly with ‘Bizzy’ and I, and then a lot of the older guys as well that are still with the company, like Hayden, Morgan, Gerald. A lot of the guys would help me up here at the track (Bushy Park) and we had some good times.”

Medium in stature, but full of love in her heart as displayed by her unfailing ability to open her home to the SSL family at any time, Ms Wendy Williams encourages the employees of Structural Systems Ltd to hold onto the Lord and have faith during this recession and through faith everything will work itself out.

(GP)

JOINT VENTURE Intercoat Canada/Structural Systems Limited (SSL) First adhesive/silicone paper coating machine fabricated by SSL with motorised equipment installed by Intercoat Canada, and shipped to Bangkok, Thailand on July 5, 1996. (GP)

DESIGNED WITH GLASS, built with steel ITC Building at Warrens, St Michael.

STAINLESS STEEL FERMENTERS AT WEST INDIES RUM DISTILLERY.

(GP)

(GP)

A BULLARD at the Bridgetown Port.

(GP)

18. APRIL 26, 2015

SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL

Nothing moves unless we move it . . . Stores STORES TEAM: (From left) Hainsley Sobers, Hayden Small, Colin Johnson (Stores Manager), Cedrick Hinds, and Jason Hinds. Missing is is Keith Greenidge. (GP) THE ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES of the Stores Department are to operate as custodian and controlling agent for parts, supplies, and materials; providing service to users of those goods.

The Stores Department has to follow certain activities, managed through use of various resources to ensure the guardianship and preservation of the materials stocked, to their receipts, issue, and accounting.

At Structural Systems Ltd, our Stores Department’s main objective is to resourcefully and economically provide the right materials at the required time and in the condition in which it is needed.

COLIN JOHNSON I STARTED working at Structural Systems Ltd in February 1979, having left school about six months earlier. This was my second job. I spent the first ten years fitting and welding in the manufacturing workshop, followed by ten years supervising the same workshop. My last 16 years with the company, I have spent managing the Stores Department.

For me, the most challenging aspect of the job over the years has been getting some employees to see how to work smarter and not harder; doing it right once instead of having to do it over (that is where vision comes, in being able to see it).

Through the years, we have had some good times and bad, but there was one experience in particular that is etched in my mind. We built a platform for windsurfing which stood above water, and the idea started as putting cans together, but when we were finished, we sailed to Silver Sands on that thing. Back then we always used to be a creative, having interesting foresight on how to get things done, we were rearing to go, however, technology has changed that somewhat.

Our core products are the same, but have stood the test of time; nonetheless, we may have to look further at incorporating new products into the business because we still have a reputation we can build on.

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COLIN JOHNSON, STORES MANAGER. (GP)

SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL

APRIL 26, 2015. 19

JASON HOLDER, PROJECT MANAGER (GP)

ERECTION TEAM: Back row (from left): Jamar Lewis, Ricky Bryant, Terry Gittens, Otha Holder, Hadley Alleyne, Robert Brathwaite, Phillip Morgan, Roland Garnes, Sylvester Mapp, and Julian Worrell.

Centre row (from left): Jamal Lewis, John Snagg, Renie Sobers, Sean Deshong, Ryvan Boyce, Andre Cyrus, Donovan Smith, Jason Headley, and Daniel Niles.

Front row (from left): Andel Paul, Kerwin Lowe (forefront), Cliven Dash, Mark Parris, Michael Maynard, Roger Small, and Dennis Lawrence.

Absent from photo are Melroy Cudjoe, Rishi Persaud, Dave Branch and Clifford Elliott. (GP)

OUR STEEL ERECTORS are some of the best men working in the Barbadian construction industry, installing and fixing together the steel girders, pipework and beams that make up the framework of both local and regional buildings and structures.

Without their dedication and strength, Structural Systems Ltd would not have a showcase of fine buildings which proudly stands on our landscape.

The teams are headed by Jason Holder, who relies heavily on his very competent and experienced supervisory staff to execute all jobs efficiently and correctly.

JASON HOLDER When I started working with the company in September 2010, I was hired by the then general manager Mr Andre Gibson for the position of erection manager.

The Erection Department is a very dynamic department to say the least.

We are the link that connects the product fabricated in the workshop to the client

out on-site; all of which has to be done in a timely manner.

Meeting deadlines will always be a challenge, it takes a coordinated effort by team members and making sure everyone is on the same page to achieve such.

This task cannot be achieved alone and special thanks must go out to the supervisors and team members of the department who undoubtedly do whatever it takes to get the job done.

I myself will never forget having to fly to St Lucia in the small Williams Industries company glider; four people in a tuna with wings, laughs; no, but seriously.

In comparison with most of the staff members I have the least number of years, so I would not have noticed vast changes in the way things are done since I was here. What I can say is that there is a constant drive with regard to improvement. Be it in the office or out in the field, management and general staff are constantly striving to improve work practices and by extension being as efficient as possible.

Structural Systems Ltd on a whole must be commended for being viable in an extremely competitive market. The reality that we face with regard to the economy is a harsh one. We can no longer afford the luxury to sit back and expect clients to fall in our lap.

Given the current circumstances, we have proven that we can perform when met with a challenge, and I think that is

something we as a company should be proud of.

As a manager, the vision I have for the company is growth. Growth as a company is fantastic. Not only to be recognised as the leading steel fabrication company in the island, but also in the region.

Bringing this vision to reality will not be an easy one but I am confident we have the personnel that can take us there.

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ERECTION SUPERVISORS: (From left) Reynold ‘Jeff’ Scantlebury, Jason Holder (Project Manager), Rawle Hood and Alfred Philips. (GP)

A SunGroup Member Company

20. APRIL 26, 2015

SAFETY COMMITTEE: (From left to right) Dwayne Marshall, John Snagg, Charlene Hinkson, Jason Holder, and Gilbert Kellman. (GP)

SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL

NO MATTER the nature of the business, there is always the possibility of an accident or damage to someone’s health occurring. All work exposes employees to hazards, for example: loads which have to be manually handled, dangerous machinery, toxic substances, electricity, working with display screen equipment or even psychological hazards such as stress.

In January 2013, the Safety And Health At Work Act 2005 was proclaimed and in complying with the laws of Barbados, Structural Systems Ltd has taken steps to ensure that the provisions outlined within the law are implemented.

The law specifies that work places must provide for the security of the health, safety, and welfare of persons at work; protection of other persons against risks to health and safety in connection with the activities of persons at work; controlling the release of certain emissions into the environment; the consolidation of the law relating to health, safety, and welfare in the workplace. Structural Systems Ltd is a company that cares about the welfare of all its employees and the rules implemented thus far, only serve to guarantee that at the end of every working day, its employees can return home to their loved ones healthy and safe.

APRIL 26, 2015

SUNDAY SUN

21

SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL

APRIL 26, 2015. 21

How far we have come

by TANYA LUKE IN THE 25 YEARS I’ve been with the company, there have been a great many changes: advancements in technology which were sought and embraced always with a view to improving the business through efficiency, reducing expenditure, recognition of team members’ skill and initiative to maximise the potential of every component to achieve success and provide our clients with the highest quality product.

I may possess the official titles of purchasing officer for Williams Industries Inc, and office manager for Structural Systems Ltd (SSL); however, I’m confident, that Mr Williams has my job title still recorded on a spreadsheet on his computer as “lady in charge” with the comment “this person’s job description is ‘be everywhere, do everything, amaze the customer (mostly suppliers and fellow workers); spell for, help, remember for, find for and encourage but occasionally torment the chairman”.

That, to me, demonstrates the culture which permeates the Williams Industries Inc. companies.Every member of the team was expected to contribute to the common goals of success, growth, development, and improvement of the business and in turn the company recognised the need to reinvest in its team for their personal growth and advancement. You pressed ahead with what was necessary to get the job done and succeed.

All those years ago, we still had a telex machine to communicate with our suppliers, along with the new facsimile machine. I had a 20 plus pound “laptop” to take home on weekends to enter P.A.L.S scores from the timecards for our team, and our inventory was managed on Burroughs’ green screen computers.

I was constantly frustrating Leroy Johnson by overloading the buffer and

TANYA LUKE THE ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM: (From left) Linda Springer (payroll), Kenneth Millar (accounts receivables), and Wendy Hinkson (accountant). Missing are Kerrie Ann Callender and Kathy-Ann Maloney. (GP) crashing my sessions. I needed to key more slowly, apparently. He eventually gave up and just taught me how to retrieve the sessions myself and continue with my entries.

It’s funny to remember my excitement when I was given my first notebook which was a white Zenith with a monochrome screen, very cutting edge.

Of course I didn’t realise at the time that meant I now had the capability to take work home, thereby extending my work day.

We used VHF radios to communicate with our teams on job sites and in the factory, and letters, quotations and meeting minutes were recorded using a Dictaphone and then transcribed. Those little tapes stacked up on the desk were not always a welcome sight, especially when they arrived just as you were ready to leave for the day and there was no way of telling just how long the dictation was.

We've come a long way from entering job numbers by hand in a sequential job

book and then having to copy them into the alphabetical listing book. While we still maintain paper job files for every job we’ve done over the years, the older files which predated our computer system have been scanned and stored electronically to ensure our records are complete and physical trips to the archives are limited.

The team at Structural Systems Ltd has always been expected and can be

OFFICE MANAGER (GP)

relied on to meet and surpass the challenges it faces whether it be in an individual job, changes to technology or software such as the Enterprise Resource Planning system implemented in 2009, which also necessitated a change in the operations of SSL or the national and global recessions.

There is never a dull moment working with SSL. I am proud of and thankful for the achievements of our team and pray through the grace of God and our commitment, our success continues.

22. APRIL 26, 2015

SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL

VETERANS OF THE COMPANY FROM LEFT: Nicholas Branson, Ricardo Holder, Colin Johnson, Berrace Walkes, Charles Knight, Gilbert Kellman, Owen Jordan, Geoffrey Crick, Jerry Adams, Joseph Olice, David Reece, Carmel Ifill, Kenny Allen, and Clevant Sobers.

Missing is Lascelles Davis. (GP)

Happy Anniversary

Celebrating

40 years of service to our community May you continue to grow in strength

www.erichassellandson.com info@erichassellandson.com

SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL

APRIL 26, 2015. 23

headquarters’ building.

• What are some of the things you find to be vastly different now within the company’s culture as compared to when you first started?

In the old days client-management relationships were more personal and intimate. The bigger the

HAROLD SKEETE, DIRECTOR.

(GP)

HAROLD SKEETE is a Lodge School alumnus and successful business owner with over 40 years experience in architecture and design. He joined Williams Industries Inc. in 1976 to supervise the Drawing Office at Structural Systems Ltd, and his efficient management and architectural insight propelled him up the ranks to Managing Director in SSL. Skeete has overseen teams in such projects as the Royal St Kitts Hotel (now Jack Tar Hotel) and the Barbados Flour Mill Project.

After his tenure at Structural Systems Ltd, he left to establish his own architecture firm, Skeete Design Inc. His knowledge of the field, love of a challenge, and unwavering commitment have proven valuable assets to Williams Industries Inc. In a brief interview with Skeete, he shared the following pertaining to his tenure at Structural Systems Ltd. • What accomplishment has the company made that you are most proud of?

SSL from its inception has been a remarkable company, willing to undertake, design, detail, manufacture and erect all sorts of complicated jobs; this is entirely due to the quality of its staff over the years. It should also be said that if it weren't for the driving force and the hard work of a brilliant man named Ralph “Bizzy” Williams, the companies would not be what they are today.

• What is one funny work experience which you have encountered over the years at the company?

That would definitely have to be when the late Right Honourable Errol Barrow, who was Prime Minister at the time, delivered two crocus bags full of 25 cent pieces as part payment for their

company grows, it gets more and more like a bureaucracy.

• As a Williams Industries Inc. (WII) director, what vision do you have for the company, even though you are not directly involved in the day to day operations?

I hope that the SSL-WII directorate continue to strive for excellence, and in doing so understand that it is essential that we continue to attract and keep good management who can inspire a committed workforce to strive for excellence. A very important factor in the success of the WII companies, especially SSL, was the fact that nearly all work was done by jobwork.

Skeete, a man infamous for his freehand drafting skills, concluded his interview with these words of wisdom.

“We have to stay lean and mean as they say, in these very difficult times, from the top management to the junior staff have to ensure that the company will continue to have success.

24. APRIL 26, 2015

I WAS GIVEN the assignment as plant manager to Williams Industries Inc. in 1979. This meant that wherever Williams Industries Inc. had a plant, I was responsible for the setting up and smooth running of these plants.

My office was located in the complex of Structural Systems Ltd, what could be called in a figurative sense “the flagship” of the empire and that was the base from which I would operate. Hence, most of my time was spent at Structural Systems Ltd. Working at Structural Systems Ltd was exciting. Now you may wonder how working under factory conditions could be exciting; but when we consider who was at the figurative helm of the company, it could not be anything else.

Every day, week, or month, you could look forward to one change or another, these changes were not because of mistakes, no. They were for the improvement and advancement of the company for both the

SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL

employees and the methods of production.

You see, the man at the helm, Mr Ralph Williams, was always looking for ways to improve the operation of the company, and this is how he spent most of his time. So when you were called to his office and an idea was presented, all he wanted to hear was “Yes, let's go.” And this was what he heard from most of the employees. That is why Structural Systems Ltd became so successful.

Speaking for myself, I was never pressured by upper management looking over my shoulder, God’s word in James 5:12 says that your yes should be yes and your no, no. That was my focus throughout my work life at Structural Systems Ltd. So much so that I was allowed a lot of latitude, to order, redesign, rebuild, and design machinery to do work in the factory. During many of these occasions, Mr Williams would pass by and say, “What are you up to now?” and I would explain in words like, “When they built this machine,

When I got to his room, he was on his computer rearranging the factory in order to fit these machines in, so that the materials could easily move through the factory and improve the production, and ease the pressure on the workshop staff. At 7:30 a.m. he said, “I think we should go and get some breakfast,” so off we went.

My association with Mr Williams also required me to be discerning. As mentioned before, things were always improving so when he decided to go in a STEPHEN OSBOURNE new direction, be sure there RETIRED PLANT MANAGER (GP) would be more to follow, if not immediately, maybe the next year or two. So I have always they had workshops in mind, but had to anticipate the next not yours, we now have to make move, and thanks to Jehovah this machine fit yours.” Then he I was right most of the time, would smile and move along. He if not all the time. trusted me to make the right One example was when decision, a trust I never betrayed. an area of the workshop was He also had confidence in my moved across the yard to absolute involvement in any another location, and he project. For example, we went to California to buy two machines to told me how much power he wanted at the location. enhance the production in the Knowing that he was factory. We bought the machines, went back to the hotel to rest from always looking to improve, I the long day. During the night, or I decided to not tell him anything, but to make the should say morning, around decision to increase the power 3 a.m., I got a phone call. Yes, it to that location. You would was Mr Williams. He said, “You not believe this, but a year up?” I said, “I am up now.” He said, “Can you come down here?” later the whole factory was going to that location. He said I said, “Okay.”

Congratulations to Structural Systems Ltd. on their 40th Anniversary!

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to me, “How are we going to feed all these machines?”

I said to him, “We have power there already." He said, “How?” Then I explained.

He smiled and walked off.

In the factory, machine models were always changing for more advanced models, so I had to be ready for the next electrical, electronic, pneumatic, and hydraulic challenge. But again, it was the thrill and excitement of getting it right and keeping the factory working like a well tuned engine.

There is a lot more that can be said, these pages could not hold my years of experiences at Structural Systems Ltd; but what I have presented here is a look at how Structural Systems Ltd has progressed during my work life there, and the one big reason for its success, the forward-thinking, outreaching, and progressive mind of “Bizzy” Williams.

I am retired now, but I want to thank him for making my work life with Structural Systems Ltd so exciting and rewarding, but most of all I want to thank my God Jehovah for giving me the strength and endurance to be equal to and to succeed in all my assignments at Structural Systems Ltd.

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APRIL 26, 2015. 25

• What philosophy has guided you through your tenure at Structural Systems Ltd? There are two philosophies that have given me the character I am known for today: do good work or none at all, and secondly, what is worthwhile doing is worthwhile doing well. Anyone who has had the opportunity to work with me knows that I was not one to stand for mediocre work; you had to perform to the best of your ability, it is what the client was expecting and it is what I expected.

• What advice would you want to give the Erection management team or the company in general moving forward?

K.D. SAUL RETIRED ERECTION MANAGER (GP)

• WHEN DID YOU first start working with the company?

I was born in Barbados and left to go to Guyana in 1953 as a young boy, so when I returned to Barbados in 1980 with my wife and three children, I started work with Structural Systems Ltd. I was previously working in the bauxite industry, in operations management to be more specific, and I remember applying for a job and Mr Williams told me at the time there was nothing available.

Then, not too long after, Mr Reece was going on vacation in August for a month, and Mr Williams called me up and asked me if I would be interested in doing the job for a month and I jumped at the opportunity. I’ve worked at the company from then until December 31, 1999, when I retired, six months shy of 20 years.

• What job stands out in your mind from your years of working with the company?

Well there are quite a few, but the one that I am fond of is the Royal St Kitts Hotel. St Kitts and Nevis’ first independence ceremony was supposed to be held there in September 1983, and could you imagine that the hotel burned down months before the date? So this job needed a rush, and I only had three months to get this job up and completed, at least the Structural Systems Ltd part, but I had made up in my mind to have it done before that time.

We worked seven days a week, so much so that we did not know which day it was, we just kept working. I remember on one of Mr Williams’ visits, he rented a boat and took me and the guys out for the day, and they enjoyed that; it gave us a fresh burst of energy to continue. We were able to complete that job ahead of schedule, not by much but we completed it on time.

On a sad note though, it was while we were doing this job that I realised there was a change coming about with the Barbadian workforce. It was like we did not want to see each other succeed. There were two guys on the team in St Kitts that were from the same village and I remember one day one of them wanted to borrow the other’s screw shooter and that was a problem, but shortly after this other workman from St Kitts wanted to borrow the same screw shooter and it was not a problem, that opened my eyes.

Always make sure that the labour is the last element of the job to arrive on-site. The last thing you or the company in general would want is for persons to have the perception that SSL workers are lazy and not performing their duties. When there is a delay in getting materials to site, the customer is not concerned about that because all they can see is the fact that they are paying for a job, but men are sitting doing nothing.

I would also want to encourage the employees to put their best foot forward. Structural Systems Ltd is was a good company to work for and still is, but the attitudes of the workers in this generation must change to that of a positive mentality if goals are to be achieved.

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• WHEN DID YOU first start working with the company?

SSL started after I began working with C. O. Williams Electrical in 1971, so I started working with “Bizzy” in 1972. I started as a welder for Structural Systems Ltd, and then from there I worked in the oil field as a foreman, and when I returned to the yard after three years, I was a workshop supervisor. The work picked up, so then I started supervising erection work outside around 1982.

• What were some of the frustrating or challenging aspects in working with the company?

I wouldn’t call the job frustrating; I always took my job seriously, never really got frustrated. If I came across a job that seemed difficult, I just did it, you had to get it done.

The Central Bank job was a challenging job and also the

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silos we had to do for the manufacturing company Silicates Caribbean Ltd in St Lucy. We had silos to erect and weld and these were like over 80 feet in the air.

This was a big challenge as we had to weld these in the air because at that time there were no cranes at least not with baskets; so we had to tack on angle cleats on the side of the silos and climb up like if on a ladder, welding as we went along and then knocking off the angle cleats when finished.

Then at one point in time Richard Nurse had to hold me by my feet over the edge of the platform to weld underneath a projection of five feet. Coming along we took risks, but we knew we had to take measures to protect ourselves and still get the job done. Now there are safety laws and regulations and more persons are getting

injured, ironic.

• What philosophy has guided you through your years at Structural Systems Ltd? You go to work to do a job, if you are not going to do it, stay home. If I know within myself that I was not going to do a job well, I would stay home. In all my years with the company, I have never stayed home three days yet just because I felt like; something would have to be terribly wrong.

It makes no sense having someone on a job that does not want to be there; you see the client is going to be on the site seeing that you have two guys working and the other just lazing around doing nothing. It gives the company a bad image, and you have to maintain a reputable image if you are going to be successful.

• What advice would you want to give the erection

CURTIS BRATHWAITE

RETIRED ERECTION SUPERVISOR (GP)

management team or the company in general moving forward?

Workers want to take shortcuts in the interest of time, to make more money in a shorter space of time, but it compromises the work. Errors affect everyone in the organisation. Pay interest in the work first and foremost, once you do that the money will come; but when you put money first, the work will never ever be the same; you will never get good quality and poor quality carries a cost.

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APRIL 26, 2015. 27

From behind the wheel ... Hayden Small FLASHBACK

When SSL saved the day IN 1991, Structural Systems Ltd was hailed in for its role in saving the World Windsurfing Championships. This was after a platform that was built by another company capsized.

As penned by the SUNDAY SUN dated January 13.

“The platform was completed in 40 hours

and lifted into the water near the Flour Mill at 6 a.m. Four hours later, just one hour from the start of the championships, Roger Miller, head of the local organising committee, was welcomed aboard the new platform by Mr Williams which was rock steady and eight feet above the waves.”

DRIVING ON A DAILY BASIS can be a very taxing and dangerous job, and this is what Hayden Small has been doing accident-free for over 30 years.

He started working with the crane erecting steel on-site, even aiding in the actual connection of the steel. You name it, he did it, except welding.

There were times when his family did not see him until the next morning, especially when the company was operating shift.

“Delivery work is hard,” according to Hayden, but despite suffering HAYDEN SMALL: DELIVERY DRIVER (GP) a serious illness in 2012, he returned to work with a new vigour and energy.

A man who has seen it all at Structural Systems Ltd, Hayden maintains a cheerful and optimistic perspective on life. With his dedicated and unquestionable tenure, he advises everyone to live well with each other for the future is uncertain.

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We would like to

Congratulate Silver Raiders all the way STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS LTD (SSL) Silver Raiders has had the long-standing support of the company since 1989.

The company’s sponsorship of this netball club for the past 26 years is rooted in the team’s commitment to excellence, on and off the court.

The Silver Raiders are engaged in different initiatives year after year, both athletic and academic, with some community based, and this is something which SSL is happy to support.

Over the years, the club’s successful programme has led to a number of players from SSL’s Silver Raiders team

being national netball players. The SSL Silver Raiders have consistently been earning top spots in the league and the members have also proven to be exemplary ambassadors for SSL. The commitment to the Silver Raiders is grounded in the belief that continuous investment in a positive venture should result in positive growth.

The company is extremely proud to be associated with the Silver Raiders Netball Club, an exemplary team of talented individuals who combine their efforts to consistently earn high rankings every year in the local netball league.

Structural Systems Ltd on celebrating their

40th Anniversary Warrens, St. Michael. Tel: 417-7777 www.simpson-motors.com

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APRIL 26, 2015. 29

MANAGEMENT TEAM 2002: (From left) Mark Hinkson, Nicholas Branson, Berrace Walkes, Harold Skeete, Monty Farnum, David Reece and Colin Johnson. (GP)

AIRCRAFT HANGAR at Grantley Adams International Airport. (GP)

ALUMINIUM CATAMARAN BOAT built by SSL.

(GP)

ERECTION CREW working on one of the many Digicel Towers erected

by SSL across the island. (GP)

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FROM UNIVERSITIES to hotels, Structural Systems Ltd has shown its expertise both locally and regionally. (GPs)

WITH A VISION “to provide the highest quality metal products and services to anyone, anywhere”, it’s no surprise that Structural Systems Ltd has made waves in more than just Barbados.

Taking its goals to St Kitts, Structural Systems Ltd brought highest quality prefabricated steel buildings designed specifically for the Caribbean to support the creation of the Royal St Kitts Hotel at Frigate Bay and the Ross University.

With projects recognised and a

commendation at the prestigious 40th snnual Structural Steel Design Awards in Britain, it’s no wonder that the demand for such outstanding ethic in production has kept Structural Systems Ltd moving through the decades and expanding throughout the Caribbean.

Striving to always deliver above and beyond expectations, Structural Systems Ltd is looking to the future with more of the experience and dedication that has characterised its last 40 years of outstanding service.

chemtechtrading@caribsurf.com

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ALWAYS WITH its customers in mind, especially after 40 years of service, part of Structural Systems Ltd’s celebration for its anniversary is set to involve a week of activities geared to those who have helped make the company what it is today.

Starting off the week with a church service to give thanks for this wonderful 40-year journey and hope for the future, the week of activities will then be continued with customer appreciation and employee appreciation as well as school tours of the Structural Systems Ltd facilities for aspiring students.

Obviously, the Structural Systems Ltd customer appreciation day is not something to be missed as there will

APRIL 26, 2015. 31

be a wealth of offers to take advantage of. From 40 per cent discounts on selected retail items to the on-site mobile health unit, the care for the customer is completely at the fore of Structural Systems’ school of thought on this 40th anniversary occasion.

Monday, April 27, will see the mobile health unit, on-site at the offices in Cane Garden, St Thomas, conducting cholesterol, blood sugar, and rapid HIV testing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. demonstrating part of Structural Systems’ concern for its customers.

Our Product Is Steel, Our Strength Is Our People, the Structural Systems Ltd slogan definitely rings true on this occasion of its 40th anniversary.

E-MAIL: elcock@elcock.com I WEBSITE: www.elcock.com

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APRIL 26, 2015

Williams Industries Inc. salutes and thanks the Management and Staff of Structural Systems Limited for their outstanding projects across the Caribbean and Miami that have made us proud. For 40 years’ their buildings have withstood every hurricane that has hit the Caribbean without a single structural failure anywhere. Congratulations on 40 years’ of service excellence, wishing you many more.”

“Working to Build a Stronger Nation” visit our website at www.williamsind.com Printed and published by THE NATION PUBLISHING CO. LIMITED, Nation House, Fontabelle, St Michael, Barbados. Telephone (246) 430-5400.