Archives: News Items

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s CNC Pipe Fabricator

Seeking consistent, repeatable pipe cuts, Air Masters Corporation (now Integrated Facility Services) developed a solution combining existing components and custom-designed software. MCAA’s CNC Pipe Fabricator provides highlights of the cost-effective solution to help others interested in pursuing a similar project. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin covers:

  • Project background
  • How it works
  • Results achieved
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For a full list of available Management Methods Bulletins, visit the Management Methods Bulletins page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.

NEFCO Announces Strategic Acquisition of FASCO Supply, Expanding Its Reach in Texas

MCAA member NEFCO, a premier specialty supply partner to the professional construction trades, has announced its acquisition of FASCO, a Houston-based specialty construction supply distributor. This strategic move marks NEFCO’s tenth acquisition since 2017 and expands its branch network to 37 locations, including two locations in Texas – Dallas and Houston – reinforcing its commitment to be the single best partner to contractors wherever they build.

FASCO was founded in 1989 by Rick Raines as a STAFDA house specializing in fasteners and related products. Rick sold FASCO to Greg Malloch in 2014 and the business has continued to build on the original vision of providing quality products at a reasonable price and unmatched customer service. Its partnership with NEFCO heralds a new era of expanded services and enhanced capabilities in Texas.

Matthew Gelles, CEO of NEFCO, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition: “Joining forces with Greg Malloch and the FASCO team in Houston is a significant step for NEFCO. FASCO’s expertise in S.H.A.R.P. and their strong market presence in Houston will provide an ideal springboard for NEFCO to broaden our service offerings across the state of Texas. We look forward to leveraging FASCO’s local market knowledge and combining it with NEFCO’s renowned service, product expertise, and supply chain proficiency as we partner with contractors across the state of Texas.”

“FASCO is excited to join forces with NEFCO and expand our offerings throughout Texas,” said FASCO President Greg Malloch. “FASCO is uniquely aligned with NEFCO’s S.H.A.R.P. model which will provide a great platform to grow our footprint in Texas along with the emphasis on serving both our customers and our employees,” Greg continued. “We are a family business looking to take the next steps in our evolution and NEFCO’s family business culture was a very important aspect in our decision to join the NEFCO team. The NEFCO-FASCO partnership will expand many opportunities for FASCO, its employees, customers, and suppliers!”

“The NEFCO-FASCO partnership combines two companies with a commitment to quality, customer service, and employee welfare,” concluded Matthew Gelles. “As we welcome FASCO into NEFCO’s Championship Team, we look forward to a future of shared success and continued excellence in serving the construction trades throughout Texas.”

For more information, email: Inquiries@nefcocorp.com or visit www.GoNefco.com.

About NEFCO – NEFCO is a family owned and operated construction supply company providing a broad range of products and services to a large variety of professional contractors. With 37 locations throughout the United States, NEFCO provides localized, contractor-centric services including extensive industry expertise, large local inventories, fast dependable jobsite delivery, turnkey engineering services, and specialty fabrication and assembly of construction materials.

About FASCO Supply – Founded in 1985, FASCO is a stocking distributor of a wide selection of construction fasteners, tools, and supplies. FASCO maintains 7,000 SKUs in inventory and a fleet of trucks to provide quick, dependable delivery. FASCO’s commitment is to provide contractors with the best possible service, along with competitive pricing and technical assistance.

Connect With the Latest Training from Mueller Industries, Inc. and Trimble at MCAA.org

The Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of MCAA’s website connects our contractor members with training opportunities available from the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new webinars and training opportunities across their product lines, services, solutions or web pages. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Mueller Industries, Inc.
Streamline® PRS Copper Press Fittings | Installation Instructions
Watch this video to learn about the installation process of the Streamline® PRS Copper Press Fittings.

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Trimble
Trimble’s services don’t end after the sales transaction has completed. We are committed to partnering with your business to ensure that you are on the path to success. We offer instructor-led classroom and onsite experiences that blend product demonstrations with hands-on exercises and virtual instructor-led training to help you maximize the benefits of your new software as fast and as easy as possible.

Learn More

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

Be sure to visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area for all the latest offerings.

Learn More

Find the Latest from FastEST, Inc. and Morris Group International in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

FastEST, Inc.
FastPIPE®, FastDUCT®, and FastWRAP™ — accurate, fast, and easy-to-use mechanical estimating software.

Learn More

Morris Group International
The ConTrols® Omega® Mixing Valve is installed at point of use to temper water for sinks, baths, showers, and lavatories. ConTrols is a division of Morris Group International.

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Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

Visit Smart Solutions

MCA of Western Washington Names Cowper as its Next Executive Director

The MCA of Western Washington (MCAWW) has appointed Robin Cowper as its Executive Director effective January 1, 2024. “Robin is well positioned and well qualified for this role and I cannot be more happy or proud,” said current MCAWW Executive Director Ed Kommers. He noted that Robin has been with MCAWW since 2005 and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE), a credential presented by the American Society of Association Executives.

Kommers added, “With her, the MCAWW group of Scott Middleton, Brittany Akkurt, and Michael Tran is one of the best teams I have worked with in my career.”

When Cowper takes her new role in January, Kommers will remain on as an advisor to ensure a smooth transition.

MCAA congratulates Robin on her new role and wishes the entire MCAWW team continued success.

Xylem Illustrates How Smart Technology Streamlines Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance is crucial for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of pumps and motors, which are essential components of commercial HVAC applications. An effective maintenance program can reduce unplanned downtime, decrease maintenance costs, and extend asset life. All of these drive business value, which is especially important in today’s competitive and challenging commercial building environment, when building operation teams are being asked to do more with less.

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Looking for More Smart Solutions?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

MCAA24 Early Bird Registration Countdown!

December 31 marks the deadline for Early Bird registration for the 2024 MCAA Annual Convention, so register today to take advantage of the discounted rates. 

The stunning JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes Orlando will serve as the backdrop of MCAA24 to be held March 17 – 21, 2024. We have an incredible line up of general session speakers that you won’t want to miss as well as a wide array of education seminars that will attract the convention veteran and the convention newbie alike. And, of course, no one wants to miss a private concert with one of the most popular bands of the 90s, The Barenaked Ladies, who will be performing exclusively for MCAA24 attendees the night of March 20. 

Hotel rooms are going fast so don’t delay…register today at www.mcaaconvention.org.

We can’t wait to see you in Orlando!

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s PIPES (PROCESS INFORMATION PORTAL ENABLING SUCCESS)

Looking to gain efficiencies, the BP Group undertook a high-level process reengineering process that resulted in the development of an online tool. MCAA’s PIPES (PROCESS INFORMATION PORTAL ENABLING SUCCESS) provides details of the solution to inspire others looking to undertake a similar project. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin covers:

  • The background of PIPES
  • An overview of the development process
  • What PIPES does
  • Efficiencies gained
  • A template of PIPES
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You may also be interested in the following:

For a full list of available Management Methods Bulletins, visit the Management Methods Bulletins page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.

Celebrate MCAA’s 20 Years of Safety Excellence Each Month of 2023 With a Safety Resource Kit

To celebrate MCAA’s 20 Years of Safety Excellence, MCAA is offering monthly safety kits to benefit our contractors around the country and the mechanical industry workers they support. Each kit will include videos, webinars, trainings, and additional resources on each monthly topic.

December 2023: Safety Culture

Employers with positive safety cultures are often the safest contractors around. Excellent safety culture starts at the top and can have profound impact on your company’s bottom line. Alternatively poor safety culture can cripple a contractor and lead to serious injuries and violations. This month’s kit includes resources for workers and supervisors, and highlights three supervisory videos on safety leadership, safety management, and safety conflict resolution.

Worker Safety Training Videos & Accompanying Resources

Hazard Recognition (Part 1)

Hazard Recognition (Part 2)

Supervisor Safety Training Videos

DOWNLOAD RESOURCE SUMMARY

Learn How Your Peers Are Advancing at the 2024 MEP Innovation Conference

The MEP Innovation Conference is renowned for selling out every year, and with good reason – it’s co-produced by three industry pillars: MCAA, NECA, and SMACNA. Join us in sunny Orlando, Florida, from January 29 – 31, as we bring together the best innovators in the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing industry. Our sessions are peer-focused, offering real-world case studies from contractors just like you. Explore multiple learning opportunities through sessions, workshops, breakouts, facility tours, networking, and exhibits. Don’t let this opportunity slip away. Secure your spot now and stay ahead of the game in the ever-evolving MEP industry. Register today!

MSC Heat’s On Event Offered Free Furnace Checks for Veterans

The Madison Area Mechanical & Sheet Metal Contractors Association (MSC) and Steamfitters Local 601 hosted their 35th Heat’s On event on October 21, 2023. More than 50 area steamfitters volunteered a day of labor to inspect and service heating systems in the homes of 69 veterans throughout Dane County.

The day began with a breakfast featuring this special thank you video.

Trucks and equipment used for the day were donated by the following contractors:

  • 1901 Inc.
  • Air Temperature Services, Inc.
  • Bassett Mechanical
  • Butters-Fetting
  • Hooper Corporation
  • JM Brennan, Inc.
  • Illingworth-Kilgust Mechanical
  • The Waldinger Corporation
  • Total Mechanical

Replacement parts were donated by these area suppliers: First Supply, Gustave A. Larson, Johnstone Supply, and Temperature Systems, Inc.

Veterans signed up for their free furnace checks through the Dane County Veteran Services Office and the Veterans Hospital.

“This program has impacted thousands of lives since its inception over three decades ago. Each year, our technicians share stories about their visits with the veterans and the impacts we have made on their lives. It’s a pleasure and an honor to be a part of a program that gives back to those who have given so much!”

Brady Farrell, President, 1901 Inc.
Service technicians and volunteers who are veterans.

Heat’s On has been serving Dane County residents since 1987 and has performed maintenance services on over 2,600 furnaces. The purpose of Heat’s On is to reduce the occurrence of veterans going without heat or facing other life-threatening emergencies associated with home heating systems.

Past Heat’s On programs have fixed a furnace for a veteran who survived the polar vortex without heat in his home and replaced the furnace of a World War II veteran who had been taken to the hospital twice with carbon monoxide poisoning.

MCAA congratulates the Madison Area Mechanical & Sheet Metal Contractors Association on their ongoing success with the Heat’s On program.

Find the Latest from Daikin Group and SIEMENS in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Daikin Group
Daikin North America LLC (DNA) has announced the launch of VRV IV-S-series heat pump – The next generation “Mini-VRV” for residential and light commercial applications.

Learn More
SIEMENS Zone Control Unit

SIEMENS
Siemens ZCU is pre-engineered and factory-fabricated to reduce installation costs. It includes the VAV box with all controls & hydronics preassembled & leak-tested as a complete package. Guaranteed leak-free operation & warranty.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

Visit Smart Solutions

Harris Realizes Immediate ROI With Watts Specialties Pipe Cutter

Harris saw an immediate return on investment (ROI) from their Watts Specialties automated pipe cutter, with improved efficiency in cutting and handling and no need for hand-cutting for olets or saddles. Based in St. Paul, MN, Harris has 15 regional offices with more than 300,000 square feet of fabrication shops.

LEARN MORE

Looking for More Smart Solutions?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

UA & MCAA Announce Mechanical Industry Future Leaders Institute

United Association (UA) General President Mark McManus and MCAA President Robert Beck announced the creation of the Mechanical Industry Future Leaders Institute in a letter to their memberships. The new three‐day program will provide leadership education to future field leaders. The joint initiative is a key part of the UA/MCAA Strategic Planning Committee’s efforts to proactively position our industry for continued success and growth. The first session will take place in May 2024. See the attached letter for details and the nomination form. The deadline for submissions is January 12, 2024. This course is completely separate from the MCAA Fundamentals of Field Leadership online course that will start in Q2 of 2024.

MCAA Represents Union-Signatory Construction Employers at IRS Hearing on Prevailing Wage and Apprentice Utilization Proposed Rules for Energy Projects

MCAA Government Affairs Committee Chairman Jim Gaffney and former Congressman Earl Pomeroy, MCAA’s government relations consultant, testified on MCAA’s behalf at the November 21, 2023, Internal Revenue Service hearing. The hearing addressed proposed rules requiring prevailing wages and apprentice utilization for enhanced tax credits under the Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) energy projects available for the next 10 years.

MCAA’s remarks and written statement delivered by Chairman Gaffney and former Congressman Pomeroy declared, “The Biden Administration energy project policy is laudable and worthy – and the market is eager for much more specific regulatory guidance from IRS and the Labor Department – which is absolutely essential to meet the statutory and public policy goals of the IRA.”

Chairman Gaffney noted that, “robust competition for qualifying projects depend on specific regulatory guidance for quality construction firms to assess the project performance risks and costs and commit resources to competing for that work.”

Chairman Gaffney continued, “lax regulatory and compliance guidance may well cede this market to low-road contractors over high-quality firms that would perform qualifying projects much more competently and productively.”

Chairman Gaffney and Congressman Pomeroy concluded by recommending a regulatory re-proposal that would adopt, “a Private Letter-type pre-award compliance review that would provide incentives for qualifying project owners to write full compliance specifications into their project bidding and prime contract and subcontract documents in a manner similar to the incentives allowed in the current proposal for owner use of Project Labor Agreements.”

MCAA TESTIMONY

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Indemnification Clauses

Subcontracts frequently include indemnification clauses to transfer risk from the general contractor (GC) to the subcontractor. MCAA’s Indemnification Clauses explains what these clauses are and what mechanical contractors can do to mitigate their effects. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin explores:

  • Limitations of indemnification clauses
  • What mechanical contractors can do to mitigate the effects of an indemnification clause
DOWNLOAD

For a full list of available Management Methods Bulletins, including several on the topic of marketing, visit the Management Methods Bulletins page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.

Connect With the Latest Training from SLOAN and Ridge Tool Company at MCAA.org

The Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of MCAA’s website connects our contractor members with training opportunities available from the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new webinars and training opportunities across their product lines, services, solutions or web pages. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

SLOAN
Watch a live demo of diaphragm assembly replacement for Sloan’s top mount G2, ECOS, SOLIS and Sloan flushometers. This training video makes it easy.

Learn More

Ridge Tool Company
RIDGID product experts provide a detailed overview of RIDGID’s full line of Drum Machines, highlighting the K-15, K-45, K-50, K-3200, K-6200, and K-7500.

Learn More

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

Be sure to visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area for all the latest offerings.

Learn More

New MCAA Student Chapter – Riverside City College

MCAA welcomed its newest student chapter by granting a charter to Riverside City College during the MSCA23 Opening General Session on October 23rd on Marco Island, Florida.  

Sponsoring Local Affiliate:  ARCA/MCA
• Cheryl James, Executive Director

Faculty Advisor:
Kfir Mendelovitz

2023 MSCA Barbara Dolim Scholarship – Inaugural Year!

Congratulations to Kolten Plekes and Gonzalo Ceja, the recipients of the new MSCA Barbara Dolim Scholarship. The scholarship is named for Barbara Dolim, former Executive Director of MSCA, in honor of her efforts in promoting and ensuring future support for the mechanical service industry.

Gonzalo is on track to earn an associate degree in HVAC Commercial Technology from Riverside City College and is looking forward to starting a career in the mechanical service industry. He is a dedicated student who focuses not only on his own educational excellence, but is also the head of the Associated Students of Riverside City College and a dedicated member of the student union chapter.  

Kolten completed his associate degree in HVACR Technology at Ferris State University and is also the treasurer for the Ferris State University MSCA-MCAA student chapter. He has been enjoying getting to learn the industry, interning with MSCA members, and looking forward to graduating.

MCAA and MSCA congratulate Kolten and Gonzalo on this prestigious scholarship. MCAA recognizes MSCA’s continuing commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical service contracting industry.