Organization: MCAA

PypeServer Software Saves A&R Mechanical Hours Every Day

A&R Mechanical Contractors, Inc. credits PypeServer software with dramatically improving efficiency in its fabrication shop; pipe cutting tasks that used to take hours can now be done in 10 minutes or less. Justin Powers, A&R’s virtual design and construction (VDC) and fabrication business unit manager, oversees work across the spectrum from contract award to field installation. He described his company’s typical workflow and tools and the impact of integrating PypeServer software.

A&R’s VDC projects are detailed by tradespeople using Revit with Fabrication components. These VDC designers work closely with project superintendents to ensure that the model is accurate, constructible, and efficient. A coordination manager compiles clashes, runs meetings, and keeps the schedule, while also maintaining a single point of contact for a project. After sign-off, spooling is completed using BIMPro (from MSUITE), and exports are sent to PypeServer for nesting and pipe inventory. Lastly, spools are uploaded to FabPro (from MSUITE) for shop data and schedule tracking. A&R Mechanical uses a TigerStop cutting table for hangers and small-bore piping and an HGG machine for larger-bore steel piping. 

A&R selected PypeServer software for its interface and usability. Powers explained, “For us, the most crucial aspect of the software is usability. If the operator in the shop cannot operate the software reliably and without frustration, no amount of efficiency gained will be worth it in the long run.” 

Powers noted that installing PypeServer was easy, but the learning curve was steep. “I believe this was due to being one of the first to utilize PypeServer with an HGG Machine,” he pointed out. With support from PypeServer’s staff, A&R got everything working as promised. “I have complete confidence that as new ideas and solutions are suggested, the PypeServer team will work with us to ensure that our machine is operating at peak efficiency and precision,” said Powers. 

“With PypeServer, … tasks that took a couple of hours before can now be done in 10 minutes or less.” 

— Justin Powers, VDC and Fabrication Business Unit Manager, A&R Mechanical 

The effort has already paid off for A&R. “With PypeServer, the shop operator is no longer manually entering the pieces into the profiler,” Powers explained. “Instead, our exports are done efficiently and are stored on the machine for use at any time. Now, we can nest multiple spools and even whole projects on one piece of pipe. Tasks that took a couple of hours before can now be done in 10 minutes or less.” 

PypeServer has proven to be an excellent value for A&R’s fabrication process. Powers pointed out some specific gains: 

  • The efficiency and speed with which the operator can begin cutting following spool assignment 
  • The availability of custom parameters, such as negative root gap (allowing A&R to lengthen a piece to account for a land being ground onto the pipe) 
  • The efficiency of nesting across multiple projects and spools 

Powers acknowledged that being one of the first shops to integrate HGG machines with PypeServer software came with many bumps and challenges. Still, he credited the PypeServer team for putting in the extra time and effort to get A&R’s machine working as efficiently as possible. “PypeServer is a true innovator and leader in the space, and we couldn’t have done it without them,” said Powers. 

For more information, visit www.pypeserver.com. 

Nashville Machine Company Conquers Tough Task With Lochinvar’s Flexible, Efficient Products

Nashville Machine Company took on the complicated task of removing and replacing an aging water heating system so large it would not fit through the mechanical room doors. Installing a new system from Lochinvar went smoothly thanks to the flexibility of the Lochinvar products, which also promised excellent energy efficiency, making them the ideal choice for the project. 

Vanderbilt University has made great strides toward sustainability thanks to its SustainVU program to improve the university’s impact on the community and the environment. When its Student Recreation Center needed a new water heating system, Vanderbilt’s Plant Operations team worked with Ferguson in Nashville, TN, to find an efficient solution. Having had extensive experience with high-efficiency Lochinvar equipment, the Ferguson representatives invited Chris Dickerson of Lochinvar to check out the existing equipment and provide a recommendation for a retrofit system. 

After inspecting the equipment and the size of the mechanical room, Dickerson recommended replacing the 2.4-million-Btu/hr water heater and its 1,000-gallon storage tank with four 500,000 Btu/hr ARMOR® Water Heaters (AWN501PM) and five Lock-Temp® Round Jacketed Storage Tanks (RJA200). Space constraints influenced the recommendations; the five 200-gallon storage tanks were the largest units that would fit through the mechanical room doorway. 

The Vanderbilt and Ferguson teams had great confidence in the Lochinvar ARMOR water heaters, which offer thermal efficiency up to 98 percent, and they agreed that this was the ideal replacement system for the recreation center.

When it came time to remove the old equipment, Nashville Machine Company had to cut the old, large water heater into pieces to get it out of the mechanical room. Despite the complex piping arrangement, the expertise of the installation team and the flexibility of ARMOR’s venting options allowed for a smooth, successful installation.

Nashville Machine Company had to cut Vanderbilt University’s old water heater and storage tank into pieces to get it out of the mechanical room. They replaced it with four Lochinvar ARMOR water heaters and five storage tanks small enough to fit through the mechanical room doors. The flexibility of ARMOR’s venting options allowed for a smooth, successful installation.

Since installing the Lochinvar ARMOR Water Heaters and Lock- Temp Storage Tanks at the Student Recreation Center, Vanderbilt University has seen an average savings of 26 percent on monthly gas bills because of the significant increase in efficiency.

“We’re continuously working towards improving sustainability on campus, and projects like this one help us to greatly reduce our impact on the environment,” said Samuel Hirt, director of campus recreation at Vanderbilt University. “The Lochinvar equipment has been operating perfectly since day one, and the energy savings are incredible.” 

For more information, visit lochinvar.com. 

Message from Christopher Catania, M/SC Chair: Overcoming Obstacles

MCAA members and our manufacturer/supplier partners work together to overcome obstacles and get the job done. When supply chain disruptions complicated a Colorado hospital project, Olson Plumbing turned to Josam Company for drainage products that filled the bill. To complete a new transplant hospital unit in the midst of the pandemic, Rand Construction relied on ASC Engineered Solutions to deliver Gruvlok® grooved couplings and fittings on time that could be installed quickly and safely. Nashville Machine Company found that Lochinvar products offered the flexibility they needed to meet a client’s tight space and demanding energy efficiency goals. AMS Mechanical Systems resolved repeated pump failures in a new Chicago condominium by installing Metraflex Company strainers with a neodymium magnet to capture the metal debris that was migrating into the pumps.

Choosing the best products and partners can provide a competitive edge. Brandt won the contract for a new hospital on the basis of previous performance—and the outstanding performance of the NIBCO valves they had used, which the client requested for the new hospital. Way Engineering, Ltd. partnered with Victaulic on a new highrise, saving money and time and contributing to LEED® Platinum certification. C.E. Jarrell Mechanical Contracting Co. Inc. finished an extensive project ahead of the fast-track completion date by using Cerro Flow Products LLC®. 

Contractors are leveraging the power of computer technology to improve the efficiency of fabrication tools. Using MSUITE’s FabPro, which integrates with TigerStop, Gallo Mechanical immediately improved productivity, saving thousands of dollars. A&R Mechanical Contractors, Inc. credits PypeServer software with slashing pipe cutting tasks in the fabrication shop from hours to minutes. 

New software solutions can significantly streamline business processes. Dormatech Mechanical Systems switched from multiple software platforms to an integrated BuildOps solution and rapidly increased revenue by 50 percent. After implementing the XOi Vision app, Tolin Mechanical improved customer satisfaction, decision making, and repeat business. icon Mechanical said that adding Trimble SysQue to Revit helped them get ahead of schedule on projects. Procore’s integrated, mobile management solution puts Auburn Mechanical’s voluminous project information literally at the fingertips of craft labor in the field, simplifying processes and reducing the risk of lost, missing, or incomplete data. 

Miller Electric, Ridge Tool Company, RWC, and IMI Hydronic all offer tips in this issue to help you increase efficiency and productivity. Sloan describes a new formula for better estimating water demand, which can save costs, reduce water use, and prevent bacteria growth. Be sure to take advantage of the expertise our manufacturer/supplier partners have to offer at MCAA22! 

Find the Latest from SLOAN and Oventrop Corporation 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:

SLOAN
More and more buildings are opting for carbon neutral products to meet environmental certifications. Learn how contractors can keep up and deliver on these goals.

Learn More

Oventrop Corporation
Oventrop’s Flypass Set
The Flypass Multifunctional Connection Set is a compact, versatile alternative to the standard coil kit. With less components and less leakage risk, it’s a more cost-effective and easier to install option for our customers.

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

MCAA President Robert Beck Featured on Rocky Mountain MCA Podcast

MCAA President Robert Beck, CEO of the John W. Danforth Company, discusses his role as MCAA president on a new episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast. Learn more about our national president’s role within MCAA and how MCAA supports its local affiliates and contractors. Listen any time!

Holaday-Parks Achieves Award-Winning Sustainable Plumbing Design With Morris Group’s AcornVac System

To renovate an historic building while simultaneously seeking to reach new heights in sustainability, Holaday-Parksinstalled a water-saving vacuum plumbing system from AcornVac, a division of Morris Group International. The AcornVac system was among the solutions that earned the building recognition as one of the most environmentally friendly office spaces of its size worldwide. It also eliminates the need for costly trenching or core drilling.

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

Be Inspired to Foster a Culture of Innovation by 2024 Safety & Health Conference Speaker John Brennan

January 16-18, 2024 | Loews Ventana Canyon – Tuscon, AZ

As the former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director who led the most comprehensive restructuring of the agency in its history, John Brennan understands the challenges of transforming an organization. He will share specific examples of the mission-critical solutions he employed to boost leadership training and talent development. Learn how these efforts helped to create a more effective, efficient, and productive workforce and management structure during the 2024 Safety & Health Conference (January 16-18, 2024, in Tucson, AZ). Register today!

MCAA’s 2024 Safety & Health Conference will offer more than 50 hours of training and education from subject matter experts on safety, health, risk management, and legal issues. Join us for three days of presentations, discussions, and demonstrations with 300+ occupational safety and health professionals, principals, owners, local affiliated executives, UA instructors, industry partners, NECA & SMACNA, and anyone who has safety and health responsibilities.

For the first-time in conference history we are being joined by TAUC’s EHS Committee and welcome all TAUC members to participate in this event.

Registration Pricing

This conference is one of MCAA’s most popular conferences and it sells out quickly. Register today to secure your spot! Member registration is $895 and guests are $295.

*Upon completing your registration, a link to book your hotel room will be emailed to you. If you encounter any issues while booking with the hotel please contact events@mcaa.org and we are happy to assist.

Extended Learning Courses

CHST $499
CPR Instructor: $299
CPR Provider: $49
CPR Instructor Renewal: $99

Have questions or interested in exhibiting? Contact us at events@mcaa.org or 301-869-5800.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

MCAA’s Field Leaders Conference Celebrates 2023 Successes & Looks Ahead to 2024

MCAA’s Field Leaders Conference is proving to make a lasting impression on those who attend based on the overwhelming amount of positive feedback. Four Field Leaders Conferences were held this year, bringing a total of 650 field personnel through the program in Scottsdale, AZ (April 3-5), Chicago, IL (May 17-19), San Francisco, CA (August 2-4) and Des Moines, IA (October 11-13). Read on to hear from those attendees and find out where and when our 2024 conferences are planned, then watch mcaa.org for registration information in 2024.

For those who may not be familiar with the event, MCAA’s Field Leaders Conference gives field leaders at all levels the skills, understanding, and inspiration to positively impact a company’s bottom line. This is an investment that will pay off throughout their careers.

People Are Talking About the Conference Content

“Thank you all for the moments of clarity and for opening my eyes. I am leaving here a 26-year pipefitter working for a company and can’t wait to use these tools and try to mentor the next like-minded individuals within a company. Thanks again.”

– Scottsdale, AZ, 2023

“Thanks so much, for not only giving me work advice but also opening my eyes to things that I need to work on at home with my own family as a husband/father.”

– Scottsdale, AZ, 2023

“Excellent conference that contained very real topics that can be realized and used immediately. These topics also were able to be received by a broad base of experience levels. Great work and thank you to all involved.”

– San Francisco, CA, 2023

“I honestly will never forget the first three speakers. The best part was they were fellow tradesmen. The way they presented the information was honestly like someone on a jobsite was talking to us. No sugar coating anything, just facts. It made so much of the information easier to relate to and pay attention to. That’s important being a fitter and on the job all the time my attention span for long classes isn’t the best, but this was no problem. Kevin’s presentation is something I will remember for a long time.”

– Chicago, IL, 2023

“Overall, this was a great conference! It will be massively useful on the job site, and in my personal life. This conference has helped me realize how to implement being a better communicator, and person. I can now begin to hold myself and other people accountable.”

– Chicago, IL, 2023

“I’m grateful for this experience. This conference will forever change my life. To be a better leader, community member, UA member, spouse and father.”

– Des Moines, IA, 2023

“Fantastic information, would highly recommend to all people in leadership positions. This is the type of thing that can change the culture at a company and a union.”

– Des Moines, IA, 2023

Thank You to Everyone Who Made Our 2023 Programs a Success

Thank you to all our conference speakers for your passionate participation in our 2023 programs.

Thank you to Chip Martin and the Arizona MCA, John Rayburn and the MCA of Chicago, Alex Hall and Mike Stirling at the Northern California MCA, and Scot Stoltenberg and the MCA/MSCA of Iowa, Inc. for supporting these conferences in your local areas.

Thank you to our exhibitors for sharing your latest offerings:

  • Autodesk Construction Solutions
  • ASC Engineered Solutions  
  • DEWALT Industrial Tool Company
  • GTP Software, Inc.
  • MILWAUKEE TOOL
  • Morris Group International
  • NIBCO INC.
  • Procore Technologies, Inc.
  • Trimble
  • Victaulic
  • Viega
  • Zurn Elkay Water Solutions

And, of course, thank you to everyone who attended.

Plan Now to Send Your Team to MCAA’s 2024 Field Leaders Conference

MCAA will be holding two Field Leaders Conferences in 2024:

  • June 17-19 – Philadelphia, PA
  • November 11-13 – Atlanta, GA

Registration will open in 2024. Watch mcaa.org and the National Update for registration information.

MCAA 2023 GreatFutures Forum Recap – Milwaukee, WI

Special thank you to our 2023 MCAA GreatFutures Forum sponsors, speakers, and especially our attendees.  Check out the recap video of students exploring the “Different Paths to Mechanical” and be sure to save the date for GFF24 – Seattle (September 26-28, 2024)!

SPONSORS

TOUR HOST

Students Explored Mechanical Contracting Careers During the GreatFutures Forum Job Fair

Just under 150 students from 30 MCAA student chapters attended the GreatFutures Forum Job Fair in Milwaukee, WI. Students were prepped with conversational tools from a variety of speakers leading up to the fair. The two keynote speakers reminded attendees to embrace wonder and ‘wow’ when visualizing their future career and offered a playbook for building a confidence skillset to open new doors (and windows) beyond their currently visualized reach. The opening panel, “Different Paths to Mechanical,” highlighted that no two career paths are ever truly identical and the best way to a GREAT future is to always keep your eyes open to the wide variety of opportunities available in our industry. 

Job Fair Encouraged Networking

During the non-traditional job fair, students connected with MCAA members looking for interns and full-time new hires.  Employers proudly sported their company shirts and students were all easily identifiable in their bright blue matching GreatFutures Forum attire. Upon entry, everyone grabbed beads to signify if they were looking for/offering an internship (yellow), full-time position post-graduation (green), or if they were in a supportive role and just there for the bacon (purple).  

Students and employers networked their way through the room, scanned name badge QR codes to trade contact information, and followed up with quick on-site interviews. Blank business cards were available for the students to utilize and on the back of each card was the link to the MCAA GreatFutures Job Board.  

Mark Your Calendar for Our 2024 Event

Make sure to be in the room for our next GreatFutures Forum Job Fair in Seattle, WA – September 26-28, 2024! Until then, be sure to visit the Student Chapter Connection Corner at MCAA24 and remember to post frequently on the job board. Don’t forget to utilize your local resources by connecting with student chapter faculty advisors and/or local affiliated executives (student chapter industry advisors) in your area. 

Additional Career-Related Resources

MCAA Student Chapters
MCAA GreatFutures Job Board

How to Post an Entry-Level Job or Internship

  • Login with an MCAA username and password
  • Click on the job board within the Career Development page
  • Click Manage My Jobs and Add a Job to create your posting
  • Jobs remain active for 1 month to ensure postings stay fresh
  • When the job is set to expire, a reminder will be sent for you to either “mark as filled” or “duplicate” and repost for another month
  • Interested students can view postings and submit their contact information and resume
  • Your office will be notified via email when interested students submit their resume
  • From there, your office is encouraged to continue with your company’s application and interview process
mcaagreatfutures Instagram

* New jobs highlighted every 2 weeks. 

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Liability of a Prime Contractor for Interference with a Subcontractor

From time to time, a subcontractor’s ability to perform their work may be hampered by interference from a prime contractor. MCAA’s Liability of a Prime Contractor for Interference with a Subcontractor explores this serious problem and provides case studies of various outcomes that a subcontractor may encounter. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

DOWNLOAD

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.

MCAA & NFPA Are Empowering Electrical Safety for Mechanical Service with New Training & Education

MCAA has joined forces with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to offer resources and tools customized and curated to specifically address and mitigate risks related to electrical safety posed to MCAA members, including physical, compliance and financial risks. Crafted by NFPA’s trusted subject matter experts, this content will provide actionable information and strategies to help you and your team keep pace with the ever-changing regulatory environment, identify potential hazards and shortfalls, and markedly improve safety for your employees, customers, and their workplaces and communities.

Depending on your needs and goals, we offer different levels of educational programs from introductory to more in-depth and on-going programming—and it’s all at a discounted rate.

See the brochure for offerings and discounts, then request more information at nfpa.org/mcaa-nfpa.

If you have questions that aren’t addressed here, please contact Raffi Elchemmas.

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
It’s easy to change the diaphragm of Sloan, Solis, G2, or ECOS top mount sensor flushometers. Learn more in this step-by-step guide.

Learn More

Ridge Tool Company
From the leaders in drain cleaning, RIDGID details the latest in innovative FlexShaft® technology, highlighting the versatility of the K9-306, K9-204 and K9-102 Machines.

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 Davis Bacon Regulations On Track for October 23rd Effective Date

The Biden Administration’s long-overdue overhaul of Davis Bacon Act prevailing wage regulatory policies and implementing regulations is slated to take effect on October 23, 2023, barring any last-ditch court challenges by open-shop groups.

Attached below is a memorandum from MCAA Government Affairs Committee Chairman Jim Gaffney to the MCAA Government Affairs Committee and MCAA Davis Bacon Task Force that filed MCAA comments on the proposed regulations. 

The Memo digests the primary elements of the new rules issued in August and how they compare with the preceding regulatory proposal. The primary point of difference is that the proposed extension to offsite fabrication facilities has been significantly pared back to the more familiar coverage of work sites that are dedicated or nearly so to performance of the Federal project.

MCAA is continuing to monitor regulatory implementation, with an eye to whether open shop groups follow through on previous pledges to challenge the regulations in court.

Read the Memo

WiMI Featured in D.A. Dodd, LLC Newsletter

The WiMI23 Conference inspired Debbie Siddall, Caitlin Schimmel, and Alyson Funkhouser, three staffers at D.A. Dodd, LLC, to write about MCAA’s Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) for their company newsletter. Learn more about their experience and how it has inspired them to become more involved at the local level.

Find the Latest from Trane 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:

Trane
Two lines. Less copper. Indoor composite water piping can reduce cost & complexity.

Learn More

Morris Group International
The ConTrols® BASyC® Digital Mixing Valve provides monitoring and adjustment capability for your hot water distribution systems. ConTrols is a member of Morris Group International.

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

Register Today for MCAA24!

The 2024 MCAA Annual Convention early bird registration is now open, and this is definitely a convention you won’t want to miss!

MCAA24 will be held March 17 – 21, 2024, at the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes located in Orlando, Florida. We have a fantastic roster of speakers, education and entertainment lined up guaranteed to please every attendee. Hotel rooms will be available at both the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton, but they will go fast, so register early to secure your preferred room location and type. The Grande Lakes complex is located in the heart of all things fun in Orlando and is only 20 minutes from Universal Studios, Sea World and the Walt Disney World theme parks. It’s a great opportunity to bring the whole family for an unforgettable week.

Early bid registration will run from October 10 – December 31, 2023. Please visit www.mcaaconvention.org to register today! We can’t wait to see you there!

Starco Overcomes Confines of Jail Project Using NIBCO’s Innovative PressACR System

To update the HVAC system at the Montgomery County Jail in Dayton, OH, Starco, Inc. relied on NIBCO’s new PressACR™ system to save at least 100 hours in installation time. Initially, press systems were not approved on the specs for the project, but Starco convinced the building owner and the project’s engineering firm, HEAPY, that PressACR would save time and money.

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

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Value Engineering

By participating in team-oriented value engineering, mechanical contractors can provide an invaluable service to their clients, thus increasing their value and competitive advantage. MCAA’s Value Engineering explains this approach to optimizing value for each dollar spent to prepare contractors to effectively participate in the process. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin explores:

  • What value engineering is
  • The typical six-phase value engineering process
  • How the mechanical contractor’s role and responsibilities vary depending on the project delivery system used
  • Benefits and drawbacks of the value engineering process
DOWNLOAD

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.