McKinstry Company Demonstrates How Fabrication and Innovation Converge

MCAA’s 2022 Fabrication Conference showcased how mechanical contractors are adopting and innovating in the built environment. McKinstry Company, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, hosted the tour this year and demonstrated to attendees how integrated digital design, collaboration and fabrication are creating a path for contractors that leverages combined productivity into profitability.

As part of the conference, attendees were able to participate in an all day tour that was essentially a 17-part case study on modern business practices. McKinstry explained their business practices, from estimating and design through project coordination, fabrication and installation. Along the way, they showed the tools and software programs that they use, and their coordination and fabrication processes.

“The tour is no small project,” said Jay Rohan, MCAA Fabrication Committee Chair and Dynamic Systems Senior VP. “It takes a lot of effort to organize speakers, sessions and presentations, in addition to having a great operation worth sharing. CJ Best (McKinstry, Director of Manufacturing) and the entire McKinstry team did a tremendous job of sharing their processes and giving everyone a couple of good ideas to take home with them.”

The conference featured education and case studies from contractors willing to share their own best practices. Jim Tedrow and Brandon Minick from Modern Companies presented on how they continuously look to improve. In their presentation, they shared how something as simple as hanger fabrication can be improved as long as you measure your time, evaluate your process and seek input from the field. By rethinking what they considered a very organized process, they were able to simplify the system and save time in both shop and field labor.

The conference also included presentations and guest speakers from our partner associations, NECA and SMACNA.  Electrical and sheet metal contractors shared the differences in their processes and considerations when they fabricate.  While many MCAA members perform multiple trades, the perspective from our building partners provided attendees with additional insights on building practices and coordination.

We concluded with a recap and a preview of our revamped 2023 Fabrication Conference in Seattle again next September 13-15 with additional tours and programming to allow for increased attendance. Save the date!