Archives: News Items

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Effects of Job Schedule Delays on Construction Costs

A study of mechanical and electrical projects conducted by MCAA and NECA showed that significant delays in construction and distortions in planned schedules cannot be anticipated in bids. When they occur, they have a devastating effect on construction costs, particularly labor. MCAA’s Effects of Job Schedule Delays on Construction Costs highlights the results of the study to help contractors understand the implications of project and schedule delay. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin explores:

  • The nature of disruptions
  • Causes and effects of delays
  • Anticipating delays in bids
  • Recovering overhead
DOWNLOAD

You may also be interested in MCAA’s Change Orders, Productivity, Overtime—A Primer for the Construction Industry, which provides extensive information on change orders, claim submission, time impact analysis, and concurrent delay, among other topics.

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’s NEW Accident Investigation Video Offers Safety Training to Supervisors

An accident on a jobsite is everyone’s worst nightmare, but most accidents are preventable. MCAA’s new video helps supervisors conduct an accident investigation, so it doesn’t happen again. The video reviews the three steps of an accident investigation: Investigate, Find the Cause, and Act. It also teaches supervisors what to look for during the investigation and how to access accident investigation templates.

An accident investigation is one of the most important things a company can do because it:

  1. Helps prevent a similar repeat accident.
  2. Shows workers that the company is committed to safety.
  3. Saves money!

The video is available in both English and Spanish.

MCAA will continue to add Spanish-language safety resources throughout 2024 to help ensure the safety of all our industry’s workers.

For additional safety and health videos and a list of all 700+ mechanical industry safety & health resources available from MCAA, click here.

If you have questions, please contact Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management

Connect With the Latest Training from Parker Hannifin and The Harris Products Group 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:

Parker Hannifin
Learn how ZoomLock MAX press technology for HVAC will improve your efficiency, adding to your bottom line. ZoomLock MAX fittings delivers secure, braze-free connections in a few simple steps while providing a safer environment for your team.

Learn More

The Harris Products Group
Harris Products Group, maker of brazing and soldering equipment and consumables, provides NATE training on the basics of brazing, base and filler metals and fluxes, and torch safety. Includes brazing demonstrations and hands-on practice.

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 Aalberts IPS – Apollo Valves 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:

Aalberts IPS – Apollo Valves
Aalberts integrated piping systems is where technology matters and progress happens. Connect with us at 704.841.6000 or visit our website at aalberts-ips.us to view our fitting and valve technology.

Learn More

Morris Group International
The Smith Zip-Trench® Polypropylene Trench Drain offers a less expensive, labor-saving alternative to a cast-in-place trench drain. Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co 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

Althoff Industries’ Revenue Surges With ServiceTitan for Customer Service

Althoff Industries credits their switch to ServiceTitan software with an improvement in customer service that contributed to an increase from $8.5 million in revenue in 2021 to $11.4 million in 2022. Althoff went live with the software in July 2021 after spending decades on a server-based customer relationship management system. It was such a momentous occasion for Blake Wiltshire, director of residential services at Althoff, that an empty bottle of champagne sits on his shelf to commemorate the moment.

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

2023 Internship Grants – Last Call: Submit by January 31, 2024

All 2023 internship grant applications must be submitted by January 31, 2024. Part 1 internship grant applications are $1,000 for 1 intern or up to $2,000 for 2+ interns. Then once you hire an intern full-time, come back and submit a Part 2 internship grant for a $500 gift card to present to your new hire. Keep in mind, the more interns you submit for Part 1, the more you’ll have eligible for Part 2 once they graduate. We want to hear about ALL of your interns, not just 2!

Part 1:
• Submit an application for each intern (Interns must be listed on a Part 1 application to be eligible for Part 2)
• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
• Companies with one intern are eligible for a $1,000 grant OR companies with two or more interns may receive a $2,000 grant

Part 1: Internship Grant Application

Part 2:
For companies successfully converting an intern from their Part 1 list to a full-time new hire, a $500 gift card will be mailed to the company to present to their new hire. New hire conversions are unlimited, but the name must be included on a Part 1 list from an MCAA member company.  Submit the form below to notify MCAA of a new hire conversion.
• Part 2 application may not be submitted until after the full-time start date.

Part 2: Internship Grant Application

2024 Safety & Health Conference A Landslide Win for Safety & Health

Safety & Health was in the spotlight last week in Tucson, AZ, at the 2024 Safety & Health Conference. In front of a sold-out crowd, MCAA President Robert Beck highlighted contractors’ commitment to worker safety and health and MCAA leadership in guiding the way.

“Over the past year I have been so proud of the work of MCAA’s Safety & Health Committee and our Safety Excellence Initiative. Our whole organization has taken notice to the increased attendance at this conference, the output of quality safety & health resources, and the impact that our mechanical contractor’s organization is having on the whole industry to improve safety & health.”

Robert J. Beck, MCAA President

Attendees had the opportunity to learn from over a dozen industry experts on topics like fall prevention and protection, mental health awareness, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulatory activity, and the state of construction safety.

We were also fortunate to be joined by ASSP (American Society of Safety Professionals) CEO Jennifer McNelly, and attendees had an opportunity to receive a NARCAN certification and medication kit.

MCAA was overwhelmed with the positive feedback from our partners at the United Association, and our welcomed guests from The Association of Union Constructors.

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Safety & Health Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, January 14-16th at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Understanding and Managing Risks Associated with Consequential Damages

It is critically important for contractors to address consequential damages when planning a project. Failure to do so will place the contractor at substantial risk should equipment fail or an incident occurs that causes a significant delay or the project to fail. MCAA’s Understanding and Managing Risks Associated with Consequential Damages helps contractors avoid or manage the risks that arise when an unexpected disruption in a project result in a substantial financial impact. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin explores:

  • Questions to ask yourself
  • Types of damages, including both direct and consequential damages
  • Waivers in contracts, with examples of preferred, one-sided, and simple mutual consequential damages waivers
  • Consequential damages provisions with exceptions
  • What to do if you can’t get a consequential damages waiver
  • State judicial enforcement of consequential damages provisions
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.

Notes from Austin: AIPM’s Newest Grads Share Their Thoughts

What do you get when you take 41 of the industry’s best Senior Project Managers, Project Executives, and Operations Managers and bring them together for a week in Austin, TX? Two things, that are technically one and the same: 1) a pretty incredible learning community; and 2) MCAA’s 20th Advanced Institute for Project Management!

Despite its name, this once-a-year course is not really about managing projects. It’s more about managing people, risk, operations, and big, nasty problems. Our instructors used their 150+ years of industry experience to serve up plenty of those problems, and the participants rose to the challenge time and again over five days of scenario-based exercises and discussion-driven sessions. And as for what these current and future industry leaders thought of their AIPM experience?

Such a wonderful gathering of talent, professionals, and subject matter experts across the industry… Humbly and sincerely, many thanks to all of you for your investment, trust, and dedication to be a part of the solution with grooming the next generation of leaders within our industry.

Incredible experience; would recommend. I loved the hands-on experience we got with the examples the panel gave in front of us. The leadership brought in was incredible, their ability to talk and teach was great.

Overall, the experience was fantastic. Appreciated the topics especially on leadership and finance such as the CFO and claims issues. MCAA does a great job requesting world leaders to speak and facilitate, and it shows in the conversations and experiences discussed. 

AIPM 20 has been a great week. I cannot express enough gratitude to the MCAA for their unselfish commitment to our industry and our people to provide the knowledge and guidance for success. I am sincerely grateful for these opportunities.

I’m really impressed by the entire week. I feel the environment you all have created for learning was exceptional and I’m always impressed with the level of talent and experience in the instructors. The content was really great, many times it hit me right where I am in my career. I’ve been given a ton of takeaways! Thanks to everyone for a great week.

Highly recommend! I hope one day to attend the conference and be able as a member to represent my company one day. I am honored to have spent the week learning from such amazing people in the industry as well as such intelligent and talented peers. Thank you for having me!

We really couldn’t ask for a better endorsement than that! From the entire AIPM team: a heartfelt thank you to our AIPM Class 20 graduates, for an incredible week of learning and community building.

Registration for AIPM Class 21 will open October 1, 2024. Visit our AIPM webpage to learn more.

MSCA Classes Open – Register Now

The spring 2024 MSCA classes are on the calendar and open for registration. MSCA provides focused training programs for your operational and personnel. This collection of programs, unlike any other, provide the continued training to set your employees apart in the HVACR industry.

Dispatcher Training Program 

April 8-9, 2024, Denver, CO
This two-day program will provide critical Dispatcher skills such as leading technicians rather than letting technicians lead them, becoming the service manager’s partner, prioritizing customer emergencies, evaluating technician abilities, and managing their own careers in dispatching.  

LEARN MORE & REGISTER FOR THE DISPATCHERS TRAINING

Service Managers Training Program

April 22-25, 2024 Itasca, IL (near Chicago)
Get the management and leadership skills you need to help your company succeed by enhancing your management skills and becoming a more effective leader.   

LEARN MORE & REGISTER FOR SERVICE MANAGERS TRAINING

Field Service Supervisors Training Program

April 25-26, 2024, Wauwatosa, WI (near Milwaukee) 
The Field Service Supervisors Training Program is focused training designed specifically for improving the performance of your field service supervisors. Using proven methods, this program will advance skills in leadership, coaching, planning, time management, and communication. Sponsored by MILWAUKEE TOOL.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER FOR FIELD SERVICE SUPERVISORS TRAINING

MCAA24 – Enrich…Engage…Enchant

Orlando is a magical place. MCAA24 will build on that magic, offering learning, networking and discoveries throughout the week. Whether this is your first convention or you’re a seasoned veteran, whether you’re just starting out in the industry or starting to think about retirement, MCAA24 is a place where everyone comes together to share knowledge, best practices and connections. Join your peers for a week of learning, networking and discovery with top notch education seminars geared to our industry, fun social events and inspiring general session speakers. Register today to become part of the magic!

MCAA’s 2024 Annual Convention will take place March 17 – 21, 2024 at the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes Orlando, Florida.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

CLRC Reports Increase in First Year Settlements for Union Craft Workers in Construction

The Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC), a longstanding MCAA partner, reports an average increase of 4.7 percent in the first year of new settlements reached in 2023 for union craft workers in the construction industry. The findings appear in the CLRC 2023 Year End Settlements Report. The report covers the first year of newly bargained settlements to assist readers in understanding current trends. It also covers all years of negotiated settlements to assist in projecting future labor costs.

In addition to a general overview, the report provides various detailed data cuts, including by geographic region and specific craft. New this year, an addendum offers an alternate look at regional settlement increase averages for the first year in the form of maps that break things down by region.

For additional information, contact Carey Peters, Executive Director, at 202-347-8440 or clpeters@clrcconsulting.org.

READ THE REPORT

Watts Water Technologies Is Celebrating 150 Years of Innovation and Excellence

Watts Water Technologies, an MCAA member, is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Since 1874, Watts has been delivering innovative water technologies that make the world’s most precious resource safe and accessible. As Watts enters their 150th year in business, they would like to extend their most sincere “thank you” to their customers, representatives, employees, and stakeholders for being an integral part of the company’s journey.

Watts plans to host several exciting events throughout the year, including a year-long sweepstakes for customers and a celebration at their headquarters in North Andover, Massachusetts.

To learn more about Watts and their 150 years of industry experience, visit watts.com/150years.

About Watts Water Technologies, Inc.
For over 150 years, Watts has delivered innovative and sustainable technologies designed to safeguard the world’s most precious resource. Watts designs, manufactures, and sells an extensive line of flow control, water safety, water filtration & treatment, radiant heating, and drainage products for the commercial, residential, and institutional markets. Watts is committed to helping its customers optimize system performance and reliability and conserve critical resources. Together, we make every drop count. For more information, visit www.watts.com.

Find the Latest from AB&I Foundry and Team Industries, Inc. 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:

AB&I Foundry
AB&I Foundry manufactures cast iron soil pipe & fittings for DWV Plumbing Systems. Visit the website to see how cast iron is made right here in America.

Learn More

Team Industries, Inc.
Designed in accordance with “Lean Manufacturing” concepts, Team’s pipe welding positioners deliver economical, high quality pipe welding. Team’s positioners are designed for the highest quality and peak efficiency in pipe welding.

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 Student Chapter Competition – Final Four Named

Twenty-four MCAA Student Chapters submitted a proposal for the Kansas City Zoo Aquarium project.  Congratulations to the Final Four and Merit Award teams.  Final Four teams will present their proposals on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 19th at MCAA24 in Orlando, FL.

This is the 23rd year of the MCAA Student Chapter Competition and the student teams were asked to submit a proposal as the prime mechanical contractor for the Kansas City Zoo Aquarium.  This included all piping, HVAC, Controls, and additional work required from the bid documents.  Teams were also tasked with purchasing the equipment, materials and providing all the necessary labor and equipment to complete the entire project scope. 

Thank you to the following companies for their special contributions to the competition project:
MMC Contractors National Inc. (supplying the project)
Procore (use of their Project Management software)
Trimble (use of Trimble Estimation MEP software)
Ferguson (providing pricing for pipe valves and fittings)

For a second year, Trimble will be providing a $5,000 scholarship to one competition Final Four participant who has expressed interest in a career as an estimator within the mechanical contracting industry.  This scholarship will be presented at the Awards of Excellence Breakfast on Wednesday, March 20th. 

Northwest Mechanical Group Ramps Up Business With BuildOps

When their out-of-date software started slowing them down in the office and the field, Northwest Mechanical Group switched to the BuildOps platform, simplifying and streamlining data management so they could grow their business. “Before we knew it, we were seeing quicker turnaround times on job closeout and a huge improvement in the time it took for quotes to be accepted by our customers,” said Chris Howard, owner and CEO.

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

Executive-to-Executive Meetings, Strategic Discussions & Innovation Await at MCAA Converge – Save Your Spot NOW

Event Dates: June 24 – 26, 2024 | Indianapolis, IN
Reserve Your Spot Today!

Want to improve your business relationships, gain product knowledge and leverage your business strategy? Join us for MCAA Converge. More than just a meeting, MCAA Converge is a meticulously crafted experience designed to address the unique needs of your company. Picture executive-to-executive meetings, a melting pot of strategic discussions, and an atmosphere buzzing with innovation.

This exclusive gathering of industry leaders will be set against the backdrop of Victory Field, home to the acclaimed Indianapolis Indians, and hosted at the luxurious Westin Indianapolis.

At 2024 MCAA Converge, we redefine engagement, offering a top-tier, strategic experience that goes beyond the local level. Executives from MCAA members –  25 manufacturer/supplier companies and 40 contractor companies – converge to explore a spectrum of topics: from current and future market conditions to upcoming significant projects, emerging technologies, and the invaluable art of relationship building.

“Roughly sixty percent of most mechanical and plumbing projects consist of material, equipment, subcontracts, and other soft costs. Through tactical meetings with member Manufacturers and Suppliers, MCAA Converge provides a platform for contractors to gain advantages on their projects through the implementation of emerging technologies, strategic planning, and negotiation. Finding ways to reduce costs and increase productivity through this event can significantly decrease labor risk and increase margins on current projects. Advantages gained at Converge could also be the difference between winning and losing future projects.” 

Rick Gopffarth, V.P. Marketing/Business Development, Dynamic Systems

The verdict from the most recent MCAA Converge? A resounding 9.3 out of 10, with 88% of participants expressing an overwhelming likelihood of attending the 2024 edition. Act swiftly, as only 40 spots await MCAA contractor companies, and a mere 25 for MCAA manufacturer/supplier companies.

Seize the opportunity to secure your company’s spot or schedule a personal meeting to delve deeper into what awaits. Don’t miss out – fill out the survey now and be a part of a transformative experience at the 2024 MCAA Converge! Reserve Your Spot Today!

Congratulations to Our First IPM Graduates of 2024

Congratulations are in order for the first IPM graduates of 2024! Classes 87 and 88 of MCAA’s Institute for Project Management certainly started the year off strong. The unexpectedly frigid temperatures in Austin during the second week of their programs did nothing to dampen the great energy and enthusiasm they brought to the classroom each day!

They negotiated change orders, reviewed contract clauses, studied and practiced strategies for everything from precon to close-out… and combined a whole lot of learning with a good deal of laughter. It was a pleasure to have these 72 individuals spend two weeks with us and we hope they all feel the same way! Here’s how some of these new grads describe their IPM experience:   

  • “I love the way this is tailored to mechanical contractor PMs. I have never had a training that captured so many different subjects of valuable information that was all directly related to what I do.”
  • “I had heard only good things about this class coming in, and it did not disappoint.”
  • “This is one of the best experiences of my career.”
  • “Loved the friendships I have developed during the two weeks. I will never forget my experience here. I realized that the mechanical contracting world is much smaller than I thought.”
  • “Enjoyed every single minute. I have absorbed and learned so much from all of the presentations and classmates.”
  • “This experience will stay with me for the rest of my life. It has advanced my professional development significantly in such a short time, and I have made meaningful connections with my peers that I hope to maintain throughout my career.”

The Institute for Project Management is MCAA’s longest-running and most popular project management program. It is intended for individuals with 3+ years of mechanical project management experience. Registration is done online on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for our next IPM course opens soon! For full dates and details, please visit the IPM course page.

Journey into the Forefront of Welding at NCPWB’s Technical Conference/Committee Meeting

April 21 – 23, 2024 | Scottsdale, Arizona

Get ready for an exhilarating journey into the forefront of welding technology! Join us at the NCPWB Technical Conference/Committee Meeting for a showcase of cutting-edge presentations that delve into the latest innovations and challenges in the welding industry. Register today!

Topics to be covered include:

Orbital Welding Technology for Med Gas: CSI’s breakthroughs in universal power supply and copper orbital welding machines take center stage. Uncover the struggles and triumphs as they overcome hurdles in temperatures, materials, and code requirements to bring this technology to the commercial market.

Adaptive Welding – Case Study and Recent Advancements: Experience a first-of-a-kind welding system designed for spent nuclear fuel encapsulation. Witness the evolution of autonomous technology with minimal operator input, showcasing active path compensation, adaptive welding parameters, and the use of Artificial Intelligence for joint geometry characterization.

Advancements in Pipe Welding: Dive into Miller welding educational resources and the latest in pipe welding technologies. From RMD for root passes to Pulse for fill and cap passes, explore the innovations shaping the future of pipe welding.

Closing the Welder Gap – Education and Automation for Future Success: Addressing the critical shortage of welders, this presentation advocates for a paradigm shift. Embrace education and automation solutions, from Augmented Reality to Cobots and Additive Manufacturing, to secure the industry’s future.

High-Purity Tube Welding: Discover the intricacies of building piping systems that prevent contamination, navigating ASME piping codes, and the ASME BPE Standard. Learn about weld acceptance criteria ensuring the safety of drug products in pharmaceutical systems.

Advances and Challenges in Welding and Additive Manufacturing: Explore recent developments in welding, from pulsed GMAW to laser welding, and delve into the world of additive manufacturing. Uncover the challenges and opportunities presented by demographic trends, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Welder and Welding Operator Qualification: Delve into the intricacies of qualification tests ensuring welders and operators are prepared for specific job sites. A comparative exploration of various qualification codes promises insights into industry best practices.

Selecting, Adopting, and Submitting NCPWB WPSs: Navigate the extensive world of welding procedure specifications with NCPWB. Gain valuable insights into selecting, adopting, and submitting WPSs and BPSs, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

The committee meeting portion of the event will cover topics such as policy and procedures regarding the joint UA/NCPWB welder certification program and address chapter inquiries. In addition to the annual event, a one-day chapter operations seminar will educate chapter administrators about the policies and procedures associated with maintaining welder qualification records.

Don’t miss the chance to be at the forefront of welding innovation! Join us at the conference for these  groundbreaking presentations and the information you need to stay on top of other welding issues.

Learn More & Register

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Tips to Help Contractors Manage Through an Economic Downturn

Managing through an economic downturn and coming out whole on the other side requires planning, savvy business decision making, execution of a plan and, frankly, a little luck. MCAA’s Tips to Help Contractors Manage Through an Economic Downturn provides information to help contractors think about survival and manage risk. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin explores:

  • The five stages of a business cycle
  • Early warning signs
  • Survival steps
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.