Organization: MCAA

Postler & Jaeckle Boosts Productivity Using GTP’s STRATUS Manufacturing and Installation Labels

With a goal of eliminating paper in the shop, increasing efficiency in cutting, and using barcode labels to improve shop workflows, Postler & Jaeckle started working with STRATUS software from GTP Services in 2015. Since then, the company has seen a continuous return on investment with STRATUS, most recently by using labels to increase efficiency with hangers.

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

OSHA Announces Hazard Alert for Heat

On July 27, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced that the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) issued a hazard alert for heat. This action is to remind employers of their obligation to protect workers against heat illness or injury in outdoor and indoor workplaces. The agencies will also step up inspections and enforcement of heat-safety violations in high-risk industries, including construction.

OSHA also released information posters in both English and Spanish related to this hazard alert.

This announcement comes on the heels of a press conference where President Biden asked the DOL to issue the advisory and ramp up enforcement of heat safety violations. “DOL will ramp up enforcement of heat-safety violations, increasing inspections in high-risk industries like construction and agriculture, while OSHA continues to develop a national standard for workplace heat-safety rules,” the White House said in a July 27 fact sheet.

With the unprecedented heat waves most states are experiencing, OSHA also announced it, “will intensify its enforcement where workers are exposed to heat hazards, with increased inspections in high-risk industries like construction…”.

In April, OSHA announced a National Emphasis Program on Heat and in 2021 OSHA began the rulemaking process to consider a heat-specific workplace standard.

Learn more about OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention Campaign here.

Shinn Mechanical to Showcase Sprinkler Fitting Fabrication at MCAA’s 2023 Fabrication Conference

Shinn Mechanical, a renowned and innovative mechanical contractor, has been selected to offer an exclusive tour of their cutting-edge sprinkler fitting fabrication operations at the highly anticipated 2023 MCAA Fabrication Conference, powered by MSUITE, September 11-13 in Seattle, WA. Contractors seeking insights into the forefront of mechanical contracting and productivity enhancement should not miss this exceptional opportunity.

Shinn Mechanical’s tour will be focused on their revolutionary approach to sprinkler fitting fabrication, highlighting how they have prioritized productivity without compromising on quality. Attendees will gain unique access to witness the inner workings of the company’s state-of-the-art facilities, where modern technology seamlessly integrates with traditional craftsmanship. The tour will showcase how Shinn Mechanical employs innovative techniques to design, install, and maintain advanced sprinkler systems, all while emphasizing efficiency and productivity gains.

MCAA’s Fabrication Conference is recognized as a premier event for industry leaders to share their latest advancements. Shinn Mechanical’s participation as one of the four tour hosts emphasizes their commitment to pushing the boundaries of mechanical contracting, setting new industry standards, and ensuring fire protection systems are not only effective but also constructed with maximum productivity in mind.

As the countdown to the conference begins, MCAA members are encouraged to secure their spot on this exclusive tour. For more information and registration, please visit the official conference website.

MORE INFORMATION

Find the Latest from Watts Water Technologies and Liberty Pumps 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:

Watts Water Technologies
The SentryPlus Alert™ system detects catastrophic discharge from the relief valve of RPZ backflow preventers that can potentially cause flooding due to excessive discharge and/or a blocked/under-sized floor drain.

Learn More

Liberty Pumps
From simplex, duplex, triplex and quadplex grinders and solids handling systems, we can provide the pump system to meet your job requirements. Simply provide specifications and our technical team will draft a submittal package within 48 hours!

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

Raken Outlines Five Ways to Manage Generational Gaps on the Jobsite

From apprentices to expert craftsmen, the construction industry employs a workforce that spans multiple generations. While an age-diverse workforce brings well-rounded skills and experiences to the table, it is not always easy to manage efficiently. Employee expectations and preferred communication styles vary greatly from generation to generation. With today’s labor shortages and low employee retention rates, if mechanical contractors want to attract and keep top talent, they need to explore strategies to help their age-diverse crews work together effectively.

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

Expansion of Fabrication Conference Offers Opportunity for Small Contractors

MCAA’s 2023 Fabrication Conference, powered by MSUITE, has expanded this year to offer a broader view of fabrication opportunities for MCAA members. While the primary host, UMC, Inc, will showcase cutting-edge fabrication processes for large contractors, smaller tours are available to showcase distinct opportunities in sprinkler fabrication, sheet metal and light commercial and plumbing.

A great example of this is SJS Mechanical, a plumbing contractor that only began fabricating less than five years ago in a very small, designated space. Their tour will show how innovation isn’t limited to large spaces and contractors. Their approach to plumbing and light commercial fabrication drives large productivity gains with simple but proven processes. 

After a tour of their operations, MCAA Fabrication Committee Chair Jay Rohan from DSI Mechanical noted, “Most of the time we showcase these huge fabrication facilities at the conference, which does a great job for the people already fabricating. Getting a tour of SJS Mechanical is ideal for anyone that is either just getting started or trying to figure out the first steps.” 

The expanded tour selection is not the only place where the conference has expanded. Education sessions that showcase case studies from contractors around the country have more than tripled this year and grown more relatable. Sessions have been added that look at time studies of basic operations as well demonstrations of how tools, jigs and carriers improve productivity. 

With the expansion of the conference, registration is still available and not restricted to two attendees per company. To register, please visit the website.

Snap a Picture of Your Interns Before They Head Back to School & Submit a Grant Request for up to $2,000

Interns working at MCAA member companies are a win-win for our industry. Employers secure top talent and build a pipeline of future employees and students gain hands on experience, create connections and develop the skills needed to further their interest in mechanical contracting.  Snap a picture of your summer intern by a company sign, on the jobsite or in company apparel and upload it with your Internship Grant Application.  Interns and sponsoring companies will be featured on the virtual Intern Wall at MCAA24 before the Awards of Excellence Breakfast. 

Internship Grant Eligibility

The MCAA company must first ensure the prospective intern is in good standing with an accredited two- or four-year college, university or technical school.  While MCAA encourages its members to give priority to students from MCAA student chapters, this is not a requirement for a grant.  

Part 1

  • Companies with 1 intern are eligible for a $1,000 grant OR companies with 2+ interns may receive a $2,000 grant. 
  • Submit an application for each intern. If you have 15 interns, submit an application for all 15 of them since interns must be listed on a Part 1 application to be eligible for a Part 2 gift card upon graduation. (Maximum per company is still $2,000 no matter how many interns are submitted beyond 2.)
  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for Part 1. 
Part 1 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.
  • Part 2 applications may not be submitted until after the new hire’s full-time start date. 
Part 2 Application

Have Questions?

Please contact MCAA Director of Career Development, Michele Hoffman.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Estate Tax Planning and Succession

Every company, regardless of size, will face succession planning issues at some time. MCAA’s Estate Tax Planning and Succession addresses the issues and possible strategies related to estate planning and succession to help ensure a smooth transition. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin covers:

  • The types of property that may be subject to estate taxes and why it’s important to plan for these
  • The history and status of estate tax
  • Strategies to address liquidity problems
  • Why it is critical to develop a carefully considered plan and review it on a regular basis
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.

Connect With the Latest Training from Conex Bänninger and FARO Technologies, Inc. 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:

Conex Bänninger
Conex Bänninger offers online training for >B< MaxiPro, the innovative, flame-free press-fit solution specially designed for ACR applications. From training courses to industry updates, you will have all you need to press ahead.

Learn More

FARO Technologies, Inc.
[WEBINAR] Discover the power of FARO® 3D Reality Capture and watch the on-demand webinar to explore how it assists builders and engineers in planning, designing, and managing MEP systems effectively.

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

Miller Electric Illustrates Benefits of Induction for Welding Preheating

Welding preheating is used to ensure weld quality and reduce the chance of cracking and other defects that can result in costly rework. Preheating is commonly used in field and shop applications when welding steel or steel alloy pipes or plates that are 1” thick or more. Applications that often use preheating include power plant and structural construction, as well as pipe fabrication. Here, Miller Electric outlines four common methods for welding preheating and how to choose the best option for your application.

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

Learn Essential Strategies for Keeping Your Workers Safe from Heat Illness in MCAA & Tyfoom’s Webinar

Heat Illness poses a serious concern for worker safety and health in the mechanical construction and service industries. Join MCAA and Tyfoom as we review strategies to keep workers safe against heat illness during a 30-minute webinar on Thursday, July 27, at 3:00 PM EDT. The webinar will emphasize the importance of awareness, best practices, and effective communication in ensuring worker safety. It will also address strategies for doing so, including planning awareness and training, best practices, and consistent communication into the daily work routine. Register today!

The webinar, which will be led by Tyfoom’s Jason Cuskelly and facilitated by MCAA’s Raffi Elchemmas, will provide attendees with an understanding of:

  • The urgency of implementing these strategies
  • The importance of planning to ensure employees are safe from heat illness
  • How intentional communication helps to educate employees about the risks associated with heat and best practices for staying safe
  • The role of microlearning techniques as an effective method for knowledge retention, enabling employees to stay informed and vigilant

By implementing these best practices, MCAA members can mitigate the risks of heat-illness, safeguard their workforces, and promote an overall culture of safety.

Register

Josam Company’s Lightweight Drain System Makes Installation a Snap for Egan Company

Egan Company selected Josam Company’s drain system to ensure that LeafLine Labs, the premium medical cannabis cultivator in Minnesota, had the right drainage systems to meet their unique needs. Josam Company’s PRO-PLUS® Trench Drain System was a welcome change from other labor-intensive drain systems that Egan Company had used, saving time and streamlining installation.

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

Katie Spatcher Promoted to Vice President of Service Sales at Arden Engineering Constructors   

Katie Spatcher has been promoted to Vice President of Service Sales at Arden Engineering Constructors, an MCAA member company. She will lead the company’s growing sales team.

She previously served as a Senior Account Manager for Arden Engineering’s service division.

Robert M. Bolton, the owner of Arden Engineering Constructors and MCAA’s Immediate Past President, hired Spatcher in 2004 after she graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in mechanical engineering. Since then, Spatcher has helped grow Arden’s service division, providing customized, engineered building solutions and unparalleled customer service.

“Katie Spatcher has been pinnacle to the success of Arden Engineering’s service division over the years. We are delighted to announce her well-deserved promotion,” said John Puniello, President of Arden Engineering Constructors.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Safety and Productivity: Does Improving One Increase the Other?

Reduced costs are just one benefit that a company realizes when it establishes a comprehensive safety program. A company’s productivity and business also improve. MCAA’s Safety and Productivity: Does Improving One Increase the Other? uses case studies to highlight the key ingredients for success: a commitment from top management and a clear plan of action that involves all employees. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin covers:

  • The link between safety and productivity
  • Case studies showcasing the common factors of success
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.

Plumbing Service Conference – Don’t Forget to Register!

Join PCA for the fourth annual Plumbing Service Conference in Annapolis, MD, August 22-23, for the premier event in the plumbing industry. As the top plumbing service conference, we have curated an outstanding program with insightful sessions, contractor-led discussions, and an exclusive site tour of JPG Plumbing. 

  1. Insightful Sessions: Hear from plumbing industry experts along with Steve Thomas, a mechanical service speaking favorite. Gain valuable insights and practical tips that you can implement in your plumbing business immediately. 
  2. Contractor-Led Discussions: Engage with experienced contractors who will share their success stories, challenges, and strategies for growth. Discover innovative approaches to building a plumbing sales team, developing new markets, and staff management from those who have excelled in the plumbing service industry.   
  3. Site Tour of JPG Plumbing: Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at JPG Plumbing, one of the most reputable plumbing companies in the region. Witness their operations firsthand, observe their state-of-the-art facilities, and gain inspiration for your own business. 
  4. Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow professionals, industry leaders, and influential decision-makers. Forge new partnerships, exchange ideas, and build long-lasting relationships with individuals who share your passion for excellence in plumbing service. There will also be a manufacturer showcase with the latest technology in plumbing service. 

Don’t miss out! Secure your spot today by registering. Pricing is $825 per member. 

REGISTER NOW

MCAA’s Expanded Fabrication Conference Offers Four Facility Tour Options

Registration is open and already 50% sold out for the MCAA 2023 Fabrication Conference, powered by MSUITE. This benchmark event has been expanded to offer four facility tour options, allowing us to include more MCAA members than ever. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your understanding of mechanical fabrication, connect with industry leaders, and explore innovative fabrication facilities. Join us in Seattle September 11-13, 2023. Learn more and register today!

Seattle is an impressively fabrication-forward city with multiple tour options. This year, we are offering an unprecedented choice of exclusive access to these leading fabrication facilities:

  • UMC, Inc. (primary host) – mechanical and plumbing
  • SJS Mechanical – light commercial and plumbing, perfect for those new to fabrication
  • MacDonald Miller – sheet metal only; will talk process and metrics
  • Shinn Mechanical – innovations in sprinkler fitting and material handling

These tours are an invaluable opportunity to see industry-leading practices in action, discover new techniques, and gain insights directly from the experts shaping the future of mechanical fabrication.

Spanning over two and a half days, the conference is designed to offer a comprehensive educational experience as well. Contractors from around the country will share their expertise in fabrication to provide takeaways outside the fabrication tour. Each conference session will be contractor driven with demonstrations and case studies of how MCAA members are increasing their productivity and profitability by using fabrication.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your understanding of mechanical fabrication, connect with industry leaders, and explore innovative fabrication facilities. The MCAA 2023 Fabrication Conference is set to be a landmark event, and we look forward to welcoming you in Seattle September 11-13, 2023!

Register now through our MCAA Fabrication Conference website and join us for the most expansive MCAA Fabrication Conference to date.

Connect With the Latest Training from Mueller Industries, Inc. and Xylem Inc. – Bell & Gossett 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 | Instrucciones de instalación Instrucciones de instalación de conexiones prensadas de cobre PRS. English version also available under supplier training.

Learn More

Xylem Inc. – Bell & Gossett
Bell & Gossett offers free training/education opportunities for plumbing and hydronic HVAC industry professionals. The Little Red Schoolhouse and Remote Learning Hub host a wide range of seminars tailored to different occupations within the industry.

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

2024 Safety & Health Conference: Call for Proposals – Submissions Are Due July 14th

Calling all Safety Professionals. Have you ever wanted to present at a national Safety & Health Conference?

Now is your chance to share your knowledge and expertise with hundreds of attendees from all over the country at the 2024 Safety & Health Conference in Tucson, AZ, January 16-18, 2024.

Submissions are due July 14th, 2023. Proposals must be submitted using the link below.

Please email raffi@mcaa.org for any questions about presenting.

SUBMIT PROPOSAL

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.

July 2023: Heat Stress

Each year, thousands of workers suffer from heat illness while working in high temperatures, direct sun, and humid conditions; dozens even die. Many mechanical contractors spend part of their working day in hot environments, both indoors and outdoors. Workers performing physical labor are often exposed to hazardous heat conditions that can have severe safety and health outcomes. This month’s kit includes information and posters from MCAA, OSHA, CNA and Milwaukee Tool. We will also be partnering with Tyfoom on a free heat stress webinar on July 27th at 3:00 pm ET.

CNA Resources

Milwaukee Tool Resources

MCAA Toolbox Talks

Tyfoom Webinar

DOWNLOAD RESOURCE SUMMARY

Find the Latest from Morris Group International and Craftmark Pipe Markers 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:

Morris Group International
The ConTrols® Hi-Low Master Mixing Valve mixes hot water from the heater with cold water to the right temperature for the distribution system. ConTrols is a member of Morris Group International.

Learn More

Craftmark Pipe Markers
CraftMark DuraMark Self-Stick Pipe Markers Durable indoor/outdoor pipe marking system meets ASME/ANSI A13.1 2020 Scheme for the Identification of Piping Systems. MCAA members receive a 30% discount and free shipping on all pipe markers!

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