Industrial Archives

Modular construction expanding into major cities

Written by Christopher Richmann on July 15, 2024. Posted in Featured, Industrial, Industrial, Industrial supplies, Manufactured housing. Leave a Comment

If anything could revolutionize building practices, reduce the housing crisis, make new homes more affordable, and alleviate the construction labor shortage, modular construction might be the solution.

Also known as offsite construction, it’s the building and manufacturing parts of a home or facility in a controlled factory setting. This process enhances overall efficiencies by using the same materials and designs to create multiple versions of the same building section. Essentially, it streamlines the building process by manufacturing “modules,” which are then shipped to and assembled at the job site.

This type of construction is gaining traction all across the country, but it’s becoming a standard practice in certain cities and regions. Here are the top cities leading the way in modular construction….

New York City

As our nation’s largest and most densely packed metro area, New York City and the surrounding area have numerous housing challenges. City leaders have created a comprehensive plan to address these challenges and create more housing. One strategy they want to implement is modular housing.

New York City has launched a modular construction initiative in the “Build It Back” program. The goal is to construct nearly 100 single-family modular homes, which, they believe, will bring a per-home cost savings of roughly 25%. Carmel Place, New York’s first micro-unit apartment building, opened in 2016 and includes 55 micro units.

Los Angeles

On the other side of the country, the City of Angels has its housing issues. Los Angeles has dealt with skyrocketing homelessness; estimates are reaching over 66,000 homeless individuals in the area.

L.A. recently completed the Hilda L. Solis Care First Village, a container-based supportive housing development with 232 beds. This modular-based facility should help alleviate homelessness throughout the area while allowing people to stay in safe, comfortable shelters.

Chicago

The Windy City provides an example of how regulations and building standards while serving an important purpose, can hamper modular construction and narrow its benefits. It also shows how removing outdated barriers to modular construction creates a path to faster, more affordable housing in a housing-tight market.

Chicago has attempted to increase modular homes by removing legal and regulatory barriers. However, state laws are still in effect. The Modular Building Institute cites a recent project involving three-unit apartment buildings. These buildings met the city standards, but when Illinois standards were applied, the per-unit cost rose by as much as $10,000. There is now an effort to remove these state barriers, which will help Chicago, the nation’s third-largest city, become a leader in modular construction.

Salt Lake City

The capital of Utah has become one of the fastest-growing cities in America. This growth brings certain challenges, including housing availability and affordability. According to Redfin, a major real estate listing and information website, the median sale price for a Salt Lake City home in 2020 was below $400,000. The price has gone through ups and downs, but the latest data has the median sale price at nearly $600,000. 42.9% of all homes are sold above the list price.

This pricing escalation has squeezed the average buyer, but modular homes could provide a solution. However, like most cities, there are regulatory restrictions. Essentially, all new construction must be inspected in Salt Lake City, but modular buildings are built, in large part, at out-of-state facilities. The city has now created a modular program that allows third-party agencies to conduct inspections on the city’s behalf. This will remove a significant barrier and, hopefully, result in more modular buildings throughout the city.

Seattle

Not all modular construction includes homes and apartments. Some of the buildings are office or commercial spaces; the hospitality industry has benefited from modular. The Seattle South Lake Union Hotel is a fine example. This unique hotel, which won an award for Modular Building Design from the Modular Building Institute, comprises two traditional (on-site) stories and six levels of guest rooms made from modules. It is a cost-effective building, praised for architectural beauty, innovation, and sustainability.

Seattle has also seen the addition of a 112-unit apartment facility made from panels with pre-installed heating, electrical, and plumbing equipment. All of these panels were built at an in-state facility.

Twin Cities, Minnesota

Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding suburbs are also highlighted by rising housing costs and reduced real estate inventory. Like many other areas, they are also dealing with homelessness, which is impacted by the real estate market. Modular construction has been adopted in some areas to address these concerns.

NBA player and North Minneapolis native Devean George has helped remake one corner of the Twin Cities metro area by supporting modular construction, which he believes will ease the housing crisis. Modular construction is especially useful in Minnesota, where long winters limit the building season. Offsite construction also brings predictability, speed, and year-round fabrication, which are crucial in Minnesota and the upper Midwest.

Toronto

Modular construction is not just a trend in the U.S. Across the Canadian border, cities like Toronto are adopting these techniques to increase housing costs and reduce homelessness. Toronto is awarding multiple contracts to build modular facilities, giving builders access to standardized products that are easier for governments to plan long-term.

To increase speed, the city’s first modular project was based on a previous design, which streamlined cost and made construction more affordable.

Making your modular construction more efficient and profitable

At Elevated, we’ve been helping modular construction companies for more than ten years get the right tools, industrial supplies, appliances, PTACs and HVACs, and more. We’ll have ideas for your company on how to speed up the process, save money, and meet tight deadlines.

Assembly tools increase safety

Written by Christopher Richmann on July 12, 2024. Posted in Assembly tools, Featured, Industrial, Industrial, Industrial, Manufactured housing, Manufacturing, Metalworking, Safety. Leave a Comment

Successful manufacturers and industrial leaders understand the importance of safety.

Maintaining a safe environment through company culture and attention to detail is critical to the long-term success of your organization. It reduces risk and, more importantly, ensures employees are free from harm. It’s also the right thing to do.

There are numerous ways to enhance safety. Company leaders can appropriately organize a facility, decrease the need for climbing ladders, automate dangerous tasks, and remove safety barriers. Training, of course, is one of the most important tools for maintaining a safe working environment. (For example, many companies provide training for dealing with silica dust.)

The correct assembly tools also improve safety. It’s also critical to ensure these electric, pneumatic, and battery-operated tools are up-to-date and maintained.

Safety first: a legal and financial argument

First and foremost, you should focus on safety because it’s the right thing to do. As a manufacturing manager, leader, or owner, it’s your moral and ethical responsibility to create a safe working environment. This means a physical environment that is as safe as possible and a company culture that relentlessly focuses on safety.

It’s also the law, with various legal implications for companies that do not meet various safety standards. Not meeting these statutes can incur fines, injury claims, and more. As the claims and fines go to court, the public is aware and your brand may suffer.

Safety also brings financial benefits.

According to the National Safety Council, the average cost for all workers’ injury claims in 2020-2021 was $41,757. The most expensive type of claims were related to motor vehicles; these had an average cost above $89,000. The least expensive was a cut or scrape, which still cost around $24,000. Strains, which can be reduced by assembly tools, cost an average of $36,200.

The exact savings from a safety investment can be extremely difficult to calculate. The general wisdom is that for every dollar you spend in safety, you’ll realize about $2 in savings. If that holds, investing $50,000 in safety equipment would save $100,000. Even half that number would be a solid ROI.

So there are financial motivations, as well as legal and ethical reasons, to invest in safety equipment. Some of this investment, at least for manufacturers, will be in high-quality assembly tools that reduce issues while increasing productivity.

How assembly tools increase safety for your team

Reduce repetitive strain

Employees in manufacturing are subject to regular physical demands. But it’s not a short-term, intense burst of physical activity; it’s steady, repetitive motion. Performing the same task repeatedly will test nerves, muscles, and joints, all of which could become damaged.

Assembly tools, however, can reduce repetitive motions and create an easier overall process. They can eliminate repetitive work that strains muscles and creates injury, boosting productivity while enhancing workplace safety.

Decrease mental fatigue to reduce lapses in attention

Repetitive industrial tasks will not only wear out muscles, they can also cause a mind to become fatigued or inattentive. According to OSHA, fatigued workers may lack the “energy to do their jobs safely or effectively.” They can also have difficulty paying attention or take longer to react. They could even take more risks, increasing the chance of injuries.

Reliable assembly tools could reduce the need for repetitive tasks and increase overall safety by helping workers stay sharp, alert, and mentally engaged.

Use automatic shutoffs

High-quality assembly tools have various safety features built into their design. These features ensure that dangerous activity is avoided and people are protected throughout a long workday.

For instance, some tools’ automatic shutoffs activate after a variety of triggers. If an unsafe use or mistake is detected, the tool will automatically shut off to prevent potential injury.

Safety interlocks

Another assembly tool feature that can increase safety is an interlock. An interlock is a device or system that prevents a user from making an inappropriate or unsafe maneuver with a tool. If someone uses a tool inappropriately, the interlock adjusts the system to a safer state.

For safety reasons, interlocks prevent a user from making unsafe actions or prevent use if an unsafe condition is detected. For example, some assembly tools have guards that keep users from touching a moving component, such as a cutter or grinder. An interlock system will make the tool nonoperational if this guard is removed.

Reduce or eliminate “torque reaction”

Torque reaction is related to repetitive-motion strains. Essentially, when an operator is running a screwing, bolting, or twisting tool of some type, they use their muscles to absorb the heavy torquing and twisting motion. This creates fatigue and weakness, especially when absorbing the torque is a regular part of the day.

Fortunately, torque reaction arms are available. These assembly tools, which can be used in various manufacturing environments, take the tool weight and torque out of the operator’s hands. This reduces wear and tear on the operator, enhances production quality, saves time, and reduces costs from downtime and tool use.

Equipment age matters and so does maintenance

Finally, we’ll leave you with a simple reminder: the age of your assembly tools and equipment matters. There is a connection between the age of tools and the increased potential for injury. Occupational hazard studies have found that the age of equipment can create a higher rate of injury. Much of this is connected to modern features, and many of the studies don’t involve industrial equipment, but it still suggests that when you have new, up-to-date equipment, you are more likely to see fewer injuries.

Better, newer equipment leads to higher safety or equipment that is maintained and re-calibrated from a certified lab. So if you have older equipment and items that need to be updated, contact an industrial professional today for updated equipment.

Safety equipment and gear from professionals

Safety is the most important aspect of properly managing and operating a facility. When you are dedicated to safety, your plant will be more profitable and productive. You’ll also be a more attractive place to work, an essential factor when expanding your team is a high priority.

Get the latest advancements, best brands, and product variety in industrial safety equipment and safety supplies. Plus, turn to us for refurbished tools, maintenance, and calibration from an A2LA (1522.01) certified lab. We’re experts in safety.

Top challenges facing the metal fabrication industry

Written by Christopher Richmann on June 18, 2024. Posted in Coating & Finish Systems, Compressed Air, Industrial, Industrial, Industrial, Manufacturing, Metalworking. Leave a Comment

The metal fabrication industry is going through numerous changes quickly. Technology is evolving, customer demands are changing, and new materials are being requested. At the same time, there is a lack of skilled workers and fewer raw materials available.

The obstacles are seemingly infinite, but this is a resilient industry. To help prepare for the future, here are the main challenges facing the metal fabrication industry…

Rising costs

Although the issue of rising costs is universal, inflation is having a significant impact on this industry. As consumers know, the cost of raw materials is increasing. In the fourth quarter of 2015, for instance, the price of iron ore was about $48 per ton. It rose to more than $87 in 2019. In 2021 it skyrocketed to nearly $200! The price is down from that high mark, thanks to inflation reduction measures, but is still more than $100.

Demand for customization

Consumers are demanding faster delivery speeds for their metal products and expect complete customization. A successful metal manufacturer strives to meet these demands, no matter how difficult. These customizations and specializations require estimates and quotes. Not only is the product more expensive already with these customizations, but added labor (including the estimates themselves) adds to the cost.

Customization also creates an issue for inventory. In an attempt to leverage lower prices, a shop may purchase a bulk supply of materials. These materials may be useless if a customer demands customized metal products.

Dealing with customization and finding that balance between efficiency and customization demands can be a major issue for metal fabricators.

Limited supply

The pandemic created a significant barrier in the supply chain, which metal fabricators (and manufacturers of all types) are still recovering from. But it’s not just the pandemic, which (as of this writing) started over four years ago; it’s also issues with transportation labor and staff shortages.

There is also a lack of machinery, as machine manufacturers and assembly lines are struggling to create output. Used machinery has become increasingly popular, although this creates obvious concerns for manufacturers who can’t afford a shutdown.

Meeting sustainability expectations

According to McKinsey & Company, “the steel industry is among the three biggest producers of carbon dioxide.” With steel produced in a relatively small number of select locations, it’s a prime candidate for decarbonization. There is demand from both governments and consumers for carbon-friendly metal products, but reducing the overall footprint is not easy.

“Green metal” is mostly achieved by using renewable energy in the manufacturing process. Wind, solar, and hydroelectric power can all make metal fabrication less impactful on the environment, but implementing these changes has a cost. Metal fabricators must weigh the benefits, including the potential for higher sales and lower long-term costs, against the high initial price.

Workforce shortage

No matter the industry, sector, or specific role, there is a shortage of labor. It’s impacting technology, healthcare, transportation, retail, food service, and yes — metal fabrication. There simply aren’t enough CNC operators, machining specialists, and general laborers to meet industry demands. This has led to delays, shortages, missed orders, and an overall sluggishness to the industry as a whole.

To address this problem, people within the industry have made changes and launched new initiatives. One of the biggest efforts is to work with community colleges that can train and educate future metal workers. Community colleges, trade schools, and now high schools are also positioned to attract new operators, increasing the potential job pool.

This is, admittedly, a problem that has been ongoing for years, even decades, but that doesn’t mean it will just fade away. The effort to address workforce shortages must continue. Much like paying the energy bill, investing in the future workforce is now a fundamental part of doing business in the metal fabrication industry.

Adopting and training for technology

Technology is pervasive throughout every industry. In metal manufacturing, successful, competitive fabrication means integrating advanced technology and making it part of everyday operations. It’s no longer a luxury; technology is a must.

The specific technology varies, but it often starts with high-quality, thorough data that can be used to make better purchasing, fabrication, sales, and marketing decisions. Deep-learning AI programs, which integrate robotics into the system and can perform basic tasks like cutting and welding, will be useful for profitability. Even when they are produced in high volume, products fabricated by robots are precise and durable.

Automation will be used to drive efficiency and reduce costs. Companies need to quickly adopt this technology and train their staff to work with these complex yet time-saving machines.

Reduced efficiency, same demand

Earlier, we discussed how customization is in demand, but customers also expect rapid efficiency. Unfortunately, there is an overall reduction in efficiency, caused by many of the factors we have already discussed, including workforce shortages, supply chain issues, and the need for technology training and adoption.

Customers have become accustomed to rapid delivery, but that is no longer the case. A report from The Logic Factory says that the average copper pipeline project has decreased in size by 30%. And yet, the time to market is 15% longer. Smaller orders, more time to complete. This is just one example of how production in metal fabrication and construction has become less efficient.

Demand for lightweight metals

The aerospace and automotive industries, two critical sectors for metal fabrication companies, are demanding more lightweight metals, including aluminum, titanium, and magnesium. These metals have become popular for modern transportation, aviation, and aerospace vehicles, thanks to their strength, durability, and lightweight profile.

This, too, is an ongoing problem. In 2009 there was a demand for roughly 18.7 billion tons of aluminum, according to the Aluminum Association. By 2018, this demand peaked at 28.1 billion tons. Although it dipped, it was still at 26.3 billion in 2021.

Finding material, bringing it into a facility, and meeting the demands of customers who meet lightweight metals, will continue to be an issue for metal fabricators at home and abroad.

Help for fabrication companies

Metal fabrication companies require the right tools, abrasives, adhesives, tapes, and more. Elevated provides a wide variety of readily available industrial supplies for trusted brands. We also offer coating and finishing as well as assembly tools. Plus, we have compressed air systems and services for companies in western Ohio, eastern Michigan, and South Carolina. But it’s more than just having a supply of superior products from trusted brands, Elevated has the expertise to help you meet your goals. We’re there to ensure you’re reducing overall costs, improving quality, increasing safety, and saving time.

Summer safety: recognize, treat, and prevent heat exposure

Written by Tami Matthews on June 4, 2024. Posted in Compressed Air, Construction, Countertop, Featured, General, Industrial, Industrial, Industries Served, Manufactured housing, Manufacturing, Metalworking, Resources, Signage, Woodworking. Leave a Comment

So many industries require their workforce to be in hot spaces — inside and outside. During the summer months, work across the United States, especially in the South, can be brutal. Indoors, facilities can be sweatboxes. Outdoors, temperatures sometimes climb above 100.

In other words, heat exposure can be fatal.

That’s why it’s important to understand, handle, and hopefully prevent heat exposure.

Recognizing symptoms and treating them

There are three main stages of heat exposure: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Each stage has its own set of symptoms to watch out for and suggestions for what to do when it happens.

Heat Cramps
- Symptoms: Muscle cramps (often in the legs or abdomen), heavy sweating, fatigue.
- What’s happening: Your muscles lose essential salts and fluids through sweat.
- What to do: Get to a cool place (with shade or air conditioning), drink water or a sports drink to replenish lost fluids or electrolytes, and rest. Try stretching cramped muscles gently.
Heat Exhaustion
- Symptoms: Heavy sweating, cold/clammy skin, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, weak but rapid pulse.
- What’s happening: Your body is struggling to keep cool, and it’s starting to overheat.
- What to do: Follow the instructions for heat cramps, but add a light snack, use wet cloths on your skin (or take a cool shower) to bring down your temperature, and elevate your feet slightly when resting.
Heat Stroke
- Symptoms: High body temperature (104°F or higher), hot/red/dry or damp skin, rapid pulse, confusion, slurred speech, unconsciousness.
- What’s happening: This is a medical emergency! Your body’s cooling mechanisms have failed, and it can be life-threatening.
- What to do: Call 911. While waiting for help, move the person to a cool place and reduce the temperature with ice packs. Keep an eye on their condition; you may need to perform CPR.

Preventing heat exposure

Dress for the heat

These days, there are many options that keep employees safe while preventing heat exposure.

Wear lightweight and loose-fitting safety apparel. Some suppliers have cooling vests, bandanas, washcloths, and more to keep your workforce’s core temperature down. Moisture-wicking clothing also helps reduce heat, including when your workforce is inside while it’s hot.

Outside workers should wear apparel with sun protection, sunscreen, and sunglasses. (Don’t forget to re-apply sunscreen every couple of hours, especially if you’re sweating.) Wear neck protection and wide-brimmed hats. Also, heat-reflective clothing may help keep employee’s temperatures cooler.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, not just when you’re thirsty. Backpacks with water reservoirs and drinking tubes can ensure your workforce gets the necessary water, especially in places where water breaks are limited.

Eat light snacks throughout the day.

Plan accordingly, take breaks, pay attention, and train staff

If you can plan your workforce to avoid the heat, do so. Stop work before 10 a.m. and start again after 4 p.m. — the hottest part of the day. If you can’t schedule to avoid the heat, plan frequent breaks. Even if work is planned around the heat of the day, ensure you’re watching the temperatures to introduce breaks when needed.

Remind employees to remove their hard hats (when it’s safe) and use wet washcloths on their necks to cool down. Ask managers and other employees to check in with each other. Train your staff in the symptoms of heat exposure, how to treat it, and more importantly how to avoid it. Ensure your workforce pays attention to their bodies.

Use company policies and a support system to help prevent issues from arising.

Elevated can help your team stay safe

Sure, we have advice and ideas, but we also have safety apparel needed to keep your team safe. Contact us for a list of safety gear.

Elevated Industrial Solutions Launches Two New Products, Elevated Thick and Elevated Thin, for the Countertop Fabrication and Installation Industry

Written by Tami Matthews on March 12, 2024. Posted in Adhesives, Brands, Countertop, Industrial, Industrial supplies. Leave a Comment

DENVER – March 12, 2024 – Elevated Industrial Solutions (“Elevated”) is proud to announce the creation and release of two new products: Elevated Thick and Elevated Thin countertop seaming adhesive. These two new products add to Elevated’s wide array of premier brands available to the countertop fabrication and installation industry. Thick and Thin are the first Elevated products the company has ever launched.

Brad Zotti, president of Elevated, said, “We’re excited about launching our own products! After listening to our countertop fabrication and installation customers and reviewing product offerings, we knew this market needed more options when it came to countertop seam adhesives.”

Craig Miller, Director of Industrial Solutions, commented. “We’re thrilled to suggest two more solutions Thick and Thin. These two adhesives stand up to every rival while being super affordable. It’s a great value and customers are already loving it!”

Thick and Thin are available across the United States, seaming every solid surface and natural stone available. Thin and Thick come in core colors and are perfect for a variety of countertop fabrication and installation jobs. Because Elevated has warehouses and offices across the nation, the two products can be delivered to most locations in two days.

For more information about Thick and Thin, as well as information on how to order, visit: https://elevatedindustrial.com/thick-and-thin/

About Elevated

With headquarters in Denver, Colorado, Elevated serves customers through its offices and warehouses across the nation – Colorado, Wisconsin, Ohio, South Carolina, and Michigan as well as sales offices in Montana and California. Nationwide, Elevated offers industrial supplies, coating and finishing systems, and assembly tools. In South Carolina, western Ohio, and eastern Michigan, Elevated also provides compressed air systems and services.

Contact us

For media inquiries, contact:

Tami Matthews, Marketing Director
503.803.3682
tmatthews@elevatedindustrial.com