Sikla Modular Framing Accelerates Data Center Projects

Article content provided by NEFCO

As demand for data centers grows, contractors are under increasing pressure to deliver larger, more complex projects faster while managing labor shortages, safety requirements, regulations, and rising costs. A recent data center construction project demonstrates how modular framing helped address these challenges while reducing overall schedule duration. The project required construction of multiple pump skids, and the customer sought to reduce fabrication time and labor while maintaining flexibility as project requirements evolved.

To meet these needs, the project team implemented a Sikla solution that converted the original welded steel design into a modular, all-bolted support system using Sikla’s siFramo framing solution. This turnkey approach included engineering support, materials, and prefabrication services, along with SHARP pipe stanchions and rollers. Working from the contractor’s BIM model and structural renderings, Unistrut Midwest, a division of NEFCO’s engineering team, collaborated to design, model, and certify the new skids.

Installation was streamlined with all framing components pre-cut, labeled, and kitted for rack shipment. The modular design eliminated onsite welding and allowed crews to assemble structures using standard hand tools. Unistrut Midwest provided project management and onsite training to ensure the contractor team could quickly become familiar with the system and assembly process.

Productivity gains were immediate. Using a two-person crew, each skid was assembled in less than one hour. Compared to traditional welded steel fabrication, the modular approach significantly reduced labor requirements while accelerating project completion. The all-bolted system also enabled field modifications without cutting or welding, helping the team adapt to changing site conditions while maintaining schedule integrity. For contractors facing labor constraints and compressed schedules, Sikla’s siFramo modular framing system offers a practical alternative to traditional welded steel structures, improving safety, reducing labor hours, and accelerating installation without sacrificing performance.

NEFCO is a family-operated, value-added construction supply company serving professional contractors across the United States. With more than 70 locations nationwide, NEFCO delivers industry expertise, extensive local inventory, fast and dependable jobsite delivery, engineering support, and turnkey specialty fabrication and assembly services. The company is recognized for its SHARP offering, a core portfolio supporting complex, high-demand construction applications across mission-critical infrastructure and challenging project environments.

Need assistance? Contact NEFCO's Support Team.

NEFCO is a family owned and operated construction supply company providing a broad range of products and services to a large variety of professional contractors. NEFCO provides localized, contractor-centric services including extensive industry expertise, large local inventories, fast dependable jobsite delivery, turnkey engineering services, and specialty fabrication and assembly of construction materials.