President's Column: Technology Is Driving Change, We Must Embrace It

Technology is driving change in our industry faster than ever before, and quite frankly, faster than many of us are prepared for.

Angie Simon

Technology is driving change in our industry faster than ever before, and quite frankly, faster than many of us are prepared for. Regardless of your comfort level, innovation and technical advancements are sweeping our industry.

In this issue, SMACNA covers the purchasing decisions and experiences five contractors have recently gone through on their path to owning new laser cutters. The cover story really resonated with me as my shop just made several major purchases as well, including a laser cutter and coil line for sheet metal, a robotic welder and tiger stop for piping, and a water jet for cutting duct lining. These major upgrades and new additions will bring our shop in line with other fabricators in the area and will enable Western Allied Mechanical to be more efficient and more competitive, and most
importantly, expand capacity to grow and take on more work that already awaits us.

Once installed, these pieces of equipment will change everything about our shop from cost of operations to estimating, to production time and capacity.

With cutting speed improvements going from 275 inches on our plasma to 1,200 inches per minute on our new laser, and a water jet capable of cutting 3,000 inches per minute, our ability to pre-fabricate quickly increases, expanding our opportunities at the same time.

While each piece of technology substantially increases efficiencies, it will also allow us to add more field installers to handle the additional capacity.

I encourage all SMACNA contractors to take a close look at the latest innovations in equipment and build a financial model to examine the impact new equipment can have on your costs and the possibilities of new revenue as result. Change is upon us and if we don’t embrace technology and innovation, our competitors will, and they surely will pass us by.

Sincerely,

Angie Simon
SMACNA President

Published: February 28, 2020

SMACNews Jan/Feb 2020

IN THIS ISSUE

Contractors Beware: Bonuses and Incentive Payments May Create Overtime Headaches

While SMACNA contractors are familiar with the concept of “overtime” — that is, paying employees time and one-half for certain hours worked — few contractors understand how overtime paid pursuant to their collective bargaining agreement (or “CBA”)

Embracing Shared Goals and Prioritizing Mutual Interests

I had the first-hand opportunity to witness the SMACNA/SMART labor management partnership at work.

Finding Happiness at Work

Culture of Respect — formerly BE4ALL (Belonging and Excellence for All) — launched in December 2021.

Government Affairs Update and Honors for Stan Kolbe

The 118th Congress is now over half over and just seven months of activity remains before the election.

How to Attract & Retain Generation Z Workers

Learn what the newest members of the workforce value most in their career choices

HVAC: Managing Risk

Industry expert shares tips on how SMACNA contractors can avoid commercial HVAC contract risks.

Infinitely Memorable

Denver contractor Scherer Metals created a sculpture celebrating aluminum’s unlimited recycling ability for Ball Corp., an aluminum packaging supplier. It sits outside Denver’s Ball Arena.

Infrastructure Bill Update: Seizing Opportunities in 2024

It has been more than two years since Congress passed the bipartisan infrastructure deal (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act). As predicted, the $1.2 trillion dollar investment into U.S. infrastructure has been slow to reach actual job sites and

Risk Forward to Become a Better Leader

Keynote speaker teaches performance arts tools contractors can use to improve communication.

SMACNA and Its Members Can Accomplish Great Things By Working Together

SMACNA always has a busy first quarter. We hold many committee meetings, labor relations meetings and educational programs.

SMACNA Speaker Profile: John Murdough

SMACNA educator receives CFMA’s Construction Executive of the Year award. John Murdough received the 2024 Wink Ames Memorial Award for Pioneer in Construction from the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA).

Taking Flight

Brandt shares its work on American Airlines new catering facility at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

Technically Tailored, Creatively Executed

Skyline Heating and Cooling deployed a stealth team to problem-solve a complex, expansive residential project in Castle Pines, Colorado.

The Future is NOW

Partners in Progress Conference brings SMACNA and SMART members together to improve businesses and drive future growth.

The Hero Effect

Keynote speaker encourages Partners in Progress attendees to become everyday heroes to their customers.

The Partners in Progress Leadership Forum

Industry leaders share meaningful insights into current industry challenges and priorities.

The Technology Evolution

MEP Innovation Conference drives collaboration to help solve the industry’s challenges.

Welcome New SMACNA Members

New SMACNA Members