Who you hire matters. Choosing the right design-build firm.

Food Processing

hiring a design-build firm

How to hire the right design-build firm – ensuring a successful project.

 

When it comes to a project, the designing and constructing phases require exceptional communication to be successful. You may think that the communication aspect is out of your control, but that’s not the case. It starts with you. How? Because who you hire matters.

Working with an integrated firm is one of the best ways to ensure that communication is kept adequate. With an integrated firm, every person working on the project is working for the same company. For example, the mechanical and electrical departments are working hand-in-hand with each other, and have in the past as well. Due to this pre-existing relationship, they know how to successfully work together to get the job done and have direct communication with each other. If you choose to work with multiple companies instead, it’s not hard to lose that strong communication. Here are three ways that working with an integrated design-build firm can improve the food safety of your next manufacturing facility.

Design and construction teams are highly coordinated

 

This coordination goes along with communication. Overlooking even the smallest of problems during a project can result in a huge recall. Since they are continuously working together and can talk through any issues they may have along the way, it’s easier for them to complete a project with fewer issues than others would.

Piping and the food safety risk of condensation

 

In the food industry, there are many projects that have to do with piping. With piping, many teams need to get involved including mechanical, structural, architectural, electrical, and more. This is where an integrated firm would be beneficial to a project. The construction team and the rest of the staff have regular internal design reviews which would keep everyone involved on the same page. Since these teams are always working together, there is a certain level of comfort there that makes everyone feel that they can speak up, which creates more opportunity for collaboration and success.

Troubleshooting is focused on problem-solving, not finger pointing

 

If there is a problem during a build, regardless of which department is responsible, the issue can and will be quickly resolved. Integrated firms use a checks and balances approach so that each department is aware of what the other departments are doing. This prevents potential hazards that may go unnoticed if not working with an integrated firm.

How to Reduce Costs With an Integrated Design-build Firm

Food Processing, General Contracting

construction worker

Construction tips for efficiency in the food and beverage industry

Like any other industry, the food and beverage industry has its positives and negatives. They are faced with different issues daily and then take on the task of solving them in the most efficient way possible. There are two huge threats to the food/beverage industry with their construction budgets: misaligned project scope and underestimating commissioning requirements.

Every part of the project is important, regardless of the impact, or lack of impact, that you may think the particular piece will affect the overall outcome. It’s vital to make rules and expectations for everyone in on the project before actually starting the design phase. This way everyone is on the same page which will assist in a smoother process. Without defining the project scope, it’s possible to run into the issue of not being able to decipher wants and needs. This can cause budget inflation and extend the time spent on the project. To get everyone on the team on the same page, ask yourselves some of the following questions:

  • What does our client want from us with this project (output, cost, length of project)?
  • What assumptions are the foundation of the design solution?
  • What are the key performance indicators?
  • How will we measure success?

A fully integrated firm has all project teams working together. The benefit of this is that everyone knows what their job is and how to work with each other. Some of these teams would include architecture, mechanical, electrical, and construction. For example, one of the most significant budget risks in a project involved infrastructure costs to support packaging and equipment. In an integrated firm, the processing and packaging employees are working right next to each other, which increases communication, making this part of the project more manageable. Working with a fully integrated firm would give you the upper-hand in this situation. Having this type of structure during the project allows for controlled costs. Having a detailed, well-planned project scope leads to more efficient project completion.

Another issue that’s problematic for the construction budget is underestimating commissioning requirements. Some owners are blind to the fact that they are disregarding many costs when getting started with a project. Mostly looking at equipment costs, they tend to forget about the startup and training costs. Without factoring in these costs, it’s easy to go over the estimated budget, which could cause many more problems within the project. While you have to pay attention to costs before equipment, you also have to be aware of costs after equipment. Some questions to ask yourself in this step to determine how the budget will sway include:

  • How will you inspect the equipment?
  • How will you schedule tests runs for the equipment?
  • What are necessary training protocols for operations and maintenance?
  • How will you ensure that you hit throughput levels?

There are a plethora of issues that can occur during a project, specifically with the budget and projected time on the project, but these two seem to happen the most. By following the tips provided, you will make the construction process less stressful and more successful.

 

 

The Importance of Using a General Contractor for Standing Seam Metal Roof Repair

General Contracting, Roofing Repair

standing metal roof repair

Hiring an Experienced Metal Building Contractor for Metal Roof Repair

When a standing seam metal roof is in need of repair, there is a good chance that the roof is part of a pre-engineered metal building system.  The roof panels are not merely a roof, but part of the metal building system.  Within that system, the roof panels play several different roles – weather tightness, bracing, diaphragm, structural, etc; and where the roof ties into the building system at roof steps, eaves, gables, etc. there are critical details which must be maintained in order to ensure weather tightness and the integrity of the building envelope remains intact.

Sometimes when leaks occur, the first thing a building owner thinks to do is to call a roofing contractor, because after all, he has a roof problem, right?  But that owner has more than just a roof – he has a building system.  Therefore, it is critical to call a contractor with metal building system experience.  That may be the general contractor who built the building and self-performs the majority of the project, like Galbraith.  It may be a metal building erector.  Or it could be a roofing contractor.  Each one should be upfront and honest about whether or not they have the expertise and experience to work on different types of building systems and roofs.  A professional contractor of any type should admit their strengths and weaknesses, and recommend that an owner call a specialist if the project is outside of that contractor’s area of expertise.  Or better yet, have a network of trusted specialists to recommend to owners!  In any event, the owner’s best interest should come first.

Galbraith recently inspected a 47 year-old metal building system with chronic roof leak issues.  We discovered previous roof repairs using rubber.  On the surface, everything appeared watertight (ugly, but watertight).  However, upon inspection in a steady rain, it became apparent that the rubber patches were actually collecting an trapping water underneath them.  They weren’t watertight after all.

No doubt that these patches made by a roofer were inexpensive, so what’s the harm?

Take a look at the hidden rust found underneath the patches as well as on the underside of the roof panels.  The roof panels are rusting out from the bottom.  Those inexpensive patches are proving not to be so inexpensive.

We made new, professional repairs, using our years of experience and expertise with metal building systems and specialized materials, tools, and equipment.  These repairs are a short-term solution.  However, the damage is already done and irreparable.

This building has several roof steps and flashing conditions.  Who would you trust to install a new roof? Luckily for us, we are going to get the business.  But we could have saved the owner a lot of time and money had we been called first!

View More Galbraith Pre-Design Testimonials

Importance of Pest Control in Food Safety at Food Process Facilities

Food Processing

food processing

Understanding a general contractors role in food safety and prevention.

 

This article titled, ‘Pest Control’s Critical Role in Food Safety’ from Food Processing Magazine does a good job of outlining the importance of pest control in food process facilities. Naturally, food safety is compromised when rodents, insects, birds, etc. enter or infest a food processing facility; and the thought is not appealing to anyone.  However, it is a real concern given the fact that the facility has food, warmth, and shelter – everything pests need to survive. It’s important that food processing facilities focus on pest control prevention rather than reaction. Ultimately though things happen and if there is an infestation, you must react as early as it’s detected. Once detected working with a qualified, food-certified contractor to help remedy the situation.

This is where a certified contractor is worth its weight in gold. General contractors and design-build firms that have certifications in Safe Quality Food (SQF) by the Safe Quality Food Institute and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) by SGS, as well as versed and experienced in the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), offer the best option for food process facilities to ensure the environment remains uncontaminated. Both the SQF and HACCP certifications increase contractors brief of understanding of food safety and prevention issues as it’s associated with working in a food processing facilities. These certifications help circumvent issues that might arise if a contractor doesn’t have this same knowledge.

At Galbraith Pre-Design we know what to look for when it comes to pest control, and we know how to fix and prevent deficiencies based on our vast knowledge and certifications in food safety.  We always conduct walk-through inspections of food and beverage facilities, looking for pest control issues where they relate to building infrastructure.  As outlined in this article, top hot spots for rodents are lines (wires, pipes, beams), places that have shadows, warm spots and quiet or voided areas of a facility. When we work with clients if the facility already has a pest control report provided to them by their pest control provider we work with clients to fix the deficiencies noted.

When Galbraith Pre-Design conducts a facility walk-through we look for items such as missing or deteriorated door seals, improperly operating doors, cracks in walls, cracks in floors, damaged window screens, improperly operating windows, roof penetrations, louvers, and vents; the list is endless.  If we find any of these items, we note the deficiencies, providing us and our clients with the knowledge of how to the correct the problem with a permanent solution.

You can call on us, like many food process facilities do, to conduct preventative inspections and make preventative repairs.  After all, is the risk of rodent and pest problems really worth it?

Certified

Allan Galbraith Featured in Construction Executive

General Contracting

Our president, Allan Galbraith, had the honor of being featured in the March 2017 edition of the Construction Executive magazine for Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (otherwise known as ABC). When asked what the best advice a fellow member of ABC had given him was, his response was:

“Galbraith/Pre-Design, Inc. traces its roots back to the late 1960’s, when my father, Gary Galbraith, returned from his final tour of duty in Vietnam and started his civilian career in the construction industry. One of the last pieces of advice Dad imparted to me before retiring in 2008 – and by far the best advice I’ve ever received from an ABC member – was ‘Do not let your ABC membership lapse because you’ll never know when you’ll need ABC!’

He recounted many instances during his career when ABC helped him through difficult times, such as combating vandalism and picketing on jobsites, dealing with onerous regulations and legislation, hiring and training skilled tradespersons, searching for like-minded free enterprise subcontractors and seeking guidance on safety issues.

We continue to battle some of these same challenges today. However, we know we can count on ABC to provide timely and accurate information about the construction industry and to assist us when called upon.”

At Galbraith/Pre-Design, Inc., we specialize in commercial, industrial, and institutional construction – which means we work on projects ranging from building maintenance to medical and healthcare facilities. And while our team has a broad range of expertise, we do run into building code challenges, regulations, and more from time to time.

Because we are absolutely dedicated to the satisfaction of our clients, we believe fully in using all of the resources we have at our disposal to ensure that our jobs are completed on time and within budget. ABC is one of the resources we have relied on for decades; our partnership with them helps us provide our customers with high-quality buildings, safe work sites, and projects completed to their satisfaction. It was truly an honor for Allan to be featured in the March 2017 edition of the Construction Executive magazine.

If you are interested in seeing what we can do for you, do not hesitate to contact us today. We’ll set up a consultation to address your commercial, industrial, or institutional construction needs.

Dairy Farmers of America – Food Processing Concrete Work

Case Study, Food Processing

Concrete contractor in Pennsylvania Forming and pouring fresh concrete
We are working for Dairy Farmers of America on preparing their plant for new equipment. The equipment is arriving during a planned 5-day shutdown, which means our concrete work must be completed prior to then, with enough time for the fresh concrete to cure adequately.  This entails working within the food processing plant during production, which means strict compliance to FSMA, their SQF certification, and their HACCP plan.  In addition, they are also inspected by other authorities having jurisdiction.

Food Processing Concrete Work Our team installed plastic containment enclosures, utilized electric and propane equipment, and conducted wet-cutting on existing concrete.  In addition, concrete was found to be thicker than tested, which required traveling to New Jersey to pick up appropriate equipment.  We saw cut and jackhammered existing concrete, excavated for pier footings, and formed and poured fresh concrete – turning three (3) separate pours into one pour by using experience and ingenuity.  Due to the concrete demo delay, we were behind schedule, which was not and option.  Therefore, to serve our customer, we improvised to get back on track.

Complicating things was the fact that major work was scheduled for overnight during winter storm Stella, which brought 16in of snow.  This was challenging for many reasons, such as debris removal, manpower availability, and the safe travel of valued, dedicated employees.

In the end, Dairy Farmers will have an expertly completed project finished on schedule, thanks to our dedicated and resourceful employees.

GALBRAITH provides a single source solution for designing and building, or renovating, food processing facilities. Contact us for more information.

Food Processing Concrete Stair Rehabilitation

Case Study, General Contracting

Damaged Concrete StairsIn food processing facilities, floors and stairs take a lot of abuse from heavy footwear, sanitation chemicals, and food byproducts (in this case fats, oils, sugars, and syrups). Floors are probably the number #1 building maintenance issue from a construction standpoint.

In the case above, the set of stairs leads directly from the process floor to the production workers’ locker rooms. This means that the stairs essentially become another production floor, due to the amount of chemicals and byproducts that are tracked up and down them by the heavy-soled footwear worn by hundreds of workers.

These stairs have been a continual problem area. Over the years, paint had been used; however, paint cannot withstand the abuse inflicted upon it. Vinyl stair tread covers were tried – they lasted longer than paint, but still succumbed to the abusive environment. We were concerned that epoxy would not have enough time to cure, given the limited timeframe we had to work with. So, we decided to use slip-resistant porcelain tile.

stair rehabilitation
We stripped off 8 or 9 coats of paint, before encountering a layer of epoxy or concrete hardener. Once the preparation work was complete, we were able to begin installing the new tile for an extremely durable and long-lasting set of stairs. Epoxy based grout was used (same as is used on a production floor) to ensure durability for a long time to come.
This is another example of our knowledge (of FSMA, SQF, and HACCP), devoted field personnel, and a loyal client all coming together to find solutions. Does your contractor or building maintenance provider have the knowledge, manpower, and tools to make this all come together?
Contact us for a FREE quote today!

 

Galbraith History – Building Lay-Out

Case Study, General Contracting

Berger transit
Two previous generations of the Galbraith family in the construction industry practiced what they preached – being diverse, educating yourself, working smart and hard, and completing as many trades with your own company’s manpower as possible. This is an antique transit used by our family in decades gone by. Surveying, stake-out, grades, elevations, etc. are all items we are capable of self-performing.

Rather than this antique Berger transit, we now use a CST/Berger total station. Times and technology may change, but the historical concepts and calculations remain the same.

CST/Berger total station
Today, one of our long-time foremen guided two of our co-op students from Cumberland-Perry Vo-Tech through the process of laying-out building corners in preparation to begin footer excavation. It’s rewarding to pass along these skills from generation-to-generation. Practicing what we preach – completing our own stake-out in order to excavate our own footers – all while utilizing our own skilled company manpower and equipment. Feel free to contact us, for any question.

Galbraith Becomes Member of the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association

General Contracting

Metal Building Contractors & Erectors AssociationGalbraith/Pre-Design, Inc. recently became a contractor member of the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA).

MBCEA is a trade association founded in 1968 with the mission to provide programs and services to contractors and erectors in the metal building industry. The association proudly boasts members from virtually every aspect of the industry.

As a member of MBCEA, Galbraith has the opportunity to network with others in the industry to share knowledge, best practices and expert advice. MBCEA also offers members many benefits, including education and training programs, industry resources, local chapter and national events, safety handbooks, and the latest information on new products, regulations and processes in the industry.

Galbraith is excited to be a part of an organization that supports the professional advancement of the metal building industry. We look forward to connecting with other industry experts to share information and resources about this growing and evolving industry. Feel free to contact us!

Industrial Painting and Pipe Labeling

Case Study, Industrial

One of the many services that GALBRAITH offers is industrial painting and pipe labeling. Facilities are required by several authorities having jurisdiction to have industrial piping painting specific colors, and have them labeled in certain manners.  A contractor that understands this and knows proper procedure is vital in your industrial plant setting.

Industrial Painting and pipe labeling Industrial painting and pipe labeling KIMG0522

These are progress photos of an ammonia system project we are currently working on. Tanks and pipes are painted, and awaiting new labels, which we also supply and install. In addition to ammonia systems, we ensure that fire suppression systems, steam lines, several types of water lines, natural gas, etc. are all properly painted and labeled.

In the event of an emergency, it is critical that systems are well marked and labeled so that plant personnel and emergency responders know exactly what they are dealing with. Additionally, painting and protecting systems properly protects them from rust, corrosion, etc. It is preventative maintenance which saves a facility time, money, and lost production.

We strive to help owners foresee potential problems before they ever occur.