Despite pandemic-related challenges and tight security controls, Lee’s custom-built rigs and turn-key capabilities have made Arcadis a satisfied client.

DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED

• Project Management
• Pipefitting
• Electrical
• Fabrication
• Foundations

SCOPE OF WORK:

Arcadis U.S., Inc., a global design and consultancy organization, was hired by the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) to conduct a five-year corrosion control optimization study (CCOS) of their water system, the largest study of its kind ever undertaken. The study seeks to determine whether the current corrosion control treatment strategy is optimized, or if alternative treatment would improve performance. The study is designed to test orthophosphate, a widely used corrosion inhibitor, in various doses and at different pH levels to determine if further treatment optimization is necessary. Lee Industrial Contracting was hired by Arcadis to construct a total of 40 water testing rigs for the project. Lee’s turn-key capability, which simplifies project management, workflow and communications, was the primary deciding factor in Arcadis’ selection of Lee as a partner.

The project involved 10 different testing locations with four testing rigs at each site. After approval of the spec rig built by Lee, production began using Lee’s comprehensive in-house capabilities and mass production methods. The CCOS consisted of several problematic locations, including the Northeast site, which was in a basement with no elevator access. Because of limited access to this location, rigs were constructed on-site instead of being prefabricated at the Lee facility. At other restricted access locations, preconstructed rigs were disassembled, moved into position, and then reassembled.

The testing rigs were constructed using the Unistrut metal framing system, and included pipes and clamps, flow meters, chemical injection ports and flow switches. With Lee’s unique self-performing capabilities, fabrication and installation were completed smoothly. Project highlights include:

• 40 precision water testing rigs designed and fabricated. Because the rigs are self-contained, they can be moved to other sites as needed. With the rig design established and proven, Lee can also quickly fabricate additional, new rigs.
• Utility tie-ins to potable water and sewer lines, and electrical connections at each location including a backflow prevention and pressure reducing station.
• Construction of a protective perimeter wall running the full length of the Northeast site to protect Arcadis, GLWA and Lee personnel from extremely high voltages.
• Installation of a subsurface drain connecting the rigs to the sewer at one of the testing locations including heat trace and insulation.

As most of this five-year project has occurred during the pandemic, the Arcadis and Lee teams have adapted to rapidly changing COVID protocols, labor shortages and supply issues with minimal delays. Arcadis was well satisfied with Lee’s performance on the massive undertaking, especially in the face of pandemic-related challenges and tight security controls, and commented on the team’s smooth handling of the ever-evolving environment.

When a heavy industry client in Indiana needed a Steel Slitter Line installed, Lee Industrial Contracting was called to put their “turn-key solutions” tagline to good use.

THE CHALLENGE

When a heavy industry client in Indiana needed a steel slitting line installed, they called on Lee Industrial Contracting’s Power of One. Lee Contracting needed to construct new foundations for the machinery, while the building remained partially open.

Since the project was taking place in the middle of winter, the Lee Contracting team had to take extra measures to ensure the project was done safely and without delays.

THE RESULTS

To minimize disruption to the customer, Lee Contracting installed installed temporary walls with panel doors to keep in the heat and to allow access for construction equipment and concrete trucks. This allowed Lee Contracting’s team to easily excavate, install underfloor conduits and set reinforcement steel.

Next, Lee Contracting’s in-house fabrication department constructed and installed embedded structural steel beams, entry and exit turnstile anchor bolt frames, coil car rails with support channels, utility trenches with cover plates, as well as stairs and handrails.

Once the foundations were finished and the concrete cured, Lee Contracting’s rigging crew offloaded, set in place, aligned, leveled and anchored the new equipment onto the new foundations.

Following the installation of the equipment, the Lee Contracting electrical team installed new wiring, from the equipment to the main control cabinet.

Designing and pouring foundations for 8 large milling machines is a pretty straightforward project. Doing it on frozen ground while buildings are being constructed around it took Lee’s Power of One.

THE CHALLENGE

Visioneering, a leading aerospace designer, manufacturer and installer of assembly systems for the aerospace, defense and space industries, began building a new facility with a goal of consolidating their buildings and machinery under one roof. They contacted Lee Industrial Contracting to perform a design/build project, which included pouring foundations for eight large milling machines during the development of the new facility.

It was essential to begin planning with the Visioneering facilities team to ensure the layout resulted in a good process flow. Because these new foundations would be poured while the new facility was under construction, the Lee Contracting team had to plan around various timelines and other work being done at the site.

THE RESULTS

To meet the project timeline of the customer, Lee Contracting had between eight and 12 workers on the site at any one time during this year long project. As a testament of the Lee Contracting team’s experience, they were able to complete the machinery foundations in under 10 months, exceeding timeline expectations.

After the foundations were finished, Lee Contracting transported and installed the machinery in the new location. The foundations were completed with such precision that there were no problems installing the eight milling machines.

Due to Lee Contracting’s quality work, ability to offer multiple trades under one roof and the company’s skill of completing projects ahead of schedule, the team has returned to the Visioneering facility to complete a variety of other projects.