With winter approaching, and a timeline of less than five months to complete the installation, the challenge was formidable.

THE CHALLENGE

Wico Metal Products, a pioneer in automotive extrusion stampings, had recently acquired a new facility to set up several new stamping press lines. However, upon acquisition, it became apparent the building’s roof was not high enough to accommodate the 26-foot-tall presses. With winter approaching, and a timeline of less than five months to complete the installation, the challenge was formidable. An additional 12 feet of vertical space was needed. Wico Metal Products reached out to Lee Industrial Contracting for a solution that involved incorporating several in-house trades.

Initial discussions with Wico defined the project scope: raising the roof, demolishing several existing offices, and enclosing a courtyard to expand manufacturing space. Lee Contracting started a thorough design phase, collaborating closely with Wico to finalize a detailed and actionable project plan. This plan was swiftly turned into a comprehensive drawing package for city permit submissions, including structural, architectural, electrical, and plumbing elements.

THE RESULTS

Lee Industrial Contracting expedited the planning and permit process in collaboration with the City of Warren. Once permits were secured, the project shifted into high gear. Lee Contracting’s team prepared the site by modifying the existing roof structure and ensuring all utilities were safely repositioned for the changes ahead.

Install 300 feet of new 10" SCH 40 roll-grooved black piping while preparing for additional future expansions.

THE CHALLENGE

UTAC, a leading player in the digital and sustainable mobility sector, is known for its customizable testing solutions, systems, vehicle engineering and regulatory expertise. They needed the installation of new piping for a cooling water loop that would be integral to future Dyno cells. The requirement was clear: install 300 feet of new 10″ SCH 40 roll-grooved black piping while preparing for additional future expansions. This task had to be accomplished without disrupting the existing production lines, which posed a logistical challenge.

Lee Industrial Contracting was entrusted with this complex project, which required meticulous planning and execution. The scope of work included insulating the new exterior process water piping with 2″ thick fiberglass insulation and aluminum jacketing. A critical aspect of the project was addressing the significant weight of the new cooling loop system, necessitating structural engineering for joist girder and steel reinforcements, adeptly handled by Lee Contracting’s weld/fab department.

THE RESULTS

In close collaboration with UTAC, Lee Contracting carefully planned the project to ensure zero interruptions to ongoing production. Through their proactive approach and efficient project management, Lee Contracting not only met the requirements but was able to complete the project under budget and two weeks ahead of schedule.

Repurposing a vacant 40,000-square-foot industrial building, which had previously been used for manufacturing robotic weld cells, into a dynamic sports arena suitable for volleyball, badminton, cricket, and pickleball.

THE CHALLENGE

In the summer of 2020, as the world grappled with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of entrepreneurs from Spare Holdings identified an opportunity to create a year-round, indoor sports facility in Novi, Michigan. Their vision was to repurpose a vacant 40,000-square-foot industrial building, which had previously been used for manufacturing robotic weld cells, into a dynamic sports arena suitable for volleyball, badminton, cricket, and pickleball.

The scope of the project included a substantial structural modification-raising a 160′ x 160′ section of the building’s roof by 10 feet. The project involved comprehensive design and construction efforts, encompassing electrical systems, steel structures, HVAC, plumbing, and general building modifications. The principal challenge was executing this intricate project with limited availability of supplies and significant vendor delivery delays. Ensuring safety, managing supply-chain disruptions, and maintaining project timelines under these constraints required careful planning and adaptability.

THE RESULTS

Following a successful planning and permitting phase, including collaboration with the city of Novi and Spare’s team, Lee Contracting initiated the physical transformation of the building in the winter of 2021. The project began with the demolition of existing walls and electrical setups to make room for the new sports courts. Despite facing extended lead times on key materials, such as building siding and rooftop HVAC units stretching from the usual four weeks to over six months Lee Contracting was able to easily navigate these challenges. The team was able to ensure a continuous flow of information and resources to keep the project on track and within budget.

A critical component of the construction was the manufacturing of new structural steel for the roof raise, which included the integration of larger girder beams necessary for the removal of two building columns. This phase culminated in a coordinated five-day process where the roof was elevated in one piece, facilitating the creation of expansive, unobstructed court spaces.

The project not only included structural enhancements but also the installation of new HVAC systems, the construction of modern offices, bathrooms, locker rooms, and a spectator mezzanine. Upon completion of the renovation, Spare awarded a 2nd phase to Lee Contracting that includes raising another 180′ x 80′ section of the building to help their operations meet the growth of their new business.

The line consisted of two large presses (one 5500T and one 4000T) which required new foundation pits, with some areas having concrete 72" thick, as well as utility trenching with trench covers.

THE CHALLENGE

Shape Corporation needed additional manufacturing capacity within its extrusion facility. The timing and coordination needs of this project made Lee Contracting’s in-house, multitrade services a perfect solution.

Lee Contracting worked closely with OEM suppliers and the customer to plan and coordinate the best plan to receive, offload, uncrate, clean, and assemble two complete extrusion lines. The line consisted of two large presses (one 5500T and one 4000T) which required new foundation pits, with some areas having concrete 72″ thick, as well as utility trenching with trench covers that Lee Contracting’s weld/fabrication department fabricated in-house. There were also two material handling lines (which included quench systems, ovens, stretchers, and saws) that needed to be installed.

THE RESULTS

By utilizing Lee Contracting’s self-perform services, all aspects of the project were successfully completed before the due date. The project resulted in increased production capacity for the customer, which allowed the state-of-the-art facility to produce the highest quality product for the end user.

Penske Logistics faced a critical infrastructure failure at its Chesterfield facility-a broken main water line threatened to disrupt operations.

THE CHALLENGE

Penske Logistics, known for its advanced transportation and distribution solutions, faced a critical infrastructure failure at its Chesterfield facility-a broken main water line threatened to disrupt operations. The challenge involved a serious excavation to expose and repair the damaged pipeline. Given the complex nature of the project, Penske contacted the city to temporarily shut off the water supply to the site. Lee Industrial Contracting was enlisted for the task, and utilized ground penetrating radar to safely navigate the underground utilities during the excavation.

Lee Contracting’s expertise and swift response were crucial in managing this potentially disruptive situation. The team first addressed the immediate concern by pumping out a manhole to allow safe access to the vault. Upon shutting off the valves, they discovered water continuing to leak, prompting further excavation. This revealed a 4-inch cast iron main water line with a significant crack, located adjacent to the main line.

THE RESULTS

Lee Contracting’s Midland team collaborated on the project, which resulted in cutting out an 8-foot section of the damaged 4-inch cast iron pipe and replacing it with durable ductile iron. Following the replacement, the team conducted a thorough test of the new section, confirming the absence of leaks and restoring full operational capacity to Penske Logistics.

Lee Contracting's challenge was to install a new two-inch air loop. This loop was to begin from the newly positioned air compressor room, extend up to the shop ceiling and surround the new work area.

THE CHALLENGE

Adient, a manufacturer of automotive seating, operates on a global scale with a substantial base in Plymouth, Michigan. In a strategic move to enhance operational efficiency, Adient required a significant modification to their plant’s pneumatic system. The scope of this project involved the intricate task of installing piping to connect relocated air compressors with support equipment essential for production.

Lee Contracting’s challenge was to install a new two-inch air loop. This loop was to begin from the newly positioned air compressor room, extend up to the shop ceiling, and surround the new work area. Importantly, this new loop was also designed to serve as an extension of the existing tank, thus providing additional air storage critical for uninterrupted production processes.

THE RESULTS

Lee Industrial Contracting approached this project with a focus on minimizing disruption to Adient’s ongoing production. The installation was planned and executed in close collaboration with the customer to ensure production activities could continue without any interruptions throughout the duration of the project.

The Lee Contracting pipefitting team skillfully installed several water and air drops to the newly introduced D-line, enhancing the operational capabilities of the work area. Additionally, the compressor room was relocated and reworked to be more centrally positioned within the plant. This strategic relocation significantly optimized the functionality and accessibility of the pneumatic system.

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.

A large producer of long steel turned to Lee Industrial Contracting to upgrade multiple system components during their 30-day shutdown in June 2021.

THE CHALLENGE

A large producer of long steel turned to Lee Industrial Contracting to perform several upgrades to their systems during a 30-day shutdown. Some of the notable projects during the shutdown included:

• Removal of an old cooling tower and reinstallation of a larger one. This allowed for better temperature control throughout the plant.
• Upgrades to stairways, structural steel and foundations.
• Upgrades to rolling mill saws, which involved removing the existing outdated equipment and replacing and reinstalling with new machinery.
• Assembly, installation and integration of a brand-new controls and material handling system on the client’s conveyors.
• Upgrading the plant’s cooling system.
• Removal of the client’s old caster spray chamber and the installation of a new one.

One major challenge the Lee Contracting team faced with this large-scale project took place during the removal and installation of the caster machine. Due to the location of the equipment in the plant, moving this large piece of machinery was nearly impossible without the quick thinking of Lee Contracting’s team to cut open the wall to safely remove the large piece of equipment. The teams then pre-assembled the new caster machine and rigged it through the same opening. After the machine was installed, Lee’s teams worked to weld the wall opening shut with galvanized steel plates.

THE RESULTS

Because Lee Contracting has all trades, equipment and tools in-house, they were able to meet the 30-day deadline. Not only did this save the customer time, but helped to get them back up-and-running by their deadline.