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.

Remove and replace nearly 600, 90 pound interior cement kiln chains through a 26-inch manway in only 9 days? This is how we achieve the unthinkable.

THE CHALLENGE

Lafarge Holcim, which specializes in cement, construction aggregates and concrete, operates two cement kilns out of their Paulding, Ohio location. Each kiln measures 800-feet long and 12-feet in diameter, and the inside contains over a thousand chains weighing over 90 pounds each.
Each chain is hung by tombstones welded into the steel walls of the kiln. When turned on, the chains slowly rotate, crushing the mined rock, which is then heated to 1,500 degrees Celsius and continues to rotate until the rocks are crushed into fine dust.

Over time, the chains on the interior of the kilns become worn and need to be replaced. Lafarge Holcim contacted Lee Contracting to remove and replace nearly 600 chains in a nine-day window – which is no small feat. The kilns had uneven flooring, the chains created a trip hazard, limited space, no lighting and the dusty conditions.

THE RESULTS

To remove the heavy chains from the cement kiln, Lee Contracting’s teams attached them to a crane and raised the chains through a 26-inch manway on the side of the kiln. The team was also tasked with removing any worn tombstones and welding new ones in place in a precise pattern. The Lee Contracting rigging team then lowered new chains into the kiln, which were reattached to the tombstones.

At the end of the project, the client was pleased with the crew’s teamwork and for Lee providing a cost-effective and timely solution for this project.