This is the first in a series that we will include in The Contractor’s Compass on an ongoing basis, highlighting the achievements of ASA members. Have something Awesome you want to share? Send us an email at communications@asa-hq.com
As one of the largest mechanical contractors in the DC metropolitan region, Shapiro & Duncan has built a team of welders, pipefitters, plumbers, instructors, and virtual design coordinators to create state-of-the-art plumbing and HVAC assemblies and modular system components ready for just-in-time delivery and installation.
In a normal year, Shapiro & Duncan (S&D) gives dozens of behind the scene tours to students, customers – and even competitors, of its 52,000 sq.ft prefabrication facility in Landover, MD – the largest open merit shop in the Mid-Atlantic region. But 2020 changed all of that, and while the interest in the shop continued, the practical alternative was to put the tour online. And so they did.
After researching other shop tour videos, Stacey Holsinger, S&D’s marketing manager, knew they needed to focus on sound quality (how do you drown out welding and cutting noises while recording?) and to include captions, since many people need to watch in silent mode. With good planning, the filming took a day. Shapiro & Duncan pride themselves on the preparation and thought process of their prefab facility, and included that in their video production as well.
The video shows how their equipment maximizes the efficiency of each cut, reducing waste; showcasing their solar farm, modular construction, productivity, equipment, quality control, safety, training, storage, and technology. Their 2016 Fab Shop video details how S&D handles the creation of Spool 53 – the largest pipe in the HVAC system, take a look at this video, detailing the “life of pipe.”
Mark Drury, S&D’s vice president, business development, gives the tour, and explains each aspect of the facility, including the 302-kW solar farm on their facility roof, which produced 97 percent of the energy used at the facility in 2019. In 2020, it was 99 percent. In addition, they sell back to the grid any energy produced during non-operating times. They estimate their investment will be paid off in about six years, with a 25-year life span for the panels. Here’s a different video on the solar installation.
Future plans for the plant include expanding the laydown space, as they find themselves needing larger areas to assemble pre-fab components.
Thanks to Shapiro & Duncan for sharing this video and letting everyone get a glimpse of what goes on inside a well-run pre-fab facility.
And again – if you have news to share, innovations, or just want to highlight something you think your company is doing well, just send us a note.
