Sponsored by Delta Machine & Ironworks
Timing is everything in the industrial construction space, and missed handoffs at any stage of a project can cause it to veer way off course. That’s particularly true for pipe fabricators, who often get tripped up at the finish line by overlooking a critical component of the fabrication process – pipe supports.
Misconceptions about this common piping system necessity can lead to headaches down the line. “Many clients think that they can’t order pipe supports until their drafting department is finished with the spool drawings,” says Heidi Holmes, engineering and technology director at Delta Machine & Ironworks in Baton Rouge. “Others think of supports as stock commodities that can be purchased off the shelf. Neither is true.”
Waiting too late causes delays in issuing pipe spools to the fab shop, challenging the project delivery schedule for jobsite installation and resource coordination. Delays in ordering field installed pipe supports can cause similar trouble when spools show-up but can’t be installed without needed supports.
Delta is on a mission to change all of that. Their team can quickly, efficiently and accurately interpret a client’s isometric drawings, requisition the correct pipe supports and track revisions in a manner that keeps a project on track. It’s something that their competitors simply don’t do. “While these project cost savings are hard to quantify, we know that they are significant, and our process is proving to be invaluable to our clients when it matters most.”
Here’s how it works – a client transmits their client’s isometric drawings through a dedicated portal, then Delta downloads the files, breaks out the drawings, stores them with their revision number and keeps a running log of all the needed shop and field supports. In essence, Delta works in tandem with the client, tracking, requisitioning and fabricating all in-scope supports as the contractor does what it does best – fabricates and installs the pipe spools. “And as our clients get revised drawings, they follow the same process,” Holmes says. “That’s significant, since some projects have revision rates as high as 60 percent. We manage all of that.”
Additionally, Delta gathers all the necessary engineering details, ensures that all modifications are captured from the client drawings and tags supports to work with each client’s work process so that every support fits perfectly when it comes time to install them. Having 40-plus years of specific experience with pipe supports for every different engineering standard, Delta asks all of the relevant questions for constructability and cost optimization. Preparing RFIs for clients with all the right supporting detail helps clients get timely responses to keep the project moving forward.
A Special Niche
Delta’s unique business model – partnering with their clients in the wholesale project management of pipe supports – has helped it grow from a small “mom and pop” operation into a $44-million company servicing multimillion dollar projects for some of the biggest industrial contractors in the country. Delta’s teamwork is unparalleled and their willingness to step up and be fully accountable sets them apart from the competition. They’re large enough to scale for large LNG projects but streamlined enough to snap into action when partners need help juggling priorities.
Along the way, Delta has developed a reputation for quality and integrity in all that they do. “Making a commitment to a client is a big deal to us and we don’t take those commitments lightly,” Holmes says. “We are thankful every time a client chooses to partner with us, and we work diligently to ensure that our execution is flawless. We aim to earn our spot on the team every time.”
Learn more about Delta Machine & Ironworks at teamdeltausa.com.
