Monthly Archives: September 2015

Company News, Construction Industry, Steel Manufacturing, Structural Steel, US Manufacturing

Manufacturing Matters—National Manufacturing Day Celebrates Hard Working Industries

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The modern manufacturing industry has been in existence since the Industrial Revolution and continues to turn raw materials into finished goods. These goods include aircrafts, vehicles, appliances, as well as other components that are used to make more complex products. Once a thriving, economy-sustaining industry, the Manufacturing Day Imagepublicized increase of offshoring and resulting reductions in U.S. based operations has led to the misconception that manufacturing is a dead industry. Not so. With events such as Manufacturing Day, the goal is to educate the public regarding the manufacturing industry and increase the impact of technological innovations. This isn’t the same industry it was 50 years ago.

In order to address these common misperceptions regarding the manufacturing industry, Manufacturing Day gives all manufacturers a chance to invite the public into their world. This one day, national event, enables manufacturers to come together to inform the public about the work they do, the careers available, and the importance of a strong U.S. manufacturing industry for future generations. Computers have changed the way we work and manufacturing is no different. Manufacturing matters and seeing the advanced technologies such as CNC and CAD/CAM in action is a powerful force for students and the community.

Co-produced by the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International®, Manufacturing Day is taking place on October 2nd with events scheduled across the country. As steel has been premier material for manufacturing from its earliest days, Macuch Steel is a proud supporter of the Manufacturing Day movement. Steel is an integral part of the construction industry and most large structures such as buildings, bridges, and stadiums are made with structural steel. In vehicle manufacturing, steel is still the main material for all types of fabrications.

The manufacturing industry continues to push on toward the future and events like those taking place during this year’s Manufacturing Day highlight the positive impact the manufacturing industry has on the future. Our steel products and capabilities have been supporting the manufacturing and construction industries for years and will continue to do so. Making it in America offers a world of opportunities!

Company News, Construction Industry, Steel Manufacturing, Structural Steel, US Manufacturing

Macuch’s New Steel Convenience Center Celebrates its Grand Opening!

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At Macuch Steel, we have always prided ourselves on our exceptional customer service. We consistently deliver great products Steel Convenience Center Grand Opening Image 2and services to the construction industry with the highest quality structural steel fabrications. Realizing that there is currently an underserved sector of the construction industry, we are expanding our customer service offerings to fill this gap. With our new Steel Convenience Center, the focus is on the needs of the local market to make sure all of your structural steel fabrication needs will be met.

Harkening back to the days when companies were responsive to the needs of their customers, our Steel Convenience Center will do just that. By bringing back services that are driven by the needs of the customer, we return to a level of service that seems to have been lost in corporate takeovers and big businesses. We are here to meet your schedules and deadlines and to fulfill and deliver orders as requested.

The Convenience Center will deliver a “turn-key” product—bring in your drawings, your “napkin sketches”, or just that idea that’s been floating around in your head. We will sit down with you, discuss your needs, present you with a quick and fair price, and deliver your fabricated, finished product when you need it, and ON TIME!

Even though this is a new department and service, we would only trust the running of it to experienced and established personnel. Steel Convenience Center Grand Opening Image 3Dan Bolen, a 10-year member of the Macuch family and a 30+ year veteran of the steel industry, and MaryAnne Hill, our wonderful 20+ year Service Center manager are joining together to bring their expert knowledge and professionalism to all aspects of this new venture.

Macuch Steel’s newest department—Steel Convenience Center—is here to serve YOU. Give us a call today!

Construction Industry, Steel Manufacturing, Structural Steel, US Manufacturing

5 Benefits of Using an AISC Certified Fabricator and Erector

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Why do we do it? Why does Macuch Steel endure the costs of maintaining our AISC certifications? Because we see the value and the results! While not all of the jobs hitting the streets are certified, what a difference there would be if more jobs specified an AISC Certified Company.aisc circle logo

Quick Background: The American Institute of Steel Construction was founded in the 1920s to advance the interests of the structural steel design industry in the United States and better serve the overall construction industry. Since then, it has been the leader in research, education, code development, technical assistance, quality certification, and market development for steel construction.

One of the most important roles AISC plays is to certify that steel fabricators and erectors meet a rigorous — and constantly evolving — set of industry standards regarding quality, safety, administration, training, and more.

These certifications are not easy to get. Each takes some time and effort, not to mention expense, in order to qualify and maintain annually — so much so that some companies choose to skip getting certified entirely.

So what is the benefit of using an AISC Certified Fabricator and AISC Certified Erector? At Macuch Steel (we hold both certifications), we believe there are 5 main ones:

  1. Higher Quality

The prime differentiator between an AISC certified facility and one that isn’t is the level of quality control specified by AISC. Every important process, from contract and spec review to material identification to equipment calibration and testing to weld procedures, must adhere to standards and be documented in a Quality Management System to be followed by the certified company in their day-to-day operations.

For customers, this means that the final project and construction experience will have a superior quality with less errors and delays.

  1. Greater Accountability

Each AISC Certified Fabricator and AISC Certified Erector is subject to audit and physical inspection to make sure the company’s QMS isn’t just paying lip service to the standards, but that they are being applied throughout the company.

Hiring a fabricator and erector that is accountable to a third party for oversight gives the customer peace of mind that the firm not only knows what it is supposed to be doing, but is actually doing it.

  1. Leading Edge Technology and Standards

AISC works with many leaders in the construction industry, government entities, and the public to develop consensus standards and programs. As such, certification is the best way to ensure that the company you are hiring is exposed to the latest technological developments, building codes, and current best practices.

With so many changes happening in our industry at any given time, it pays to deal with a firm that stays up to date.

  1. Better Safety

One of the more obvious results of getting certified is the reduction in accidents and product failure thanks to the higher QC specs and greater training requirements for employees when compared with non-certified firms.

Every AISC Certified firm must develop procedures to identify non-conformance and implement corrective actions. The stress is on safety and providing the highest-quality product possible that will meet or exceed industry requirements.

  1. Improved Efficiency

AISC Certified Fabricators and Erectors tend to run more efficiently, since they have consistent processes and formal training procedures as mentioned above. In addition to making things safer, these factors also eliminate wasteful actions and save money — which can be passed down to the end customer through a more reliable and complete quote.

By using fabricators and erectors that pass the rigorous standards established by the AISC, you also prove that our industry can self-police and reduce burdensome government regulations and excessive interference.

While we are obviously a bit biased towards AISC certified firms (since we are one), it really is to your benefit to seek out a certified firm — even if the quote is slightly higher than a competing, non-certified company’s. In going that route, today’s minor savings might just add up to significant costs in the future.

Want to find out more about how our AISC certifications can benefit your next job?  Call us today!AISC Certified Fabricatorassoc_cert_erector

Construction Industry, Steel Manufacturing, Structural Steel, US Manufacturing

Getting the Benefits of In-House Without the Costs and Trouble

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In a time of market volatility, customers can depend on the experience and stability of our “in-house” experts. Think of the benefits of having your own in-house structural steel facility… There are many major worries that you could eliminate from your day-to-day operations. Things like quality control, transportation costs, and material issues would no longer keep you up at night. The biggest problem with this dream might be the overwhelming start-up costs. Just purchasing the machinery can put you in the red for years, not to mention hiring and training workers to both operate and maintain the equipment. It would be ideal to find a solution for Benefits of In House Imagethe inkling of hesitation. At Macuch Steel Products, we have the tools for this age-old problem. Our biggest goal is to bring customers all the benefits of an in-house structural steel operation without the costs and staffing headaches.

From Inception to Completion

In many ways, Macuch is six outstanding companies under one family-owned and operated umbrella. Each of our divisions offers contractors unique services that act like your own personal in-house operation.

  • Structural Steel
    Our full-service shop provides clients estimating, budget pricing, detailing, engineering calculations, fabrication, welding, shearing, bending, punching, painting services, and installation.
  • Rebar
    Since the 1960’s, builders all over the Southeastern U.S. have come to Macuch for their rebar needs. We supply just about every type of rebar you will ever need.
  • Steel Service Center
    As well as carrying a wide range of steel products, Macuch will also cut, punch, bend, weld, and paint steel to our customers’ specifications.
  • Em-Co Metal Products, Inc: Structural Steel Fabrication
    Located just outside Savannah, this smaller offshoot of Macuch mainly focuses on heavy welding high-man-hour-per-ton types of work. This facility fabricates steel in lengths typically up to 60′, widths up to 17′, and weights that range up to 10 tons, with 170′ lengths.
  • Shewmake Steel Erection Inc.
    If you need efficient and cost-effective installation and erection of structural or other steel products, our subsidiary Shewmake is the perfect choice. We have the experience crew to operate cranes, lifts, trucks, and welding equipment to complete all of your projects.
  • Southeastern Stair & Rail
    If you need high quality stair and rail products, including ladders, compound radius stairs, grating platforms, grating treads, hand railing, ornamental railings, monumental stairs, primary egress stairs, and guard rails then Southeastern Stair & Rail is the perfect choice.

By allowing the divisions that make up the Macuch family to handle all the services above, you get personalized service without having to pay the often-debilitating cost of bringing everything in-house. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

If you want to learn how to eliminate your next contracting head-ache, please visit our website. We also post more industry news on our Twitter and LinkedIn pages.