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Case Study: How a Pre-Engineered Steel Building Serves the Forestry Sector

Case Study: How a Pre-Engineered Steel Building Serves the Forestry Sector

Metal Structure Concepts supplied and installed a 30,000 square foot multi-building project for Gilbert Smith Forest Products in Barriere, BC.

The forest industry has always been a major player in BC’s economy. According to 2015 data, the forest sector was responsible for 36 per cent ($12.9 billion) of BC’s total exports and was the primary employer in many parts of the province.

The forest industry has also helped other manufacturing sectors, including the steel building market as can be seen by the recent work completed by pre-engineered steel building contractor Metal Structure Concepts (MSC).

 MSC recently supplied and installed a steel building for the expansion of Gilbert Smith Forest Product’s cedar sawmill operation in Barriere, BC.

The industrial job was no small feat and involved a few workflow interruptions in completing the multi-building project, measuring more than 30,000 square feet in total.

 

Steel and wood stand together

This is not the first time MSC has been tasked with designing, supplying and installing a plant or sawmill in the forest sector. The company is currently installing a custom steel building for Pinnacle Renewable Energy Inc.’s new wood pellet plant in Entwistle, AB. MSC also supplied and installed nine custom pre-engineered buildings, totalling 60,000 square feet, for Babine Forest Products in Burns Lake, BC.

“We are becoming a decent player in the sawmill-forest industry and have a good track record with our clients,” said Steven Ivanitz, founder/owner of MSC.

 

Flexible and safe working conditions

The Gilbert Smith sawmill expansion had a few starts and stops due the fact the building was being erected at the same time equipment was being installed.

“What’s unique with sawmill jobs is the ability to be able to reassess when a problem or an interruption arises. Often you are doing work at the same time that the business is in operation or making its own changes within the structure, similar to that of a commercial operation, and so you have to be able to work within those parameters,” says Ivanitz.

Safety is also a key factor when working on an industrial site, and when things are rushed, safety can sometimes be overlooked.

“We are proud to report that we have an impeccable safety record. We were able to get the Gilbert Smith sawmill done on time, on budget and without any injuries.”

 

On time and within budget

As with any industrial or commercial operation, time is money. MSC prides itself on providing its clients with steel building prices that do not include extra charges or hidden fees before, during or after a project

“Once the contract is signed, the price stays the same,” says Ivanitz.

 

What the client has to say

 “MSC delivered our finished building on time, the crew was focused and positive to work with, and MSC met our quality expectations despite these challenges. Most of the time everyone was even still smiling! We would definitely consider MSC for any future building needs,” said Greg Smith, with Gilbert Smith Forest Products

 

For more information on economical steel buildings, read our blog on How a Contractor Keeps a Steel Building Project on Time and Within Budget

Metal Structure Concepts have a prized track record in installing pre-engineered and structural steel buildings in all sizes and for a variety of purposes, including steel garages, commercial businesses, industrial plants, and warehouses all over Western and Northern Canada. Call us today to find out how we can help you.