Archive for January, 2017

Lending to a New Library Experience

Monday, January 30th, 2017

The Ramsey County Library system just opened its newest renovated branch in Shoreview, Minn. This new 38,000-square-foot building increases space from the previous location by 10,000 square feet, and gives library-goers a new experience with interactive displays, 3D printers, and additional computers and seating.

Egan’s InterClad team installed 5,300 square feet of curtainwall and 300 square feet of aluminum panels on the exterior of the building. Interior glass, sliding glass doors, mirrors, and one all-glass interior wall add to the overall modern-feel of the Library. Sound performance glass was also installed between the children and adult areas for sound control. 

Interestingly from our perspective, InterClad installed the curtainwall before the bricks were laid which is not standard due to some risks associated with installing before. However, we successfully installed out of sequence.

Find out more about the new library on its website.

We are Egan – Joe Lofrano

Wednesday, January 25th, 2017

“I’ve learned it doesn’t pay to get wound up over little things.”

Meet Joe Lofrano, Electrical Field Leader who has been with Egan for 25 years, and likes to spend his summers boating on the Mississippi River (sounds great right about now, doesn’t it?!).

Our company is shaped by who we are, not just what we do. Together, we are Egan.

Providing Hope for the Rochester Community

Monday, January 23rd, 2017

Rochester Ronald McDonald HouseSince 1980, The Ronald McDonald House of Rochester, Minn. has provided a home-away-from home and support for families seeking medical care for their children. Each night, the House is able to host 42 families.

Recently, the House received more than 150 toys generously donated by our Southern Minnesota team.

The difference that Ronald McDonald House makes in people’s lives every day is truly remarkable. Our hope is that the toys allow kids to be kids while staying at the House.

Seamless Views, Growing Partnerships

Tuesday, January 17th, 2017

Construction projects involve great collaboration. Engineers, designers, general contractors, specialty contractors, suppliers – all must work together. But it’s not often that these relationships evolve from vendor to customer.

When Viracon, a national manufacturer of architectural glass for the commercial building market, announced they were expanding their flagship manufacturing facility in Owatonna, Minn., Egan Company’s Southern Minnesota team jumped at the chance to bid the project. With this project, Egan’s partnership with Viracon developed from major supplier to customer.

“Viracon has been one of our major vendors since InterClad was established in 1998,” said Egan Company Senior Vice President Tim Woolworth. “They are the leading innovative producer of glass coatings and products. In addition, their culture and values align closely with ours. They have been a great partner.”

Viracon has provided glass for numerous InterClad projects, including U.S. Bank Stadium, Target North Campus, Stonebridge Lofts, and Hennepin County Medical Center. With four plants spanning the U.S. and into Brazil, it is relied upon by over 2,500 architects and designers to provide glass fabrication.

“Viracon is investing in the expansion of its Owatonna facility to meet growing demand from architects for larger expanses of glass in exterior façades,” said Garret Henson, Viracon Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “By adding larger size capabilities to our comprehensive portfolio of architectural glass products, we are able to offer InterClad the full spectrum of product solutions that support the unique design requirements of their customers.”

The new expansion to their Owatonna facility adds over 360,000 square feet to the existing 1.2 million square feet facility. Egan’s Southern Minnesota team is providing electrical services to this new space, including general lighting and power.

Although this is new construction, the project is being treated more like a retrofit because power needs to be attached to the existing facility to get power out to the expansion. The work is all being completed while glass manufacturing is still happening, requiring creative scheduling.

In total, Egan will install more than 1,000 LED lights, including 4,000 feet of cable tray, 60,000 feet of conduit, and 250,000 feet of wire. The expansion was completed in January 2017.

The new facility will house the latest glass manufacturing technology and fabrication equipment to increase Viracon’s maximum finished product size capability and provide higher levels of automation for increased efficiencies.

This expansion is a very significant project, it is the next step in a long range program to ensure we remain at the forefront of architectural glass technology and continue to be a valued partner on distinctive buildings, large or small.

Kelly Schuller, Viracon President

Upon completion, Viracon will increase its maximum fabrication size from 13 feet 9 inches per plate of glass to 16 feet per plate of glass. The larger the plate of glass, the more visually appealing as there are fewer seams once installed. It offers bigger, unobstructed views with better daylight and energy management.

Egan’s InterClad team already has plans to utilize Viracon’s new capacity, including the new skyway at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport that connects the new Intercontinental Hotel to the A-G Concourse.

“We look forward to future projects with Viracon, especially with these new capabilities,” Woolworth said. “When we work with Viracon, we know a project will be a success. Its technical abilities are the benchmark for the industry.”

Project Team: AB Systems, Viracon
Services Provided: General lighting and power

Why do YOU Work Safe?

Monday, January 16th, 2017

Why do YOU work safe? In 2016, Egan committed to lowering our incident rate by developing safety initiatives to engage our employees and keep safety first, always.

To thank our employees and business partners for helping in reducing our incident rate to 1.67 for 2016, we’d like to show why we work safe.

We are Egan – Jim Johnson

Wednesday, January 11th, 2017

“Don’t jump to conclusions. Observe, listen, and learn before you act. That has saved me many times in both my professional and personal lives.”

Meet Jim Johnson, Chief Financial Officer who has been with Egan for almost 14 years, and is retiring this spring.

Fun fact about Jim: he grew up along the shores of Lake Superior in Marquette, Michigan and enjoys swimming in 50-60 degree water!

Our company is shaped by who we are, not just what we do. Together, we are Egan.

Safety – Our Priority

Monday, January 9th, 2017

Safety is our number one priority. Safety of all employees, jobsites, and offices is what we strive for daily. Our employees continue this commitment every day, which is shown through numerous milestones achieved this past year.

Safety Stats for 2016

  • Lowest Incident Rate in Egan’s history at 1.67.
  • Number of OSHA 10 certified employees: 497
  • Number of OSHA 30 certified employees: 387
  • Online safety courses completed in 2016: 8,614

Safety Milestones

  • UL 508A Panel Shop – 12 years injury free
  • Service Garage – 10 years injury free
  • InterClad Shop – 3 years injury free
  • Electrical Fabrication Shop – 2 years injury free
  • Sheet Metal Shop – 2 years injury free

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN UPDATES THEIR PERFORMANCE HALL

Friday, January 6th, 2017

 

The recently renovated Beverly & John Lord Knight Performance Hall in the University of Northwestern’s Totino Fine Arts Center recently opened. This renovated facility seats up to 1,390.

Egan’s mechanical team provided additional warmth for the atrium with the installation of two large fireplaces and in-floor heating. Our electrical team also installed energy-efficient LED’s that change color to compliment and accent events in the performance hall.

Gather. Input. Validate.

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017

In an age where energy efficiency is standard, it’s important to always know how a building is performing. Working directly with utility companies, Egan Company’s energy management software can provide comprehensive reports that highlight major trends of a building’s mechanical equipment.

Learn more about Egan’s Building Technology Integration capabilities.