This project owner specializes in manufacturing Oriented Strand Board (OSB) in sheets and siding materials. The siding materials part of the business is exploding in demand. This project converted one of their plants in to produce siding materials along with the standard OSB sheets. The project was sourced through Miron Construction who played the role of General Contractor and Project Management.

Through relationships created with Mechanical Incorporated, prior to their acquisition into Tweet/Garot, and the  long history of dust collection projects for the owner, Tweet/Garot was approached to develop budgets and ultimately perform the necessary work for upgraded dust collection systems needed for the conversion. The work involved extensive shop fabrication of heavy gauge, welded carbon steel dust collection duct and fittings. Freight to to the project location over 1,500 miles away was another challenge involving approximately (32) loads of duct and fittings from Wisconsin. Design work was coordinated with JBW Consulting from Duluth, MN for spool drawings and modeling. The fabrication work was primarily performed in the Tomahawk and Wisconsin Rapids shops. A total of (5) large dust collection systems were significantly modified. Miron Construction set the new filters and structural supports while Tweet/Garot followed behind with the installation of the duct systems.

The overall installation involved exterior and interior dust collection demolition and installation. Working with Miron Construction and their cranes, the project included 60′-0″ high picks of 30″+ diameter duct and fittings. Interior work was commonly installed between 20′ – 30′ high, working around the congestion of other trades (electricians, millwrights, iron workers, fire protection, instrumentation).  Negotiating space, time, and safety involved with the picks was a significant challenge when coupled with maintaining the schedule.

Safety devices such as Grecon detect/spray systems, explosion venting on an existing filter, and explosion-rated back draft dampers were all installed and part of the design. Other heavy equipment such as rotary feeders, high pressure pump packages, and industrial blowers were also involved.

Once the dust systems and material handling conveyors were installed, Tweet/Garot was also tasked with fabricating and installing approximately (60) large, welded, 10-gauge custom chutes. The chute dimensions were field measured once all the equipment was set and were fabricated inside of Tweet/Garot’s mobile fabrication shop which was used extensively on this project.

The challenges on this project were overwhelming at times. The everyday challenges of scheduling fabrication, freight, labor forces, tools/equipment, installation, crane picks, and safety related items were significant. The added elements of utilizing local labor personnel, sub-zero weather, constantly changing schedules, significant material procurement issues and delays from all contractors – with Covid-19 related issues sprinkled on top – made for some long and stressful days. In the end, with focus and professionalism, the team came through it successfully and without any recordable incidents.

Successfully tackling a dust collection project of this magnitude has set the stage for Tweet/Garot’s abilities in this industry with more to come.