Shop Layout

How Digital Tools Are Transforming HVAC, Sheet Metal Contracting

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:27:58 -0500

Sheet metal contractors are rewriting the rules, as companies like Hermanson and shops around the world use real-time digital workflows, and automation to make fabrication faster and more collaborative.

How Advances in Prefabrication Are Changing Mechanical Project Delivery

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 11:02:52 -0500

Prefabrication is now at the center of project planning – helping contractors overcome labor shortages, boost quality, and speed up schedules.

How to Expand Sheet Metal Operations Successfully

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 07:00:16 -0400

“Failing, while trying something new, isn’t a failure, as long as everyone that’s involved learns from it,” Justin Harer of J.M. Brennan, Inc. says.

E.L. Pruitt Doubles Up with New Vicon Plasma Table

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Video: E.L. Pruitt Mechanical Contracting Service’s sheet metal shop in the Illinois state capitol, Springfield, is tooling up to meet heightened demand.

Silicon Valley Mechanical Demonstrates Leadership in Scaling Capacity, Workforce

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Slideshow: SVM's ability to still prioritize the wellbeing and sustainability of its workforce while multiplying the business it does every year has earned the shop the SNIPS NEWS Contractor of the Year award in 2023.

Welding Fume Extraction Systems Insufficient for Manufacturers' Ambient Air Quality

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 12:42:51 -0400

The welding air quality studies were carried out by Zehnder Clean Air Solutions, a company specializing in the supply of air filtration systems to industry.

4 Tips for Financially Viable Warehousing

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 10:53:56 -0400

A great way to significantly enhance the financial viability and performance of a warehouse is by reducing the initial capital outlay.

How to Keep a Lean Staging Area with Wheeled Carts

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 12:04:35 -0400

The SNIPS NEWS 2022 contractor of the year, B&I Contractors, has an innovative solution for shipping a high volume of prefabricated duct out a sheet metal shop in Fort Myers, Florida.

New Manufacturing Building to Showcase New Doors from Schweiss Doors

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 15:18:24 -0400

A post-frame building erected in 1960 was torn down to make room for the 90-foot by 94-foot metal building with an inside clearance of 20 feet.

Where to Increase Energy Efficiency in the Sheet Metal Shop

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 10:05:53 -0500

Turning off idle machinery and securing savings for more energy efficient machinery through your local utility can make a significant difference in your energy bill.

SNIPS Sheet Metal Fabrication Contractor of the Year: B&I Contractors, Inc.

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

B&I was founded in 1960 by Gordon Harbuck. Gordon was a plumber and pipe fitter who learned his trade while serving in the United States Navy.

SMART Heroes Marks Milestone Recruiting Veterans to Apprenticeship

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0500

Five years ago, the SMART Heroes program started giving veterans and active-duty military on the brink of transition to the civilian world in Western Washington a shot at a career as a sheet metal worker.

SNIPS Returns to Print as ‘SNIPS NEWS’

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 17:10:17 -0500

SNIPS is returning to print publication. Only this time, we’re becoming a six-times Special Section of the weekly newspaper The ACHR News and rebranding to SNIPS NEWS.

Making the Most Out of Your Sheet Metal Apprenticeship

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 11:23:17 -0500

Victoria Wilson, a four-year apprentice at Ohio-based T.H. Martin, Inc., has made the most of her time with the company.

Why Stratus is using a Video Game Engine for Ductwork Design

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Companies like GTP Services, owners of Field Orderz and STRATUS, are now turning to game development software for inspiration.

Every Choice You Make, Makes You: How Software Selections Dictate HVACR Success

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 18:48:58 -0400

Project management tools and software are requisite investments in any industry, and the HVACR/sheet metal business is no exception.

Ruskin Engineers Specialty Louvers to Meet Design Specs

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 18:33:21 -0400

A large combined resort and convention center in Colorado opened its doors in 2018.

10 Sheet Metal Trends Since 2010 that Show the Industry is Still Innovative

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 09:17:05 -0400

Over the half-century of my commentary for these SNIPS articles, I can state without reservation, absolutely nothing is the same since that September day in 1968 when I was hired by GRIPNAIL.

Republicans Make a Sheet Metal Showing for Midterms

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 11:10:48 -0400

Reps. Kevin McCarthy (Republican House Minority Leader, 23rd District of California), Guy Reschenthaler (14th District of Pennsylvania), and many other supporting House Republicans hosted an event at DMI.

Why Harris Built its Own Platform to Drive Communication between Design and Construction

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

General Manager of Harris’ construction business in St. Paul, Minnesota, Jason Lake, tells SNIPS Magazine about Harris’ approach to preconstruction, preplanning and early communication.

Where to Go to Learn How to Make Ductwork for a HVAC Change out

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 08:02:23 -0400

Price founded his Sheet Metal Ductwork Fabrication School in Burkeville, Virginia, in 2010 after retiring from his state job. Since then, he’s become a mentor to hundreds of aspiring tin knockers.

Silver Ions Protect Ductwork from Microbial Growth Decades after Application

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 16:19:29 -0400

Starting about 10 years ago, anti-microbial coating provider Bio Shield Tech LLC began its foray into the ventilation industry with silver ions.

How Mestek’s 2000 Acquisition of Met-Coil Ushered in the New Millennium and Industry Consolidation

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 15:23:51 -0400

Here we cover the demise of Engel reps; Lockformer and IPI’s, and other machinery manufacturers’ dealer networks; and the national consolidation of local distributors that lead to large regional HVAC super-wholesalers.

Video: Why Welders and Manifolders are Early Adopters of Digital Sheet Metal Tech

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Kevin Gill Sr., president of McCusker-Gill Inc., discusses the digital foundation of his sheet metal shop, Stratus, with SNIPS.

Ruskin Supports Large-Scale Resort Project with Ambitious Timeline

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 11:11:41 -0400

A large-scale resort near the nation’s capital features over 300 guest rooms and suites, a casino and several restaurants and amenities.

Copper Spiral Duct Plus Fitting Install to Wow Gym-goers

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 10:56:48 -0400

Kevin Ryan, the president of Sheet Metal Werks in Arlington Heights, Illinois, knew his company's recent project was eye-catching, but he had no idea it would generate so much buzz on LinkedIn.

How SMACNA Closed an Important Ductwork Standard Loophole

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 14:10:47 -0400

Here's why the addition of rectangular duct construction tables in SMACNA’s 1995 DCS (Duct Construction Standards) as T-25a/b, known in the trade as TDC/TDF, was necessary.

What the Wave of Retiring Machinists Means for Plant Safety

Fri, 20 May 2022 13:14:27 -0400

A perfect storm has formed, making it increasingly difficult for manufacturers to find and train labor. The retirement of tenured and experienced machinists only makes matters more challenging.

The Unified Group Hosts BIM-Oriented Professional Development Meeting

Fri, 06 May 2022 13:29:46 -0400

There was more than deep-dish pizza served at The Unified Group’s recent 2022 BIM Forum in Chicago — participants also dug deep into industry related conversations.

How to Make Your Shop Floor Layout More Efficient for Everyone

Tue, 03 May 2022 12:05:19 -0400

There is one common phrase from those who’ve had success updating their shop floor layout: proper planning and flexibility. Here are some tips to get you started.