In Support of Our Country’s Construction Industry

Over the past twenty years, DIXIE MECHANICAL INC. has supplied piping spools to contractors throughout the U.S. for both industrial and commercial applications. We understand a contractor’s business and appreciate the importance of on-time deliveries of quality produced spool pieces.

Today, contractors are in a very competitive environment and recognize the benefits, including cost advantages, of offsite pipe fabrication as a necessary strategy for successful project delivery. The positive benefits for the project’s success are numerous and include:

1. Safety: The most important reasons of “why” is safety. The controlled environment lends itself to a less cluttered and haphazard workplace. Generally speaking, all equipment is neatly tucked away, there are no welding leads and electrical cords “scattered” throughout the work area. In a controlled shop environment, there will be no overhead work going on, thus eliminating any chance of falling objects. All the work takes place at ground level greatly diminishing the chance of a fall.
2. Quality: The high level of quality in shop fabrication can be attributed to several things. A thoroughly detailed drawing is provided for each spool piece to be fabricated. This drawing lists and fully describes each item of material, is fully dimensioned, lists specific welding processes and testing requirements. Specialized fit-up tables and jigs are used for a better weld joint. Equipment allowing approximately 80% of the welds to be “rolled” out thus allowing the welder to always be at “one o’clock”. Work is always performed at a comfortable height for the craftsman. At the end of the project, the shop drawing is submitted as the quality check for that spool with test results and material heat numbers recorded.
3. Testing and Inspection: In addition to the quality aspect, testing at the jobsite can hold up productivity, as well as increase labor and transportation costs. Testing at an offsite facility can be performed in that controlled environment, scheduled not to interfere with the production process. Arrangements for inspectors to approve product is easier and predictable.
4. Efficiency: Pipe fabrication is generally performed in a shop environment with the tools and equipment designed for this purpose. Whether it be specialized cutting equipment, fit-up jigs, rotators, welding machines, etc., this equipment is engineered to make the job easier. Also, by being in somewhat of a controlled environment (typically inside a building), the craftsmen are not subject to the elements as compared to being in the wide open.
5. Product Waste: Jobsite waste is expensive and can add dangers to the workforce. In a shop environment, materials not used can be safely stored and not present themselves as a safety hazard.
6. Weather: In many parts of our country, weather is a serious consideration. Inclement weather can cause delays in construction in terms of days or even weeks. With shop fabrication, it does not matter what if it is raining or snowing – the workforce is protected from the elements and fabrication continues.
7. Predictability & Scheduling: Scheduling and on-time delivery is becoming more and more critical as all projects tend to be on a fast track these days. Within the shop environment, you are able to prioritize piping systems in accordance with the customer’s scheduling. With fewer disruptions off-site, a controlled setting can better provide and predict a timeframe for production and availability for shipment and installation.

Dixie’s project managers coordinate fabrication and site shipment(s) with the contractor to ensure a quality driven product, fabricated to exacting specifications and delivered in accordance with a mutually agreed upon schedule.

When your project can benefit from offsite fabrication, please call us. We will work with you in ensure your project’s success.

Greg Howell / President