Then and Now

Since the 1700s, manufacturing has been America’s economic engine. Until the 1970’s foreign goods made up just 8% of goods purchased in the US. Due to changes in exchange rates and trade agreements, the value of goods imported began to outpace the value of exports, and in 2010, China surpassed the US in manufacturing.

US manufacturing primarily includes automobile production, chemical and food products,  military equipment, and aircraft. The onset of COVID-19 exposed how fragile the manufacturing chain truly is, causing significant shortages in critical products. 

Today, the US is on the new path of Advanced Manufacturing. Advanced manufacturing is the innovation of improved methods for manufacturing existing products and the production of new products enabled by advanced technologies. The US is the leader in Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, and we’re excited to be a part of it!

WHAT WE DO

As structural engineers in manufacturing since the 1960’s we have seen the industry’s transformation. Through experience, education, and manufacturer/owner relationships, we have made it our mission to become specialists in the major Advanced Manufacturing groups, including automotive, food & beverage, chemicals, metals, materials, and all related products and equipment and machine support.

Our proficiency in production and manufacturing process models allows us to assist the owner with design solutions for improved efficiency and future growth. 

Our skill set incorporates:

• Understanding framing options
• Layout options of structural elements
• Support design for elevated heavy loads
• Evaluation of hanging loads from superstructures
• Flexibility in applying lateral stability elements
• Placement of expansion/thermal joints
• Accommodation of thermal effects of mechanical distribution systems
• Understanding of deflagration design approaches
• Design of equipment foundations
• Understanding of primary and secondary containment systems for hazardous materials

Manufacturer Owners trust us as structural specialist partners as we assist them in creating the most efficient flow of products through their plant. Our structural designs meet their needs today and for future expansion.