Lapin Sheet Metal helps construct pharmaceutical structure “from the inside out”

SMACNA contractor Lapin Sheet Metal Co. of Orlando, Fla., recently fabricated and installed 2,289 lineal feet of HVAC galvanized sheet metal ductwork in a new building for the Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corp. in Orlando. The pharmaceutical building is a large warehouse used to store medical respiratory medications, which are then shipped to hospitals and pharmacies throughout the country.

One challenge of the project was its fast-paced, three-month construction schedule from start to finish. For Lapin Sheet Metal, the motto of the project became “do whatever it takes to get your work done” in order to meet the schedule—and they succeeded.

One of the most unusual challenges presented by the project was sequencing of the work, as the structure was erected from the inside out. The steel for palletizing racks was installed first, along with their automated cranes. Then, Lapin Sheet Metal devised a method to simultaneously hoist its ductwork to the top of the racks 100 feet up while the steel erection was going on. The ductwork was installed in both low-bay and high-bay areas of the building.

The ductwork was installed in both low-bay and high-bay areas.

Lapin hoisted ductwork to the top of the racks while the steel erection was going on.

With close coordination and working together with the general contractor and the steel erectors, Lapin installed its ductwork along with the steel. After racks and cranes had been installed, the outside enclosure was then placed on the building for drying-in.

Due to the height of the work and the stacking of the trades to meet the tight schedule, paying attention to safety played a major role in the project and as a result experienced no major accidents.

Case Study Date: JUN 19, 2012