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Egan Company Consolidates Twin Cities Facilities Due To Long-Term Hybrid Work

Tuesday, June 8th, 2021

Building in Brooklyn Park pending purchase agreement with local medical device developer

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Specialty trades contractor Egan Company announces the consolidation of its Twin Cities facilities in preparation for becoming a hybrid workplace.

Following a year of enabling remote work for many office employees—due to the COVID-19 pandemic and local Executive “Work from Home” Orders—the Company’s need for two office locations in the Twin Cities has decreased significantly. Its 126,000 square foot Brooklyn Park, Minn. facility is pending a purchase by a local medical device developer. This location has been Egan’s headquarters since 2003.

Egan’s Champlin, Minn. location will become the Company’s new headquarters and the designated hub for flexible workspace and collaboration. The 200,000 square foot space was purchased in 2015 and underwent a full renovation to fit business growth needs.  It currently houses 145 workspaces, fabrication shops, garage, and warehouse. 

Consolidation readiness renovations will take place within the Champlin facility over eight weeks and result in collaborative enhancements, new conversation rooms, a training center, additional breakroom, and outdoor recreation space. Over 60% of the existing workspaces will be converted to flexible/hybrid. An additional 27,000 square feet will be left unfinished to allow for additional office growth flexibility and shop expansion. The first phase of this consolidation of Egan’s Twin Cities offices will be complete by Fall 2021.

Employees will continue to work from locations that best fit their role and schedule, including jobsites, customer facilities, fabrication shops, or a home office. 

Egan also operates in a Southern Minnesota location in Rochester.

About Egan Company

Egan Company is a privately-owned, specialty contractor providing building trades to general contractors, engineers, building owners, property managers, and facility engineers. Specialties include: electrical, mechanical, curtainwall/glazing/metal panels (InterClad), millwrights, building technology, controls and system integration, and 24/7 service. Egan serves every stage of a building and provides in-house expertise in planning, design and engineering, construction, and maintenance. For more information about Egan Company, visit www.eganco.com.

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Excellence In Safety Earns Six Governor’s Workplace Safety Awards

Friday, June 4th, 2021

The Minnesota Safety Council awarded Egan Company with six Governor’s Safety Awards for achievements in occupational safety for 2020.

Four Outstanding Achievement Awards were earned, acknowledging continuous improvement with an Incidence Rate that is 51-90% better than the industry average. Two Meritorious Achievement Awards were also achieved, recognizing incidence rates that are better than the industry average for at least three years.

This marks the 14th year in which Egan has received multiple Governor’s Safety Awards. Safety is a core value and always the number one priority at Egan. Our motto “Safety Brings You Home” represents our commitment to keeping employees safe at their jobsite 100% of the time.

To learn more about the Governor’s Safety Awards, visit the Minnesota Safety Council website. The Minnesota Safety Council has honored Minnesota employers that are committed to workplace health and safety since 1934.

Protecting Our Industry’s Future: Apprentice Safety

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021

If you know Egan Company, you know we are committed to promoting teamwork, embracing innovation, acting with integrity, pursuing growth, and staying safe – every day on every job site. With these promises and values in mind, it’s clear why we care deeply about our apprentices and their safety. Across our Egan job sites today, we have approximately 126 apprentices.

We talked to Tony Leither, Egan Field Leader, about the importance of apprentice safety. “Apprentice safety is important [to me] because I was an apprentice at one time. I was taken care of and made sure to work safe. We need to take care of the future of our industry,” said Leither.

EGAN APPRENTICE SAFETY EXPERIENCE

When an apprentice arrives at an Egan jobsite, they are given new-to-site orientation by their field leader. By doing this, the site leaders are able to reiterate instructions and directions given from office orientation and ensure everyone is on the same page. 

Leither adds, “We, as field leaders, need to be sure that we don’t assume anything when it comes to the safety of our apprentices on our job sites. It is our responsibility to give the proper instruction, and clear direction as to the safety expectations we have on our job sites.”

Working with apprentices regularly, Leither is currently working on the Southwest Light Rail Transit METRO Green Line Extension project. He would like all apprentices to know that “we care about their safety from the top down in this company. At Egan, we pride ourselves on practicing what we preach when it comes to safety.” Doing so, we are able to send each of our employees (apprentices included!) home, safe and healthy, at the end of every day. Safety first, safety always. Learn more about why safety is the foundation of Egan Company, by watching this short video .

Retirement of Vice President Brad Drews

Friday, May 28th, 2021

After nearly 40 years in the industry—32 of those at Egan Company—Vice President Brad Drews is retiring.

Drews at an Egan Company Golf Outing in 2006.

In 1983, Drews began his electrical career as an apprentice at “the Egan’s shop” (then, a significantly smaller company) then returned in 1989 as a journeyman. He attributed Egan as the “first and last place I’ll work” and has experienced Egan from many levels. Joining the workforce as an apprentice, he moved into roles as a foreman, general foreman, manager, and group leader. He’s wrapping up his tenure as Vice President for the Outside Electrical business.

When reflecting on his career, Drews gives much credit to the team: “If I could pass along one thing I’ve learned in my career to others, it’s to treat people with respect and the way you want to be treated – they will be loyal, hardworking employees,” said Drews. “These are the core people that make your business successful.”

Drews singing karaoke at an Egan Company event.

After retiring, Drews plans to spend his time with his wife, children, parents, and grandchildren, with frequent trips to Mille Lacs Lake. He hopes to spend the winter months in Florida where he can golf and bike all season.

Drews leaves the Outside Electrical business in qualified hands, with Paul Liveringhouse as Operations Manager. Liveringhouse has been with Egan Company since 2011 following the merger of Collins Electrical System (ColliSys). As part of a planned succession, he’s held his management role since October 2020.

Thanks to Brad Drews for his years of service and dedication to Egan Company!

We are Egan Electricians

Friday, May 21st, 2021

Egan Company has provided electrical expertise since 1960, with over 300 union electricians working at Egan today. All of our electricians are members of Local Unions 110, 160, 292, or 343. Our electrical scope of work includes many different commercial projects across Minnesota including new construction, manufacturing and warehouse facilities, transportation infrastructure, solar farms, corporate offices, retail malls, hospitals, education buildings, industrial facilities, and beyond.

DAILY JOB OF AN EGAN ELECTRICIAN

An Egan electricians job is to install, maintain, repair, and lay out electrical systems and equipment. The day-to-day tasks of our electricians are very diverse because of the variety of electrical systems on which Egan works.

SEE IT FOR YOURSELF

In case you missed our specialty trades video series, take two minutes to learn what our electricians can do for your facility and space! These are the faces behind our products and services. Without their commitment to safety, innovation, and exceeding customer expectations daily, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.

Why Hire a Union Contractor?

Tuesday, May 11th, 2021

Hiring a union contractor presents a number of benefits, all of which ensure project needs are exceeded. By relying on their relationship with the labor unions, union contractors are able to promise necessary resources and quality results. Hiring a union contractor, like Egan Company, allows you to tap into a wide pool of resources with high safety standards. 

BENEFITS OF HIRING A UNION CONTRACTOR

Union contractors have an abundant labor supply of trained professionals who are skilled, safety-conscious, and experienced from apprenticeship programs that ensure first-rate preparation. These skilled trades personnel complete regular continuing education and frequently update their skill sets. Further, unions often employ market-specific craftspersons who are trained to excel in their expertise. 

Quality union workmanship means projects are completed faster and there’s room to implement innovative concepts in construction and building techniques. Workers are held to high expectations upon arrival beginning with showing up on time, prepared, and ready to work. They are qualified with the required skills, certifications, licenses, background checks, and clean drug test results that are not guaranteed with a non-union contractor.

Beyond their trade skill, union foremen and supervisors are trained on leadership, customer service, and project planning and layout skills to adapt to the needs of each project schedule. 

Union contractors are safety-oriented and as such, the risk or rate of injuries is greatly decreased. The health and safety of workers has always been a large concern of unions, which ensures that standards and regulations will be followed. As a further result of members’ training, they are proficient in assessing safety hazards.

Operating as a union contract for over 75 years, Egan is affiliated with several union partners in Minnesota, amongst other states. By working with these unions, Egan can continue to build on promises kept by providing safety-oriented, well-trained workers. The IBEW Code of Excellence is upheld across all of our jobs.

Egan Company Union Partners:

  • Local 6 – Rochester Plumbers/Pipefitters
  • Local 10 – Sheet Metal Workers
  • Local 15 – Minneapolis Plumbers
  • Local 22 – Nebraska Electricians
  • Local 34 – St. Paul Plumbers
  • Local 49ers – Operating Engineers
  • Local 110 – St. Paul Electricians
  • Local 160 – Lineman
  • Local 242 – Duluth Electricians
  • Local 292 – Minneapolis Electricians 
  • Local 343 – Rochester Electricians
  • Local 455 – St. Paul Pipefitters
  • Local 512 – Ironworkers
  • Local 531 – North Indiana Electricians
  • Local 539 – Minneapolis Pipefitters
  • Local 548 – Millwrights
  • Local 553 – North Carolina Electricians
  • Local 1091 – North Dakota Millwrights
  • Local 1324 – Glazers & Glassworkers
  • Local 1426 – North Dakota Electricians

What is a Body Temperature Verification System?

Thursday, May 6th, 2021

The process of taking body temperatures is familiar to each of us. While you may recall a thermometer under your tongue, in your ear, or on your forehead, this process is evolving. 

Today, many facilities are introducing body temperature verification systems to ensure the health and safety of its building’s occupants. Not only does this technology speed up the process time, it also decreases the need for additional personnel needed for manual screening.

Types of Body Temperature Verification Systems

Temperature verification systems provide a simple, innovative solution to screen body temperatures upon entrance to the facility. These systems vary in scope, from hand-held tools to fully integrated systems. 

The building technology team at Egan Company will help you determine the best product to fit your specific application. This integration can go even further by combining entry security systems and temperature verification solutions working together as one. One of Egan’s priorities will always be safety and as such, we continue to research and innovate ways to ensure safety of a facility and its occupants.

Upon initial consultation, our full-service process considers:

  • In-house engineering or system integration services
  • Installation by union trades personnel
  • System commissioning
  • 24/7 service

HIRING THE BEST GLASS AND GLAZING CONTRACTORS FOR COMMERCIAL PROJECTS

Tuesday, April 27th, 2021

Most modern commercial buildings have a vast amount of glass incorporated into their structure—a result of glazing contractors. Between storefronts, glass doors, skylights, and wall-to-ceiling windows, architects are designing glass features into many of their commercial projects. None of this is possible without the partnership of an experienced glazing contractor. They play an important role in the construction process by providing a facade enclosure that’s not only beautiful but protects the interior of the building from the elements. As one of the top glass/glazing contractors in Minnesota, Egan Company knows why choosing the best contractor is important in any commercial project. 

WHAT DO GLAZING CONTRACTORS DO?

Glazing contractors are trade professionals who are responsible for designing, fabricating  and installing glass and aluminum products on the interior or exterior of buildings. Additionally, these professionals are responsible to ensure a weather tight building that will last for many years. Experienced glazing contractors work with glass in a variety of different products, including:

  • Curtainwall
  • Windows
  • Displays
  • Storefronts
  • Doors
  • Skylights
  • Shower Doors
  • Mirrors
  • Glass Walls

As with any industry, the latest and greatest styles and designs are always evolving.  Currently, many architects seek to bring as much light as possible into their buildings with the help of glazing contractors, who have the expertise to install massive pieces of glass.

It’s also important to note that glazing contractors often specialize in niche building projects. For example, some glazing contractors will focus on security windows and room dividers in commercial buildings while others specialize in curtainwall and glass panels that are common in large-scale commercial properties. 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HIRE A GLAZING CONTRACTOR?

Proper glazing, as a result of working with a professional union contractor, provides many benefits to a building. First, it prevents water damage by stopping moisture from entering the inside of the building. This protection functions as an effective solution for buildings to avoid mold and water intrusion while providing a facade that’s both elegant and functional. An additional consideration involves ensuring your building, and it’s components, are structurally adequate. Whether you’re building a high rise in downtown Minneapolis, a hospital in Duluth, or a warehouse in the suburbs, Egan professionally engineers its systems to ensure they meet the stringent design loads and pressures that today’s buildings require.  

Second, the work of a glazing contractor can maximize the building’s energy efficiency. Glazing contractors can work with mechanical engineers to ensure the glass and glazing systems selected will work with the building mechanical system to provide the most energy efficient solution.  Glaziers can provide glass with various Low-E coatings, tints and different reflectivity to ensure proper building performance. These tints and coatings not only create a comfortable environment for the people inside, but they save property owners on the operating costs of cooling and heating the inside of the building. Glazing contractors can even provide glass with frit or film that adds another design element into the building and can help reduce the likelihood of birds flying into the glass.  

Partnering with  a professional glazing contractor like Egan for your glass and glazing needs will ensure your building not only performs well but looks beautiful. 

EXPERTS IN CURTAINWALL, GLASS, AND GLAZING

For over 20 years, InterClad, a business within Egan Company, has been the go-to source for general contractors and property owner’s needs when it comes to curtainwall, windows, and all around glass and glazing. We ensure every project we undertake is properly designed, engineered and, installed to exceed customer expectations. Contact Egan Company and learn more how our expert team can assist in your next project.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BUILDING COMMISSIONING AND RECOMMISSIONING?

Wednesday, April 21st, 2021

Simply put, recommissioning is the process of commissioning a building that has been previously commissioned. Now that you’re thoroughly confused, let’s break this down.

BUILDING COMMISSIONING

Commissioning is the process by which a building is approved to be ready for service. In order to meet this standard, buildings must withstand intense tests of design and functionality pertaining to the construction of the build. Building commissioning guarantees that the new construction operates as was intended. At this time, potential problems can be identified and corrected prior to a facility being put into service.

RECOMMISSIONING A BUILDING

Recommissioning seeks to better a building’s efficiency and performance. Unlike commissioning a building, recommissioning  occurs on a building that has already been commissioned. There are a number of reasons for a building to be commissioned once again, such as changing use of the building, new ownership, or to assess deeper operational problems. Since the occupancy and usage of many buildings has changed in the past year, now is a great time to recommission your building to serve your current needs. 

With a Plan-Design-Build-Maintain approach, Egan Company will work alongside commercial and industrial facility teams with both commissioning and recommissioning buildings. We understand the importance of your building functioning as it was designed. For us, this is an extension of our commitment to providing professional services of the highest quality and value.

Commissioning parts of your facility is not limited to any one industry, but rather, industries across the board. Egan Company is your resource from pre-planning through construction and commissioning. All systems installs are subject to inspection and our testing checklists were developed from several industry resources including ASHRAE, The State of Minnesota, OSHA, peers in the industry, and manufacturers for the specific equipment installed in the project.

WHY IS RPZ TESTING IMPORTANT FOR YOUR FACILITY?

Friday, April 16th, 2021

The importance of RPZ (reduced pressure zone) valve testing lies in the promise of a safe and clean water supply for your facility and those who reside within it.

WHAT DOES AN RPZ VALVE DO?

Plumbing systems are designed to maintain pressure in order to keep water flowing. If the pressure falls, backflow (water flowing in the wrong direction) can enter the system, introducing contaminants from appliances, industrial equipment, and even landscaping fertilizers to the water supply. Even the slightest drop in pipe pressure from a water leak or break can present a backflow concern. 

Here lies the importance of functioning RPZ valves. These valves play an integral role in protecting the water supply by maintaining a constant flow of safe water and ensuring groundwater doesn’t enter, even when pressure fluctuates. 

WHY IS RPZ TESTING NECESSARY?

Backflow testing ensures that valves are functioning correctly. Many states, including Minnesota, require RPZ testing and verification annually by a certified professional to protect not only the facility’s water, but the city’s water supply. 

Egan Company regularly performs RPZ testing to help you avoid serious backflow issues and manage the safety of your water supply. Our experienced team is RPZ-certified and can test and repair your plumbing system. From preventative maintenance and diagnosis to repairs and immediate support – Egan is ready 24/7.