Saturday, December 12, 2015

Tank Farm Dismantling

New York and New Jersey have a fair amount of tank farms serving pharmaceutical, food and beverage, industrial manufacturing and petrochemical industries. Dismantling a tank farm is not typically a complex undertaking, but requires an experienced dismantling contractor to properly identify safety and environmental hazards as well as asset recovery opportunities. R Baker has been involved in dozens of tank farm dismantling projects over the past several years.

One recent dismantling project in New Jersey required mechanical, electrical, and structural dismantling of several tank farms. Erected in the early 80s, the farms mainly consisted of elevated stainless steel tanks ranging from 500 to 10,000 gallons covered by a steel-framed Butler-style roof system. Most of the piping was stainless steel, with some plastic piping, and there were several sets of pumps for product transfer between tanks and delivery trucks. Connection points to the tanks, pumps, and other accessories were either stainless steel weld or tri-clover clamp. There was an extensive grounding system for all tanks, pumps, and piping, along with several grounding bars for static connection of drums. All of the lighting and power for pumps and outlets for portable pumps were explosion-proof due to a hazardous environment Class I, Division 1, groups C and D classification.

Dismantlement of the tank farm entailed unbolting and cutting of all piping, pumps, tanks, and electrical systems after they were cleaned and identified as safe for lockout tag out. Salvageable pumps and fittings carefully removed for reuse at another facility. After all of the mechanical electrical and structural parts and pieces were removed, R. Baker & Son dismantled the parapet wall that surrounds the tank farms. Concrete floor trench drains and holding tank were removed from the ground. The concrete was tested for any contaminants and carefully cut and removed in square blocks. Clean backfill and stone replaced the concrete floor and trench to make the area reusable again.

R. Baker & Son - Industrial Services
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-222-3553
http://rbaker.com/dismantling-contractors.php

Monday, November 16, 2015

BIM on Plant Relocation Projects

Building information modeling, or BIM, is digital modeling technology used in building planning, design, construction, operation, and management. It is widely used in new construction, selective demoltion, and renovation projects, and it is becoming recognized as a highly effective tool for plant relocation projects.

BIM-to-field laser scanning equipment can be used create a 3D model of existing mechanical and structural building components at the new facility. By centralizing information in one coherent, readily-accessible system and allowing building owners, designers, and plant relocation contractors to take a virtual tour of the completed facility in the model. Placement of new and existing equipment in the new facility is simplified and problem areas that might not be apparent on paper are more easily identified and corrected. 

BIM can also be used in plant relocation to pinpoint all electrical utilities, such as electrical substation VFDs, motor control centers, large electrical conduit, and racks. Pipes, ductwork lines can be plotted, as well as maintenance and pull spaces. Design changes entered in the BIM model automatically update all trickle-down details, eliminating relocation problems and errors. R. Baker & Son also relies on building information modeling for rigging, dismantling, selective demolition, and plant decommissioning projects.

R. Baker & Son - All Industrial Services
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-222-3553
http://www.rbaker.com

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Knowing What’s Buried in Concrete an Important Part of Demolition

The history of concrete goes back at least 8,000 years, and it has been used extensively in construction since the Roman Empire. Next to water, it is the second most-consumed material on earth. Consequently, millions of tons of concrete are removed from demolition sites around the world each year. Knowing what’s buried in the concrete is an important part of every demolition project.

Demolition of concrete is not a straightforward, cut-and-dried process. It is not uncommon for contractors to have embedded rebar, conduit, plumbing piping, and, occasionally, duct work in cement during construction, rather than installing them overhead. If blueprints are not available at demolition, as is often the case, demolition contractors must do some detective work to determine what is present within the walls and floors of a concrete structure. This is crucial on selective demolition projects, where damaging or severing an electrical feeder, fiber optic, or plumbing line can be dangerous and potentially catastrophic to operations.

The first step in finding piping and/or ductwork lines in concrete is to identify where they might originate, such as in mechanical rooms, shafts, and basement areas, and determine whether the line is live. If a line is to remain in-use, an MOP (method of procedure) must be developed to identify, mark, and preserve these utilities. Strick lockout/tagout practices must be followed. Paths can often be traced with a capacitive voltage sensor, or tick tester, which sends a signal through the conduit or pipe, and workers use a detector to mark the line in question. Size and depth of a line can be determined by x-raying sections of the concrete.

With over eighty years of experience in demolition, R. Baker & Son is an established expert in concrete removal. We properly identify what’s hiding within clients’ walls and floors before cutting, chopping, or coring concrete, ensuring a safe and successful outcome on every demolition project.

R. Baker & Son - All Industrial Services
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-222-3553
http://rbaker.com/selective-demolition.php

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Demolition and Building Implosion

In the controlled demolition industry, the commonly-used term “implosion” is a bit of a misnomer. A building implosion is actually a large series of pre-calculated detonations that cut a structure’s supports in an intricately-planned, -timed and -executed sequence of operation. Explosives remove internal supports first, and outer supports are pulled by gravity into the center of the structure. Controlled implosion can be done on a much shorter schedule than traditional demolition, and can greatly reduce project costs. When engineered and executed properly, implosion can safely reduce a large building or structure to a pile of rubble in seconds, rather than months or years.

Safeguarding nearby people and surrounding buildings is most important part of implosion demolition, particularly when performed in an urban setting. Months of preparation and planning go into a project, and the actual implosion usually occurs on a Sunday morning, when there is minimal human activity. Spectators who turn out to see the show are kept outside a safe perimeter. Experiencing a final check and countdown, feeling the percussion of explosives, and watching a building collapse gracefully into a neat pile of rubble in a matter of seconds, and hearing the cheer of the crowd is an impressive and exciting experience for demolition enthusiasts and workers alike.

R. Baker & Son
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-222-3553
http://www.rbaker.com

Monday, August 31, 2015

Demolition Project: Boiler Removal



Some of R. Baker & Son’s more challenging demolition projects involve removal of huge, old boilers. Baker crews are currently engaged in a demolition project at leading central New Jersey university in which outdated, inefficient boilers are being replaced by multiple smaller high-efficiency boilers. This is a service we’ve performed numerous times for energy-conscious clients as of late. Three or four smaller high-efficiency boilers can be installed within an old boiler’s footprint, and will significantly outperform the old boiler.

Years ago, boiler vessels were usually rigged into place, in one massive piece, early in a construction project, and the structure would be built around it. Oftentimes, have multiple boilers of various sizes to handle the heating load of a building. Most of these inefficient old boilers are located in congested mechanical rooms, surrounded with equipment such as air compressors, pumps, aerators, chillers, water treatment skids, etc., as well as piping, electrical conduit, controls, sprinkler lines, and other systems. All of these items serve to complicate a demolition project.
Many demolition and selective demolition projects require the dismantling and removal of large boilers without disturbing surrounding equipment or disrupting operations, so intensive planning and coordination are required. Everything must be identified and plotted, and a specific safety plan must be compiled with a task hazard analysis. Items like conduit, control wiring, or plumbing may require relocation before the boiler can be cut up and removed. Proper ventilation and smoke control are a must.
Accompanying photos of boiler removal are from a recent R. Baker & Son demolition project at a large pharmaceuticals facility. Many facilities are undertaking similar projects.
R. Baker & Son - All Industial Services
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-222-3553
http://www.rbaker.com

Saturday, July 11, 2015

“Rubble Trouble New York” Demolition Video Game

Being a demolition contractor in the New York metro area can be challenging to say the least. There are many planning and safety procedures to follow, permits to be obtained, tools and equipment to be maintained, and tight schedules to be met. It's a tough job, and not very glamorous. However, someone has found a way to make demolition in New York fun for kids with Rubble Trouble New York, a free online video game. You don't need to be a demolition contractor to play, all you need is an appetite for destruction.

Rubble Trouble New York is a physics-based strategy demolition game first released in 2010. Whether its interior demolition or taking down an industrial complex, Rubble Trouble New York has 32 levels to master. Each level, players are provided with a different demolition tool, such as drills, wrecking balls, explosives, wrecking tools, and even missiles, to earn money before running out of tool power. Structures become progressively more difficult to demolish, and players must avoid damaging other buildings and injuring construction workers.

Rubble Trouble New York is popular among kids who like demolition, wrecking and construction games. We at R. Baker & Son gave it a try and could not get past level 9. Maybe you'll have more luck.

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in four sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.

R. Baker & Son - All Industrial Services
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
http://www.rbaker.com

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

"The Outrigger" - June 2015 Issue

Read some of the exciting stories in the June, 2015 Issue of "The Outrigger"

*New Warehouse Facility,
*The Domino Sugar Project,
*National Safery Month,
or about the Costa Concordia

http://rbaker.com/images/pdf/outrigger_06_15.pdf

R. Baker & Son - All Industrial Services
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-222-3553
http://www.rbaker.com

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Plant Relocation Projects

Plant relocation projects are a complex undertaking that requires professionals with years of experience and a resume of successful projects under their belt. If a complex plant relocation is done poorly it could result in runaway costs as well as lost market share, reputations and employees along the way. R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services is expert in plant relocation projects. Plant relocation is never as simple as picking up your process in plant A and setting them down in plant B. Plant and product line moves and relocations are always much more difficult than planned or anticipated. With contractors who do their homework, know the risks upfront, have a contingency plan, and carefully manage the move, your project should be a success.

Once the decision has been made to relocate, a detailed plan must be drafted in parallel with a schedule. Important questions must be addressed: Will it be necessary to temporarily outsource plant operations? What is the critical path and non-critical path? There are very complex, intricate relationships and dependencies with plant products, equipment and utilities. Make sure the new plant can accommodate all of the operating requirements for equipment process and or products. Business interruptions are more expensive to address than physical or manufacturing process issues.

Many plant relocation projects are done in phases as most plants carry different product lines, each having their own profit centers. The relocation plan needs to address each part and phase of the relocation. Disconnecting and reconnecting to shared utilities is important and should be planned on both sides of the move from plant A to plant B.

Plant relocation project teams need to consider all risks associated with the move and how their impact can be minimized. Every project requires a contingency plan, a “what if” scenario. The quality of the move team is critical to the project’s success. Choose a highly experienced contractor plant relocation contractor like R. Baker and Son to ensure your project’s best possible outcome.

R. Baker & Son - All Industrial Services
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
http://www.rbaker.com

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Warehousing

R Baker & Son
What is most important to a business when it comes to transporting and warehousing their important equipment? Protecting their investment. R. Baker & Son’s trucking capabilities and indoor and outdoor warehouse facilities provide safe handling and storage for clients’ most valuable equipment.

With their expansive climate-controlled warehouse and secured storage yard conveniently located in central New Jersey, R. Baker & Son is equipped to handle, pack, crate, rig, store, and ship equipment of every type and size. Warehousing is often required on new construction and renovation projects. Expensive process equipment is usually ordered many months in advance, and many manufacturers do not have the storage capacity to warehouse large pieces, or charge high storage rates for a limited amount of time, usually thirty to sixty days. This means equipment assembled in advance of a project must be shipped and stored prior to delivery to the jobsite. Plant relocation projects frequently require short-term equipment storage, as well, before transport to its final destination. 

R. Baker & Son’s indoor warehousing facilities provide a tempered, clean environment for all types of machinery and equipment. Protection from excessive heat and cold prevents condensation from forming on sensitive electronic components and rusting of metal parts. Our facilities are fully-equipped with forklifts and cranes manned by master riggers and qualified personnel. R. Baker & Son also handles all of our clients’ logistical and transportation needs, shipping standard, heavy and over-dimensional loads throughout the United States and around the world.

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a  Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)  in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in four sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.


R. Baker & Son - All Industrial Services
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
http://www.rbaker.com

Friday, April 10, 2015

Demolition Methods and Types

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services is expert in demolition, performing various types and employing numerous methods, which are listed and defined below.

Interior Demolition
Interior demolition is the taking apart of interior portions of a structure while preserving the exterior, usually in preparation for a renovation project. This usually includes removal of walls, ceilings, pipes, etc.

Selective Demolition
A selective demolition project involves the removal of specific interior or exterior portions of a building while protecting the remaining structure and nearby structures and areas.

Dismantling/Deconstruction
This method involves the careful dismantlement or deconstruction of a structure to preserve components for reuse, recycling, or refurbishment. Dismantling generally more labor intensive than demolition.

Total Demolition
Total demolition is self-explanatory. It is the demolition of an entire structure, and it can be achieved by a number of methods, as listed below.

Mechanical demolition
This type of demolition uses specialized mechanical equipment and tools. These include hydraulic excavators equipped with specialized attachments that can break concrete and steel, effectively “chewing” the structure apart. Smaller equipment like skid steers loaders and demolition robots are used for smaller tasks and interior and selective demolition.

Implosion
A highly-specialized type of demolition that employs the use of explosives to bring down high structures by undermining structural supports so that it collapses within its own footprint or along a predetermined path. Implosion is used in less than 1% of demolition projects.

Crane and Wrecking Ball
One of the earliest methods of demolition, the wrecking ball is largely outmoded, replaced by excavators and other mechanical means that offer better precision, efficiency, and safety.
Crane and wrecking ball
 
 
About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a  Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)  in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in four sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.
 
R. Baker & Son
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553
Web: http://www.rbaker.com

Thursday, March 19, 2015

More States Offering Plant Relocation Incentives

Over the past few years, state and local government have been offering greater incentives for companies to move to their jurisdiction, and plant relocation is on the rise.

Relocation incentive programs shrank during the recession that began in 2008, but now that most of the U.S. has recovered, governments are offering billions of dollars in tax forgiveness and other financial incentives to relocate their businesses. There is stiff competition between states, and job increases in one state come at the expense of another, but plant relocation is growing for contractors like R. Baker & Son.

Like most states, New Jersey and New York both offer relocation incentives. In New Jersey multi-year tax breaks can be worth up to $300 million for eligible projects, and START-UP NY offers major incentives for businesses to relocate or expand in the state while aligning with a college or university.

R. Baker & Son provides comprehensive turnkey service for all phases of industrial and commercial plant relocation in the NY and NJ area, throughout the United States and Canada, Puerto Rico, and overseas. Services include dismantlement and relocation planning, match marking, heavy machinery moving, rigging, relocation, reassembly, reinstallation, and startup. Projects are performed with minimal disruption regardless of scale.

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a  Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)  in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in four sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.
 
R. Baker & Son
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553
Web: http://www.rbaker.com

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Selective Demolition: Punch Lists Leave Lasting Impressions

R Baker & Son
Plenty has been written in the demolition industry about planning, equipment, safety, and procedures. Cleanup, punch list and commissioning, however, go largely undiscussed, despite their great significance in determining the success of a project from the client standpoint. This final phase is when misunderstandings, finger-pointing and arguments can arise, and often do. If there are excessive issues during the final phase, customers are likely to “remember” a contractor negatively, and are unlikely to hire that company again. 

During any selective demolition or interior demolition project, walls, ceilings, equipment, piping, and electrical systems must be removed, per project specification, to a clean delineation. This also includes such smaller items as unused hangers, hardware, bolts, etc. If any items, such as doors or light fixtures, are to be salvaged for reuse, they should be cleaned, labeled, and carefully stored. Demolition contractors drawings are often lacking in details, so it is important that a contractor is proactive in pointing out and correcting elements that were missed on the original scope of work, rather than reacting at crunch time after problems have snowballed. 

Contractors should include final walkthrough as part of the Method of Procedure (MOP) presented to the client before a project begins. This walkthrough should occur once the main project objective has been accomplished to check that everything has been completed to the customer’s satisfaction, or if further work needs to be done at this point in time. Punch list items must be documented so they can be tracked and completed in a timely manner. If the work has been done properly and professionally, the punch list should be, ideally, minimal. If the punch list is long and problematic, clients will be left with a bad taste in their mouth, and will be unlikely to rehire or refer.

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a  Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)  in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in four sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.

R. Baker & Son
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553
Web: http://www.rbaker.com

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Metal Recycling

R Baker & Son
As a demolition, dismantling, and decommissioning contractor, R. Baker & Son is heavily involved in metal recovery and recycling. Scrap metals are divided into two basic categories, ferrous (metal that contains iron) and non-ferrous.  The most commonly recycled metals, by volume, are iron and scrap steel, copper, aluminum, lead, zinc, and stainless steel. 

Ferrous metals, which can be processed and remelted repeatedly, are some of the most recycled materials in the world.  When comparing the steel consumption of the construction industry vs. the amount of recycled steel being produced, more than 97% of structural steel is currently being recycled.  Sources of ferrous metals during demolition are structural beams, plates, pipes, machinery, tanks, tubes, wiring, and shot.  Non-ferrous metals recovered from demolition sites include copper cables, copper and zinc pipes and radiators, and aluminum siding. 

Scrap metal prices are determined by a combination of factors.  These include overseas scrap prices (an estimated 55% of ferrous scrap is exported from the U.S. each year), the domestic market, and supply and demand.  Scrap prices tend to increase when construction and car sales are up.  R. Baker & Son handles over 100,000 tons of scrap per year, which allows us to command top marketplace value.  Scrap revenue credits are passed along to our clients, which can help to substantially offset project costs.

Recycling and/or salvage of construction debris is worth 1-2 LEED points, with a waste diversion rate of fifty percent earning one point and seventy-five percent earning two points.  R. Baker & Son guarantees 100% LEED compliancy on all demolition, dismantling, and decommissioning projects. 

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a  Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)  in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in four sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.

R. Baker & Son
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553
Web: http://www.rbaker.com

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Sky Cranes What Do You See?


Tower cranes are used in almost every major city in the world, and they are most easily spotted when you are arriving by plane. In fact, some people judge a city economy by relating the amount of sky cranes hanging over buildings that are under construction as a positive sign for the economy. A good example of this is the New York / New Jersey metro area.

Rigging and hoisting materials are the job of the sky crane, which moves materials such as concrete, sheet rock, studs, glass, duct work and all other supplies to their destination. There is one sky crane operator who climbs a ladder to the top where the cab is located. What you don't see is the numerous rigging crews and professionals whose job it is to properly strap and connect all material safely so that it can be hoisted correctly. There is also another set of rigging professionals that remove the straps and binding when the material gets to the proper location.

Another integral part of the rigging company team are the coordinators whose job entails scheduling all the material deliveries, how they get to the job-site, and how much time is needed to lift those materials to their respective location while scheduling the next load. Without the rigging coordinator there would be complete chaos between the operator and rigging crews, not to mention a construction traffic jam,

The sky crane gets most of the notoriety, but there is another workhorse on the job site called the material lift, which is much like an elevator, it runs at higher speeds up the side of the building but takes no passengers. Rigging service professionals are in charge of the delivery loading and unloading all of the material to and from the material lifts. If the construction project is large enough this effort can require dozens of riggers and several rigging managers to keep things running smoothly.

Whenever I see a sky crane I think of all the people involved with helping it run smoothly, the organization skills, the manpower and the specific link it has to the economy and improvement.

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553
Web: http://www.rbaker.com

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

In Need Of Good Riggers

With the Dow Jones Index hitting a record high of 18k in December and low inflation rates being reported at 1.3%, the signs are also looking up, as the construction industry is projected to see more balanced growth in 2015.

Construction jobs declined nearly three times as much during the last recession than it did during the 1981 recession. This was also due in large part to many workers retiring or  going into different related fields and lines of work. Now that construction is picking up again, there is a skilled labor shortage that is concerning.

Rigging is one of those skilled trades that is struggling to find qualified personnel. The labor shortage is enough of a concern that some developers and large construction companies are cautious when making commitments for large projects. The skilled labor shortage can have a serious effect on overall project cost, schedule and quality.

Rigging requires crane operator training, heavy equipment training (with various types of machinery), safety training, equipment maintenance, knowledge of physics, geometry, electrical and mechanical as well. Equipment and materials cannot get to their destination,  set in place safely and on time without rigging and riggers. Which is why a skilled Rigger is in high demand in almost any location.

It's unfortunate that many of the young people in America have looked away from skilled trades as unemployment is high for young adults. Many experienced Riggers can earn a good six-figure salary in major cities from New York to Los Angeles. Rigging requires 4 to 5 years of apprenticeship and study, while working with an experienced rigging contractor.

The good news is that after many years of recession, things are finally looking up. The not-so-great news is that we are in dire need in the workforce for experienced construction professionals. The laws of supply and demand will pay accomplished Riggers higher salaries which will raise prices accordingly. The lesson for the rest of us is to not look away from skilled trades, but to look towards them.


About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a  Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)  in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in four sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553
Fax: 732-450-0311