In industrial settings, just one unreliable weld can be the difference between successful and unsuccessful operations. Baker Group understands that.

“Industrial plants hold more than people. They contain pipes, vessels and pumps necessary to process or manufacture product. Every piece of stainless steel, titanium, cast aluminum and ASTM-rated vessels must be manufactured to critically important standards,” says Joe Nestvedt, Industrial Team Leader. “One slip in quality is one too many.”

Baker Group’s Industrial team has both the certifications and experience necessary to engineer and build piping, reaction vessels, full equipment skids and more for agriculture, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food processing and other industries. “When complete, we use a third-party testing lab to prove the quality of our welds. Quality control is extremely high,” Nestvedt says. 

Comprehensive Industrial Toolbox
“It’s a huge advantage that Baker Group has the most modern equipment available. I believe there are few contractors in the nation with such a sizeable toolbox,” says Steve Beam, Baker Group’s Industrial Strategic Manager.

“Think of all of the things we do internally – electrical, automation, fabrication, 3D modeling, pipe fabrication, sheet metal work, security, engineering, all aspects of mechanicals – and combine that with our strategic alliances, and we have all the resources and subject matter experts needed for a successful project,” he says. “Even more important, we have the understanding and thorough processes that result in win-wins for our clients and for us.”

Types of Industrial Projects
“From 10-foot diameter ASTM-rated vessels for biodiesel, pharmaceutical and other applications to large prefabricated equipment skids, we’re fortunate to have the people and facilities to meet our clients’ varied needs,” Nestvedt says. As an example, he points to the wide variety of equipment skids recently built in the company’s Advanced Manufacturing plant in Ankeny, IA.

One of these was a 25’L x 12’W x 10’H skid for a Texas-based renewable energy plant. “This skid had three large heat exchangers. We built the controls and piping in our Advanced Manufacturing facility, shipped it to Texas and dropped it into place through the roof during a one-week shut down,” he says. (Click here to view time-lapse video of skid construction.)

Typically, Baker Group completes about 95 percent of the welds in its shop and 5 percent in the field. “This improves quality, minimizes plant shutdown and lowers total labor costs for our clients,” Nestvedt adds.

Our Success Leads to Client Success
Beam says, “While we utilize all the automation and latest tech that is available, that can never take the place of the checks and balances we have in place to ensure our client’s product is delivered above or beyond requirements. Our mindset is similar to that of the owner. We care deeply about the schedule, the quality, the value and their success,” he adds. “For over 50 years, that’s been Baker Group’s mantra.”