Recent News
View allLaser Welders Brings Increased Productivity
It can take years to become proficient in TIG welding. Innovations and investments in high-powered laser welding can dramatically reduce both the training time and experience needed to produce high-quality fabrication builds. The turnaround time for high-quality finished products using laser welding is estimated to be 25 percent of traditional TIG welding. Examples of this time savings include minimizing or deleting pre- and post-processing steps, such as the use of welding fixtures or the need to pre-brush metals.
September Management classes
We’re excited to announce two management classes led by instructor Kevin Dougherty. Although both classes are stand-alone, we recommend beginning with “Growing and Developing” before progressing to “How to be More Effective,” which is more advanced and goes deeper into how to handle challenging conversations.
2024 SMACNA Annual Convention
This is a potential opportunity for members, chapter executives and associate members to network with peers, learn important trends and new skills, and discuss business topics with leading service providers and manufacturers. This year’s event will take place at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, Calif.
Driven By A Legacy Of Honesty, Integrity And Customer Relationships
With the production of tanks, planes, munitions and more, metalwork in the WWII era spiked across the U.S. Even after the war, metal fabrication became a mainstay in American architecture. In 1945, Joe Bell capitalized on this trend and founded Bell Products, Inc.
Contractors And Students Benefit From Internships
Many Bay Area SMACNA (BAS) contractors continue to hire professional or trades interns to get a jump on securing top talent, assist with peak demand and give them an opportunity to evaluate candidates’ cultural fit and aptitude within their organization.
General Membership Meeting
The first consolidated Bay Area SMACNA general membership meeting was held on March 6 in the Bay Area SMACNA training room. This meeting replaced the regional advisory sessions and provided an excellent chance to engage with other members, exchange ideas and play a part in the advancement and success of our industry.
Bay Area SMACNA Annual Scholarship Trust Golf Tournament
Registration for the Annual Scholarship Trust Golf Tournament is now open! This year’s event will only be played on the Hill Course at Castlewood Country Club. Registration is limited to the first 144 players and is expected to fill quickly. Players will not be confirmed until payment is received.
Apprenticeship Program Responds To Contractor Needs
The Sheet Metal JATC program continually evaluates and flexes its curriculum to meet evolving construction industry needs. When possible, apprenticeship leaders also work with contractors to accommodate specific requests.
Celebrating Apprentices
Although apprenticeship training continued during the pandemic with lots of effort and readjustment, the Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Fund (JATC) needed to shift priorities, leaving apprenticeship completion ceremonies on hold.
A2L & A3 Refrigerant Classes Move The Industry Forward
In late 2021, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented legislation mandating an 85 percent nationwide phasedown in hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants by 2036.