Recent News

We’re now in what many call the “Golden Age” of AI. The explosion of available data has allowed deep learning systems like those behind Facebook and TikTok to personalize experiences more accurately than ever before.

Crown Sheet Metal & Skylights, a family-owned operation specializing in commercial skylights, architectural and historic sheet metal work offers a legacy of multi-generational craftsmanship to the Bay Area.

Too often, construction industry professionals have a dated website (if they have one at all); one that isn’t up to snuff by today’s standards, has sat static for years and/or was built on old technology.

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.

In today’s rapidly evolving business climate, project timelines are becoming increasingly compressed, making streamlined communication between the office, field and shop more critical than ever before

As every contractor knows, keeping ahead of the curve on the latest technology, regulatory changes and best leadership practices are a few of the many ways to ensure a competitive edge.

In January, Bay Area SMACNA members networked in Texas with colleagues and industry leaders from across the country at the 2023 MEP Innovation Conference — an event that has become known as the best technology conference for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, service and sheet metal contractors.

Leveraging the International Training Institute (iTi) grants, two of Sheet Metal Worker Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Fund District 1’s training centers have received funding to purchase computers and new monitors.

Daytime and evening classes are underway in the new Livermore Training Facility.

Are you ready for 2023? So are your apprentices!

Bay Area SMACNA is proud to continue offering ClickSafety online safety training for member firms. This customizable and interactive safety resource has more than 300 online safety courses, including HAZWOPER, OSHA 10, OSHA 30, harassment training and custom site-specific general industry courses.

James Benham of JBKnowledge was one of the dynamic speakers at the CAL SMACNA Convention. His examples and stories of how construction companies can “hack” the expertise and experience of other industries was motivational and informative.

Every industry stands to benefit from data analytics — and construction is no exception. Every piece of data collected during the lifecycle of each project, from design, to financials, to safety and more, can help you make smarter decisions that will fuel future success.

The Fire Life Safety demonstration on April 13 at the Local 104 Main Office in Livermore was well attended. More than 40 participants, including contractors, Local 104 TAB employees and other industry representatives enjoyed the presentation followed by a BBQ lunch hosted by Bay Area SMACNA.

With a 90% reimbursement rate provided by the International Training Institute’s grant program, the trustees of the Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Fund program recently purchased three laser welders, one for each AWS Accredited Welding Lab.

A “SPYDERCRANE “ mini-crawler is a mini-crane that has been designed and built for working in low access confined areas either indoors or outdoors.

The BuiltWorlds pre-conference event on construction technology and innovation, hosted by Associate Member Hilti, had fascinating information on what is coming to our industry.

Bigge Crane & Rigging has been instrumental in the American construction scene since it was founded in 1916.

After thorough analysis, the revisions for SMACNA’s fourth edition HVAC Duct Construction Standards Metal & Flexible is now available to all SMACNA contractors.

The new year brings new changes for Bay Area SMACNA. In addition to moving to Pleasanton, we are working on a new registration process for our members to register for trainings and events.

With 200+ contractors in District 1, the Bay Area SMACNA team relies on the leadership and volunteering spirit of its members to assist in guiding and growing the organization to meet current and future industry needs.

The new SMW Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Fund Joint Apprenticeship Training Center in Livermore is in the design build phase. Architect FCGA has been working with selected General Contractor, J.M. O’Neill, with Sigmatech Consulting assisting.

When school is in session, that’s where most children spend a majority of their day. But the problem is that many schools don’t have the proper ventilation to keep unhealthy pollutants out of their indoor air, reducing the cognitive ability for students to be successful learners.

Total Track was developed by the International Training Institute (ITI) and provides critical information for managing and monitoring sheet metal apprentices, the apprenticeship program and contractors.

Your brand is your company’s identity, your foundation, the driving force behind connecting with your employees and audience.

Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important to industrial, commercial and residential customers, and insulation is a critical part of delivering a healthier, superior building.

For 20 years, JBKnowledge has been a leader in technology for the construction and insurance industries.

Fifteen Local 104 District 1 apprentices were each awarded 0 gift cards to Work World to purchase new, comfortable steel toed boots.

As a contractor, you know what it takes and who you can rely on to make every job happen on time, on budget and sometimes within very complex specifications.

Governor Newsom signed AB 841 at the end of the 2020 Legislative Session, creating the School Reopening Ventilation and Energy Efficiency Verification and Repair Program (SRVEERP).

The SMACNA Edge: A Virtual Education Forum, SMACNA’s first virtual conference held from October 13-15, had something for everyone, including personal or professional development, aligning organizational strategy, getting better insights on new technologies and navigating changing business practices with COVID.

The California sheet metal industry prides itself on recruiting the brightest talent to design and build everything from museums and entertainment venues to hospitals and high-rises throughout the state.