Minneapolis Plant Increases Efficiency, Safety, and Capacity with New Galvanizing Kettle

Minneapolis Plant Increases Efficiency, Safety, and Capacity with New Galvanizing Kettle

Galvanizing

With the installation of a new, more efficient, and safer kettle, the plant is now able to galvanize material that is 30 feet long, a significant increase from our previous capacity. In the past, our customers in the area often had to drive long distances to galvanize large materials. Now, even their largest projects can be serviced in Minneapolis, saving significant time and money.

With our previous kettle, after dipping about 20,000 pounds the kettle would lower 20 degrees. This meant time and energy was spent reheating the kettle in order to dip more material. This new kettle can dip 40,000 pounds with a change of only 5 degrees. With this upgrade we will be able to increase production by roughly 50 percent. 

The new system is also more energy efficient. The old kettle has been a part of our plant since 1988, and furnace technology has come a long way since then. We are able to use half the burners we used to, while heating in a more even and efficient manner. This new setup also has a castable concrete floor and built-in airspace to retain heat once we reach the desired temperature. While the kettle itself will have to be changed every eight years, the furnace system is designed to last us another thirty.

We also took the opportunity to upgrade our safety measures, changing the traditional 3 ½ foot safety rim to a complete enclosure around the entire system. The full enclosure has side opening doors, which allows our galvanizing specialists to work in the kettle while remaining safe from splashing and keeping our plant clean. 

As a key supporter for the power generation, transmission, distribution and industrial markets, AZZ Inc. is proud to announce our latest galvanizing plant upgrade. By increasing our capacity and abilities, we are easing the burden on all of our partners and ensuring we will be able to protect your steel from corrosion far into the future.

To learn more about our services, or to see how AZZ Inc. can help your business, visit us at AZZ.com today! 

AZZ Employee Wins Barrow Way Award

AZZ Employee Wins Barrow Way Award

Galvanizing

Elias Jimenez is an exceptional man.  He joined the ranks at AZZ a decade ago, starting as a maintenance service employee. His supervisors, however, quickly noticed that Elias was a force to be reckoned with.  Today, the entire galvanizing industry recognizes Elias’ dedication to service, by awarding him the Barrow Way Award for “Outstanding Operations Personnel”.

As Tim Pendley, Senior Vice President of AZZ Metal Coatings, explains, “Commemorating the manner in which the Barrow family managed the Columbiana Boiler Company (CBC) for over 100 years, the AGA annually recognizes one operations employee from our member companies who exemplifies the core values which everyone looks for in their employees. The core values include: outstanding skill, pride and work ethic, integrity, understanding of their role within their organization, customer commitment, and community service.  I congratulate Elias as this years’ recipient of the Barrow Way Award”.

Elias joined AZZ in 2006 as a service as a maintenance employee. Quickly and consistently he demonstrated his mechanical aptitude and ingenuity. Elias has built an impressive knowledge base of furnace and kettle maintenance, and he has become a valuable resource—actively assisting nearly half of all AZZ facilities, each with their own unique maintenance challenges. He now holds the position of maintenance supervisor, and is tasked with improving facility performance by leading the maintenance team at the Plymouth site.

“People can’t stop talking about Elias”, says Bill Bowden, Regional Manager at AZZ Galvanizing. “In the past three years, he has been a key contributor to over six kettle changes. He is inventive, coming up with fixes for distorted stay bucks and equipment that would otherwise be considered obsolete.”

In addition to his commitment to AZZ, Elias is an involved, active member of his community supporting numerous community services with his wife, Anna, and their family.

The AZZ Galvanizing facility in Plymouth boasts one of the lowest down times in the industry. As maintenance supervisor, Elias no doubt contributes to this success with his exceptional skills, strong leadership, and customer commitment. Customers know they can rely on the Plymouth plant with confidence. AZZ’s 60 years of experience has contributed to critical enhancements for companies, industries, and the world’s infrastructure: dedicated employees, including those such as Elias Jimenez, are credited with making great things happen here. To learn more about our operations, services and team, visit us online at www.AZZ.com.