Case Study: BlueScope Buildings

Problem

BlueScope Buildings is the world’s leading supplier of pre-engineered metal buildings, with locations on four continents. At its 280,000-sq-ft (26,012.9-sq-m) plant in Laurinburg, North Carolina, the company fabricates long-bay trusses and other parts from hot-rolled steel. In summer, workers in Building 4 coped with stifling conditions, and wall fans provided little relief. The oppressive atmosphere was further compounded by outdated metal halide lights in other parts of the facility that barely kept the bays lit and when they did work, generated even more heat.

Solution

Big Ass Fans® was brought in to relieve the stagnant air and solved the lighting problem, too. Operating under a tight schedule, the company maneuvered around a bridge crane to install four 18-ft (5.5-m) Powerfoil®X2.0 fans to better circulate the air. Plant Manager David Volk also ordered Big Ass Light™ LED fixtures for three bays at the site. The lights were in place and custom programmed within weeks. Now workers are more comfortable because of the silent fans, the new LEDs are drawing rave reviews from employees and visitors, and Volk is seeing a significant decrease in his lighting bills.