TESTIMONIAL - Structures GB

THE STORY

A LONG-STANDING PARTNERSHIP

Structures GB, a leader in industrial structural steel, has marked its 45th anniversary with a significant enhancement in its operational capabilities, owing largely to its long-standing partnership with Voortman Machinery. Celebrating 15 years of collaboration, Structures GB has entrenched its reputation as an all-encompassing A to Z company in the steel industry, according to Director of Development, Charles Collin.

"We specialize in the Arctic and harsh environments, offering everything from industrial coatings to complex structural steelwork. With Voortman’s machinery, we have seen our processes transform, becoming a one-stop shop for our clients,” Collin elaborated.

The V808 coping machine, drill and saw combo, alongside the V304 and V320 plate processing machines, exemplify the technological strides Structures GB has made. These machines have increased productivity, reduced waste, and brought versatility to their operations, showcasing the importance of automation in the modern steel industry.

THE FIRST IN CANADA

Additionally, facing a global labor shortage, Structures GB has strategically moved towards automation and robotics, an initiative strengthened by the acquisition of Voortman's fabricator technology.
"Labor shortage is a global problem, and automation with Voortman's technology is our solution. With Voortman, we're about to write a success story in the Canadian market," stated Collin.

A decade ago, Structures GB foresaw the potential in Voortman's robotic assembly and welding technology, aiming to be the first in North America to adopt it. "This year, we became the first in Canada to install Voortman's fabricator," Charles notes. "The installation, led by Voortman's skilled engineers, was efficient and successful, with promising results in the commissioning phase. Voortman's fabricator stands out due to its advanced in-house programming software. "It simplifies the process, reducing the need for a large team. You upload your model to the cloud, and the software prepares it for direct use in the shop," explains Charles.

A WIDE ARRAY OF EQUIPMENT

Before the adoption of Voortman's machinery, many tasks were manually handled at Structures GB, a reality that has radically changed over the past decade and a half. The company’s facilities now feature a wide array of Voortman's equipment, chosen for its quality, reliability, and service excellence.

"We chose Voortman for their in-depth understanding of the structural steel environment, reflected in their product design and competitiveness. We first acquired the Voortman V630 and VB1250, a saw and drill combo, for its efficiency in beam processing and its compact footprint, fitting our shop perfectly," Charles shares. This initial investment marked a shift towards optimizing their workflow and space utilization.

Their next significant purchase was the V808, chosen for its production efficiency and ability to reduce manual labor. "It complements the V630 well, improving our production line, especially in tasks like coping and plasma bolt hole cutting," he adds.

The V304 was another key addition for plate processing. "Running for over ten years without issues, the V304 stands as our most reliable machine, handling all cutting and drilling tasks with remarkable efficiency," Charles highlights.
Versatility is a cornerstone of Structure GB's approach, particularly evident in their use of the V320. "The V320's ability to work with plasma, oxy fuel, or drills makes it indispensable in meeting diverse client needs. Its design also minimizes material loss, especially beneficial for smaller parts," explains Charles.

COMBAT THE GLOBAL ISSUE

Installation and integration of Voortman machinery have been seamless experiences for Structures GB, with Voortman's well-prepared engineering teams ensuring efficient and professional setups. The company's own detailing team seamlessly integrates data from SDS/2 to Voortman's VACAM software, further smoothing the transition from design to fabrication.

Collin’s visit to Voortman's facilities in The Netherlands left him impressed with the professionalism and attention to detail. "Everything at Voortman is purpose-driven, clean, and professional. This resonates with us at Structures GB, where we prioritize quality and precision."
Looking ahead, Collin is optimistic about the potential for technology to address labor challenges. "We believe in leveraging automation to combat the global issue of labor shortage. Voortman’s innovations in robotics and software integration will play a critical role in our future growth."

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