Duo-Gard Expanded Steel Capability Strengthens Customer Service

Opened in 2010 as one of the industry’s few such operations, Duo-Gard’s in-house steel fabrication services quickly became a success. So successful, in fact, the company opened an expanded operation in September 2015 with five times the initial capacity. The expansion in Westland, MI, located not far from headquarters, is housed in a new 16,000-sq.-ft. building with 30-ft. ceilings.

Equipment includes two overhead cranes, one 15-ton and one 5-ton, to handle large structural steel members. A new tilting head vertical band saw increases cutting capabilities. Drive-through doors provide truckers with easy access to the entire building, making material handling much more efficient. Adding to that efficiency are three new fabrication specialists.

“This expansion enables us to cut down on lead time, reduce outsourcing and exercise more quality control,” says Fred Hankes, steel operations coordinator. “All this gives us an exceptional competitive edge in meeting customer demands and achieving high customer satisfaction.”

Whether working with large canopies or specialty shelters, Duo-Gard’s design and engineering experts work with customers to determine the best structural solutions. When large spans are involved, aluminum isn’t always the most cost-effective material. When steel is required, Duo-Gard can provide columns, rafters, horizontal supports, purlins and skins. Our structural designs are engineered to meet loading requirements for each project and can include stamped drawings. Several large projects are currently in progress, including a cantilevered entrance canopy for a Hilton Garden Inn and a double-cantilevered canopy system for Union Station in Springfield, MA.

“This expansion opens a whole new set of possibilities where we have complete control of the project,” says David Miller, Duo-Gard’s president. “We’ll be able to complete a project faster and more cost effectively while maintaining high quality control.”