Marque Construction

connections

the biannual newsmagazine of the OSCO Construction Group

1966 2016

Marque Construction

spring & summer 2016

• Saint John Water Project • Embassy Suites • Irving Fuelling Stations • • Nabisco Plant • Salem Harbor Energy Center • Toolhound • the biannual newsmagazine of spring & summer 2016 connections the OSCO Construction Group what’s inside

projects 4...... Saint John Water Project 19....Concrete Pipe 28....Irving Oil Head Office 6...... Silver Fox 20....St. Croix Tissue 29....Masonicare at Mystic 7...... Embassy Suites 20....Sobeys at East Point 30....St. Joseph Square 8...... Precast Bridges 21....Salem Harbor Energy 30....Brunner Island 10....Irving Fuelling Stations 22....Social Enterprise Hub 31....Newport Arena 11.....NJ Nabisco 23....Summit Office Park 32....Market Basket 12....Mercantile 26....Irving Oil Refinery 33....Rebar Projects 18....Elsipogtog 28....Misc Metals Division 34....Brown University

3...... Message from the President 48....Our Locations priorities 35....Technology: ToolHound 36....Environmental: Sustainable SJ Award profiles 37....Technology: IT Support Changes 14....Product: 38....Safety: Communications Architectural Precast Systems Changes 24....Company : MQ 39....Safety: Hearing Loss Prevention Construction people public & 44....25 Year Club Dinner community 45....Employee Appreciation Celebration 40...A Boy, a Truck and Some Forever Friends 45....Employee Recognition Program 41....Wish Upon a Ready-Mix Truck? 46....Congratulations 42....Take Our Kids to Work Day 47....Fresh Faces 43....Helping Hands 47....New Sales Engineer 47....Rebar GM Promotion OSCO construction group

CONNECTIONS is the biannual magazine of the OSCO on our cover... Construction Group, published every Spring and Fall to share news and information with our valued customers & employees 2016 marks Marque’s 50th year in business! 1966 Comments and submissions are greatly appreciated and may be sent to the 2016 Read all about it in our centre spread on page 24. editor/designer: Tammy Legacy, c/o OSCO Construction Group 400 Chesley Drive, Saint John, NB • Canada • E2K 5L6 email: [email protected] 2 Marque Construction www.oscoconstructiongroup.com message from the president

Message from the President

his issue celebrates another of Moving into 2016, our product and In addition, we foresee an upswing Tour companies reaching a 50 geographic diversity has enabled the for our ready mix plants. This will year milestone. The name “Marque” backlog of work for the majority our complement our sand and stone ship- comes from the combination of the business lines to once again grow. Our ments from our Nova Scotia gravel words “Maritime” and “Quebec”. Back construction management group has operations. Related to growth in ready in 1966, the thinking was that Marque secured two good-sized projects in mix sales is the recovery of business Construction would do business in the Saint John region: as a member for the reinforcing steel facilities; par- both of these geographic areas and, of Port City Water Partners, we will be ticularly in the New Brunswick market. initially, that was the case. However, as performing the civil work for the Saint John Clean Drinking On another note, many of the articles in this issue highlight our ability to “...many of the articles in this issue Water Project; and, as a Joint Venture Partner “bundle” construction-related prod- highlight our ability to “bundle” with EllisDon, we will ucts and services for the benefit of our customers; a key differentiator for our construction-related products and be building the Irving Oil Home Office. These Group. We have the unique capabil- services for the benefit of our customers; projects, along with ity to reduce both the risks and the costs for our clients at the same time. a key differentiator for our Group.” some others, will also provide opportunities Unlike our competitors, we design & for our electrical, instru- co-ordinate the connections be- time went on, it became clear that the mentation and data cabling divisions. tween structural steel and precast wall business and political environment panels; a major source of headaches in these two jurisdictions were totally Our precast concrete plants have for many general contractors. We are different. Given we were a New secured a healthy volume of struc- equally adept at manufacturing both Brunswick-based organization, it tural and architectural work, both structural and architectural precast made more sense for Marque to focus in Canada and the United States. At concrete elements; a skill not readily on its Maritime roots and concentrate the same time, our structural steel available to most concrete precast- on its customers in the Atlantic plants have booked projects in both ers. We supply, deliver and install both Provinces. This decision turned out countries; however, we would like to ready mix concrete and reinforcing to be a good one and Marque hasn’t further increase our workload in the steel for poured-in-place concrete heavy industrial sectors. looked back since….. continued on page 47... www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 3 projects Saint John Water Project

aint John is the largest city in a new seventy-five million litre-per- The PCWP Team: the Province of New Brunswick day water treatment plant and storage Sand the oldest city in Canada. reservoirs on the city’s east side; as well • Brookfield Finance Securities LP: lead As such, it also has some of the oldest as critical water transmission system equity investor infrastructure, including a water system improvements throughout the city. The • Acciona Group of Companies: devel- which was developed in 1837. Today, new water treatment plant will be com- oper, equity investor, design-builder, that water system consists of approxi- pleted no later than November 2018. member of operations and mainte- mately 500 kilometers of pipes nance Under the Project Agreement, buried beneath the City. While • North American Construction: devel- PCWP will design, build, finance, much of the system has been oper, equity investor, design-builder operate and maintain the new updated over the years, there and sub-contractor for design build is still much work left to do. water treatment plant on the city’s east side under a 33 year • AMEC Foster Wheeler: design and As part of Saint John’s Safe, agreement. PCWP will also design, engineering Clean Drinking Water Project build, and finance 26 km’s of pipeline to • SIMO Management: operation and (SCDWP) to guarantee access to quality renew the city’s water transmission and maintenance drinking water for homes and businesses distribution system. • FCC Construction: sub-contractor for in the area, they recently entered into a design-build Public Private Partnership (P3) with Port PCWP is a consortium of companies • Gulf Operators: sub-contractor for City Water Partners (PCWP) to construct created for this very important project. design-build

were already a part of the Acciona team. the seasons was an important aspect of Why FCC? Local presence is an important part of my decision making. This may sound odd building a successful team. As is the to your readers, but for people like me, contributed by: Brian Nicholas, reputation of all the team members in who have no context of a New Brunswick Director, Business Development, the wider community. winter, I needed to be educated. Acciona Agua S.A. FCC was recommended as a company So following our initial call, a meeting cciona Agua reached out to FCC as with an excellent reputation within was arranged with Rick Williston and Apart of an initiative to understand the Saint John and its wider environs, who Carl Blanchard. Saint John business community and to understood construction and how to identify potential team members for the construct concrete works in the New My recollections were all very positive. Saint John Water Supply project. Brunswick winter. FCC was able to give me a very clear concise explanation of their skills and The initial identification of FCC was via For me, at this stage of the project, the expertise, and one of the things that a recommendation from Amec, who ability of a construction company to stuck in my mind was FCC’s reference have an office in Saint John, and Amec work effectively and efficiently across to the quality of their people and how

4 connections | spring & summer 2016 www.oscoconstructiongroup.com projects

contributed by: Saint John Water Project Rick Williston P.Eng.

FCC Construction: FCC’s structure and building envelope of the involvement began with a call from Water Treatment Plant, along with the Acciona in the fall of 2013. Acciona were development of the Water Treatment starting the process of creating a team Plant site on the City’s east side. for the SCDWP. They were looking for Carl Blanchard, Rick Williston a builder with a strong local presence, and Shauna Miller have had key integrity, and a strong knowledge of involvement in FCC’s input in both construction practices and trades in the RFQ and RFP submissions, as Atlantic Canada. After meeting with well as initial project set-up. Acciona, FCC was asked to be part of the team. (see below) FCC’s on-site project team will include Project Manager Dan Fox, Proj- On November 6, 2015, following a lengthy ect Coordinator Kyle Blanchard, Site and competitive process, the City of Saint Superintendent Dave Carr and Project John approved Port City Water Partners as Administrator Madison Spear. the preferred proponent for the Safe Clean Drinking Water Project. Ocean Steel Rebar is also currently supplying 900 Tons of rebar to this FCC will manage the construction of the project. Administration Building and the building

important they are “As I left FCC’s offices my single strong ethics, an excellent culture, and to the success of the a desire to be successful without taking company. thought was how to make sure that risks that could endanger the stability of FCC wanted to join the Acciona team.” the business. As I left FCC’s offices my single thought answer, I believe, was to establish a The end result, was the ability for the was how to make sure that FCC wanted relationship of equality, trust and trans- Acciona team to have some very frank to join the Acciona team. parency and to take a risk in sharing discussions whilst at all times maintain- everything I knew about the project and ing our mutual respect to develop what I knew I had a big task ahead of me be- our team. I felt at all times that Rick and turned out to be a wining proposal. cause I was going to ask FCC to join the Carl were open, honest and transparent Acciona team on an exclusive basis. with me. ACCIONA is a leader in the development and management of infrastructure, water, services So I set about analyzing exactly what I and renewable energy. Listed on the Spanish Subsequent meetings, on a face to face thought would make the Acciona team blue-chip INDEX 35 index (ANA.MC) it is a basis, reinforced my initial impression an attractive proposition to FCC. The public company with over 33,550 employees what FCC is a very well run business with in more than 30 countries in five continents.

www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 5 projects

FCC Construction Shines Up the Silver Fox

The Salisbury Big Stop under- shutdown. During this time, FCC had went substantial renovations two superintendents working around in 2014-2015, which left the the clock, managing subcontractors Silver Fox Restaurant and kitchen on both day and night shifts. untouched. In 2015, Interior De- signer, Perennial Inc. of Toronto, was Work in the main dining room in- hired to develop the new concept cluded new ceramic tile flooring, wall for the restaurant. The objective was stone, booths, trims, wainscoting, to give the restaurant a modern look cabinets, floor refinishing, painting, and to roll out the design theme and electrical. In the kitchen, FCC across a new fleet of restaurants. replaced the ceiling, installed new lighting, and coordinated the install FCC mobilized to site in early No- of several pieces of new equipment. vember, to begin work on the restaurant, washroom, dining room, and Due to the extremely tight timeline, contributed by: Bill Woodhouse P.Eng. kitchen. The first two weeks included work had to be carefully planned. The site was extremely busy, both day and ver the past few years, Irving Oil a complete demolition and rebuild of night, as crews worked on this exciting has been rebuilding & renovat- the washrooms, as well as demoli- O project. Following the shut down, FCC ing their Big Stop and restaurant sites tion and install of new finishes in the completed work on site and turned throughout the Atlantic provinces. FCC private dining rooms. During this time, the restaurant back over to the client. recently completed two new Irving Big the main dining room and kitchen remained fully operational. Washroom Stops in Enfield, NS, and in Aulac, NB. In recognition of another successful renovations included all new: ceramic project, FCC has since been awarded Last fall, FCC’s Civil division moved floor; wall tile; fixtures; washroom the restaurant renovation contract at on to their next project, at the partitions; accessories; and electrical. the Dolan Rd Irving on Route 1, in Salisbury Big Stop in Salisbury, NB. Rothesay, NB. This newest project FCC Electrical was also awarded the The main dining room and kitchen commenced in early April. electrical subcontract. were then closed for a two week

6 connections | spring & summer 2016 www.oscoconstructiongroup.com projects Embassy Suites Berkeley Heights, New Jersey

contributed by: Richard Heckel

mbassy Suites by Hilton is a chain for Eof upscale all-suite hotels, whose the first guest rooms feature a separate liv- three levels of the ing area as well as a sleeping area. building, with the balance of the There are currently over 200 unique structure utilizing light gauge metal locations in the U.S., Canada and framing and precast floor panels. Latin America. Similar to other Hilton brands, most Embassy Suites hotels Detailing for the building started It was also our first time working with are independently owned and oper- in January of 2015, with the final BMG Construction, LLC., who fab- ated by franchisees. delivery of steel arriving on site in December 2015. Dowco Consultants ricated and installed additional steel Scheduled to open in December detailed this steel in conjunction with required for a specialized wall system of 2016, Embassy Suites by Hilton connection design input from the after the structural steel was in place. Berkeley Heights is set in the rolling Ocean Steel Engineering Department. Many thanks to Ocean Steel Corp’s hills of northwest New Jersey. Cur- Field Construction Manager, Cliff rently under construction, the new This was Ocean Steel Corp’s first time Williams, who spent many days in hotel is located 45 minutes from New working with Campbells Welding and the cold winter months keeping his York City, and 20 minutes from New- Machinery, Inc. as the structural steel watchful eye on this project. A job ark International Airport. The hotel erector. They performed exception- well done to all that worked on this will feature an indoor pool, on-site ally well and were very pleased with building. signature restaurant and bar; and full the ease and fit up of all the steel. service Starbucks on-site.

Tocci Building Corporation awarded Ocean Steel Corporation of Conklin, New York, the contract to fabricate and install 513 tons of Structural Steel for this project. Ocean Steel supplied steel

www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 7 projects

Precast Concrete: The Best Choice for Bridges contributed by: Dave Thompson P.Eng. Western Avenue: Saint-Louis-de-Kent: In the summer of 2015, Strescon supplied its first Type “D” NEXT In October 2014, Strescon was beams to Stenson and Watson on awarded the contract to supply the Western Avenue Bridge Su- 42 - 1800mm deep New Eng- perstructure Replacement Project, land Bulb Tees (NEBTs) for the in Cambridge, MA. The Type “D” Kouchibouguacis Bridge Number NEXT beams differ from the Type 1 replacement project. A critical “F” as they have an 8” flange, which infrastructure project for the area, is used as the bridge deck. This the new bridge is replacing a tim- eliminates the need to tie rebar ber covered one from the 1940s, cages and pour a cast-in-place which has had a weight restriction deck after the beams are installed. of 5 tones since 2011. The new To save more time on site, these 200 meter structure is made up of NEXT beams were also designed 6 spans of 7 girders, and carries NB with precast diaphragms. Once the Route 134 over the Kouchibougua- keyways are grouted and cured, the cis River in the Parish of Saint Louis deck is ready for pavement. in Kent County, NB. The contractor closed the bridge Strescon’s Saint John precast on June 16th, 2015 and had a plant started fabricating the 1800 short time frame to complete the NEBTs on December 23rd, 2014; work and reopen the single span pouring one girder every second bridge. They were able to meet day throughout the winter. The their schedule without delays. largest girders on the project were The old bridge superstructure was 42.6 meters long, weighed 64,000 removed; a cast in place ‘leveling’ kilograms and contained 56 pre- wall was poured over the existing stressing strands. stone abutment; and the beams were placed. Once the NEXT Casting was completed on April beams were installed, the con- 29th, 2015, requiring approx. 1000 tractor had to coordinate recon- cubic meters of concrete and necting a natural gas pipeline and 100,000 kg of rebar. The girders water main; both were mounted to spent the summer in the Strescon the underside of the beams. yard and were shipped to site and erected by Fundy Contractors Strescon’s Bedford plant started throughout the fall. To erect the production of the 4 NEXT beams girders, Fundy built a large trestle on June 8th and finished on June upstream of the new structure. 27th, 2015. The beams were Girders were then able to be approx. 59 feet long, the heaviest of backed in beside the bridge from which was 114,000 lbs. Mills Heavy the west end. Two crawler cranes Hauling delivered the beams to site lifted the girders into place atop the on July 22nd and the bridge was bridge piers. The project is expect- open to traffic on August 26th, ed to be completed in 2016. 2015.

8 connections | spring & summer 2016 www.oscoconstructiongroup.com projects

www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 9 projects

Irving Fuelling Stations

contributed by: Kim Doggett Aulac, NB Blvd, off Mapleton Road in Moncton, NB. Ocean Steel Rebar provided 3.60 St. Stephen, NB Ocean Steel Rebar also worked with tons of rebar and 6080 sqft of wire FCC this past fall/winter, on the new mesh for the base building, interior In the fall/winter of 2015, Ocean Irving Big Stop in Aulac, NB. slab-on-grade, nine light bases, and Steel Rebar teamed up with FCC one sign base. Construction to work on the base Aulac’s new Big Stop is being built Ocean Steel Rebar also sup- building for the new Irving location directly across the lot from the exist- plied PetroService Limited directly across from the local high ing facility. The new location will with 2.81 tons of rebar for: school in St. Stephen, NB. The base allow expanded restaurant space, four canopy foundations; building consists of 2750 sqft for a and increased services for the I-24 four islands; and tank top fast food restaurant and drive thru, commercial customers. Ocean Steel slab; as well as 3500 sqft 4000 sqft for the Circle K conve- Rebar supplied and installed 11.33 of mesh for the apron slab. nience store, and 2000 sqft for a tons of rebar and 15,000 sqft of mesh Tourism NB location. for the building foundation, piers, entrance slab, and slab-on-grade. Edinburgh Drive, Over the course of the project, Moncton, NB Ocean Steel Rebar supplied and in- Ocean Steel Rebar is also currently stalled 4.90 tons of rebar and 11,000 working with PetroService Limited Ocean Steel Rebar supplied PetroSer- sqft of mesh for the base building, on the petroleum installation. Ocean vice Limited with a total of 6 tons of garbage enclosure/pad, interior slab- Steel Rebar will provide a total of rebar and 128 sqft of mesh for a new on-grade, and flag base. 19.40 tons of rebar and 5400 sqft of petroleum installation at the I-24 mesh for the retail and I-24 truck fuel- Cardlock station on Edinburgh Drive Ocean Steel Rebar also worked with ing canopies and aprons. Ocean Steel in Moncton, NB. PetroService Limited on the petro- Rebar is also supplying and installing leum installation. Ocean Steel Rebar the reinforcing for the tank top slab. This station is for commercial vehicles supplied 10.17 tons of rebar and 3600 and is an unattended station requiring sqft of mesh for: five retail fueling Lady Ada Boulevard, commercial gas cards for operation canopies, islands, and aprons; three Moncton, NB of the diesel pumps. Ocean Steel I-24 truck fueling canopies, islands, Rebar installed reinforcing for three and aprons; tank top slabs; and an oil Ocean Steel Rebar worked with Aca- truck fueling canopies, aprons, and separator tank. dian Construction (1993) Limited on islands; as well as for an electrical the new Irving Station on Lady Ada shed and four light bases.

10 connections | spring & summer 2016 www.oscoconstructiongroup.com projects

Sweet Job at NJ Nabisco Plant

contributed by: Jason Presley been a landmark on Route 208 since fully operational during much of our the 1950s. on site work. ou may not be familiar with their Yname, but you’re definitely familiar In the fall of 2015, Ocean Steel Corp. The larger portions of the project, with what they make. Mondelēz Inter- finished up work on a second project which included 3 new buildings, were national is the world’s largest choco- for CRB Builders, LLC at the Nabisco erected during plant shutdowns over latier, biscuit baker and candy maker; plant in Fair Lawn. Over the course Thanksgiving and Christmas, so that and the second-largest maker of gum. of the two projects, Ocean Steel crane work could be done while the Items such as Ritz crackers, Oreo, supplied nearly 355 tons of structural building was empty. These were both Chips Ahoy!, belVita, Triscuit, steel as well as over 200 squares very small windows of time which left Wheat Thins, Trident gum, of decking. no room for error. Fabrication for this and HALLS cough drops, phase was shared between OSCO’s are just a small portion of Phase 1 of the project was Conklin and Fredericton plants. the products they produce. 325 tons of retrofit steel that was installed inside and onto Phase 2 consisted of a 30-ton As part of a $130 million in- the existing plant. This steel was addition of an elevator shaft off the vestment in new biscuit man- added as part of an overall upgrade side of the existing plant. While this ufacturing technology and capabili- to the facility which added new areas was mainly all new construction, ties in the US, Mondelēz is currently to the building, while reinforcing there were still many challenges upgrading its bakeries in Fair Lawn, existing steel and concrete to accept involved in surveying the required N.J., and Richmond, Va. Mondelez is these building design changes. layouts; for demo as well as for Fair Lawn’s biggest private employer, connections tying the new steel into where the old Nabisco bakery has This portion of the project was very the existing structure. There were challenging and labor intensive, as several design changes to contend the entire existing structure had to with along the way, to ensure that our be surveyed so Ocean Steel could steel worked with the needs of the design, detail and fabricate the new elevator subcontractor. Both phases steel to work seamlessly with the were erected by Shamrock Construc- existing structure. Adding to the chal- tion Group of Cliffwood, NJ. lenge, was that the plant remained

Ocean Steel Corporation employees celebrating a job well done with Oreo cookies. www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 11 projects

An Office With a View

contributed by: at the Mercantile Kyle Blanchard P.Eng.

12 connections | spring & summer 2016 www.oscoconstructiongroup.com projects

Construction’s civil John, the Port, and Fort Howe; just to schedule, created coordination chal- FCC division recently com- name a few. The open concept space lenges, but FCC and their sub contrac- pleted an interior office fit-up for includes executive private offices, two tors were able to successfully pull it Ocean Capital Investments (OCI), cafés, several meeting areas and two all together. The end result is a truly at the Mercantile Centre located at rooftop patios that promote a positive one-of-a-kind space that will serve 55 Union Street, Saint John, New working atmosphere for all. As part of the client well for many years Brunswick. Prominently located at this renovation, both the 7th and 8th to come. the north and west approaches to floor elevator lobbies have also been the uptown business district, the refreshed with a modern touch. FCC’s project team includ- Mercantile is one of Saint John’s ed: Kyle Blanchard (Proj- signature office buildings. The Mercantile project provided many ect Manager), Rob Murphy challenges for FCC’s project team. (Site Superintendent, Larry FCC began demolition on the 13,000 FCC worked closely with the design Ross (Site Foreman) and Heather square-foot office space in October team to incorporate many unique MacKenzie (Site Administrator). 2015, with OCI moving into their new features in the final product, such as: home this past March. The stunning back-lit stretch fabric ceilings; curved Other OSCO Group team members new office space on the 7th and 8th glass handrails; and natural wood who contributed their services to the floors of the building offers beauti- panelling. The long deliveries of many success of this project include FCC ful panoramic views of Uptown Saint of these materials, coupled with a tight Electrical and Ocean Steel.

www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 13 product profile

14 connections | spring & summer 2016 www.oscoconstructiongroup.com Special Profile: product profile

Architectural Precast Strescon Continues to Beautify the Halifax Skyline

contributed by: Andrew Levatte

ver the last two decades, Strescon has supplied architectural precast to most of the Onoteworthy projects in the Halifax area, such as • Halifax Casino • Salters Gate • W-Suites • Gardencrest and Summercrest • Gladstone 1 & 2 • The Grainery • The Waterton • ADM Facility • The Alt Hotel • Park Place V • The Craigmore • The Hazelton at HarbourIsle • BIO Coast Guard Building • Sun Life Ravine Center Complexes • Kings Wharf A & B and • The Trillium at South Park.

Strescon’s architectural precast ceptual stage, we can help create an delays caused by weather or material concrete wall panels provided efficient and cost effective building schedules. The building can be clad the developers of these high- in keeping with the design concept. in a fraction of the time compared profile projects many benefits, Making economical choices such as: to other cladding materials - saving textures; aggregates; panel-size and time and money. such as the following: shapes; colours; and panel repetition, HIGH QUALITY: Precast/pre- Major Advantages: will help with the overall cost. stressed architectural wall panels are ECONOMY: There are many op- SPEED OF CONSTRUCTION: manufactured in a climate controlled tions for making architectural precast The faster a building is completed, PCI/CPCI certified plant under the concrete the economical cladding the sooner it can earn income for highest quality control standards. choice. By consulting with Strescon the owner. When using architectural Strescon’s quality control depart- during the preliminary design/con- precast concrete, work can continue ment ensures that every piece meets throughout the year with minimal the customer’s specifications as well www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 15 product profile: architectural precast

as the highest industry standards. matrix from the exterior face of Precast concrete, produced and the architectural precast concrete erected under these stringent qual- panel by abrasion. The amount of ity control programs, effectively time the abrasive sand is applied resists corrosion and damage, and under pressure to the concrete, retains its superior looks for years will determine the finish of the with no significant staining, discol- panel. There are varying degrees oration or surface decay. Required of sandblasting from light to heavy formliner maintenance is low - saving money blast. As a general rule, the more and inconvenience over the life of the aggregate is exposed, the more the structure. consistent the finish.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Build- LIGHT SANDBLAST: After the ing green energy-efficient buildings architectural precast concrete panel are becoming a high priority in the is removed from the form, it is taken construction industry and using outside and sandblasted. Lightly architectural precast concrete pan- exposing the sand/concrete matrix els helps obtain that goal. The high along with a small amount of the exposed aggregate thermal mass of concrete keeps aggregate gives the panel a relatively the fluctuations of temperature smooth finish, showcasing the co- outside, while controlling the tem- lour of the sand and concrete. While perature inside. Precast concrete this finish can be very attractive, it is can also help gain points towards more difficult to achieve a consistent LEED certification by producing colour throughout the panel. little waste; using local materials; light sandblast and creating a low maintenance MEDIUM SANDBLAST: The and durable cladding system. more time spent removing the exterior surface of the architectural VERSATILITY: With Strescon’s precast panel, the more aggregate architectural precast concrete wall is exposed. Medium sandblasting panels, the design possibilities are exposes some of the aggregate, endless. The flexibility of adding while continuing to show the con- heavy sandblast a cornice, a bullnose, reveals, or crete matrix and sand. various colour and texture options, provides the freedom to create HEAVY SANDBLAST: With this unlimited looks for a building. finish, the majority of the exterior sand/concrete matrix has been Finishes & Textures: removed, exposing a large portion Precast concrete offers many dif- of the aggregate. The colour of the ferent colours and textures, from aggregate is mainly what is seen a basic form grey smooth texture with this level of blast. While the through to a stained formliner fin- finish is definitely more consistent, ish. Careful selection of finishes can the abrasion of the sandblasting turn a basic building design into an process dulls the stone, providing a matte finish. medium sandblast award winning masterpiece. Today it is becoming common practice to EXPOSED AGGREGATE: include precast elements with more Aggregate in concrete can create than one colour, finish or texture. a work of beauty when exposed in Some of the most common finishes its natural state. To achieve this, a and textures are listed below. chemical retarder is painted on the SANDBLASTING is the process form. A chemical reaction occurs of removing the cement and sand when the concrete hits the retarder,

thinset brick

16 connections | spring & summer 2016 www.oscoconstructiongroup.com product profile: architectural precast

preventing the exterior layer of con- with so many patterns, textures, and architect, Michael Napier Architecture crete from curing. Once the panel formliners, the possibilities are end- Incorporated, in close consultation has been removed from the form, the less. Form liners are available in a va- with both the owner and Strescon. The retarder along with the exterior con- riety of patterns and textures. Best of contrast between the dark aggregates crete surface, is removed by water all... if standard patterns do not meet in the white concrete face mix, with blasting. This leaves the aggregated a specific need, Strescon can help an exposed aggregate finish, gives a exposed with a very natural finish. develop custom patterns, textures or distinct appearance to the precast by graphics that add a whole to dimen- highlighting the irregular shaped dark THINSET BRICK is a thin, fired sion to a building’s design. bands around the windows. clay tile used to emulate the appearance of conventional brick masonry. Recent Projects: The project consists of 72 architec- Because thinset brick has a moisture Isleville Street: Strescon tural precast wall panels that were absorption rate much lower than recently completed another produced in Strescon’s Bedford plant. conventional brick, spalling and efflo- development in Halifax’s rapidly Panel production began October rescence are reduced or eliminated. growing north-end neighbourhood. 29th, 2014 and was complete by De- The building facade can basically last Developer Tony Metlej of Galaxy cember 9th, overall 26 casting days. forever. With the thin brick attached Properties Limited just wrapped to the precast wall system, minor re- With severe weather conditions up construction on a seven-storey throughout the winter of 2015 causing pairs require only the removal of the residential building, with ground- affected bricks. In contrast, traditional site construction delays across the floor commercial on Almon Street at Maritimes, this project highlights the brick building repairs are much more the corner of Isleville Street. costly and difficult. Because thinset advantage of precast components to general contractors and developers. brick is not a structural element and The Metlej family has been involved For the scale of this project, having each brick is independently adhered with the community since the 1980’s wall enclosures in place within a week, to the precast wall, cracks don’t form and have embraced the north end’s sped up the overall project schedule, between bricks like in traditional unique vibrancy. The Isleville com- reduced costs, and accelerated build- hand-laid brick. With precast, the plex houses 3,500 square feet of ing occupancy. Strescon began erec- brick tiles are cast into the architec- commercial space, topped with tion on April 5th, 2014 and completed tural precast panels to strict industry 40 residential units over six floors. it on April 9th after only 4 days on site. tolerances, creating an impressive The development also includes 26 What other product can enclose a masonry/precast wall which is virtu- parking spots. Campbell Comeau building this quickly allowing the de- ally indestructible. Engineering Ltd. served as Consulting veloper to start on the interior work? Engineer on the project. FORMLINERS provide an economical means to add interest and Strescon supplied the rich looking The Edison: The Edison at 3400 Dutch Village Road is a mixed visual appeal to almost any precast exterior cladding for Isleville Street. use building, consisting of ground- concrete wall. The desire for archi- The 6” thick solid architectural precast floor commercial space (approx. tectural concrete continues to grow; panels were designed by the project’s

www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 17 projects

8000 sqft) and 5 levels of RCJANE Properties takes great pride and was quickly ramped up on March residential apartments above in meeting their tenant’s needs by 10th, taking only 34 days to produce the ground floor (approx 41 apart- providing high quality modern apart- 74 complicated, multi-colour archi- ments). It also includes one level of ments. Their attention to detail allows tectural wall panels. The contrast underground parking, plus grade- them to keep long term tenants and between the white limestone block level and rooftop landscaping. build long term relationships. The panels and the charcoal window sur- suite layouts at The Edison have been round panels adds a level of elegance The Edison is currently under con- carefully designed to allow for com- only achieved with architectural pre- struction and should be fully com- fort and convenient living. Under- cast wall panels. This development plete later this year. The Architect for ground parking will also be available. will add major character upgrades to this project is W.M. Fares Group, on Halifax’s West End. behalf of the property owner, Ramzi Strescon was given the order to sup- Tawil of R.C. Jane Properties Ltd.. ply and install 74 architectural precast Strescon began erecting the 74 Malcolm Pinto Engineering Limited is wall panels for the Edison at 3400 architectural precast wall panels on Consulting Engineer. Dutch Village in the fall of 2015. Pro- April 26th, completing installation duction started January 25th, 2016 within one week.

Elsipogtog Commercial Development Chooses Loadbearing Precast

contributed by: Dave Thompson P.Eng.

he Elsipogtog First Nation is located in the Kent TCounty Region of New Brunswick, Canada. It is one of the largest Mi’kmaq communities in Atlantic Canada, with a population of approximately 3000 residents.

In November of 2015, Strescon was contracted by Ryson Interior Construction Ltd. to supply and install loadbearing precast wall panels for a new building for the Elsipogtog Retail Development. Strescon’s panels would make up the exterior walls, as well as an interior fire wall in the building. The loadbearing panels eliminated the need for exterior columns, as the roof system was supported directly by the precast.

This project had a very tight deadline, as winter was quickly approaching. Production ran from November 9th-26th, 2015 and required 250 cubic meters of concrete.

Strescon Atlantic mobilized to site on December 11th, completing the panel install on December 18th. The finishing work was completed January 22th, 2016. The panels will be painted once the warmer weather hits and construction is expected to be completed this summer.

18 connections | spring & summer 2016 www.oscoconstructiongroup.com projects

Concrete Pipe: The Smart Choice for Infrastructure

called for pricing on a concrete cul- appurtenances went out by the end vert to replace her failed metal drive- of February. Delivery areas were from way culvert. She has had to get to her St. Stephen, to Harvey, to Sussex, and home through the neighbor’s drive- all points in between. The sizes of way and walk through the woods all culverts replaced ranged from 610mm contributed by: Stewart Totten winter while waiting for repairs. (24”) to 2400mm (96”) inside diameter. October of 2015, the Once the storm subsided, New To ensure the best possible instal- news was saturated In Brunswick’s Department of Transpor- lation and safety of the community, with stories of a torrential tation & Infrastructure mobilized to pipe supports (pictured above) were rain storm which hit southern New assess the damage and start repairs. used on a large portion of the new Brunswick. Up to 160mm (over 6”) of Strescon’s pipe division in Saint John culverts. The pipe supports help en- rain fell in a 24 hour period. Dozens of was one of the first phone calls, to sure the end of the culvert does not roads were washed out and multiple find out what concrete pipe was in get undermined by the flowing water. vehicle accidents occurred; including stock, and how fast we could produce cars flipped over in the washed out it to replace failed (largely metal, plas- In the early stages of the disaster, culverts and being lost in streams and tic & wood) culverts. Strescon’s concrete pipe division was rivers that overtopped their banks. getting calls requesting product as Entire communities were cut off from Strescon typically keeps stock on soon as possible. Keeping the verbal easy access to work, school, business- hand for such emergencies, so was orders & follow up paperwork es and most importantly, emergency able to respond quickly to the serious organized for 92 separate work services without a long detour. demand. Once we received purchase orders was no easy task. Credit goes orders from DTI we started to ship out to the Pipe Division team, for Fast-forward 7 months to the time reinforced concrete pipe on Oct.15th. their collaborative effort in managing, of writing this article, and repairs are manufacturing and shipping products still ongoing. Just this week, a senior In total, 225 loads of culvert pipe and quickly and efficiently. www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 19 projects St Croix Tissue: Project Black Bear

contributed by: Mario LeBouthillier

t-Croix Tissue Inc., a division of Woodland Pulp SLLC., is located in Baileyville Maine. Project Black Bear has been ongoing since October 2014 and is now nearing its end. Since the beginning of this project, Ocean Steel has supplied approximately 2400 tons of structural and miscellaneous steel for the new Tissue Ma- chines Building and the Storage & Shipping Building.

This past January and February Ocean fabricated the miscellaneous steel and supplied the grating for stairs and handrail requirements in the new Tissue Machines Building.

OSCO is now working on a small “Soda Ash Platform” which will be delivered during the first week of May, 2016. St Croix Tissue commented that if any future steel fabrication is required, Ocean Steel will definitely be at the top of the list.

offerings will be a massive 60,000 square foot Sobeys grocery store, with attached 15,000 square foot NB Liquor store. According to media reports, the new Sobeys will be the first new- concept store in the province, and will feature “new meal solutions” not found in New Brunswick. Its location is adja- cent to Costco and TD Bank.

This past winter and spring, OSCO Concrete’s Strescon-Saint John plant supplied ready-mix for the new development, which is being built by Maxim Construction. The project involved approximately 1300 cubic metres of ready-mix, which required 23 pours.

The East Saint John Liquor Store Sobeys @ East Point opened in early March, while Sobeys is slated to open early this summer. contributed by: Dave Dunnett P.Eng. destination of choice for a wide range Meanwhile, the East Point area of fashion, home improvement and continue to grow, with more build- ocated in the center of East hospitality services. LSaint John, NB’s retail dis- ings slated to be built in the upcom- trict, East Point is the shopping The newest addition to East Point’s ing year.

20 connections | spring & summer 2016 www.oscoconstructiongroup.com projects

Salem Harbor Energy Center

contributed by: Bernie Blakley P.Eng. & The new $1B plant will consist of two project is WorleyParsons, of Read- Jason Presley units, replacing the four coal and ing, MA. oil-fired units of the old plant. It will urrently under construc- produce and provide efficient, reli- Ocean Steel supplied 550 tons Ction in Salem, MA, the able, low-emission electrical power of structural steel and grating for new Salem Harbor Station is a to New England, and will support platforms, pipe racks, stairs, and 674-megawatt (MW) natural gas- the introduction of new renewable handrail. Erection began in mid-April fired, quick-start, combined-cycle resources to the energy grid. of 2016. electric generating facility. The plant is situated on a 23–acre portion of Iberdorla Energy Projects, of Madrid, The Salem Harbor Energy Center is the original 65-acre Salem Harbor Spain, was awarded the Engineer owned and operated by Footprint Generating Station site; a decommis- Procure Construct (EPC) contract to Power. It will take about 30 months sioned coal-fired generating plant. build the new facility. to construct and is estimated to begin The Engineer for the operation in June 2017.

www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 21 projects

cean Steel Rebar recently wrapped up Owork on the Social Enterprise Hub; a 15,000 square-foot, 3 storey, mixed use office space at 139 Prince Edward Street in the Water- loo Village area of Saint John.

Ocean Steel Rebar began work in November 2015 for general contractor John Flood & Sons. This job required 40 tons of rebar and 5600 sqft of mesh. Along with supplying rebar for the ICF Walls, Ocean Steel Rebar also installed rebar for the foundation footings, elevator base/sump, OSCO Group and two elevated slabs on deck.

OSCO Concrete’s Strescon-Saint John plant also Helps Build Social contributed to this project, supplying approximately 500 cubic yards of ready-mix concrete.

The new Social Enterprise Hub will be man- Enterprise Hub aged by the Saint John Community Loan Fund. The “Hub” will be the Community Loan Fund’s new office space and will also house organizations such as the Saint John Human Develop- ment Council, the Saint John Learning Ex- contributed by: Kim Doggett & change, the Pond-Deshpande Centre, as well Dave Dunnett P.Eng. as several other small non profits and micro entrepreneurial start ups.

The objective for building the “Hub” is to establish a central location for like-minded non- profits, micro entrepreneurs, and early stage social enterprises; all of whom have a shared goal to reduce poverty by improving social conditions and promoting economic indepen- dence and entrepreneurship in Saint John.

The central location will allow shared access to leading technology, purchasing power, lever- aging investment, multiple and flexible meeting spaces, affordable rent, and enterprise support.

The ground floor will contain a large reception area (“Start Here” consultations); cafeteria/ café (serving as back to work training); as well as collaborative work spaces. The second floor will contain flexible meeting spaces and offices which can be rearranged or expanded to hold large community meetings. The third floor will contain more traditional office spaces.

The Social Enterprise Hub is expected to be completed by Fall 2016.

22 connections | spring & summer 2016 www.oscoconstructiongroup.com projects

contributed by: Brendan Clancy P.Eng. over 1,000 surface parking spaces. A Erectors. Fabrication of the precast blend of Precast Concrete Paneling, began at the end of March 2016, be- ollowing the recent suc- Metal Panel, Curtainwall and Store- ginning with 3-4 pieces per day, and Fcess of the 4 Burlington front glazing provide a unique and ramping up to 10 pieces cast per day. Woods project, Strescon and contemporary look to the building. Gutierrez Construction have teamed Production of all 228 pieces is expect- up to work on their most recent de- The project will use precast architec- ed to be complete by the end of May. velopment located in Burlington, MA. tural panels and spandrels, in three Currently, site progress is moving as different colors; white, grey, and scheduled, and Strescon hopes to The Summit Office Park is a new charcoal; to accent the other finishes. mobilize Monadnock to site the week Class ‘A’ Corporate Office Space, A total of 228 individual precast of May 30th to begin installing precast. designed by CUBE 3 Studio. When pieces (32,750 sq.ft.) will be supplied Precast Erection should be fully complete it will offer approximately and installed by Strescon and their complete by mid June of 2016. 280,000 sq.ft of office space and erector Monadnock Steel & Precast

www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 23 group milestone Marque turns

Marque’s first project as a General Contractor was the erection of Brunswick House Office Tower at the foot of King Street in downtown Saint John, NB. Fifty years later, Brunswick House still stands as one of the city’s premiere office towers and as a testament to Marque’s success in the construction industry.

Throughout the years, again, to lend their experi- Marque has successfully ence and knowledge. completed projects in both the industrial commercial Without our dedicated markets, but the industrial employees over the past 50 market has been and contin- years, we would not have ues to be where we shine. been able to achieve what we have. To our current and past The list of successful expan- employees, on behalf of the sions and turn-arounds that Senior Executive of the OSCO Marque has been involved Construction Group, we thank in, would be long. Whether it you for your support. was a new recovery boiler at Irving Pulp and Paper in the Carl Blanchard, early seventies, or the King of Vice President and General Cats project in 1999; Marque Manager, Construction was called on time and time OSCO Construction Group

Marque’s first project is to act as division installs all lighting, power and The unofficial Our History: General Contractor for the Brunswick controls for: galleries; tunnel; storage roots of Marque pre-date 1966, to House office tower on King Street in building; and conveyor when K.C. Irving formed Ocean Steel Saint John, NB. & Construction (OSCO) with Hans Marque Construction also acts as W. Klohn as President in 1955. At the General Contractor for Moncton 1971: Marque Construction is time, Ocean Steel encompassed three Superstore this year. awarded: Civil work for the Irving Oil operating divisions: Steel fabrication Refinery #2 Crude Unit; electrical and erection (including reinforcing 1987: Horst Saurteig retires as work for the Saint John Shipbuilding steel); Concrete; and General General Manager of Marque. expansion; and is appointed General Construction. Contractor for the CHSJ Radio and 1992: Marque completes the Between 1955 and 1959, OSCO’S Television building. instrumentation and electrical contracts Construction division worked on for the Toshiba turbine installation at the two very high-profile projects in 1976: Marque completes the Cat 450 MW NB Power Generating Station in Saint John, NB: Irving Pulp & Paper’s 104 Project at the Irving Oil Refinery Beldune, NB modernization and expansion, and the in Saint John, NB, 14 weeks ahead of construction of the Irving Oil Refinery. schedule. 1993: Marque purchases and renovates the former Coca-Cola : Marque Construction is 1966 1985: Marque works on Denison bottling plant on Chesley Drive, to incorporated, with Horst Saurteig Potican Ltd’s potash facility in convert it to a warehouse and shop appointed General Manager. Southern NB. Marque’s electrical facility.

24 connections | spring & summer 2016 www.oscoconstructiongroup.com group milestone

Marque Construction is a multi-trade, unionized specialty contractor serving the Atlantic Canadian region.

Construction services offered include: Civil, Electrical, Instrumentation, Mechanical and Process Piping. Marque’s primary market focus is on heavy industrial projects for the pulp and paper, power generation, mining, shipbuilding, petroleum refining and environmental 1966-2016 sectors.

$1-billion dollar upgrade. The upgrade company, OSCO Group Services Limited, Marque is awarded 1995: was the largest and most expensive is created to provide administrative and contracts for Stone & Webster project in the facility’s history. It was accounting support for the three sectors. Eagle Forest Products. Projects also one of the largest refinery projects included: civil work for the OSB mill in North America at the time. 2014: The OSCO Construction foundations; mechanical work and Group appoints Carl Blanchard as all piping installation; and electrical & 2000: FCC constructs new office Vice President and General Manager, instrumentation work. building at 400 Chesley Drive, Construction Sector headquarters for: OSCO, Strescon, 1996: Marque is awarded contracts Marque, FCC & York. The old office 2015: Marque Electrical and Civil to construct a conveyor gallery for buildings are demolished early in 2001. divisions work on Phase 2 of Irving finished paper rolls; and the complete Pulp & Paper’s $450 million Mill instrumentation work for the new 2001: “One World” Enterprise Modernization Project. paper machine, at Stora-Enso mill in Resource Planning (ERP) software, Port Hawksbury, NS. Marque Electrical plays a role in is adopted to integrate resources Operation Falcon; the Irving Oil throughout all companies. 1999: Carl Blanchard is appointed Refinery’s $200 million fall turnaround; General Manager of Marque and the largest the refinery’s history. 2002: The companies are officially Construction and FCC. reorganized into the OSCO Construction 2016: Marque celebrates its 50th Group, in preparation for future growth Marque works on the Anniversary! 1999-2000: in the three operating sectors. A new “King of Cats”, the Irving Oil Refinery’s www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 25 projects Irving Oil Refinery

contributed by TARA URQUHART

Marque Construction Keeps Busy at Canada’s Largest Oil Refinery

arque Construction is fortunate strumentation for the rebuild of the indication; stack carbon monoxide Mto be involved in a number of #1 Rheniformer. and methane measurement; along projects at the Irving Oil Refinery. with optimized selection of burners, Marque is assisting with the instal- The #1 Rheniformer was in opera- tube and tube support; redesigned lation of electrical and instrumen- tion until December 2015 when it to meet the latest API code. tation for a number of projects, was shut down to begin the rebuild. including: The reheater furnaces are being re- The reformer first reheater reheats placed due to structural damage and the hydrogen/hydrocarbon mixture • #1 rheniformer rebuild because the process tube coils have exiting the first reactor to the opti- • Flux loading facilities reached the end of their life. mum temperature in order for the • T301 gasoline piping desired reactions to take place in the The new furnaces are essentially a • NHT logic manager second reheater. replacement-in-kind. This means • Online monitoring and protection. that the new design will be virtually The reformer second reheater identical to the old, with a similar reheats the hydrogen/hydrocarbon #1 Rheniformer duty and no capacity added for mixture exiting the second reactor to future expansion. The major im- the optimum temperature in order Marque Construction is in the provements are: the addition of a for the desired reactions to take process of assisting the Irving Oil modern BMS (Burner Management place in the third reactor. Refinery with the electrical and in- System); additional heater temperate

26 connections | spring & summer 2016 www.oscoconstructiongroup.com projects

The reformer first and second reheat- will be reused at a later date. The T301 Gasline Pumping ers occupy sections of the same remaining work for this project will single-cell, box-type furnace. The first be completed in 2017. Tank 301 has been repurposed to reheater furnace tube coil constitutes supply the Marketing area with regu- the convection and upper radiant Flux Loading Facilities lar gasoline. A new motor operated section, while the second reheater valve and level switches have been furnace tube coil is located in the The flux loading facilities project will installed to facilitate safe and reliable lower radiant section of the firebox. provide the refinery with the capa- tank filling operations using 3 fill bility to load roofing flux by rail at modes, Primary, Backup and Manual. The fuel burners for both reheaters the train car loading rack. The scope are wall mounted. They run in longi- includes the design of a flux loading NHT Logic Manager tudinal rows in three banks on each system and vapor handling system. side of the box shell, and are fired The NHT Logic Manager project will using refinery fuel gas. The firebox The flux loading system will consist continue into 2016. Marque has begun has 72 burners (36 per sidewall). of a new flux loading pump located in preliminary work which requires the For the reformer first reheater, the the asphalt pit and dedicated to load- fabrication of forty shut down bypass top two rows of burners on both ing flux at the train car loading rack. panels, to be installed throughout the sides provide heat. The bottom row NHT unit. Each panel will require a A flux loading arm, equipped with an on each side supplies heat for the number of new signal cables, termi- overfill protection system consisting reformer second reheater. nating at recently installed junction of a level switch, will be also installed boxes. These junction boxes and at the train car loading rack in spot 1. The existing reheater furnaces home run cables were installed by were demolished at the start of the A new thermal pressure safety valve Marque on a recent project in the project. The project includes home will be required on the discharge line NHT area. At that time, we had suf- run cables that are being pulled, and from the flux loading pump, to relieve ficient scaffolding in place to pull the associated junction boxes installed. the piping system from over pressure cables for this “future” project, there- These home run cables are being due to thermal expansion of flux. fore, saving IOL re-scaffolding costs. installed from the new safety manager cabinets to the new shutdown Pressure gauges will be installed on Online Monitoring and instrumentation junction boxes. both the suction and the discharge All of the homerun cables are being of the flux loading pump. The vapor Installation of Prognost-NT online installed in new cable trays of sub- handling system is required to divert monitoring and protection system is stantial length from the North Satel- the flux fumes from the operator’s being completed for two compres- lite Building to the junction boxes in exposure areas, to a safe, elevated sors. This includes the installation the field, located in close proximity location, due to the high hydrogen of a new cabinet in South Satel- to the new heaters. sulphide concentration and volatile lite rack room, and connection to organic compounds in the fumes. Hydrocracker fail safe controller and All of the work required for the re- distributed control system. Again, build of the #1 rheniformer includes An eductor is being installed to en- to save scaffold costs, the cabling extensive installations of electrical sure negative pressure on the rail car was installed while the scaffold for cable trays, electrical devices, instru- is maintained. Pressure gauges will another project was in place prior to mentation and power wiring on the be installed on the utility air supply the recent Fall Turnaround. new heaters. The 2016 portion of to eductor and the vapor collection this project consists of all electrical line from rail car to eductor. Marque Construction is delighted to and instrumentation demolition re- be able to assist the refinery with the quired for the removal of the existing Marque will assist with both the electrical and instrumentation furnaces, the installation of a new power and control systems required required on so many projects. We cable tray system, and construction for this project. Marque will also look forward to a productive relation- support consisting of supplying all perform modifications required to ship in the future and will continue temporary power requirements for existing electric heat tracing and our focus on safety, customer service furnace assembly as well as tempo- install new electric heat tracing that and proficient and specialized rary relocation of equipment that is required. installations.

www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 27 projects Irving Oil Head Office

contributed by: Luke Johnson P.Eng., GSC

Construction has joined EllisDon as joint FCC venture partners to manage the construction of the new Irving Oil Home Office Headquarters. Both the FCC EllisDon Joint Venture as well as Irving Oil are excited about this milestone project for the City of Saint John. The new building will be located on the corner of King Square South and Sydney Street beside the Imperial Theater.

contributed by CHRIS BANKS, CET It is expected the surrounding area will be revitalized by the new construction. The building will be LEED certified and • #1 Rheniformer Re-Build Support has been designed by B + H Architects to complement the Steel for Extended Operations, surrounding landscape and buildings. Both a short sched- Saint John, NB, Irving Oil Refinery (Fluor ule and relatively small project footprint will complicate an Canada), 29.1 tons of structural steel. already complex project, but the FCC EllisDon Joint Venture Team is up of the challenge. Currently detailed • Platform, Stairs & Structural design drawings and final design decisions are in the Steel, Saint John, NB, Irving Oil process or being completed. Stay tuned for further articles Refinery, 26.3 tons of structural steel. regarding this project as it moves forward. • STG & CTG Transformer Platforms, Salem, MA, USA, Iberdrola Energy Projects, 21.3 tons of structural steel.

• Marysville Terminal Steel Structures, Fredericton, NB, NB Power, 7.1 tons of structural steel.

• Lifting Lug Plates for Concrete Bridge Girders, Bedford, NS & Saint John, NB, Strescon Ltd, 5.8 tons of plate work.

• Mercantile Center Roof Top Patio & Railing, Saint John, NB, FCC Construction, 2.8 tons of misc. metals.

• Wharf Brackets, Saint John, NB, MSI Marine Systems, 1.3 tons of misc. metals. Miscellaneous Metals Division

28 connections | spring & summer 2016 www.oscoconstructiongroup.com projects

Masonicare at Mystic Connecticut

contributed by: Brendan Clancy P.Eng. General Contractor, C.E. Floyd, in Both fabrication and erection began 2015 to assist in the conversion of in January 2016. This was Strescon trescon recently fabricated the cast in place/filigree slab design and American’s first project in- Sand installed approximately into a precast solution. Strescon was stalling precast Hollowcore plank 150,000 sq.ft. of precast Hol- awarded the Hollowcore plank scope onto an LGMF structure. Strescon lowcore plank, and 30 precast invert- to replace the filigree slab for the coordinated closely with both the ed ‘T’ beams for the newest facility for project this past summer. contractor and erector, through Masonicare of Wallingford located in multiple site visits; design meetings; Mystic Connecticut. The structure is primarily cast-in-place and pre-erection/safety planning; to (CIP) foundation with CIP IT beams ensure that the first mobilization and Masonicare is a not-for-profit that and light gauge metal framing (LGMF) all subsequent moves would be both specializes in healthcare and retire- providing the supports for the precast safe and efficient. ment living facilities for senior citizens. members. Due to schedule con- The new $35.4 Million facility will be a straints, the contractor approached Currently the project is 95% fabricated, 189 unit community that offers spaces Strescon to provide a precast beam and 72% erected. Working closely with for both independent and assisted solution for the CIP beams located in C.E.F. and ASPE, we have erected this living, as well as dedicated areas for the multi-story residential buildings. project safely, and ahead of schedule. individuals with memory needs. Strescon teamed up with American We hope to be fully complete by the end Steel and Precast Erectors to provide of June 2016. Strescon began working with the full supply and install scope of work.

www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 29 projects St. Joseph Square

contributed by: Dave Marcatilli

exel Developments, lead by Louie Lawen Dand family, is currently working on its next multi-residential property, St. Joseph’s Square. The building is located in one of Halifax’s most sought after living areas, “The Hydro Stone”, on the corner of Kay and Gottingen Streets, in the historic north end.

Located on the former site of St. Joseph Church, the property will consist of 106 - one, two and three- bedroom units, with two levels of underground parking and 6000 square feet of commercial space. Dexel chose OSCO Concrete to supply ready-mix and pumping for the 5000 cubic meter project. Omega Form- work started pouring footings in mid July 2015, and concrete work should be complete in late May 2016.

This is a property-line-to-property-line project, with two schools and many homes surrounding it. Because of this, access and noise bylaws are a major concern. Thanks to the efforts of site foreman Duncan Gillis and OSCO employees, the project has moved along smoothly, despite the challenges.

Brunner Island Gas Co-Firing Project

contributed by: Bernie Blakely P.Eng. approximately $100 million to add natural gas to help drive its three generating units, which provide enough ver the past several years, natural power to light up about 1 million residential homes. Ogas production in the Northeast- The project converts the plant from just coal, to “co- ern region of the United States has firing”, which means the plant can burn coal, natural grown significantly. This abundance of supply has gas or both. reduced prices, and increased the fuel’s competitive- ness for power generation. Ocean Steel’s Conklin, NY plant provided 150 tons of structural steel, handrail, and grating. The Engineer for In response, the 1437 MW Brunner Island coal-fired the project was Worley Parsons of Reading, PA. power plant, located in York Haven, PA, has now added cleaner-burning natural gas to its generation of This was Ocean’s 2nd project at this site. In 2007, electricity. Ocean supplied the steel for the $800M Unit 1 ductwork supports for the Flue Gas Desulfurization Owner Talen Energy of Allentown, PA has committed (FGD) project through Shaw Stone & Webster.

30 connections | spring & summer 2016 www.oscoconstructiongroup.com projects

Newport Arena

contributed by: David Marcatilli & Roscoe chose Annapolis Valley Ready prestressing strand pulled to 29 kips, Andrew Levatte Mix, OSCO Concrete’s Hants County in each double bleacher, as the rein- ready mix operation, for concrete forcing; another advantage of precast pril 1, 2015 was a sad day for the and pumping. The project, which will prestressed concrete. It would be Acommunity of Newport, in Hants have an NHL sized ice surface, began very difficult to achieve a 34’-9” clear County, Nova Scotia. A community in October 2015. OSCO is currently span using conventionally reinforced landmark was lost that day, when the supplying approximately 760 me- concrete. roof of the Newport District Arena ters of ready-mix concrete. collapsed, bringing most of the build- Once the shop drawings were ing down with it; fortunately there Strescon Limited is also approved, Strescon started was no one in the building when it participating in the project, production in November, fell. The building had been a staple with the supply and instal- wrapping it up within a week. of the community for 43 years before lation of 16pcs of precast Strescon Atlantic’s installation succumbing to the horrible winter of prestressed concrete double crew installed the bleacher seats 2015. One of only two arenas in the bleacher seats on December 16, 2015. Installation area was lost in the blink of an eye. started at 9:00am and was wrapped This project was very unique, as the up by 5:30pm the same day. Fortunately with bad news, there is clear span of the bleacher seats was often a ray of good. Through commu- 34’-9”, allowing the design team to Installing the bleachers first, allowed nity fundraising and proceeds from in- reduce the amount of supporting for a quicker schedule and simpler surance, a new arena was announced structure required underneath the erection. The contractor could then a few months after the collapse. In bleachers. This, in turn, provided a focus on installing the building. The September 2015, Roscoe Construc- clear span in the change rooms. project should be complete by tion was awarded construction of the summer 2016; just in time for the Fall new Newport District Arena. To achieve a 34’-9” clear span, hockey season. Strescon’s Designers used 7ea 1/2” www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 31 projects

Precast Concrete: Material of Choice for Market Basket

reprinted from: PCINE.org project the panels featured 5 inches of insula- The precaster supplied an 8-inch Stre- profiles tion sandwiched between 3-inch inte- score plank for the mezzanine area of rior and exterior wythes of concrete. the store, consisting of 46 pieces of fficials at the Market 10-inch-wide planks, and was asked to OBasket Supermarket Market Basket has used precast provide pricing to include the insu- chain have found that using concrete panels on other stores, lated panels. “Many other products a precast concrete façade on some although the final design of each is could not meet the schedule that was of their new stores provides a cost- based on a variety of factors includ- needed, and Strescon was able to effective and quickly constructed ing situational needs and location, come to the plate and provide a high- design in the right circumstances. explains Essa Ahmed, project archi- quality panel for a competitive price A new 80,000-square-foot store in tect at the architectural firm Prellwitz on their schedule,” says Tim Macdon- Rochester, New Hampshire, is the Chilinski Associates. ald, project manager at Strescon. This most recent addition to the line. was the first time Strescon had pro- “The precast concrete panels helped vided the company with its insulated The store features 61 CarbonCast save time and construction cost on panels, he notes. High Performance insulated precast this project,” he says. “When all of the concrete wall panels fabricated by penetrations are known and adapta- “The precast process—building the Strescon Limited. The panels consist tions are not required, it’s an almost system off-site, transporting compo- of two concrete wythes separated by perfect solution for this type of nents to the site and erecting them— continuous insulation and connected project.” An as-cast form finish was saves labor, time, and money,” says by C-Grid brand shear trusses. For provided for the panels. Ahmed. “It also provides continu- primary flexural reinforcement, prestressing strand or steel rebar is used in each wythe and in pilasters internal to the panel. “The precast concrete panels helped save time and

With low thermal conductivity, the construction cost... it’s an almost perfect solution trusses create insulating values up to for this type of project.” R-37 depending on the thickness and type of foam insulation. In this project, Essa Ahmed, Architect, Prellwitz Chilinski Associates

32 connections | spring & summer 2016 www.oscoconstructiongroup.com projects

“Many other products could not meet the schedule that was needed, and Strescon was able to come to the plate and provide a high-quality panel for a competitive price on their schedule,”

Tim Macdonald, Project Manager, Strescon

ous insulation, which is a key contributor to meeting code Owner: Retail Management & Development Inc., requirements.” Tewksbury, MA Designer: Prellwitz Chilinski Associates Inc., The panels were erected for the back wall of the project, Cambridge, MA with a curtain-wall type storefront used across the front. The erection progressed on schedule with no disruptions, Structural Engineer: Branagan Engineering Inc., reports Tom Koistinen, project manager for Seppala Con- Hingham, MA struction, the general contractor. “It went very smoothly, Contractor: Seppala Construction Co. Rindge, NH with nothing noteworthy about it,” he says. “Noteworthy aspects usually mean something went wrong, and everything Precaster: Strescon, Ltd. went well.” The panels were erected in six days. Structural Precast Elements: 46 pieces of 8-inch-thick, 10-inch-wide Both Seppala and Prellwitz Chilinski have designed and built Strescore plank, encompassing 4,466 sf other stores for Market Basket, including two using precast (Mezzanine). concrete panels. “The materials we use typically depend on the client’s needs and the architectural context of the 61 CarbonCast High Performance town,” Ahmed explains. “But when it’s possible to use insulated precast concrete walls with as- precast concrete, we will definitely go for the savings.” cast form finish (back and side walls).

Full Throttle Power Sports, Clarks Harbour (Kenney Wharf) Jetco Contracting, 24 tons of Tri-County Construction, 24.76 rebar and 20,640 sq ft mesh. Tons of rebar.

contributed by: Greg Tims & Michaels (Foundation and institutional Dawne Grandy Panels), JW Lindsay, 20 Tons of Belcourt Retreat Centre, rebar and 800 sq ft mesh. Stanley Bridge, PEI, MacLean Commercial Construction, 12 Tons of rebar Commercial Building (Block Canadian Tire Renovation, and 13 000 SF of mesh. BD-6), 325788 N.S. Limited, 52 Moncton, NB, Marco Maritimes Tons of rebar and 24,000 sq ft of Ltd, 17 Tons of rebar. Halifax/Dartmouth Communi- mesh. ty Correction Centre, Avon- Social Enterprise Hub, Saint Marine, Bridges dale Construction, 50.87 Tons John, NB, John Flood & Sons of rebar and 25,440 sq ft mesh. Ltd, 40 Tons of rebar and 5600 Cope Wall Repairs, Wood SF of mesh. Islands, PEI, Williams Murphy MUNICIPAL MacLeod Ltd, 30 Tons of rebar. Safe Clean Drinking Water Building D Princess Auto, Project, Saint John, NB, North Fredericton, NB, Bird Ellingham Brook Culvert, American Construction, 900 Construction, 14 Tons of rebar Oromocto, NB, Vernon Pitre Tons of rebar. and 27,500 SF of mesh. Foundations, 13 Tons of rebar. INDUSTRIAL Petroleum System Upgrades, Jetty NJ Topsides, Halifax, NS, Various Locations throughout Dexter Construction, 1692 Tons Fundy Heights Cell Tower, NB, Petroservice, 48 Tons of of rebar. Saint John, NB, Butternut Ridge

Rebar Projects rebar. Construction, 12 Tons of rebar. www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 33 projects architectural rendering courtesy of ©KieranTimberlake

project delivery approach, where efficiencies and savings are realized Brown University by the entire group. This approach is unlike most jobs School of Engineering Building typically completed by Ocean Steel. As such, there were additional com- plexities that were experienced during the project. As design decisions contributed by: Trevor Watters Project Delivery” process. An Inte- grated Project Delivery, commonly were refined by the group along the rown is an independent, co- known as an “IPD”, is a collabora- way, Ocean Steel was required to in- Beducational Ivy League institu- tive approach between the owner, corporate refinements and additional tion, Located in historic Providence, architects, engineering, general requirements quickly, to maintain the Rhode Island . Founded in 1764, contractors and various subcontrac- overall project delivery schedule. Brown University is the seventh-old- tor trades, which together make up Upon completion, the new 80,000 est college in the United States. the trade partner team. sf building will include 22 new Ocean Steel’s Saint John facility is All partners have a stake in the suc- cutting-edge research labs; a 4,600 currently fabricating material for the cess of the project. Each trade part- sf microelectronics cleanroom; a 700 new School of Engineering build- ner participant is actively engaged sf bio-cleanroom; and a 2,200 sf high ing at Brown. The new building will during all aspects of the project; from performance imaging suite. consist of 708 tons of structural steel concept, to design, to implementa- The fabrication and delivery of the columns, beams, and decking. Work tion, and completion. This involve- steel and decking is expected to be began in early 2015. ment allows the IPD team to draw complete by June 2016. The com- from other trade partners’ experi- This project is very unique, as it is be- pleted structure should be open by ence. This allows for a streamlined ing completed using the “Integrated late December, 2017.

34 connections | spring & summer 2016 www.oscoconstructiongroup.com priorities | technology

ToolHound TM contributed by: Robin Young

2016 the FCC Warehouse introduced ToolHound, a highly efficient Intool tracking and rental computer software and scanning system. This new software was purchased to track our warehouse inventory, complete with Tools; Equipment; Vehicle rentals; and all consumable sales. It was implemented with the help of Joe McDevitt, George Hubley, Gary Johnston, Robin Young and Heather Fox, with the support of our OSCO IT Group, consisting of Nick Hatt, Owen Vlug, Ron Margeson, Barry McGinnis and Kerri Scott.

The official launch for ToolHound took place in January 2016. The preparation for launch meant that every existing piece of equipment, tool and consumable stock had to be counted, cat- egorized, and tagged with a ToolHound barcode label. This was a large task to perform, and took approximately 4 months to complete; complicated by the fact that many tools and equipment were already out on rental.

These bar codes will now allow warehouse staff to use hand held scanners to efficiently check items in or out, and tag the rental supervisor along with sufficient job coding, for -in voicing purposes. Finally.... paper is no longer necessary to be filled out; this system saves all transactions and signa- tures, for future reference and reporting requirements.

An additional benefit to ToolHound is that we now have a controlled servicing suite that can monitor and track any servicing and inspections coming due on all tools and equipment.

New reporting is available with ToolHound, which will give us the capability to track: the most frequent types of tools and equipment rented; consumables purchased; all revenue generated; and the management of older tools and equipment; keeping the warehouse stocked with a better inventory to serve everyone better.

ToolHound was implemented with the ability to grow with our company, and we look forward to expanding its use in the years to come.

www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 35 priorities | environment

Below: David Bishop (OSCO’s Environmental at almost all of our facilities, yet Manager) & April Glendenning (OSCO’s new reducing solid waste still remains one Environmental Manager) of our greatest challenges.

On a positive note, many employees throughout the Group have started programs on their own that have led to OSCO getting this award. Furthermore, some of these initiatives have then spread, by inspiring other businesses to take similar steps, after learning about them through the Sustainable SJ Net- work. On the flip side, we have picked up some great ideas through Sustain- able SJ events as well. Environmental

contributed by: Sustaina le Recognition David Bishop Saint John for OSCO his past March 24th, the OSCO Construction Group TConstruction Group was recog- Award nized by Sustainable Saint John, for their progress in sustainability. The OSCO’s award is based on When viewed in the context of the recognition event took place at the improvements that members have whole Group, some of our im- Delta in Saint John, NB. instituted. The image on the award provements may seem small, but plaque takes the form of a tree with Sustainable Saint John is a group of sustainability is all about continual 12 leaves. Yearly, as each member area businesses that was established improvement, and each step in the institutes new improvements in certain in 2010. The vision statement for the right direction is an improvement. By areas, they are awarded additional group is “To improve the Environ- building on and copying these small leaves for their tree. mental Sustainability of the Greater steps throughout our companies, we Saint John Area”. Through group net- The OSCO Group was awarded 5 will continue on the path toward a working and educational opportuni- leaves in the first year. We have to truly sustainable Group. ties, businesses learn about sustain- keep in mind however, that being Each of our employees has contrib- ability by talking to people who have awarded leaves doesn’t mean we uted to us receiving this award. From made changes in their businesses. have perfected those areas; only that the person who puts their empty pop we have made progress in them. OSCO has participated in the group can in the recycling bin; to the ready since 2010 and has been one of the For example, we were awarded a leaf mix driver who makes blocks out of contributors to the Sustainability for energy efficiency because we had leftover concrete, instead of putting Tool kit. This tool kit is a survey that installed new energy efficient lighting it in the washout pond. These are the evaluates how each member is do- in one of our plants. At other plants people who deserve the credit for this ing with respect to various aspects however, we still have challenges in award, and who will continue to make of sustainability. The tool kit covers: reducing our usage of natural gas, our company more sustainable. environmental policy, water conser- fuel oil and electricity. vation, recycling, energy efficiency, Sustainability is not an option, it is waste management, transportation We also received a leaf for recycling our future. and procurement. because we have recycling programs

36 connections | spring & summer 2016 www.oscoconstructiongroup.com priorities | technology

OSCO I.T. SUPPORT CHANGES

contributed by: Andria Goguen Continuous improvement is impor- help in generating revenue for the tant to the department – we want company. ecently OCI’s Shared services to build on, and improve the level of RIT department underwent a big service already offered to our user ABM is now the frontline support for change – the transition of Tier 1 community. The transition of Tier 1 The OSCO Group, Ocean Capital Helpdesk support services for the workload to an outside vendor, al- Holdings, Acadia Broadcasting, Com- OSCO Construction Group computer lows our IT staff to focus on be- mercial Properties, Source Atlantic users to ABM Integrated Solutions. coming more proactive with system and Petro Service. maintenance and problem preven- ABM is a Nova Scotia based com- Since the go-live date, ABM has an- tion. We can spend time capturing pany that has been in business for swered an average of 350 tickets each better analytics and investigating over 30 years, serving various indus- month for the 1100+ employees that the root causes of issues, so we can tries. ABM has become the frontline have transitioned to ABM Support. eliminate the issues before they be- support for all of the companies’ IT come significant problems. needs and are now handling support Accessing the help desk is easy; employees can call 1-844-OCI-0890 requests for a variety of issues that In addition, our IT staff will continue or send an email with the description are considered quick fixes. Issues to develop and specialize their skills of their problem to [email protected]. that cannot be resolved by ABM are and become subject matter experts in Escalation procedures are even in promptly escalated to the Tier 2 OCI business applications. These are the place for emergency after hours Shared Services IT Technical Sup- applications that help the business do support. port staff. their jobs more efficiently and in turn, www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 37 priorities | safety The Future

of Chemical Hazard above: Sackville Communication Systems Concrete

contributed by: April Glendenning P.Tech & Lou Totino COHS, CSS Strescon SJ

ver the last few years, there ensure our group would continue Ohas been a series of govern- to remain in compliance and red diamond border. mental organization initiatives to employees are trained when the Inside this border is a align and synchronize common necessary changes take effect. symbol that represents classification and labeling require- the potential hazard ments for Workplace Hazardous Training: In the fall of 2015, the (e.g., fire, health Chemicals throughout the world. OSCO Safety Team finalized a hazard, corrosive, new WHMIS 2015 training pro- etc.). Pictograms are In Canada, the WHIMIS system has gram and set a target to complete assigned to specific been used since 1988 as the na- WHMIS 2015/GHS training with all hazard classes or tional hazard communication sys- current employees by the end of categories. tem that provided information on March 2016. All new and return- the safe use of hazardous materi- ing employees will be given the SDSs als in Canadian workplaces. The Safety Data Sheets: updated WHMIS 2015 training as will also be seeing a few changes. equivalent program in the United they return to work and through The new Global Harmonized States is OHSA’s “Hazard Commu- their new hire orientations. System will ensure SDSs will nication Standard” (HazCom). follow a standard 16-section Currently, training sessions have format with specific information The new international initiative been taking place throughout the requirements. These GHS-format to standardize chemical hazard OSCO Construction Group vari- SDSs are permitted for use in classification and communication ous locations in Atlantic Canada. globally would be called Globally Canada as long as the current Harmonized System or GHS. In the United States, the process WHMIS requirements are met. of training OSCO Construction In the United States, HazCom has Group employees started De- Transition: There is a transition been replaced by GHS. In Canada cember 1, 2013. All new employ- period to ensure all responsible however, WHMIS will be modified ees complete new hire orienta- parties (Supplies & Employers) have to incorporate the GHS elements tions including GHS training by implemented required legislative and WHMIS/GHS will now be Safety Coordinator, Mark Friebel. changes in their Safety Programs. known as “WHMIS 2015”. The GHS transition period deadline Pictograms: One of the new in the United States is June 1, 2016 There will be new standardized: changes to WHMIS 2015 is the while in Canada; the transition use of Pictograms. Pictograms • Classification Rules period deadline is June 1, 2018. • Label Requirements are graphic images that • Safety Data Sheet (SDS) immediately show the user of a The OSCO Safety Department is hazardous product what type of format (formerly Material confident that all Group employ- hazard is present. Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)) ees, whether new or returning, will be trained well ahead of the As shown on the opposite page, The OSCO Safety Team has been upcoming changes! most pictograms have a distinctive working together to keep pace to

38 connections | spring & summer 2016 www.oscoconstructiongroup.com priorities | safety

Environment Corrosion Expoding Bomb Skull & Crossbones Gas Cylinder Aquatic Toxicity Serious Eye Damage, Skin Explosive, Self-Reactive (severe), Acute Toxicity (fatal or toxic) Gas Under Pressure Corrosion, Corrosive to Metals Organic Peroxide (severe)

Health Hazard Exclamation Mark Flame Flame over Circle Biohazardous Carcinogenicity, Respiratory Irritation (skin or eyes), Skin Flammable, Self-Reactive, Oxidizer Biohazardous Infectious Sensitization, Reproductive Sensitization, Acute Toxicity Pyrophoric, Self-heating, In Materials Toxicity, Target Organ Toxicity, (harmful), Specific Target Contact With Water, Emits Germ Cell Mutagenicity, Organ Toxicity (drowsiness Flammable Gases, Organic Aspiration Hazard or dizziness, or respiratory Peroxide irritation), Hazardous to the Ozone Layer

source: www.ccohs.ca/WHMISpictograms.html

Sorry... I Couldn’t Hear You OSCO Group Strives to Prevent Industrial Hearing Loss

hear- contributed by: Duanne Shanks The OSCO Group is taking a proac- ing protective approach and is enhancing hearing tion they he world of safety has improved sig- conservation for our employees. One of were getting nificantly over the past decade from T our suppliers introduced an EAR valida- only a slight changes in legislation, safety equipment tion system which will test the level of reduction of technology, and training requirements. noise that is emitted from an external high levels speaker while wearing hearing protection The costs of hearing claims for industrial of noise entering their inner ear drum. to determine of the noise level reaching hearing loss are on the rise in Canada’s Adjustment of the insertion technique the inner ear. Thus, allowing verification workforce. For years, companies have dramatically improved hearing protection hearing protection being used is properly produced safety equipment to help in employees who were exposed to high inserted and providing adequate protec- reduce the possibility of injuries in the levels of noise. tion for each user. workplace. Hearing protection is one The education value in using this tool is of those pieces of personal protective Strescon Saint John was the first to roll substantial. Employees can now see equipment that has been used, but there out this equipment. It soon saw employ- (graphically) the difference proper has been no way of testing the equip- ees, for the most part, were not inserting insertion of hear protection can make in ment to ensure it was doing the job that ear plugs correctly. Most tests showed protecting their hearing! it was intended to do. that when the employee inserted their www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 39 public & community A Boy, a Truck and Some Forever Friends Autism no barrier to making dream come true

The following article and photos are Young Derian went from watching reprinted Courtesy of The Chronicle from afar, to being allowed in the lot Herald, Halifax, Nova Scotia to being hoisted into a truck. When he walked into the office Thursday, he nine-year-old boy beams from got a bunch of smiles and a stack of inside an OSCO Concrete truck as A branded apparel from manager Tracy he pulls down the lever and sounds Dobson and her staff. the horn. “His mother would park outside and He can barely see out the windshield, ask if it was okay to watch the trucks. but all the workers stand around the One day, an employee, Branford Par- big rig and make him feel like that’s sons, asked him if he wanted to get in. exactly where he belongs. It was such a thrill for Derian,” she said. Derian Glover is autistic, and he sees “He came back another day, and our the men who spend their days behind employee Richie toured the plant with the wheel coming and going from the him. It was amazing for him, and for Lower Sackville cement plant as his us, it costs nothing to give him hats heroes. and T-shirts. We want to make him “It’s just amazing to see people reach happy.” out to Derian and see him attach to Dobson and the receptionist laugh them. These men are so nice and as they hear a truck horn honking natural with him. This is like Disney for outside, a sure sign Derian is having a him,” said his mother Vicki Glover. blast. “It’s a dream come true.” “We have a great bunch of guys here,” Derian yells and laughs from the she said. truck’s open window. His excitement’s “They saw him around and wanted to obvious and so is the enjoyment of the do something good. He’s such a cute drivers and staff. little kid, and it’s a special thing to see “We would be at Frenchy’s, and he’d him excited.” always look over here. One day he Glover won’t soon forget the kindness asked to see it, so I drove over and we shown by Branford, Richie and the parked outside the fence. He called others. it the ‘tower and tunnel,’ “ Derian’s mother said. “He’s talked about it every day since. Everywhere we go, he tells people he “He was excited enough to park over visited the tower and tunnel. He talks there, so his excitement when the guys about the truck,” she said. let him inside was so big.” “It’s amazing how a little bit of kindness Glover fights back tears and she talks can go so far in my boy’s life.” about the kindness that the truckers have shown her young son. Derian wanders the site in his new OSCO hat and Glover knows her son “They’re just amazing people. They’re has made some new, forever friends. down to earth. Not all people would have such compassion,” she said. This article originally ran on Page A6 of the Chronicle Herald, on March 26, 2016.

connections | spring & summer 2016 www.oscoconstructiongroup.com 40 public & community

… Wia Ready sh MixU pTruck? o n

contributed by: Vivian Chaisson CHRP Driver with 11 years of service with on such a grueling procedure. She Bedford Ready Mix, kindly agreed to is pretty sure his original plan to be ebruary 5, 2016 was a day that spend time with Adam and show him a firefighter when he grows up, has Fthree year-old Adam Davis will the ins and outs of the vehicle. Em- now changed to wanting to become never forget. It was the day he had a ployees put some gifts together for a future OSCO Ready Mix Driver! dream come true. What surprised us Adam to take home too, and thanks all was that his dream was to see the to Gary Phillips, Fleet Safety & Com- Adam and his family reside in Truro, inside of a Ready Mix Concrete Mixer pliance Coordinator, who acted as Nova Scotia. We send Adam our Truck! photographer, we have some pretty thoughts and best wishes as he cute pics of a happy little boy. continues to beat cancer and look Bedford Ready Mix in Halifax re- forward to his employment applica- ceived a call to see if they would What you can’t see from those pics, tion in the future! consider showing a truck to a little however, is that sadly, this little boy boy whose great hope was to see and his mom had a lot on their mind; The Izaak Walton Killam (IWK) Hospital one from the inside. Adam sees our they would soon head into the IWK is a world-class, specialized health care trucks driving all around town and Hospital for Adam to undergo his facility for Maritime women, youth and has taken great interest in how they first round of Chemotherapy. children. The IWK Foundation has a work, and what it’s like to drive one. mission to raise money to support the Adam’s mom, Jane, reported Adam excellence of this amazing facility. For The employees sprung into action was delighted to have the op- more information about the IWK, or to to make it a special day for Adam. portunity to explore the truck that learn about ways you can support children Dwayne Mansfield, a Ready Mix fascinated him, before he had to take like Adam, visit iwkfoundation.org. www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 41 public & community

National Take Your Kids to Work Day

their nerves at ease. Following that, details to their Site Superintendent. New Brunswick a company orientation was pro- The Site Superintendents were vided by Kristen LaViolette, then a responsible for giving instructions contributed by: Kristen LaViolette CHRP safety orientation given by Duanne to the Labourers; troubleshooting if ednesday, November 4th, 2015 Shanks, Safety Coordinator. Next, there were problems; and assisting as Wwas Canada’s National Take the students received a shop safety required. Labourers were responsible Our Kids to Work Day. This program orientation from Deb Flewelling and to get the job done as per the direc- provides grade 9 students an oppor- headed to Ocean Steel for a plant tion and information from the Project tunity to job shadow their parent or tour given by Bernie Blakely. In the Managers and Site Superintendent. sponsor for a day, to learn about dif- plant, they toured the main shop Each group built a marshmallow ferent careers. Each year, OSCO’s HR floor, paint room and welding area, tower and a pasta bridge. Department sponsors the morning and learned about the steel process, sessions, with company and safety the functionality of the different ma- After all that hard work, it was time orientations; a plant tour; and design/ chinery and the jobs available. for a pizza lunch with the student’s build challenge. This year we had 8 parents and sponsors. The students students participate in Saint John, NB. Next came the Design Squad! The were provided their certificates of group was split into 3 teams made participation and a few thank you During our morning session at head of a Project Manager, a Site Superin- gifts for choosing the OSCO Con- office, the day started off with a tendent and a Labourer. The Project struction Group as their Take Our meet-and-greet to introduce all of Managers were tasked with meeting Kids to Work Day option. Thank you the students to each other and put their customer, who provided the to our students and sponsors: Nick project details; then relaying those Dunnett (Dave Dunnett), Ryan

42 connections | spring & summer 2016 www.oscoconstructiongroup.com public & community

Mazerolle (Dan Mazerolle), Sam safety presentation, Deb Flewelling, to Work Day. The students Murphy (Doug Murphy), Mitchell Bernie Blakely and Ashley Dooks for were provided with career and Ogden (Pam Ogden), Erin Saf- the plant tour and Jeff Kyle for our safety presentations; a plant tour; ford (Dave Safford), Abbie Shanks pizza order. and participated in a mock design (Duanne Shanks), Reilly Wright & project. Lana Spataru (Glen Wright). Nova Scotia Thanks to John Fraser for hosting the A big thank you also goes out to tour, Gary Phillips for the Job Safety everyone who helped make this day contributed by: Vivian Chaisson CHRP information, and Cindy MacDow for possible! Shelley McNamara for playing the role of Design Project trescon’s Bedford, NS plant coordinating the event and for being customer. After all the learning, the hosted a morning presentation one of our “customers”, Janessa S kids were treated to a pizza lunch and tour for Grade 9 Students par- Davidson who was one of our before job shadowing parents for the ticipating in National Take Our Kids “customers”, Duanne Shanks for his remainder of the day.

Rothesay Netherwood School Royal Canadian Legion Saint John Mens Y’s Club Helping Hands Saint John SPCA Animal Rescue Saint John Theatre Company contributed by: Shelley McNamara East Coast Ice SJ Atom B Flames Eastern Shore Midget A Team SJ Bantam Flyers Construction Group Extra-mural Program of NB South Shore Minor Hockey OSCO is a proud supporter Fishing for Memories St. Antonios Lebanese Festival of many organizations and associa- Halifax Hurricanes Volleyball Team St. Malachy’s Memorial High School tions who strive to support and better Heart & Stroke Foundation Boys Hockey Program our communities. Following are Jr. RiverHawks Program for Atlantic St. Malachy’s Memorial High School some of the groups we have contrib- Hockey Group Girls Hockey Program uted to in the past year: Kurl for Kids TASA Atom A Team KVMHA Peewee C Red Wings Teen life choices - Bedford Ready mix Alzheimers Society of NB NB Lung Association The BMO Hockey Heroes American Cancer Society Nova Scotia Newton Baseball Team United Way Bobby’s Hospice Police Association of New Brunswick United Way of Broome County Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Police Association of Nova Scotia Village of St. Martins - 4 Seasons Canadian Cancer Society Prince County Hospital Foundation Complex Canadian Mental Health Association Romero House YMCA of Greater Saint John Children’s Wish Foundation www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 43 people 25 Year Club

contributed by: Ashley Dooks CHRP sectors over the past year. Cathy Parker, Procurement Special- ist with Ocean Steel & Construction he OSCO Construction Group’s Following the meal was the induction Ltd. Cathy’s video included stories Tannual 25 Year Club Dinner was of our newest members. Keeping that gave our audience the true es- held at the Marco Polo Cruise Termi- with a tradition started last year, we sence of what makes Cathy Parker nal in Saint John on November 19th. commissioned videos for those in- tick! We learned that besides being a ductees who wished to be filmed. diligent employee with a remarkable 2015 was OSCO’s 60th anniversary, memory, she is also a very talented so the evening began with many of Our first inductee was Gordon musician. Harrison Wilson, Vice our current and retired employees Arsenault, Ready Mix Driver with President & General Manager of our looking at pictures and discussing the OSCO Concrete’s Schurman location Steel Sector, presented Cathy with work they had completed over the in Summerside, PEI. Unfortunately her watch and years of service pin. years. The trip down memory lane Gordon was unable to attend the Like the previous year, the videos was followed by the traditional group dinner, however David Bancroft, certainly painted a picture of why photo, consisting of the members of General Manager of OSCO Concrete, OSCO prides itself on our employees. the 25 Year Club in attendance. accepted on Gordon’s behalf. In addition to receiving their in- As always, George Paisley (Strescon Our second inductee was Pat Bagley, duction gift and pin, the attending Retiree) presided over a moment Electrical Manager for FCC Construc- inductee’s guest was presented with silence for retirees who have passed tion. Pat’s video, featuring current and a basket full of chocolate! away since the previous year’s dinner, former supervisors, as well as current followed by asking the blessing over employees, really gave a touching The evening closed with Group Presi- the meal. Guests were then treated perspective of what it has been like to dent, Hans O. Klohn drawing tickets to a delicious dinner buffet put on by work with Pat for 25 years. As Pat was for door prizes, then everyone picked Thandi’s. During the meal, the 2015 not able to attend the dinner, Carl up a copy of the newest Connections “Be Connected” videos series was Blanchard, Vice President & General magazine on the way out. shown, giving the retirees an op- Manager of our Construction Sector portunity to see how our employees accepted on his behalf. Congratulations to all our 2015 25 have been connecting across the Year Club Inductees! The last inductee of the evening was

44 connections | spring & summer 2016 www.oscoconstructiongroup.com people EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION CELEBRATION OSCO construction group June 17th, 2016 | Saint John, NB

contributed by: Kristen LaViolette CHRP items that provide the most value, another evening of celebrating our based on employee survey feedback. outstanding achievements! s we approach the fourth year Aof having our volunteer planning We will continue to host an appetizer A big thank you to our dedicated committee, we have reflectedOSCO on the reception, followed by the dinner, Volunteer Planning Committee: Steve changes made to the dinner over the then keynote from our President, Adams (Group Services), Bernie years with pride. Not to loseconstruction sight of with recognition for retirees, safety, Blakely (Ocean Steel), Shonda the purpose of the dinner; to cel- years of service and professional de- Burgess (FCC), Colin Crealock ebrate the milestones of ourgroup employ- velopment. The evening will end with (Group Services), Jeff Kyle (Ocean ees as a group; we are going back to a popular game show themed activ- Steel), Heather MacKenzie (FCC), the basics with our agenda. We have ity, customized to the OSCO Con- Shelley McNamara (Group Services) simplified the evening to include struction Group. We look forward to and Roxanne Walsh (FCC).

Employee Recognition Program Enhancements

contributed by: Kristen LaViolette CHRP Their long-standing relationship with jewelry, tools, luggage, home, cooking the promotional products association & outdoor goods. In addition to keep- he new Employee Recogni- of Canada allows them access to any ing the catalogue stocked with new Ttion Program, launched in 2014, promotional good. gift items, we have added high quality changed the face of our traditional clothing items to each tier. Clothing service pin program, to one where Now with online ordering capabilities, items will be embroidered with a logo employees are given the option of The Estey Group creates online stores of choice; either company specific, or choosing a gift of their choice. Based for a quick and easy gifting process. OSCO Construction Group. on the feedback that you provided, we With the combination of online and have enhanced the program to offer personal touch, the Estey Group is a Other catalogue changes are related to you more choices as outlined below. perfect fit for OSCO. electronics and jewelry. With our Estey Group partnership, we now have ac- THE ESTEY GROUP YEARS OF SERVICE cess to other local suppliers, like Spicer CATALOGUE Jewelry. We are pleased to announce our part- The years of service employee rec- nership with The Estey Group, located Brands you will see in the catalogue ognition catalogue continues to be in Saint John, NB. The Estey Group has are Nike, Roots, Ralph Lauren, Oakley, updated to provide employees with been in business for over 100 years Tiffany & Co., Pandora, Sony, Sonos, desired gift options. As always, em- and has been a supplier of promo- Citizen, Black & Decker, Canon and ployees have the choice of electronics, tional products for over three decades. MANY more! www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 45 people congratulations!

Family Additions: Marriages: Russell Gilroy & Ben Trenholm.

Congratulations to Jason Brown Wedding bells were ringing for Dave Congratulations to Shane Jones (Group Services) and his wife Laura Thompson (Strescon-SJ) as he (Ocean Steel-SJ) who received his on the birth of their 3rd child. Annie recently got married on New Year’s Professional Engineering designation Elizabeth Brown was born on Feb. 25, Eve! Dave and his wife Danielle rang (P.Eng.) from APEGNB (Association of 2016. Annie is also another grand- in the New Year with their wedding Professional Engineers & Geoscien- child for Concrete VP and General party at the Delta hotel in Moncton. tists of New Brunswick). Manager, Don Isnor. Congratulations! Congratulations to Stefan Mader Congratulations to Chris Thompson Engagements: (Group Services) on receiving his Per- (Group Services) and his wife Monique manent Residency in Canada. Origi- on the birth of their baby boy, Carter Congratulations to Joshua Fowler nally from Trinidad and Tobago, Stefan Gregory Thompson. Carter was born (Ocean Steel Rebar) and his com- is now studying towards his CPA. on Nov. 21st weighing 9lbs, 11oz. mon law partner, Rachel Weare, who became engaged on April 24th 2016 Congratulations to Brian Rice and Congratulations to Chris Carmichael on their 9 year anniversary. Moe Payeur (Ocean Steel-Conklin) (Group Services) and his girlfriend who both recently received certifica- Jessica on the birth of their beautiful Congratulations to Kyle Blanchard tion from NACE as Certified Coating 8lb baby girl, Penelope Rae Carmi- (FCC) on his engagement to Emily Inspectors – Level 1. chael, who was born December 24th. Smith. The happy couple are getting married on August 13th. Congratulations to Dan Mazerolle Congratulations to Lori Li (Ocean (FCC) who recently received his Gold Steel) who gave birth to a beautiful Applause: Seal Certificate in Estimator Electrical baby boy! Carter John Li was born on Contracting. Congratulations to Carrie Watson- February 26th weighing 8lbs, 6oz. Mawhinney (Group Services) who Congratulations to Sajjadul Haque Congratulations to Joshua Fowler received her Certificate in Occupa- (Strescon Saint John) who received his (Ocean Steel Rebar) and Rachel tional Health & Safety from UNB. Professional Engineering licenses for Weare, who welcomed their 3rd child, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Congratulations to Josyh Smith Summer Carol Ann Fowler, into this (OSCO Concrete-SJ) who received world on April 25th 2016. Congratulations to Mike Neil (Group his Concrete Professional Drivers Services) who received his CPA Congratulations to Dwight Edgett certificate from the Atlantic Concrete (Chartered Professional Accountants) (Marque) and wife Jaclyn who wel- Association. He attended the course and CMA (Certified Management Ac- comed their third baby, a little girl in March in Moncton. countant) designations. named Samantha Jane, on April 5, Congratulations go out to the fol- 2016 weighing 8lbs 10oz. Congratulations to Cyndy Clark-Rich- lowing OSCO Concrete (Strescon- ardson (Group Services) who recently Congratulations to Luke Johnson Moncton) drivers, for the successful received her CPA (Chartered Profes- (FCC) and his wife Jinell, whose son, completion of the Concrete Delivery sional Accountants) and CGA (Certified Cameron Robert Johnson, was born Professional Course (CDP) put on by General Accountant) designations. November 27, 2015. the Atlantic Concrete Association: William Girouard, Kevin Vickers, Congratulations to Simon Leger Congratulations to Jacob Parlee Marc LeBlanc and Paul Goguen. (Ocean Steel) on completing his Fun- (OSCO-Fredericton) and Kelsey damentals of Engineering (FE) Exam. Brennan, who welcomedOSCO their son Congratulations also goes out to the Levi on March 7th, 2016. constructionfollowing OSCO Concrete (Strescon- Congratulations to Steve MacDonald Moncton) pump operators for the (Strescon-NS) who recently complet- successful completion of the Con- ed his Construction Safety Supervisor groupcrete Pump Operators Safety Work- certification through The Nova Scotia shop and APCA/CRMCA Certification: Construction Safety Association.

46 connections | spring & summer 2016 www.oscoconstructiongroup.com people

Meet OSCO’s New FRESH FACES Sales Engineer

Ocean Steel Please join us in welcoming Jack Ronald Arseneau...... Storekeeper, SJ O’Connor to the Ocean Steel team! Stephanie Chubb...... Procurement Specialist, SJ Jack accepted the role of Sales En- Jack O’Connor...... Sales Engineer, SJ gineer this past February and will be Dan Scally...... Designer in Training, SJ focusing his efforts on the Canadian Tabatha Patterson...... Document Printer/Runner, SJ markets. Joey Thornton...... Shop Foreman, Fred (Transfer) A Nova Scotian at heart, Jack gradu- OSCO Group Services ated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Engineering. His previous April Glendenning...... Environmental Manager experience in the steel industry Mark Kehoe...... Director of Human Resources includes working with Essar Steel FCC Construction Algoma Inc., based in Ontario. George Hubley...... Warehouse Manager (transfer) Carl Seeley...... Safety Coordinator Ocean Steel Rebar Stéphane Belanger Promoted Eleanor Jost...... Rebar Detailer to General Manager for Rebar OSCO Concrete The OSCO Construction Group holding positions in the field to would like to announce the pro- managing projects to his most Nick Johnston…………Dispatcher/Batcher, Charlottetown motion of Stéphane Belanger recent position as Manager of to the position of General the Reinforcing Steel Division for Strescon Manager of Ocean Steel Rebar the past two years. Jessica Malaknejad- Orangi...... QC Inspector, SJ Limited, Ocean Steel Rebar Amy Peters...... QC Inspector, SJ Services, Ltd. and Allstar Rebar In his new role, Stéphane will Nova Scotia Limited. continue to oversee our Rebar Allstar Rebar Nova Scotia operations in Atlantic Canada In his 20 years of service with and we have every confidence Kayla Smith……………...... Administrative Assistant the Company, Stéphane has he will lead this Division to moved progressively into posi- continued growth and prosper- tions of more responsibility, ity in the years to come.

... President’s Message (cont. from page 3) Construction Group, we have different name... good reason to support other foundations and buildings; a team members in the Group: to same great products & services! desirable package to offer lo- get more business for everyone. cal formwork contractors. Our When one team member wins, electrical, instrumentation, ultimately we will all win….that’s OSCO Rebar has changed its name voice and data cabling packages the advantage of being a also simplify electrical co-or- member of the OSCO Group. to Ocean Steel Rebar Limited. dination issues for owners and With the talented and experi- contractors. The main point is enced team we have in-place, that our Group offers attractive the future is bright indeed as we bundled construction-related move ahead in 2016 ………… work packages which can make the difference between winning and losing an order.

As employees of the member Hans O. Klohn companies of the OSCO President, OSCO Construction Group www.oscoconstructiongroup.com connections | spring & summer 2016 47 Our Locations STRUCTURAL STEEL: READY-MIX (OSCO Concrete): AGGREGATES:

OCEAN STEEL - Corporate office & SJ plant STRESCON READY-MIX - Saint John plant OSCO AGGREGATES 400 Chesley Drive, Saint John, NB • CA 101 Ashburn Rd., Saint John, NB • CA 749 Little Dyke Rd, Debert, NS • CA Phone: (506) 632-2600 Phone: (506) 633-8877 Phone: (902) 662-3722 Member Since • 1955 Member Since • 1963 Member Since • 2008 OCEAN STEEL - New England Sales Office STRESCON READY-MIX - Moncton plant OSCO AGGREGATES 40 Burlington Mall Road, Suite 207 1212 Berry Mills Rd, Moncton, NB • CA 248 Canaan Mountain Road, Burlington, MA • USA Phone: (506) 858-7110 Canaan Mountain, NS • CA Phone: (781) 221-2152 Member Since • 2004 Phone: (902) 546-2373 Member Since • 1991 Member Since • 2014 SCHURMAN CONCRETE - Summerside plant YORK STEEL - Plant & service center 240 MacEwen Rd, Summerside, PE • CA 550 Wilsey Road, Fredericton, NB • CA Phone: (902) 888-4331 CONSTRUCTION: Phone: (506) 444-7989 Member Since • 2004 Member Since • 1995 FCC CONSTRUCTION - office SCHURMAN CONCRETE 400 Chesley Drive, Saint John, NB • CA OCEAN STEEL CORPORATION - Office & plant Charlottetown office & plant Phone: (506) 632-7800 53 Shaw Road, Conklin, NY • USA 412 Mount Edward Rd, Charlottetown, PE • CA Member Since • 1960 Phone: (607) 584-7500 Phone: (902) 628-0127 Member Since • 2004 Member Since • 2004 MARQUE CONSTRUCTION - office 400 Chesley Drive, Saint John, NB • CA MacLEAN’S READY-MIX - Montague plant Phone: (506) 634-1144 PRECAST: 669 Queen’s Road, Montague, PE • CA Member Since • 1966 Phone: (902) 838-2925 STRESCON LIMITED Member Since • 2012 KENNEBEC CONSTRUCTION - office Corporate Office & SJ plant 400 Chesley Drive, Saint John, NB • CA 101 Ashburn Lake Rd., Saint John, NB • CA SACKVILLE CONCRETE Phone: (506) 632-7800 Phone: (506) 633-8877 Nova Scotia office & plant Member Since • 1994 Member Since • 1963 17 Estates Road, Lower Sackville, NS • CA Phone: (902) 864-3230 STRESCON LIMITED - Bedford office & plant Member Since • 2008 REBAR: 131 Duke St., Bedford, NS • CA Phone: (902) 494-7400 BEDFORD READY-MIX - plant OCEAN STEEL REBAR LIMITED Member Since • 1978 414 Bluewater Rd., Bedford, NS • CA Saint John office & plant Phone: (902) 835-0882 400 Chesley Drive, Saint John, NB • CA STRESCON LIMITED - New England Sales Office Member Since • 2008 Phone: (506) 632-2600 40 Burlington Mall Road, Suite 207 Member Since • 1955 Burlington, MA • USA GLENHOLME READY-MIX - plant Phone: (781) 221-2153 RR #1 • Debert, NS • CA ALLSTAR REBAR NOVA SCOTIA Member Since • 1991 Phone: (902) 662-3722 Office & plant Member Since • 2008 48 Duke Street, Bedford, NS • CA BORCHERDT CONCRETE PRODUCTS Phone: (902) 832-0917 ANNAPOLIS VALLEY READY-MIX - Plant Office & plant Member Since • 2008 326 Hardscratch Road, Brooklyn, NS • CA 20 Park Drive, Windsor, NS • CA Phone: (902) 742-7811 Phone: (902) 798-2291 Member Since • 2008 Member Since • 2008