The Challenge: Height, Risk, and Limited Options
When Lynden Door approached Precision, the requirement seemed straightforward: relocate a large dust collector from one location on site to another. However, the complexity became clear during planning.
The dust collector was extremely tall and narrow, creating stability concerns during movement. Conventional approaches involved dismantling the system into sections and using cranes for removal and reassembly. Lynden Door had been advised by engineers that the unit could not be lifted and moved safely in one piece.
The proposed dismantling approach introduced several significant risks and complications:
- crane dependency and weather-related delays
- elevated work requiring man baskets and fall protection
- complex disassembly and reassembly procedures
- potential gasket, sealing, and alignment issues during reinstallation
- increased labor exposure and schedule uncertainty
- contamination concerns from residual sawdust inside the system
Precision identified the operational and safety risks immediately. During the assessment, the team also discovered that dismantling the collector could have created extensive cleanup and fire hazards due to accumulated dust remaining inside the equipment.
According to Darryl McIntosh, Lynden Door’s Director of Operations in Yarrow, the team from Precision was very professional in their assessment and put a high priority on safety. “Our most important focus at our facility is safety,” said McIntosh, “and the Precision team made us feel we were going to be very safe throughout this job.”
The Solution: Ground-Based Relocation
Rather than dismantle the structure, Precision engineered a complete ground-based relocation strategy that allowed the dust collector to remain fully assembled throughout the move.
The execution plan included:
- welding structural channels directly to the dust collector legs
- installing Precision’s skid and beam system beneath the structure
- hydraulically lifting the collector clear of its anchor bolts
- placing the structure onto specialized skates and rollers
- rotating the unit in controlled stages during transport
- repositioning the collector onto its new foundation pad without crane assistance
The move was completed entirely from ground level. No cranes, man baskets, or elevated dismantling crews were required.
Precision also worked collaboratively with Lynden Door to help reduce project costs wherever possible. Rather than bringing in additional rental equipment, the team utilized forklifts already available on site, eliminating unnecessary expenses for the client.
The relocation itself was completed efficiently:
- Day 1: steel installation and fabrication
- Day 2: primary move and positioning work
- Day 3: equipment removal and final stabilization support
Even after the primary scope was complete, Precision returned after hours to assist Lynden Door with a small outstanding issue that another contractor had delayed addressing. The task was completed in approximately 45 minutes, helping keep the broader project moving forward.
The Outcome: Reduced Risk and Strong Relationship
The team at Lynden Door was extremely satisfied with both the execution and overall project experience.
By avoiding dismantling and crane-based relocation, Precision helped Lynden Door in the following ways:
- eliminated major schedule and weather-related risks
- avoided extensive dismantling and reassembly work
- reduced exposure to elevated work hazards
- maintained the integrity of the dust collection system
- minimized operational disruption during the expansion project
- completed the relocation safely and efficiently
Lynden Door’s McIntosh made it clear that they were pleased with the job and the professional manner with which it was executed. “Precision is definitely the most competent contractor I have had the pleasure of working with in a while,” he concluded. “From the very beginning, it was an excellent experience.”
According to Gary Klynsoon, the project was accomplished with straightforward precision: “We did what we said we would do.”
Lynden Door appreciated Precision’s practical approach to problem-solving and willingness to work collaboratively to reduce costs without compromising execution quality. What initially appeared to be a high-cost solution ultimately proved to be the lower-risk and more reliable option.