The Craftsman:  Michael McIlvain of Bruner Corp.

His Winning Work:  Compressed air piping and equipment installation at Boehringer Ingelheim Roxane, Inc. 

Michael McIlvain’s perseverance and attention to detail in replacing the compressed air system serving the entire Roxane pharmaceutical facility allowed the job to be completed on time and flawlessly.

McIlvain had only eight weeks to complete the installation and was limited to a crew of only six men due to the congested work space. A detailed pipe fabrication and installation plan was vital as there was no room on-site to lay down pipe or store any materials.

Virtually all of the pipe was prefabbed off-site and to eliminate welding on-site, only eight of the 208 welds were completed in the field. The mechanical room had very low ceiling height with existing pipe and ductwork that could not be relocated. Clearances between the new and existing systems were less than one-inch in many areas. Along with the limited work environment, severe restrictions and abbreviated schedule, McIlvain maintained current operations during the entire installation.

McIlvain has been in the industry for 28 years with the past 11 at Bruner Corp.  He is a member of  Plumbers & Pipefitters Union Local 189.

Architect:  URS
Engineer:  URS
General Contractor:  Bruner Corp.

McIlvain is a first-time Craftsmanship Award winner. His father, a piping salesman, introduced him to the industry.

Updated 8/11/2005