The Craftsman: Tom Manley of Sauer, Inc.

His Winning Work: Mechanical piping installation of three retorts at Masterfoods USA

His Challenge: The outstanding craftsmanship of Tom Manley is evident with the coordination, layout and installation of the process piping at Masterfoods USA.

The installation of 12-inch down process stainless steel piping, stainless steel food grade piping, high pressure 125 pound steam and condensate piping were all required for the expansion of production of pet food products. This also included utility compressed air piping, process vents and drains, utility wash stations and process pneumatic control tubing

Manley was directly involved in coordinating all construction contractors, consulting with design engineers on layout and working directly with the process equipment vendors. He even spent time in Europe during manufacturing to ensure the production and delivery of the process equipment was up to plant quality requirements.

A major challenge was due to the location of the new equipment in the middle of an existing operating plant. Manley and his crew of 10 completed the installation in five months with no lost-time and the existing production lines still operating 24-hours a day.

Manley has been in the industry for 25 years with the past 23 at Sauer, Inc. He is a member of Plumbers & Pipefitters Union Local 189.

Craftsman’s Comments: “The most rewarding aspect of my job is coming up with an idea, getting it on paper and installing it. Then I sit back and watch it go.”

Engineer: Ventura Engineering
Contractor: Sauer, Inc.

Manley is a first-time Craftsmanship Award winner. His father, a pipefitter, and his grandfather, a steamfitter for the railroad, introduced him to the industry.

Updated 7/24/2006