When opportunity knocks, sometimes it brings 50,000-gallon steel tanks and a complicated roofing project with it. Some contractors simply can’t answer the door, but we have the means –– and a few sturdy cranes –– to welcome the opportunity and get the job done on time and under budget.
Such was the case with Kroger Co., the parent company for Fry’s Food Stores. The Cincinatti-based company has more than 110 stores in Arizona alone and is one of the state’s largest grocery retailers. One of its critical distribution warehouses is located on a sprawling complex near 99th Avenue and Buckeye Road in Tolleson, meaning there was a lot riding on this project –- a job that came to Hernandez when another contractor needed additional expertise and resources to successfully complete the job.
It involved the replacement of two 30,000-gallon tanks with two 50,000-gallon tanks. The best way to get them out of the warehouse was skyward. Our crews, including trusted subcontractors and engineering experts, spent six weeks doing their homework for the job by analyzing the best way to safely remove the tanks.
The method? Remove support beams for the roof area that was involved, prop it up with temporary support beams, cut open a section of roof, lift the old tanks out one by one, seamlessly sew everything back into place and then –– bam! –– Bob’s your uncle. Job complete. The plan, safety measures and all, was in place weeks before the start date, ensuring everyone felt comfortable with the details.
Roof preparations took us two days. Temporary I-beam supports were placed under the area of the roof that would be cut out. Tie-off points for fall protection gear was also installed. Kroger officials shut down plant operations, and it was “game on” for Hernandez crews.
Our building whisperers took apart the piping network and various ladders connected to the tanks. Crews, secured by fall-protection gear, began making the first cuts to the roof. Fire-suppression sprinklers were temporarily removed before the final cuts to the roof began. The tanks were removed by crane and hauled off on the back of a trailer for recycling. The new tanks went down the hole and were secured in place. By the end of the third day, Humpty Dumpty was put back together and the plant was operational again.
Safe, on time and under budget. Those are the cornerstones of a successful construction project.
Check out all the project photos here.
