Industrial/Commercial
The Industrial/Commercial Division of Local 9 is a multi- facetted trade that combines the expertise of both the Pipefitter/Steamfitter and Plumbing professions into one enterprise that is dedicated to quality work, knowledge of the latest materials and industry standards, including safety and building codes, to protect water purity and to safeguard public health.
A steamfitter (also referred to as a pipefitter) is a tradesman who lays out, assembles, fabricates, maintains and repairs piping systems. Typical industrial process pipe is under high pressure, which requires metals, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and many different alloy metals fused together through welding.
A plumber is a type of a pipefitter who concentrates on piping systems for utility liquids (potable water, sewerage, etc.) in the commercial and residential atmosphere operating at lower pressures than industrial systems. Utility piping typically consists of copper, PVC, drisco, and cast iron pipe, which is normally soldered, glued, or threaded. Other types of piping systems include steam, ventilation, hydraulics, chemicals, or fuels. The word "plumber" dates back to the Roman Empire. In Roman times, pipes were made of lead, or plumbum in Latin (hence the periodic table of elements symbol of Pb for lead). Thus, a person with expertise in working with pipes was known as a Plumbumber, which was eventually shortened to Plumber.
Some of the many industries that rely on the expertise of a Plumber or Pipefitter’s trade include:
- HVAC construction firms
- Mechanical construction firms
- Pulp and Paper Mills
- Steel Mills
- Utility companies
- Motor Vehicle plants
- Oil Refineries
- Chemical plants
- Pharmaceutical companies
Energy
Construction, repair and service of key systems in energy generating and fuel processing facilities, including co-generation plants. We are committed to safety, public health, and environmental safety with our knowledge of the latest techniques, materials and processes.
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Installation, service and repair of refrigeration and HVAC systems that maintain the comfort, health and safety of building occupants or operate in various industrial applications. Comprehensive capabilities from floor to ceiling, including installation and calibration of electronic and fiber-optic controls, air and water balance, water chillers and compressor rebuilds.
High-Tech Process Systems
Design-Build, installation and service of high-purity process piping for hospitals, food processing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. Experience with the latest materials and piping system fabrication techniques essential to leading high-tech industries.
Medical Gas
Installation, service, and repair of piping systems that provide hospital patients with life-giving oxygen and other medical gases. Our technical skills and high training standards, ensure that health care facilities can depend on safe, reliable medical gas systems.
There are numerous examples of our participation in developing our communities. We have experience and are currently work in many areas such as:
- Airports, both expansion and renovation
- Bio Research Labs
- Chemical Processing Plants
- Dams
- Educational Institutions, both Public and Private
- Food and Beverage Processing Facilities
- Hotels
- Military Installations
- Paper Mills
- Power Plants
- Processing Facilities
- Residential Homes and Developments
- Resort Destinations
- Semiconductor Plants
- Strip Malls
- Sports Facilities and Arenas
- Water and Waste Treatment Facilities
