There are plenty of companies that erect steel buildings. How can a developer know which one to choose? 

The differences among structural steel erection companies are vast. Some are experienced, solid, and reliable; with others, you take your chances. 

Those differences show up especially when the job is big and complex—and the stakes are high.

1. Safety Metrics

AC478® is a certification issued by the International Accreditation Service (IAS) to qualified metal building assemblers. It verifies that a contractor meets rigorous standards for:

• Experience Modification Rate (EMR). This measurement is generated by insurance companies to calculate a company’s worker’s compensation premiums. It is based on payroll and claims records over a three-year period. The average or standard rating is 1.0. A rating below this number indicates a better-than-average safety rating; above it shows a worse-than-average rating.
• Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR). This is a company’s recordable work-related injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time workers per year. OSHA requires companies with more than ten employees to calculate this number on an ongoing basis. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average TRIR across all industries is 3.0.

2. Percentage of Work Self-Performed

In any construction project, it’s normal for some trades to be subcontracted. In the case of a steel building erection company, it makes sense to outsource the plumbing or the pouring of a foundation. But some tasks shouldn’t be left to outside vendors. And project owners deserve to know that the company they’ve hired is actually doing the bulk of the work.  

Normally, the steel building erector should handle all the core tasks of assembling the structure: bringing in materials; erecting the beams, columns, and trusses; attaching the roof and wall cladding, etc. 

The project owner should be able to have confidence that these tasks will be done correctly and on schedule. That’s key to the entire project’s success. A top erection company will know how to complete this work efficiently, expertly, and quickly. When outside teams are brought in for these important tasks, none of that is certain.

3. Quality of Logistics Coordination

A big part of any building project is coordinating the various deliveries, trades, and tasks that must all be handled in a specific sequence. A lapse in any part of this complex process can derail the entire project. 

Top companies know how to plan, anticipate problems, and troubleshoot to keep the project on track. Most importantly, they have longstanding relationships with other contractors that are known to be reliable, minimizing the chances of one contractor disrupting the entire timeline.

4. Experience with Complex Projects

Steel buildings can be as simple as a work shed or as complex as a 200,000-square-foot combination warehouse/office with multiple levels and mezzanines. Experience with one doesn’t guarantee competence with the other. 

A good example of a complex project is the Tricolor Automotive reconditioning center in Surprise, Arizona. The Fleming Construction Group worked with BlueScope Properties, Butler Manufacturing® and GH2 Architects to build this 258,000 square-foot structure, which combines industrial, office, and retail spaces. It includes a reception area, conference rooms, break rooms, a car wash, paint booths, and more than 50 auto repair stations.

Projects like this call for a steel building erection company with the resources, experience, and relationships to meet the most complex construction requirements.

5. Certifications of Workforce

The quality of any project depends on the performance of individuals assigned to it. Certifications provide objective confirmation of the competence and training acquired by workers as well as supervisors. 

Here are some certifications to look for in any company being considered for a steel building project:

• • • OSHA Outreach Training Program. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) makes courses in basic safety and health available for workers in numerous fields, including construction. Although these courses are not federally mandated, many state and municipal governments require them for construction workers—particularly those employed on public projects. Smart employers also make them an entry requirement for new employees. The OSHA 10-hour course is available for all construction workers; the 30-hour course is especially for supervisors.  
    • MBI Certification. The Metal Buildings Institute offers certificates in various aspects of metal building construction, including bracing, retrofit roofing, insulation, and basic craftsmanship.
    • NCCR Training. The National Center for Construction Education and Research offers training in several construction-related fields. The NCCR Ironworking course covers numerous topics relevant to steel building construction.
    • Specific Trade Certifications. Specialized training courses are available for fields such as crane operation, welding, and forklift operating—all of which are relevant to steel building erectors. Trades that are typically subcontracted, such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC also have their own certifications. Smart employers require these certifications for workers in specialized fields

The Gold Standard: AC478®

The International Accreditation Service (IAS) issues its AC478® certification to metal building assemblers that meet its rigorous standards. To qualify, applicants must document their safety and training programs and submit to onsite inspections to verify compliance with construction plans and OSHA standards. 

AC478® is widely regarded as the highest standard of excellence in safety and quality control in the metal building industry. Fleming Steel Erectors is honored to be one of the few companies nationwide to be awarded this designation, and the first Oklahoma-based company to be so designated.  

6. Fabricator Relationships

Building long-term relationships is essential for any successful business. A top metal building erector will have solid partnerships with other reliable companies—especially the ones that provide all-important structural components for the metal building. 

A good example is the relationship between Fleming Construction Group and Butler Manufacturing, which dates back to 1960. Throughout the following decades, Fleming has relied on Butler to provide top-quality products for its projects, including  Butler’s MR-24® roof system, LogistX® building system, and Heavy Structure solutions. 

Longstanding partnerships like this assure project owners that their building’s construction will be in good hands—from start to finish. 

7. Reputation, Track Record, and Portfolio

Have you done a project like this before? 

It’s a sensible question to ask of any contractor. A top metal building erector will have a strong portfolio of past projects to show prospective clients. In the case of Fleming Construction Group and its steel erection division, Fleming Steel Erectors, investors and owners can see a track record of excellence going back eight decades. 

A company’s reputation in the industry matters too—something that isn’t necessarily reflected in dollar figures. Since its founding in 1946, Fleming Construction Group built a reputation as one of Oklahoma’s premier metal building erectors, known for completing projects on time and within budget. That success led to Fleming’s expansion into other states throughout the nation. 

For two years, FCG has been listed on the Inc. 5000 as one of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. And in 2019, among several other awards, Fleming Construction Group received the Industrial Project of the Year award from the Association of General Contractors for its work on the Alfa Laval facility in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. 

A top company will always achieve recognition–within its industry and beyond.