Bridging The Gap Between Value & Precision - Peddinghaus

18 STEEL FABRICATORS’ REVIEW WINTER 2009
MUNSTER STEEL
Bridging The Gap Between Value & Precision
Munster Steel is NOT your prototypical structural steel fabricator. True, Munster has
a proud family heritage dating back three generations, but Munster’s approach to
fabrication is multi faceted. Though they have the capacity, they do not specialize
in high rise or power plant work, nor do they specialize in industrial or commercial
work. Rather, Munster tackles tough jobs that demand precision and attention to
details. It is not unusual to walk their shop, and see fabrications in process for
bridges, building structures, and “miscellaneous” work.
Under the direction of the Robbins family, Munster has found success by
focusing on difficult jobs that demand pinpoint accuracy – but have short
delivery times. Sound tough? Munster Steel thrives on it.
Replacing a “Tired” Machine
Munster Steel had to make a decision. Their existing Peddinghaus BDL
1250 drill was nine years old, and had seen many, many holes. Average
running time was 12 hours per day for those nine years.
“Like any used car, it was worn out”, advised
Miro Cigler Munster Shop Foreman, “In
watching it run recently, we knew it had to
be replaced”.
Jeanne Robbins, Munster President, was instrumental
in the decision process, and describes
her thoughts on the decision-making process.
“We built the reputation of Munster Steel on
quality and delivery, I could not
jeopardize these standards, so we made the
decision to move forward.”
Justification Process for Buying Remanufactured
“We examined all options for the existing drill line – a Peddinghaus model
BDL 1250 – this is how we proceeded:
OPTION 1 – Retrofit the existing drill
Positives:
• No need to disassemble machine - perform retrofit on site
• Steel frame is strong – update any obvious worn parts – mechanical,
hydraulic, and electrical
• Initially, seemed like the fastest way to proceed
• The drill line had already been expanded from a 3 to 9 spindle machine
6 years ago
Negatives:
• Difficult to determine exactly which components require replacement
without a thorough machine review – probably by a service tech
• Retrofit components – compatible with the existing machine had to be
ordered, assembled, and delivered
• Warranty on replacement parts only
• Upon examining the machine, the on site down time would be prohibitive
• There are more items to trouble shoot with a retrofitted machine, as a
problem could come from any area: mechanical, hydraulic, or electronic.
OPTION 2 – Purchase a new machine
Positives:
• New Machine, latest technology
• Good delivery
• New warranty
OPTION 3 – Purchase a remanufactured BDL 1250
from Peddinghaus/SSSL
Jeanne with Miro Cigler,
Shop Superintendent
Negatives:
• Higher Cost
• Operators/Maintenance had to learn
new technologies (control, etc)
• Some modifications needed to
existing drill location: concrete,
passline, etc
Positives:
• BDL 1250 was completely retrofitted and upgraded – all worn parts
replaced - regardless if mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical
• Fast Delivery - available in 3 weeks
• New machine warranty: 1 year parts and labor
• Price was 2/3 of a new machine
• Remanufactured BDL 1250 fit perfectly into existing shop location
• No retraining of Operators and maintenance people
• From time, the old drill was removed until drilling holes on next job was
about 2 days
“The remanufactured machine looks brand new,” says Miro, “It is totally
repainted, and you can see the meticulous care taken in the remanufactured
process. Also, the Peddinghaus technicians from their SSSL division were
fast, cooperative, and knowledgeable.”
“We removed the old drill, SSSL delivered the new remanufactured BDL,
and we located in place the same day – great teamwork”, added Jeanne.
The new drill has already participated in some new projects from Munster.
A bascule bridge girder, with many holes (400) was processed. In addition
to beams and columns, the BDL has already processed angle and channel
as well.
(right) Bridge girder for 92nd Street bascule bridge in Chicago – processed on
remanufactured BDL 1250/9, FDB 1500 plate processor and Anglemaster.

WINTER 2009 STEEL FABRICATORS’ REVIEW 19
A Fabricator’s Voice in Washington –
President Obama Visits Munster Steel
(l-r) Munster Steel President Jeanne Robbins, children Allison & Jacob, President
Obama and retired Munster Executive Ronald Robbins and Mrs. Barbara Robbins
During the Indiana primary election last May, President Obama made a special visit
to Munster Steel. Why? Can you find a better voice for infrastructure expertise
than a structural fabricator? Especially a structural fabricator who has an intimate
knowledge of both buildings and bridges?
Mr. Obama spent some time learning first hand about the structural steel fabrication
process: the functions of fitters and detailers, and what exactly separates a “beam”
from a “column”.
In a closed meeting with Ms. Jeanne Robbins, President of Munster Steel, she
and President Obama addressed the topics of needs/requirements of structural
fabrication and the challenges that the industry faces. Ms Robbins discussed the
importance of infrastructure work and its' positive affect on our economy.
“It was a tremendous honor having Mr. Obama visit Munster Steel and address our
employees, it is a highlight for the history of our company”, added Jeanne.
Fred McCraw, Munster Steel’s Shop
Steward, introduced President Obama.
President Obama speaking at Munster
Steel in Indiana.
Munster Thrives on Tough Jobs – Needs Machines to Match
“We provide fabricated components for demanding customers in a
challenging industry,” commented Jeanne, “we will never compromise
our values or reputation in the marketplace.”
“When delivery time is vital, and accuracy is paramount, we turned to
the SSSL division of Peddinghaus for a drill line answer.”
“They delivered.”
Monroe Street Bridge,
Chicago, Illinois