OneBlood Medical Storage Facility Upgrade

The Big Iron Difference

Call 407-BIG-IRON
Result

PROBLEM:

OneBlood’s secure medical blood storage facility in St. Petersburg, Florida, faced a daunting challenge. A 400-ton water-cooled chiller and its accompanying cooling tower needed to be replaced as part of critical mechanical system upgrades. The situation was compounded by a corroded cooling tower frame that required removal and replacement – all within a tight three-day window.
The stakes couldn’t have been higher. The massive chiller regulated aisle after aisle of life-saving blood, making this a mission-critical operation where downtime was not an option. Adding to the complexity, the warehouse storing the chiller and blood supply had severe spatial limitations presented nearly insurmountable challenges. A massive structural beam blocked access to the chiller, while delicate blood storage aisles occupied the remaining floor space. Standard equipment simply offered no feasible solutions for this job.
Competitors declared the only viable solution was to remove the warehouse roof, a million-dollar proposal that risked compromising the facility’s electrical network and security. Enter Big Iron International – known for thinking outside the box and delivering innovative, cost-effective solutions under pressure.

SOLUTION:

Big Iron International’s engineering and operations team devised a groundbreaking plan that eliminated the need for roof removal while addressing all spatial and structural challenges. The team designed, fabricated, and tested a custom steel platform specifically for OneBlood’s unique situation.
Here’s how Big Iron tackled the obstacles:

  1. Custom Fabricated Platform: Big Iron engineered and built a specialty elevated platform that could support the weight of a forklift. This platform included toe rails and other safety features to ensure compliance with OSHA guidelines.
  2. Precision Placement: Using three 15,000-pound forklifts, the platform and a fourth forklift were lifted 23 feet into the air to bypass the obstructive structural beam. Side-shifting techniques enabled precise maneuvering into the tight working space.
  3. Safe and Efficient Execution: The elevated forklift, secured on the custom platform, provided the necessary reach and stability to disassemble the corroded cooling tower frame and remove the outdated chiller. New equipment was then seamlessly installed without compromising the warehouse’s sensitive storage environment.
Solution
Result

RESULT:

Big Iron International completed the project within the tight three-day window and well under budget. By eliminating the need for a costly roof removal, Big Iron’s solution saved OneBlood over 90% of the cost proposed by competitors, coming in at under $100,000.
The successful execution not only demonstrated Big Iron’s engineering and logistical expertise but also underscored their commitment to delivering innovative solutions tailored to clients’ unique challenges. The new 400-ton water-cooled chiller and cooling tower were installed without disruption to the facility’s operations, ensuring OneBlood could continue its critical and life-saving work uninterrupted.

THE BIG IRON DIFFERENCE:

The OneBlood project is a shining example of Big Iron International’s ability to turn challenges into opportunities. By consolidating engineering, fabrication, rigging, and crane services under one roof, Big Iron provided a seamless, turnkey solution. Their approach not only saved time and money but also set a new standard for ingenuity in the industry.
Here’s what sets Big Iron apart:

  • Custom Engineering: Innovative problem-solving tailored to the project’s unique needs.
  • Cost Efficiency: Delivering solutions that prioritize client budgets without compromising quality.
  • Safety First: Rigorous adherence to OSHA guidelines ensures the well-being of workers and the integrity of the client’s facility.
  • Comprehensive Expertise: From heavy equipment rigging to custom steel fabrication, Big Iron provides end-to-end services for even the most complex projects.

CONCLUSION:

The OneBlood medical storage facility upgrade was more than just a success; it was a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets expertise. Big Iron International not only met the challenge head-on but also redefined expectations for what a crane and rigging company can achieve.
When faced with the seemingly impossible, trust Big Iron International to deliver solutions that exceed expectations – on time and under budget. Contact us today at 407-BIG-IRON to learn how we can elevate your next project.

Contact Big Iron

FAQS

We can provide cranes from 2 ton all the way up to 600 ton. No job is too big for us!
We can provide the following types of cranes: rough terrain, hydraulic truck crane, all terrain, mini cranes, large forklifts, shooting boom forklift. If you need another type of crane just contact us and we will let you know.
The cost can vary widely based on the type of crane you need, for how long, and the nature of the work. The best way to get an accurate quote is to contact us. We will provide you with the most cost-effective solution to perform the work
Big Iron is a one-stop shop. In addition to Crane Rental and full Crane Service, we also provide Rigging, Steel & Metal Fabrication, Equipment Hauling & Logistics, Custom Crane Solutions. No matter how large or complex your job, we will get it done!
We have over 20 years of professional experience and have worked on a wide variety of projects throughout Florida.
Yes we are fully licensed and insured and take safety and training very seriously. This includes:
  • Experienced and Certified Operators
  • OSHA Compliant
  • DOT Equipment and Operators Compliant
  • "A" Rated Insurance Coverage
Safety, security and the well-being of the people we work for is a top priority!
Contact us for a free estimate