Hitting the Roof Over Safety

Safety should never be underutilized, nor undervalued. 3Up Metal Works recently helped a local company add significant new safety infrastructure to protect its employees’ well-being!

Nova Coil Inc., a division of Zoppas Industries USA, manufactures open-coil heating elements for residential and commercial HVAC appliances. The Franklin company has operated nearly five decades, back to when much of its production was geared toward pizza ovens. In recent years, Nova Coil expanded its local research and development facilities several times to remain competitive in the HVAC market.

Occasionally, employees access roofs of the R&D labs to maintain and troubleshoot equipment, and add instrumentation. Brett Rogatzki, who manages lab operations, realized the potential hazards of the elevated spaces. Safety is always his top priority. He turned to 3UpMetal Works to devise a barrier structure to address his concerns.

“Our company has continued efforts to create a safe work environment for our employees,” he said. “This guarding and rail system was purely to prevent fall injuries when working on top of our research and development lab cells.”

Nothing was in place on the rooftops to replace, nor replicate. The 3Up Metal Works team had to invent an entirely new wheel. One big challenge was checking - and again, twice more - to ensure the new railings would fit the space. How big could the sections be built?

The entire process took three months, from initial concepts, to designs, to fabrication and painting, and finally installation.

The new hand railing spans 430 feet total, fabricated from standard mild steel and painted bright yellow. Six new ladders were added, greatly enhancing safe vertical movement.

“It was an excellent experience working with 3Up Metal Works,” Brett said. “I gave them a very simplistic concept of my vision, and they essentially did everything afterward to make that happen in a professional manner. They also recommended revisions to the concept based on their expertise that enhance safety, which shows that they truly take pride in their work.”

“During the installation, which was while our labs were operating, 3Up Metal Works did everything in their power to complete the work in a timely manner without interrupting our operations,” he added.

We applaud Brett and Nova Coil Inc. for their dedication to maintaining a safe workplace. Our work is merely an outgrowth of their proactivity. The value of safety can’t be quantified. Suffice to say, you’re always better off erring on the side of “more,” not “less.”

Please welcome the newest member of the
3Up Metal Works team:
Max Schaumberg!

Max joined us earlier this year, and quickly demonstrated his mettle for high-quality metalworking. A welder and fabricator for eight years, he specializes in tig welding and stainless steel fabrication. He’s knowledgeable of all major welding processes - a huge plus in a shop like ours, where projects are diverse and demanding.

Max holds a degree in welding and applied sciences from Waukesha County Technical College. He’s earned a basketful of certifications: robotic welding, and as a laser operator and associate welding inspector.

As you can imagine, welders with Max’s chops aren’t found on every corner. His fabrication skills are broad and well developed. He’s a guy who takes pride in his work. We know our customers’ needs are in good hands with him … which is why we make this introduction.

“Not only does Max bring experience, he is eager to learn and has the humility to understand there are more tricks to the trade,” said Jason Young, President of 3Up Metal Works. “Max has been a great addition to the team. He has a strong mentor in KC, and will continue to master his craft in the coming years.”

“The 3Up team truly feels that he is a valuable addition to what we do, and to the customers we serve.”

Max is engaged to be married. He just became an uncle, welcoming his twin sister’s son. He golfs in the warm months and hunts in the colder ones, being passionate about both activities.

We like that. Working hard and playing hard is about giving your all, in everything you do. It’s why Max fits in well at 3Up Metal Works. With customers relying on us for strong, sturdy metal fabrication, “good enough” will never, ever be good enough.

Thanks “Fore” Your Support!

A huge “Thank you!” to everyone who participated in the Aug. 8 Center for Veterans Issues Inaugural Golf Outing. Support for the first-time event was nothing short of amazing!

Golfer spots sold out weeks before the first player ever set foot in a tee box. Sponsors were numerous and generous. Silent auction items were abundant. Many volunteers combined to help the event run smoothly.

Most importantly, the outing raised substantial resources to support construction of 62 new rooms at CVI’s homeless veterans housing facility, Vets Place Central. On any given night, CVI houses, feeds and provides reintegration services to more than 300 veterans.

CVI’s transitional housing program is dedicated to helping homeless veterans find jobs and permanent housing. The Milwaukee-based organization has offices across Wisconsin, serving veterans and their families with a broad range of services covering housing, employment and financial assistance.

We’ll let you know when the 2023 CVI outing is scheduled. If you plan to participate, plan to register early … because you won’t be the only one!

A “Titan” in Our Midst

Our company President, Jason Young, recently found himself in amazing company.

Titan 100 has recognized Jason as one of its 2023 Wisconsin Titan 100! This inaugural award, which has grown to cover six cities and states, recognizes “Titans of industry who demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision, passion, and influence in their field.”

“The Titan 100 program recognizes the top 100 CEOs & C-level executives. They are the area’s most accomplished business leaders in their industry using criteria that includes demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, and passion,” the Titan 100 web site states.

While honoring individuals, these types of awards are always the outcome of a team effort. Jason notes that he is surrounded by fantastic employees, customers, vendors and strategic partners.

“Thank you to all who have lent their support, because an honor like this is never achieved by just one person,” he said. “So many people have worked together, directly and indirectly, to help me and further the success of 3Up Metal Works. Our community is unmatched in its generosity and willingness to lift one another up.”  

Jason and the other Titan 100 honorees will be recognized at a Jan. 12 celebration at Fiserv Forum. Know that this never would have been possible without you, a valued partner for him and 3Up Metal Works!

A Gallery of Fabrication

We’ve been busy! Being a custom metal fabrication shop, no two projects are ever quite the same. Enjoy these photos of our skilled team’s creations!

Like to see more?
Please visit the Gallery page of our web site.