R. Baker and Son Press Releases

Data Center & Energy Infrastructure Rigging: The Turnkey Experts for the...

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:13:38 EDT

The digital economy and the new energy economy are being built simultaneously - and both require moving extremely heavy, extremely expensive, and extremely sensitive equipment with zero margin for error.

R. Baker & Son has been doing exactly that since 1935. As a family-owned, M/WBE-certified rigging and machinery-moving specialist - and North America's oldest and largest M/WBE-certified demolition contractor - we are the turnkey partner of choice for data centers, power infrastructure developers, and energy facility operators across the United States, Canada, and beyond.

The Equipment Is Getting Heavier. The Stakes Are Getting Higher.

Today's data centers are no longer just buildings full of servers. They are massive power facilities - and the infrastructure required to build, expand, and upgrade them has grown accordingly. At the same time, the broader energy landscape is shifting fast. New power generation, storage, and distribution technologies are moving from concept to commercial scale, and every one of them involves heavy equipment that needs to be moved, placed, and installed by people who know what they're doing.

Whether it's a 100-ton utility transformer, a large-scale battery energy storage system, a hydrogen fuel cell installation, or the next generation of modular power infrastructure - if it's heavy, mission-critical, and has to go in right the first time, that's our work.

What We Do

Heavy Equipment Rigging & Installation Transformers, substations, switchgear, generators, UPS systems, battery storage modules, cooling infrastructure, fuel cells, and emerging energy systems of every description. We bring cranes, hydraulic gantries, air skates, precision strand jacks, and custom-engineered lift solutions - whatever the load demands.

Live Data Center Protection Hyperscale downtime costs $9,000 per minute or more. We are recognized leaders in performing complex rigging and installation work inside fully operational facilities without disrupting a single system. Custom enclosures, fine-mesh protective netting, and phased execution keep your environment live while we work.

Selective Demolition & Phased Upgrades Removing old infrastructure from a live facility is as technically demanding as installing new. On a major Verizon project in New Jersey, we removed fuel cells and cooling modules from a fully operational mission-critical facility with all systems running throughout.

Asset Recovery & Sustainable Decommissioning Transformers, generators, UPS units, breakers, and power equipment at end of life still carry significant value. Our recovery and refurbishment program helps clients offset project costs - and in today's constrained equipment market, recovered assets are genuinely strategic.

Warehousing & Project Staging With transformer lead times now stretching two to five years and new energy equipment requiring precise delivery sequencing, secure warehousing is a critical project management tool. We receive, inspect, and stage your heavy equipment so it's protected and ready exactly when your site needs it.

Why R. Baker & Son

90+ years of hands-on experience with the heaviest, most technically demanding industrial rigging in North America
M/WBE certified — the oldest and largest in the demolition and rigging industry
Award-winning safety record - more OSHA VPP Star project participation than nearly any other contractor in the industry
In-house master riggers and professional engineers developing custom plans before anything moves
True turnkey execution - one team, one point of accountability, start to finish

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of energy infrastructure does R. Baker & Son rig? Everything that powers, cools, or supports a data center or energy facility, and everything that connects it to the grid. That includes high-voltage transformers and substations, switchgear and automatic transfer switches, generators, UPS systems, flywheel energy storage, battery energy storage systems (BESS), rectifiers and DC power infrastructure, coolant distribution units (CDUs), chiller plants, cooling towers, bus duct and busway systems, fuel cells, prefabricated modular data center units, high-density GPU server assemblies, solar inverter skids, and next-generation power infrastructure of all types. If it's heavy, mission-critical, and needs to go in right - that's our work.

Can you work inside a live, operating data center? Yes - it's a core specialty. Proper planning, protective systems, and phased execution allow us to perform complex rigging inside live environments as standard practice.

Do you handle long lead-time equipment storage? Yes. Our warehousing and staging service holds your equipment securely until your site is ready - a critical capability given today's transformer and energy equipment supply timelines.

Where do you work? Throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Europe.

Let's Talk About Your Project

If your project involves heavy power equipment, in a data center, an energy facility, or anywhere in between - R. Baker & Son is ready. We'll deliver the Baker Best: unmatched expertise, iron-clad protection for your live systems, and true turnkey peace of mind backed by 90 years of getting it right.

R. Baker & Son 190 Boundary Road, Marlboro, NJ 07746 📞 732-222-3553

Contact us today for a no-obligation pre-construction consultation.

Industrial Drum Refinishing Support: A Custom Rigging and Structural Solution...

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:59:29 EDT

When a manufacturer we had previously performed rigging assembly and installation work for returned more than a year later with a unique and complex challenge, they knew who to call. The company needed to strip the finish from eight dryer drums and have a new stainless finish applied as part of critical equipment maintenance. They turned to R. Baker to make it happen.

The project came with several significant obstacles. With four machines on the floor, only one could be taken offline at a time while the remaining three stayed in operation. That required our team to carefully isolate each dryer from its utilities and install separation curtains to protect the active equipment.

The surface refinishing contractor had highly specific requirements to successfully remove and reapply a finish on each drum. The process had zero tolerance for inconsistencies, and it had to be completed quickly since the contractor was already committed to other projects overseas.

The finishing beam used in the process weighed 2,600 lbs and had to be perfectly parallel and level to the drum it was refinishing, both within less than 1/64 of an inch. As the drum rotated at a precise 5 RPM, the finishing beam traveled along its length, simultaneously removing the old surface and applying the new one. Any movement or deflection in the support structure would compromise the finish and potentially distort the drum itself, which would have been a costly and time-consuming setback.

With eight drums to refinish, the finishing beam needed to be relocated from drum to drum every 48 to 56 hours. Each drum had slightly different surrounding dimensions, meaning support configurations could not simply be replicated from one setup to the next. Adding to the complexity, each drum measured 4 feet wide by 16 feet long and sat eight feet above the finished floor, making anchoring the finishing beam a significant engineering challenge.

Our team assessed the full scope of the project and designed a custom support system engineered to work across all eight drums using a small number of anchor points and threaded adjustments for precise leveling. Rather than building a dedicated structure for each drum, we developed a modular solution that could be assembled, disassembled, and reassembled in one to two hours and relocated efficiently between setups. We engaged a trusted structural engineer to assist with the design, allowing the steel to move from concept to fabrication quickly. Our team successfully relocated the dryer refinishing system from drum to drum on a 48-hour cycle or better throughout the project.

Our client was pleased with the outcome. All eight drums were refinished to specification, and the facility returned to full operation on schedule. At the conclusion of the project, the custom support system was disassembled, packaged, and stored on-site for future use when the need arises again.

Industrial Drum Refinishing Support: A Custom Rigging and Structural Solution...

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:59:28 EDT

Air Skates: How to Move Multi Ton Loads Without Touching the Floor...

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:49:48 EDT

Air skates, also known as air casters, air skids, or air dollies, are a specialized rigging solution that R. Baker & Son has deployed for many years to move heavy machinery, fragile equipment, and multi-ton loads inside buildings. These systems range in capacity from approximately 12 to 150+ tons, depending on configuration. Using hovercraft technology, we float equipment with omnidirectional movement on a thin cushion of air across flat, smooth surfaces with zero floor damage and minimal effort. For plant relocations, renovations, and new construction projects where traditional methods risk epoxy floors, polished concrete, or tight spaces, air skates are often the only practical option - and our teams know exactly how to make them perform.

On renovations, new construction projects, and plant relocations, R. Baker & Son has mastered the use of air casters to move and precisely position heavy machinery and process equipment where traditional methods simply aren't an option.

On one memorable project, the plant owner was skeptical, even calling it crazy, when R. Baker proposed moving heavy equipment across brand-new epoxy floors. To his amazement, every piece of equipment glided across the floor on air skates without leaving so much as a scratch. Just a few dusty footprints that wiped away easily.

How Do Air Skates Work? Air skates operate on the principle of total force, which is different from pressure alone. A 24-inch circular disc has approximately 452 square inches of surface area. At just 30 PSI, that translates to over 13,500 pounds of lifting force per skate, or more than 54,000 pounds when using four skates together, all while maintaining that same 30 PSI.

This lifting force, when properly distributed across multiple skates, allows us to safely float loads up to 100 tons while maintaining the same low PSI.

Low-profile caster modules are placed at strategic support points beneath the load to evenly distribute weight. Compressed air inflates urethane diaphragms that lift the load off the floor. Air escapes between the floor and the diaphragms in a controlled manner, and the load begins to float.

Because air casters are omnidirectional and nearly friction-free, a single person or small crew can move thousands of pounds with minimal effort, complete control, and no damage to flooring. They also allow for easy, precise positioning, even in confined spaces. If floors aren't completely smooth or loads need to cross transitional areas, overlay materials like sheet metal or heavy-gauge plastic can be used to create an even surface beneath the skates.

Air Skates vs. Omnidirectional Nylon Skates It's worth noting that R. Baker & Son frequently combines air skates with other equipment-moving methods, including omnidirectional nylon skates, depending on what the job requires. No two projects are alike.

Many common flooring systems, including polished concrete, sealed concrete, epoxy, terrazzo, and other smooth surfaces, are ideal for both systems. The right choice depends on load weight, floor condition, space constraints, and project timeline - something our experienced teams assess on every job.

One thing is consistent, though: whenever air skates are in use, there's always a crowd watching in disbelief.

When to Choose Air Skates (and When We Combine Them With Other Methods) Air skates shine in situations where floor protection is paramount and precise positioning is required. They are ideal for: • Sensitive flooring like new epoxy, polished concrete, or terrazzo • Confined spaces where traditional cranes or forklifts won’t fit • Projects demanding millimeter-level accuracy

Our teams often combine air skates with omnidirectional nylon skates or other rigging tools based on the specific load, floor conditions, and schedule. This flexible approach ensures the safest, most efficient solution every time.

Safety & Best Practices From 90+ Years of Rigging At R. Baker & Son, safety is built into every step. Our best practices include: • Thorough pre-move floor assessments and custom overlay planning • Precise air supply and pressure management to maintain stability • Deployment by experienced riggers and millwrights with decades of hands-on expertise

This attention to detail protects both your equipment and your facility.

Why Experience Matters At R. Baker & Son, success with air skates comes from more than having the equipment - it comes from many years of real-world application on complex plant moves, renovations, and precision positioning projects. Our teams have refined every aspect - from initial load distribution and floor assessment to final placement - so your equipment is protected, your schedule stays on track, and your floors remain pristine. We are committed to providing our clients with the newest technologies and safe and cost effective solutions. While maintaining the quality and personal care your projects deserve.

R. Baker & Son: Over 90 Years of Rigging Expertise R. Baker & Son brings more than 90 years of rigging, millwright, and plant relocation expertise to every job. Our teams have a talent for finding the most innovative and efficient ways to get your equipment where it needs to go, safely and on schedule. Beyond the move itself, our Rigger and Millwright teams can also fully assemble and commission equipment, getting it ready for operation from day one.

Ready to move heavy equipment the smart way? Contact R. Baker & Son today.

Demolition Protection: Safeguarding People, Property, and Critical Systems with...

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:50:26 EDT

What Demolition Protection Truly Entails In the complex world of demolition, protection goes far beyond basic safeguards. As the recognized leader in demolition protection, R. Baker & Son defines it as the comprehensive shielding of adjacent structures, mission-critical equipment, operational systems, and personnel during high-stakes demolition projects. Whether preserving neighboring buildings in dense urban environments, encapsulating sensitive laboratory infrastructure, or maintaining uninterrupted data center operations, effective demolition protection ensures zero unintended damage to people, property, or essential systems - while enabling safe, efficient project completion.

Demolition protection encompasses a broad spectrum of challenges: controlling noise, vibration, and dust; preventing environmental contamination; and protecting high-value assets from physical impact. For clients across industries, it means peace of mind that their most valuable assets remain intact. At R. Baker & Son, we have pioneered innovative, engineered demolition protection solutions for over 90 years, earning our position as the trusted authority in this specialized field.

Proven, Innovative Demolition Protection Solutions With more than nine decades of specialized experience, R. Baker & Son stands as North America's oldest and largest M/WBE-certified demolition contractor, delivering unmatched demolition protection on the most demanding projects. Our portfolio includes landmark protections and complex industrial applications that competitors often avoid.

Key examples of our leadership in demolition protection include:

Fine mesh debris netting systems - Custom-engineered to encircle elevated demolition zones, preventing flying debris from impacting adjacent buildings, equipment, or public areas.
Advanced lab and equipment encapsulation - From custom-framed plywood enclosures and heavy-duty plastic sheeting to full equipment relocation coordination, ensuring sensitive lab benches, fume hoods, and precision instruments remain contaminant-free.
Critical infrastructure shielding - On high-profile data center projects, we have fully enclosed and protected fiber optic cabling and communications systems running through active demolition zones, maintaining 100% operational continuity.
Personnel protection tunnels - Secure, engineered walkways and corridors that allow safe passage for occupants in occupied facilities during selective or interior demolition.
Heritage and landmark preservation - We have proudly provided elite demolition protection for iconic sites including the United Nations complex, World Trade Center redevelopment, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island - demonstrating our unmatched capability in safeguarding irreplaceable structures.
Environmental controls in challenging conditions - On Hudson River pier projects, our expert management of high-current turbidity curtains - with constant monitoring and adjustments amid severe tidal fluctuations - prevented any debris escape or contamination.

Case Study: Precision Demolition Protection in an Active Electrical Switchyard A prime example of our leadership occurred during the removal of an obsolete electrical utility control facility within a live, high-voltage switchyard. Energized exterior gear had to remain fully operational and undamaged - no exceptions.

R. Baker & Son's engineered demolition protection plan included

Innovative installation of wooden telephone poles.
Selection of heavy-duty, non-metallic fine mesh netting to eliminate any risk of electrical interaction.
Strategic tension rigging for precise standoff distances and stability.
All heavy equipment was grounded for operators safety.
Clearly mapped equipment access corridors within strict work zones.
Scheduling protocols to avoid high-wind conditions.
Precision hose-directed water application (mist cannons ruled out) for dust control without introducing excess moisture.
Daily inspections, adjustments, and maintenance of all protection systems to guarantee continuous performance.

The project was completed safely, on schedule, and with zero incidents - reinforcing why clients rely on R. Baker & Son for demolition protection in high-risk environments.

Why Industry Leaders Choose R. Baker & Son for Demolition Protection

Clients consistently select R. Baker & Son - often when competitors decline - because of our proven track record, deep vendor partnerships, and ability to rapidly develop comprehensive, cost-effective protection plans tailored to unique project demands. As the premier provider of demolition protection services, we combine:

Over 90 years of family-owned expertise since 1935.
An exemplary safety record, including multiple VPP OSHA Safety Award sites.
Bonding capacity exceeding $20 million.
Nationwide capabilities across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Every demolition project presents distinct challenges, but our unwavering commitment remains the same: delivering superior demolition protection that safeguards people, property, and systems while meeting the highest standards of safety, schedule, and budget. When complexity is high and failure is not an option, R. Baker & Son is the industry leader clients trust for demolition protection excellence.

Precon Services for Demolition, Rigging & Plant Relocation...

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 07:47:28 EDT

For more than 90 years, R. Baker & Son has been delivering expert precon services for demolition, rigging, and industrial plant relocation projects. Before any construction work begins, our team develops detailed pre-construction plans that help clients save time, reduce costs, and eliminate surprises.

From scheduling and budgeting to layout and execution, the precon phase is where critical decisions are made that determine a project's overall accuracy, efficiency, and outcome. A thorough precon effort means fewer surprises, tighter timelines, and a significantly better return on investment.

The most important work on any project happens before construction ever begins. That's where decades of hands-on experience truly pay off and why so many owners and construction managers bring R. Baker & Son in as part of their precon team. With over 90 years in the industry, no other contractor brings that level of depth to the planning table. That experience translates directly into time savings, cost savings, and smarter execution from day one.

What Precon Looks Like at R. Baker & Son R. Baker & Son's precon process is thorough, detail-driven, and tailored to each project. All demolition and selective demolition procedures are carefully evaluated and outlined to meet each client's specific needs. Rigging and routing plans define how, when, and where equipment will be moved - accounting for sizes, weights, and separation points. Mobilization and demobilization plans address the full logistics of moving cranes, lulls, and other heavy equipment, ensuring nothing is left to chance.

Debris separation and removal are built into the precon plan from the start. Hazardous materials are identified early, and clean demolition and remediation plans are developed to satisfy all regulatory requirements. Dust, noise, and vibration management are addressed in detail, and equipment delivery and storage locations are determined well in advance. All available LEED rating points are identified as part of the process.

Finding Smarter Ways to Get the Job Done One of the greatest advantages of a strong precon effort is the opportunity to identify innovative, cost-effective solutions before work begins. R. Baker & Son actively looks for ways to streamline execution - whether that means sourcing local offsite storage and assembly to ensure equipment arrives exactly how and when it's needed, incorporating prefabricated pieces or systems to support project timelines, or identifying assets and asset recovery opportunities that can help offset overall project costs. Asset recovery, in particular, is a common and effective way to add value that many project teams overlook.

Precon Applies Across All Project Types Pre-construction planning isn't limited to new construction. It plays an equally critical role in renovation projects and is a significant factor in plant relocation projects, where the complexity of moving active operations demands precise coordination and foresight.

With over 90 years of project experience, R. Baker & Son has the knowledge and resources to plan, support, and execute at the highest level - delivering the accuracy, innovation, and reliability our clients count on every time.

Rigging, Assembly, and BIM: Bridging the Gap Between Digital Models and...

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 07:57:43 EST

Prefabricated equipment and systems have become the standard for good reason. The more you can prefabricate, the faster, more cost-effective, and higher quality a project becomes. The goal is simple: manufacture a quality product off-site and deliver it just in time. When done right, it's like running multiple projects in parallel across different locations - far more efficient than traditional stick-built construction or field fabrication.

BIM and 3D Scanning: Essential Tools for Modern Construction

Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D scanning have naturally become critical tools in modern construction, and R. Baker & Son has fully embraced them. Manufactured equipment suppliers also rely on 3D modeling to design and connect their systems to other equipment and building utilities, making BIM an essential part of project coordination.

That said, BIM has its limitations, and understanding those limitations is just as important as knowing its strengths.

Where BIM Falls Short

BIM can pinpoint equipment locations, identify clashes, and illustrate general connections and system details. However, a BIM model is only as accurate as the information and knowledge the operator puts into it. Variables on the physical job site - real equipment tolerances, field conditions, and last-minute changes can't always be anticipated in a digital model.

When real equipment, tanks, piping, panels, and platforms arrive at the job site, that's the true test of how everything comes together. If you want field installation to be as efficient as the prefabrication process, you need experienced eyes to fill the gaps between what the model shows and what the field requires.

Providing the Critical Information BIM Can't

Identifying and addressing those gaps early is what saves time, money, and avoids unnecessary change orders and project delays. R. Baker & Son has assisted clients throughout the BIM modeling process by contributing rigging and assembly expertise during pre-construction planning and on-site execution.

Getting process and mechanical equipment into a building efficiently is only one part of the equation. We also support construction managers in coordinating across various equipment manufacturers and integrating systems that were fabricated in different locations. Over the years, we've helped clients avoid common and costly mistakes, including:

Load cells at tank bases that can affect final tank elevations
Vibration isolators that may alter equipment heights
Shipped-loose components and panel placement that need to be accounted for in advance
Shipping split locations optimized for both installation efficiency and future maintenance access
Floor leveling requirements to keep equipment plumb, level, and properly pitched for drainage and functionality
Anchoring needs not just to the floor, but to platforms, stairs, and walls
Hardware and gasketing requirements needed to complete final assembly

Experience Meets Technology

R. Baker & Son brings more than 90 years of rigging, assembly, and millwright experience to every project. We've helped countless clients avoid costly mistakes simply by asking the right questions and sourcing the right information at the right time. When you combine that depth of hands-on experience with today's BIM technology, you create the strongest foundation for project success and maximum return on investment.

Quick Mobilization for Pilot Plant Dismantling and Demolition...

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 08:15:19 EST

When a building consolidation commitment required our client to dismantle and demolish a 30,000-square-foot pilot plant immediately, they turned to R. Baker & Son. Having rigged much of the process and mechanical equipment into the building 28 years earlier, we were already familiar with the site and building structure - making us the ideal candidate for this urgent project.

Immediate Response to Tight Deadlines

Our client needed to accelerate the start date significantly, as another tenant required the space. R. Baker responded immediately, meeting with the client to review the project scope and requirements. After touring the facility and thoroughly understanding their needs, we coordinated with the decontamination contractor and the owner who had systematically isolated, cut, and capped all utilities prior to our dismantling crews arrival.

We provided a comprehensive written plan, detailed safety protocols, and an aggressive area-by-area schedule outlining exactly how and when the work would be executed.

Systematic Equipment Dismantling

The building was fed by a large above-ground utility rack. The building's front and rear sides featured a translucent plastic panel system, that could be removed to provide easy access for equipment removals across all three floors. Prior to unbolting the process equipment, our team checked and insured that all connections were air-gapped before rigging any of the following specialized machinery and devices:

Reactors on their platforms
Multiple heat transfer fluid skids (HTFs)
Several large steam-to-hot-water heat exchangers
Steam PRV stations
Two scrubbers
Drying and milling equipment
Three 100% outside air AHUs from the roof
Two low-temperature chillers from the third-floor mechanical room
Large high plume exhaust fans

Simultaneously, two additional R. Baker teams worked alongside a mechanical contractor who cut and center piled all piping in the process support areas and Central Utility Area (CUA) corridors on each floor - for our demolition team to dispose of.

Efficient Material Handling and Removal

Using heavy-duty Lulls, an 80-ton hydraulic crane, and several portable gantries, we successfully extracted equipment through the newly created front and back building openings. All equipment was temporarily stored in a covered storage building next door, while piping and metals were removed and sold for scrap.

An electrical contractor handled disconnections while R. Baker teams removed the first-floor electrical gear, all motor control centers, and power distribution conduit throughout the facility. We installed temporary string LED lighting neatly throughout the building and removed all existing metal halide and fluorescent fixtures.

Overcoming Complex Challenges

The project presented two significant challenges:

Challenge 1: Working above and below the large utility rack while removing equipment and large-diameter piping required careful coordination and precision.

Challenge 2: The small footprint of CUA areas demanded a layered removal approach, as the density of piping and conduit in these tight spaces made everything highly compact.

Complete Building Transformation

The building was eventually safely and successfully dismantled, with all hangers, piping supports, and straps removed down to clean concrete. Only the sprinkler system and two elevators - both passenger and freight - remained operational. The translucent panel system was scheduled for replacement with a new one, and a new roof was planned.

Successful Project Completion

The facility was repurposed as a storage facility, with floors two and three designated for general storage and the first floor converted to secured spare parts storage areas. Our client was extremely pleased that the dismantling and demolition portion of the project was completed on time, within budget, and with zero safety incidents.

Rising to a Rigging Challenge: Custom Tank Installation in North Philadelphia...

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:16:20 EST

The Project Scope

As part of a major rigging project in North Philadelphia, R. Baker & Son faced a complex installation challenge: rigging, completely assembling, and setting 12 large fiberglass cylindrical tanks, each with a 17,000-gallon capacity. The tanks were to be delivered and anchored to waiting concrete pads in the rear of the facility. The agitators, blades, motors, and instruments shipped separately and would be assembled on site.

Coordinating Custom Equipment Delivery

The custom fiberglass tanks were fabricated and shipped on schedule from North Carolina, arriving on 12 separate wide-load tractor trailers. Each tank measured approximately 12 feet wide by 20 feet high, requiring careful logistics and planning for safe transportation and installation.

The tank agitators were custom-designed and fabricated to mix process slurry within the fiberglass tanks. These stainless steel agitators were manufactured in Alabama and shipped separately to the site. Due to the horizontal positioning of the tanks during transport and the risk of the agitators shifting in transit, the two components couldn't be shipped together. This meant the agitators and tanks would be assembled together for the first time on site, in a vertical position, in Philadelphia.

The Installation Process Begins

Once on site, R. Baker rigging crews deployed an 80-ton hydraulic crane with an extended jib to lift each tank into its vertical position directly from each tractor trailer in an assembly-line fashion at the building's large opening. The process appeared to be progressing smoothly—until a critical issue emerged.

A Show-Stopping Challenge

The problem became evident as crews lifted the 20-foot agitators with monolithic hubs to position them above and into the waiting tanks. The stainless steel hubs on the 4-inch stainless shaft were 1 inch too large to fit through the tanks' center top 16-inch reinforced flange. This was a complete show-stopper, preventing the agitators from being installed in the tanks and the tanks from being moved into the building.

Problem-Solving and Quick Action

Working collaboratively with the agitator manufacturer, R. Baker sent detailed photos with exact measurements to assess the issue. After careful analysis, the team agreed on a solution: remove or grind down corner sections of the agitator hubs to reduce the cross-sectional area, allowing the agitators to fit inside the tanks.

R. Baker immediately brought in a specialty stainless steel contractor the next morning to set up an on-site workspace. The contractor carefully ground down the hubs, rounded them, and polished them to like-new condition, ensuring both functionality and appearance were maintained.

Completing the Installation

As each 20-foot agitator shaft and hub was modified to fit properly, the R. Baker team assembled the agitators, 25-horsepower motors, and tanks together in sequence before moving them into the building in a safe and timely manner.

Once the tanks were transported from the front of the building to the rear and positioned on their pads, a second R. Baker team worked on centering each tank into its exact position and anchoring them with large epoxy anchors. After the tanks were securely set in place, crews mounted the agitator blades, baffles, and all associated instrumentation and lighting to complete the installation.

Successful Project Completion

Working in a coordinated sequence between various teams, R. Baker was able to complete the work on time, safely, and with quality results. Through effective collaboration with the client and vendors, the team successfully solved a problem that had stopped the project in its tracks and got everything back on schedule.

Negative Pressure Demolition in an Active Pharmaceutical R&D Laboratory...

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 08:24:03 EST

R. Baker & Son had the unique opportunity to return to a pharmaceutical R&D laboratory project we had successfully completed years earlier, where our riggers and millwrights originally installed nine downflow booths. The client needed to reclaim the valuable real estate occupied by these booths to accommodate their expanding laboratory and process requirements.

Strict Safety Requirements for Occupied Laboratory Demolition
Our client established several critical requirements as we prepared to work within their active, occupied lab building. First, we needed to safely isolate the downflow booth area to prevent any dust or contaminants from escaping into surrounding laboratories. Second, they requested that we carefully dismantle the downflow booths and preserve them for reconditioning and future use at another facility. Finally, critical fiber optic cabling running above the work area required complete protection throughout the project.

Comprehensive Safety and Decontamination Protocol
Working with R. Baker's approved safety and demolition plan, the owner removed all HEPA filtration systems from the downflow booths and had the entire area professionally decontaminated before any dismantling or demolition activities began. The electrical and mechanical teams performed all required lockout/tagout procedures to ensure everyone’s safety.

Creating Negative Pressure Conditions
In collaboration with the controls contractor, we developed a strategic plan to shut down the supply air system while utilizing the downflow booth's main exhaust system to create negative pressure conditions within the work area. We installed two layers of MERV 8 filter fabric over the main exhaust to maintain clean ductwork throughout the project. Two Magnehelic gauges were strategically placed to provide continuous verification to the client that the workspace maintained negative pressure relative to the exterior laboratories at all times.

Protecting Critical Infrastructure
The IT department worked closely with R. Baker teams to clearly identify existing fiber optic conduits using fluorescent paint and colored ribbons, ensuring complete protection of these vital communication systems. After all electrical systems and sprinkler lines were properly isolated and secured, R. Baker deployed parallel work crews. One team carefully dismantled the existing downflow booths while another performed selective demolition by removing corridor ceilings, lights, sprinkler systems, and ductwork before progressing to walls and flooring.

Preservation and Material Management
We meticulously dismantled, bundled, and individually packaged all nine downflow booths for refurbishment and future installation at another facility. As ductwork removal progressed, our team continuously monitored and replaced the MERV 8 exhaust filtration in both the workspace and exhaust fan system. All contained demolition materials were removed during off-hours via a freight elevator located just outside the work area to minimize disruption to laboratory operations.

Overcoming Project Challenges
One particular challenge involved removing the epoxy floor coating throughout the space. To maintain our project schedule, we brought in additional ride-on floor scrapers to expedite this labor-intensive process. We also removed several large Mettler Toledo floor scales, filling the resulting voids with rebar and concrete for structural integrity.

Daily housekeeping protocols included comprehensive broom sweeping using dust-control sweeping compound, along with HEPA vacuuming of all nooks and crannies to maintain the cleanest possible environment.

Minimizing Disruption to Active Research
To absolutely minimize disruption to surrounding active laboratories, our demolition teams worked every other Saturday to complete noisy demolition activities and any work involving significant vibration during times when the building had minimal occupancy.

Project Success and Client Satisfaction
Upon demolition completion and final punchlist review, the client expressed high satisfaction with the results, confirming that new construction could begin on schedule as planned. They were particularly impressed with the effectiveness of our negative pressure exhaust system - so much so that they maintained it throughout the subsequent new construction phase to preserve a clean workspace and protect the overall building environment.