Scott Steel Erectors Inc.
Since its establishment in 1989, Scott Steel Erectors Inc. focuses on pre-engineered metal building systems with crews that unload, erect, plumb, bolt and weld steel structures in all types of climates, site conditions, access conditions, and under many project requirements.
Scott Steel Erectors operates as a nationally and internationally recognized pre-engineered steel and conventional construction firm, comprising of professionals and experienced field staff who provide a robust customer service mandate. The company serves a diversified mix of private-, public-, and social-sector clients and is united by a strong set of values, focused on client impact based on the corporate motto: Quality, Schedule and Cost, in a safe and efficient culture.
The Hamilton-based head office has completed numerous projects both nationally and internationally. Scott Steel provides general contracting, construction management, and design-build services to private and public companies for projects of all sizes. Depending on the scope of projects being worked on, Scott Steel typically employs anywhere from 150 to 180 workers. Suncor and Potash Corp. are among some of the well-known clients that the company has worked with in what is a long and impressive portfolio.
The Canadian Business Journal recently spoke with Scott Steel Erectors Inc. President Dan Scott about his company’s tremendous success, including the prestigious honour of being on the 2017 PROFIT 500 Ranking of Canada’s Fastest Growing Companies.
“We always aim to complete a job in the most efficient and economical manner,” says Scott. “I’m of the mindset that you’ve always got to be growing and making your company better so that you can attract and retain good employees. It really is about the people.”
The quality of the company’s skilled workers is at the core of being able to suitably service each and every client. Scott Steel takes the time and effort to invest significant resources in identifying exceptional people, developing their skills, and creating an environment that fosters their growth as leaders.
At Scott Steel they take a consistent approach to recruiting and developing people, regardless of where they are based. By using this methodology it means the company is able to quickly deliver the best team to each client anywhere in the world. Scott Steel owns and maintains a fleet of mobile cranes, aerial work platforms, scissor lifts, telehandlers, specialized torqueing tensioning equipment and welding machines allowing it to work independently of other entities with the capability to provide turnkey services on a variety of projects ranging from any size at any time.
During more than a quarter of a century in business Scott Steel has enjoyed tremendous growth while expanding its reach across Canada and into the U.S. and the Caribbean and is currently working on a large project in Greenland.
The methodology followed by everyone at the company is to stand behind the highest safety and service practices in the industry. With a leading team and utilizing technology and engineering, Scott Steel always ensures it tends to the needs of each of its clients. The company works directly with private sector industrial and government authorities to pre-qualify and win bids on all types of projects; from large mining, industrial and commercial jobs to general contracting. Scott Steel operates as an open shop, with more than 15 core working site superintendents, with experience ranging up to 30 years in the pre-engineered and conventional steel industry.
A fundamental key asset at Scott Steel is its large labour force of open-shop composite tradesmen. The company has developed extensive training mandates and incentives to develop the most knowledgeable and professional assembly crews in the industry and employee retention is among the highest in the trade. All supervisors have successfully completed supervisory training courses, as well as additional training and are held to the highest standard of professional performance.
“If you don’t keep your people trained and up to date then obviously you are going to fall behind in all aspects of the business. Staying on top of training has always been very important to me. It’s one of the reasons we’ve been able to be as successful as we are,” says Scott.
“I’ve made it mandatory that everybody in the company, whether it’s me or somebody brand new through the door, we must get two mandatory training courses a year. That is a must, so when it comes time to be reviewed at the end of the year we expect everyone to have that training completed. I implemented that more than 10 years ago. I’m not looking for people to take intensive three-year university courses. I’m looking for continual training and upgrading of their skills,” explains Scott.
There are also numerous safety programs for aerial work, fall protection, hoisting, rigging and for use of telescopic forklifts. Scott Steel is also a member of various associations including Safety Group Ontario, The Ontario Construction Association and the Canadian Construction Association.
Scott Steel ensures that it remains fully capable of accomplishing its work through qualifications such as CWB (Canadian Welding Bureau) certification and an in-house certified train-the-trainer capabilities in Fall Protection, Aerial Work Platforms, Hoisting and Rigging, Telescopic Forklifts, and both the Mining Association of Canada and the Oil Sands Safety Association requirements.
As an extension of skills training, technology and the impact of social media continues to evolve in most all industries, and it’s no different for Scott Steel.
“Technology has vastly improved our business. It’s made us more efficient. For example, just having cell phones have quickened the process. What I would do 25 years ago is now up to 10 times faster. In the past it could have taken two or three days to connect with someone, now it’s done in an instant,” remarks Scott.
Much like the first three decades in business the future looks bright for Scott Steel and Dan Scott is quick to point out that it’s been a total team effort from top to bottom.
“We have excellent employees and supervisors and our men in the field – that’s what this is all about. They are out there helping to build this world,” he says. “We are always looking for good people to join our company.”
