MCAO Would Like to Say “Grazie” To All Who Attended This Years Annual Meeting/Conference!

With over 240 members and spouses in attendance, our AGM and Conference, which was held in Italy, was the largest yet!

Delegates had the opportunity to mingle with fellow Contractors, Associate Members and Guest Speakers while taking in the culture and beauty of Rome and Sorrento.

MCA Ontario would like to THANK ALL MEMBERS who participated in this year's conference and we hope to see you all again next year!

TEE TIME! At The CMCEF Annual Golf Tournament!

Spots are still available for the 7th Annual CMCEF fundraising Golf Tournament, which takes place on Wednesday July 13th, 2011 at Grey Silo Golf Club. The tournament will once again feature a scramble format with your fees including green fees, golf cart, lunch and dinner. Registration (which includes direct impact to the Foundation) is only $200 per golfer; We hope to see you at this wonderful event. FORE!

The Culture of BIM

For members interested in using the Building Information Model, DPR Construction is an example of an American General Contractor who has successfully implemented BIM into their projects. This company is focused on using BIM to achieve their “Lean” Construction Strategy. Lean Construction is a method of building which is concerned with the holistic pursuit of concurrent and continuous improvements in all dimensions of the building process. DPR views the Building Informational Model as a “breakthrough” in applying Lean philosophy. This contractor focuses on 4 core markets: Advanced Technology, Healthcare, Life Sciences and Corporate Offices. The key aspect of these markets is the complexity of their electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems, which lend themselves well to the BIM approach. But how/why does BIM enable Lean? DPR outlines five key areas:

1. Design Concepts (Product Design) – 3D visualization to create a shared understanding of design

2. Process Design (Work Structuring) – Construction Sequence animated in 4D

3. Detailed Engineering – HVAC, plumbing, fire protection & electrical coordination and shop drawings in 3D

4. Fabrication – HVAC fabrication from 3D shop drawings. Plumbing and electrical pre-fab from 3D shop drawings

5. Logistics & Sequencing – Trade Installations sequenced in 3/4D

For News, Events, and Case Studies relating to BIM please visit the Canada BIM Council’s website at www.canbim.com.

MCA Toronto Establishes New Student Chapter

MCA Toronto has partnered with George Brown College to establish a new Student Chapter. This Chapter allows students from the School of Mechanical Engineering Technologies to experience the Mechanical Contracting Industry first hand and apply classroom knowledge to the workforce. Some of the career paths that interest students are: Estimating, CAD Operator, Project Coordination and Scheduling. This Student Chapter will take part in a variety of activities such as site tours, local networking events, and annual competitions. Likewise students from this chapter may be eligible for CMCEF’s 2011 Federated Insurance Scholarship (please see attached application form).

The MCA Student Chapter Program has been an outstanding success across the U.S.; and grown to be a win-win for both Mechanical Contracting Firms (looking to hire); as well as students (studying in a cross-spectrum of areas related to our industry). MCA Hamilton also has a very active Student Chapter in place. MCA Ontario would like to send a huge CONGRATULATIONS to MCA Toronto and we look forward to seeing this Chapter develop!

MSD Blitz

The Ministry of Labour will host a MSD Blitz during February of 2012. MSD is an umbrella term for injuries diagnosed as strains, sprains, repetitive strain injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc. They accounted for 43% of all Workplace Safety Insurance claim costs in Ontario for 2007. To help your company better prepare for this blitz and for additional information on MSDs, please visit the MOL website: http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/tools/pains/index.php

Consultant Available For Acquiring/Selling/Transferring Your Business

Robbinex Business Intermediaries is firm specializing in the sale of mid-sized privately held companies. Some of their services include: Partnership Problems, Business Valuations, Intergenerational Transfers, Acquisition Searches, and Consulting. With specialized programs such as, “14 Alternatives to Selling Your Business” and “The Three Phase Process to Selling”, Robbinex can answer all of your questions regarding the purchase/sale of a business.  Please Contact Kristine Carey, Kristine@robbinex.com, or visit www.robbinex.com for additional information.

2011 WSIB Premium Rates

Although WSIB has announced the average rate increase of all Ontario employers as slightly more than 2%, the average construction premium rate has increased from $6.09 in 2010, to $6.35 in 2011 (an increase of 4.25%). Specific rate group changes can be found on WSIB’s website, however, rate group 707 Mechanical will see no increase from 2010 to 2011.