Big River Shipbuilders has been serving the marine industry on the Mississippi River since 1988. Specializing in boat and barge repair as well as fabrication and salvage, this Vicksburg, MS based company focuses on providing exceptional services to its customers.
Last year, Big River encountered an obstacle in which it was experiencing weld porosity and cracking. This complication made it necessary to rework parts many times over to produce a high-quality weld. As its previous supplier was not able to solve this issue, the company reached out to nexAir for help overcoming this challenge. When the nexAir Territory Manager and Productivity Specialist arrived onsite, they examined Big River’s process and conducted an efficiency screening. After a thorough analysis, the nexAir team found several points of improvement such as adjusting the torch angle, modifying the wire straightener, and applying preheating techniques among other welding parameters.
Through this systematic review, Big River Shipbuilders saw first-hand how to customize its equipment for a consistent, skillful weld, with just one pass. Now implementing the new process, the company is saving 960 labor hours a year, adding up to $67,200 in total savings. Although these alterations were minor, they made a world of a difference when optimized to Big River’s distinct specifications. Since completing this project, the organization has continued to utilize the nexAir team’s knowledge for other projects such as welding wire pairings for maximized productivity. Thanking nexAir for its support, the Big River Management Team says, “I have called nexAir with three different problems, and its team has helped me every time! That is what means something to me.” Following with the nexAir Territory Manager expressing, “This shows our ability to collaborate with a customer to help them win. We are willing to go above and beyond to build a partnership, putting customer service as our top priority.” Primed for success, Big River Shipbuilders has significantly increased its efficiency allowing for space to acquire more projects – ultimately leading to an expanded potential profit margin.
