"Owner/Contractor Teamwork Pays Off"

SITUATION

US Steel East Chicago Tin Mill was in need of additional storage space and turned to Pangere Corporation, a local design/build general contractor and "Butler Builder" for assistance. The initial base scope of work called for a stand-alone storage building with a breezeway interconnecting the new facility to the existing spares department. During the initial project planning phase, USS managers met with Pangere's project manager to explain the intended end use of the building and traffic flow it wanted to achieve. It was this analysis of the information that led Pangere to develop an alternate approach to the project.

RESPONSE

Pangere's professional project managers reviewed the specifications and drawings, met with material suppliers and subcontractors and were able to present U.S. Steel an alternate plan. This alternate basically eliminated the breezeway, raised the floor elevation 4 feet to match existing floor and attached the existing building to a common wall. The cost savings were used to fill the site grade and increase the structural capacity for the snow drift load.

RESULTS

Ultimately Pangere was able to hold the cost, increase the high side eave height by over six feet which provided a building over 17% greater volume and reduced the overall square footage (eliminating breezeway) which decreased property taxes, lighting costs and end use material handling time.

The key to this whole process was the open communications between vendor and customer. The result was a win-win situation for all involved. U.S. Steel East Chicago Tin Mill has the functional facility they need with additional space and long term cost savings. The Pangere Corporation completed a successful project on time and safely, developing a stronger relationship with a valued customer.

– adapted from an article in US Steel newsletter - January, 2002