Enginuity (now part of Ainsworth), a mechanical contractor based in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, was preparing for a refrigerated warehouse expansion that included nearly 50,000 square feet of cooler and freezer space.
Based on the large scale of the project, Almir Kapetancic, who led the Enginuity team, decided to use RLS press fittings instead of brazing the massive number of joints that would be required. The plan was to reduce labor hours and accelerate the timeline with RLS fittings – including the company’s “XL” 1-5/8” and 2-1/8” sizes.
By using hundreds of press fittings across the project, Kapetancic was able to reduce on-site labor hours by two-thirds, better manage and schedule his staff, deliver the completed project faster for the customer – and do it all more profitably.
“This was the first time that I’ve utilized press fittings on a job site, but it was an absolute game changer for both our workflow and bottom line,” says Kapetancic. “The benefits of added flexibility and efficiency of labor on-site more than made up for the investment we made in the press fittings and tools themselves.”
“I had full faith that I could explain the technique for press fittings to even the greenest contractor and they could confidently reapply it across the worksite after a quick hands-on instruction” he said. “The alternative is a brazing certification, which is an in-depth process that can’t be taught on a whim or in passing. Brazing certified contractors are also becoming harder to find these days, so RLS has allowed us to adapt to an evolving workforce without compromising the quality of our installations.”
In addition to the major efficiency and ease-of-use advantages of RLS, Kapetancic and his team also found the fittings to be completely reliability. “We haven’t needed to revisit any of the connections that used press fittings” he said. “The proven reliability and resilience of XL press fittings from RLS have me very excited about the positive impact they can have on our business going forward.”
For more information about RLS fittings – the only HVAC/R press fittings with a 9+ year track record and sizes up to 2-1/8” – visit the RLS website.
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