Thank you to the 6 companies who participated during out 2025 Fall Summit Project Showcase! The goal of this showcase was to highlight the creativity, artistry, and craftsmanship of contractor projects representing mechanical and industrial insulation systems.

Winners

1st Place Winner

JT THORPE
Duct Replacement at a Power Plant

This project involves the renovation of an existing data center in Birmingham, Alabama, focusing on upgrading the cooling and emergency power systems. The upgrades include the replacement of 8 chillers, 8 cooling towers, 24 pumps, 10 emergency generators, and several computer room air conditioning (CRAC) units. These enhancements aim to improve the efficiency and reliability of the data center’s infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing downtime. The project also includes the implementation of advanced monitoring and control systems to provide real-time data on the performance of the new equipment. This comprehensive upgrade will not only enhance the data center’s operational capabilities but also contribute to energy savings and reduced environmental impact.

• Industry Segment: Commercial
• Type of Plant/Facility: Power Generation
• Temperature Range: High-Temperature System
• Goals for the Project: Energy Savings, Process Control Ventilation

2nd Place Winners

Gribbins Insulation & Scaffolding
New Distillery

This project focused on the installation of mechanical insulation for a new distillery piping system. The project features an outdoor piping system, including heat-traced cooling tower water and chilled water lines ranging from 6 inches to 20 inches in diameter. The team installed 2” thick fiber glass pipe covering with aluminum jacketing to ensure durability, energy efficiency, and weather protection. All work shown in the photos was completed using articulating boom lifts to safely access elevated areas and ensure precision in every detail. The project highlights the team’s expertise in executing high-quality insulation work under challenging outdoor conditions while maintaining craftsmanship and attention to detail.

• Industry Segment: Industrial
• Type of Plant/Facility: Distillery
• Temperature Range: Below-Ambient System
• Goals for the Project: New Construction, Condensation Control, Process Control, Energy Savings

Insul-Tech, Inc.
Thermal Expansion Tanks

For this fast-paced, 12-month headquarters project, the client wanted a system that stood apart from standard mechanical insulation systems with a design that could impress. To achieve this goal, our team installed color-coded PVC jacketing on exposed indoor chilled water piping throughout the facility’s three levels, delivering both functionality and a visually striking aesthetic. On the rooftop, the system included 36 outdoor chillers, each equipped with thermal expansion tanks, in-line air separators, and in-line chilled water pumps insulated with fiber glass and protected by durable metal jacketing. All in-line pumps featured custom, pre-fabricated two-piece removable boxes designed and installed onsite. This large-scale, high-visibility installation required precision planning and craftsmanship to meet the client’s design standards and performance goals.

• Industry Segment: Commercial
• Type of Plant/Facility: Mission Critical Facility
• Temperature Range: Below-Ambient System
• Goals for the Project: New Construction, Energy Savings, Condensation Control, Corrosion Control, Aesthetics

Participants

Jersey Fire Stop, LLC
Clinical Research tank

This project focused on the installation of high-temperature tank insulation for a science and clinical research company. The scope included insulating 10 tanks measuring 84 inches in diameter and 12 feet in height, as well as supply and return chilled water piping for a new air handling unit. The team installed 2” cellular glass insulation with
stainless-steel jacketing, providing durability, thermal efficiency, and corrosion resistance. A total of 3,500 square feet of insulation was applied to ensure consistent performance in demanding operating conditions. All work was completed safely and on schedule, highlighting the team’s precision, technical expertise, and commitment to quality in
high-temperature insulation applications.

• Industry Segment: Industrial
• Type of  Plant/Facility: Science and Clinical Research Company
• Temperature Range: High-Temperature System
• Goals for the Project: Insulation Repair/Maintenance, Energy Savings, Condensation Control, Personnel Protection

Performance Contracting Inc.
Roof Ductwork Systems at a University

This project focused on extensive rooftop ductwork systems including aluminum jacketing on the supply, return, and exhaust ductwork to focus on enhancing efficiency for this building, and to advance HVAC performance. The installation spans multiple roof elevations in a complex network of height changes, sharp curves and drops, and complex size transitions, requiring precision craftmanship to maintain the insulation's integrity and aesthetics. To enhance efficiency for this complex and highly visible system, our team insulated these large-scale ducts using fiber glass insulation, paired with durable aluminum jacketing to ensure thermal efficiency and weather protection. The team’s creative use of materials and craftsmanship resulted in each unique section receiving the customized treatment needed for an impressive final project.

• Industry Segment: Commercial
• Type of Plant/Facility: University Building
• Temperate Range: Below-Ambient System
• Goals for the Project: New Construction, Condensation Control

Irex Argus Contracting, LP
Industrial Fans for a Defense Contractor

This project focused on providing complete insulation for noise control on a series of large industrial fans for a national defense contractor. The team conducted detailed measurements at the fabricator’s laydown yard prior to installation to ensure precise fitness and high performance. Once the fans were installed on site, a senior project manager coordinated the installation crew to maintain accuracy and efficiency throughout the process. A key project requirement involved supplying the owner with detailed placement maps identifying the location of each removable cover. To meet this need, the CAD team developed a 3D model of the fans based on measurement sketches provided by the project management team. The system was finished in white at the customer’s request, delivering both effective noise control and a clean, professional appearance.

• Industry Segment: Industrial
• Type of Plant/Facility: Defense Contractor
• Temperature Range: N/A
• Goals for the Project: New Construction, Emission Reduction, Personnel Protection, Noise Control