D.S. Duggins Welding Honored Nationally by Steel Erectors Association of America for High Point University Project
D.S. Duggins Welding, Inc. (DSD Welding), based in Winston-Salem, N.C., was among five national Project of the Year winners unveiled by the Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) during its 2024 national convention. DSD Welding was singled out in the Structural Class III ($1 million to $2.5 million) for a challenging project on the campus of High Point University (HPU) in High Point, N.C.
In spotlighting the project, SEAA noted that DSD Welding faced the usual challenges of a tight job site and even tighter delivery schedule. But the real conundrum was solving problems with columns pulling out of tolerance after being set, tied in, decking placed, and concrete poured.
Although the columns were confirmed to be within AISC tolerance before turning the section over, they later moved outside of allowed tolerance once slab on decks were poured. While no root cause with the concrete pour or design was ever determined, the DSD Welding team did what they had to make the building right — spending many hours and six figures in labor and equipment to resolve the problem. At the heart of the campus, the new five-story Panther Commons now serves as residence hall, retail, dining, and study space for students.
Zach Burick, President/Owner of D.S. Duggins Welding Inc., told GroundBreak Carolinas, “HPU Panther Commons was one of the largest projects we had been awarded at the time. We were excited for the opportunity to team up with SteelFab and Samet, both customers that we’d done work with previously. We all expected the typical constraints, but what none of us could have anticipated was the issues with the columns. However, it was another opportunity to prove that our core values are in fact paramount for our company.”
Burick elaborated saying, “Relationships are extremely important to us, and that’s why one of our core values is establishing, building, and maintaining them. It was more important to us to make these issues right – even though we did not feel that we were at fault – and keep those relationships with SteelFab and Samet, than it was to try and pick a fight over who was right, wrong, and being compensated. I believe that went a long way and was appreciated by everyone. SteelFab was generous once it was all said and done. In fact, they did voluntarily provide some compensation for all the extra work we put in. Sure, our margin took a hit on this project, but the relationships stayed intact, and we’ve continued to partner with both SteelFab and Samet on more projects and more to come.”
DSD Welding was the only winner from the Carolinas. The four other winning projects were located in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, and Texas.
DSD Welding made the Triad Business Journal’s 25th Class of Fast 50 honorees in 2023; and earlier this year, DSD Welding President Zach Burick was inducted into the Triad Business Journal’s 2024 Class of 40 under 40. Learn more about DSD Welding at https://www.dugginswelding.com/.
More about the SEAA 2024 Project of the Year Awards
Of the five SEAA Project of the Year winners, two companies were recognized for Miscellaneous Metals and three for Structural Steel projects. The SEAA convention was held in Glendale, AZ.
Projects that were topped out in 2022 or 2023 were eligible and must have been completed without significant accident or injury. Submissions were reviewed and winners selected by an independent panel of judges from an engineering firm not affiliated with the association.
“Only one of the five winning companies is a prior recipient of this award, and two of them are relatively new members of SEAA,” said Drew Heron, Chairman of the Awards Committee. “Regardless of the size or scope, each of these projects demonstrated the grit and talent it takes to be an ironworker,” he said.
About Steel Erectors Association of America
Founded in 1972, SEAA is the only national trade association representing the interests of steel erectors, fabricators, contractors, and related service providers. The association promotes safety, education and training programs for steel erector trades, including its Ironworker Craft Training curriculum. The association works in partnership with other steel construction, design, and steel product organizations to protect the interests of those who construct steel structures.
