Specific data is not readily available, but it is generally believed that the vast majority of HVAC sheet metal shops are one- to three-worker shops with each fabricating an annual volume of less than 100,000 pounds of ductwork.

A new year historically presents managers with the opportunity to improve their shop operations.

Virtually all heating and air-conditioning companies need HVAC ductwork and other sheet metal items made fast. Most need small-quantity sheet metal orders fabricated quickly and efficiently. Why is efficiency so important on small orders? Efficiency is especially important on those quick, small orders because they are inevitably generated by unexpected jobsite situations.

With every new year, many people think about resolutions.

Resolutions can improve life for ourselves and can even improve life for those around us. Resolutions for people are often relatively simple changes to one’s diet and exercise routines, to quit smoking or perhaps to spend more quality time with the family.

In the selection of a shop machine or tool, a prime consideration is whether its use will require more than one person. A basic principle of efficient shop labor is the "one man, one job" concept.

A machine that requires two people to operate it may not justify the expense of the labor costs. An example of a "one man, one job" machine is a hand-operated drive-slip turner compared with a newer table model power-drive turner.

At 10 a.m. Aug. 29, Hurricane Katrina arrived at Biloxi's Point Cadet neighborhood with an unexpected 30-foot storm surge and power enough to crumble the 2-mile-long reinforced concrete bridge to neighboring Ocean Springs, Miss.