Saving labor was a priority in the 1970s as much it is today. One of the biggest developments in the ‘70s (and ‘80s) came from transitioning away from fabricating rectangular sheet metal duct “straights” using galvanized sheet stock, instead using 12,000 pound, 48” and 60” coils. 

In celebration of the company’s recent 50th anniversary, we visited the Michigan-based sheet metal shop — before sheltering in place and before social distancing — to see how the forward-thinking company keeps business moving.

Whenever possible, Joshua Hoffman of Hoffman HVAC prefers custom craftsmanship over prefabricated materials. “Prefabricated fittings that you find at supply houses are just that,” he says.

When there’s a break in the action, Sean McNamara looks up at the massive ductwork that runs throughout Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, and smiles.

Building engineers and mechanical contractors may want take note: This is the year that duct design and installation will begin to face an increased amount of scrutiny.

The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association’s first edition of its Phenolic Duct Construction Standard manual provides basic phenolic duct fabrication and installation standards for sheet metal contractors, code officials and design engineers.