Take a closer look at the photo that accompanies this article about Randy Harding, Welding Manager at MODLOGIQ. You’ll notice he’s wearing safety glasses, even though his “official” profile picture was taken in MODLOGIQ’s offices, not on the factory floor. That’s how big of a priority “safety first” is for Randy and his team.
“Safety is definitely at the forefront of our minds every day,” Randy confirms. “My department is responsible for the structural steel that makes up the modular 'skeletons' of our projects. That means we work with cranes, welding equipment, heavy materials, and more. Safety is a never-ending process. You can’t get complacent about anything. You have to keep your eyes open, keep thinking one step ahead to make sure everything is being done safely.”
With 28 years in the modular industry, Randy has experienced every aspect of the business, from his time as a certified welder on the plant floor to his current role as Welding Manager. Randy oversees all structural steel and site work to ensure proper safety, quality, installation, connections, and inspections in collaboration with MODLOGIQ’s building partners. “Frame construction of our modules starts with structural steel cut to length. We bring the steel into our jig and fabricate it according to the drawings. Then it’s moved to a finish section where our welding team completes the structure of each module. What we do has to be perfect because it’s the key to everything else that is built off of it,” Randy emphasizes.
After the individual modules are completed, they’re set onto cribbing that exactly mirrors the positions of the site-built foundation/supports. They’re bolted/welded together to create a completely assembled building, just as would happen with a conventional site-built building. The number of assembled modules can range from just a few…to hundreds of them, depending on the size and scope of the project.
Once the modules have been assembled together, framers begin to frame walls, doors, and windows. Electricians, plumbers, and other subcontractors install MEP, HVAC, insulation, and fire suppression systems. Next, finish work proceeds. Sheetrock, floors, ceilings, bathrooms, tiling, fixtures, lighting, and more are all completed at the plant…before the modules are carefully disassembled for transport to the site.
This intricate “Build Together” process would break down if Randy and his team didn’t deliver flawless work—day in and day out—on every project. “Our welding team’s dedication to quality makes my job easy,” says Randy. “I’m proud of the precision they bring to their work. It sets up everything that follows. In the morning and throughout the day, I’m checking on employees, keeping an eye on safety, keeping an eye on the work. But really, they’re so good and experienced at what they do, I’m mostly answering questions. If conditions change or I get new information on a project, we may adjust the day’s plan or balance manpower to address scheduling needs.”
In addition to daily tasks, Randy uses his 28 years of industry knowledge to support team success. “It’s important to keep an eye on the big picture, looking and planning ahead. I attend project meetings, review project schedules, and offer input on future projects, especially when we’re trying to balance budgets with project needs. I enjoy the interaction with my co-workers and the projects that we build. We build some pretty amazing stuff.”
Randy concludes with a story that epitomizes the “amazing stuff” that MODLOGIQ builds: “There was a hospital addition being built at the University of Virginia. The weekday hospital staff left for the weekend with just the foundation in place. When they returned on Monday morning, there was the addition, 80% to 90% complete. Foundation one day, completed building next. Same type of thing happens on school projects we’ve done. Foundation one day when parents are dropping kids off at school, completed addition the next day when they pick up the kids.”
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