Motoring down the lean road┬áSL Montevideo Technology owes much of its success to its efforts in the fields of quality and lean, vice president of operations Dave Scott tells Andrew Pelis. SL Montevideo Technology Inc., a division of SL Industries, has been involved in the design and manufacture of high-performance precision AC, DC, BLDC and stepper motors, power electronics, controllers and windings for aerospace, defense and industrial markets worldwide since 1949.

Opportunity meets innovation┬áSimon Fraser University has been changing its campus to address the future growth areas for the school. Keith Regan learns how innovation has kept key projects moving forward.  Simon Fraser University (SFU) has a history of rapid growth and of being responsive to the changing needs of the students it serves. The university, named after explorer Simon Fraser, literally sprung up in 1965 when, after just 18 months of planning, the campus opened with 2,500 students.

Time management┬áPhoenix College is updating its campus with three new building projects. Director of facilities and construction Doug McCarthy gives Linda Seid Frembes some insight on how they were completed without disrupting classes. Phoenix College (PC) in Phoenix, Arizona, is the flagship college of the Maricopa County Community College District. Situated in downtown Central Phoenix, the college provides a central location for more than 10,000 students on its 52-acre campus.

On┬ásolid ground┬áThe Panama City campus of Florida State University has nearly doubled its student capacity with the construction of a new academic center. Linda Seid Frembes talks to Peter R. Brown Construction about the uniqueness of the project. Two years ago, the Panama City campus of Florida State University (FSU) embarked on an ambitious construction project for its new Alfred P. and Mamie V. Holley Academic Center. Dedicated in January 2009, the 105,000-square-foot Center effectively doubles the amount of capacity and space for FSU students.

Peak performance┬áAs the economic crisis rattles the US oil and natural gas industry, one company is poised for peak performance when markets recover, reports Brendan A. Smith.  Peak USA Energy Services helps oil and gas firms reach optimum production levels. Specializing in rig moving, custom heavy hauling, crane and rigging services, general freight, hot shot deliveries, and oilfield transportation, Peak offers more than 20 years of experience backed by a world-class fleet of over 250 trucks.

Off the beaten path A longtime joint venture is tackling a new challenge: building an upscale condo and hotel project hours from a major city and between two active ski mountains. Keith Regan learns how PCL Construction Services and CFC Construction are using their individual and collective strengths to do everything short of moving mountains.

Building on a reputation Pavarini McGovern is a mid-sized construction management firm with the capabilities of a larger player and the senior management involvement of a smaller one. As Keith Regan learns, the soon-to-be-completed Smyth Hotel is a glittering example of what can happen when those attributes are combined.

The Ontario Clean Water Agency relies on staff experience and continuous IT investment to service more than 500 utility locations in the Province of Ontario. Linda Seid Frembes finds out moreWater ÔÇöit sustains life and plays an important role in our environment, but most people take it for granted. No matter what time of day, it is expected that clean, clear water will pour from the faucet every time the tap is turned on.

Winds of change┬áKeeping up with growing demand is an interesting problem to have in a declining economy, Moventas Wind Gear Service vice president Juha Paananen explains to Gary Toushek. The wind turbine industry has been enjoying steadily escalating growth during the last decade in the US and Canada, and it was recently spurred on by the alternative energy strategy of President Obama. Component manufacturers like Moventas, based in Jyv├ñskyl├ñ, Finland, are trying their best to keep up with demand.

Between a rock and a hard place┬áAlthough thereÔÇÖs plenty of lucrative building work in Las Vegas, itÔÇÖs not always possible to get complete and unfettered access to the site, as Alan T Swaby learns. From a vacationerÔÇÖs point of view, possibly one of the biggest turn-offs possible is to find construction work taking place at the resort youÔÇÖve chosen. By the same token, few if any resort owners can afford to shut their premises down while major refurbishments are taking place.