Did You Know?

“There are a number of claims to the inventor of the pile driver. A mechanically sound drawing of a pile driver appeared as early as 1475 in Francesco di Giorgio Martini's treatise Trattato di Architectura. Also, several other prominent inventors — James Nasmyth, watchmaker Sebastiaan Valouè, Count Giovan Battista Gazzola, and Leonardo da Vinci — have all been credited with inventing the device. However, there is evidence that a comparable device was used in the construction of Crannogs at Oakbank and Loch Tay in Scotland as early as 5000 years ago. Otis Tufts is credited with inventing the steam pile driver in the United States.”

Source: Wikipedia

What We Do - Pile Driving / Diving

Often the first workers on site, pile drivers drive metal sheet piling to hold back the dirt during excavations; drive concrete and metal piling as part of the foundation system for large buildings; drive wood and concrete piling to hold up docks, wharfs and bridges; and construct slurry wall systems.

In some cases they work on off-shore oil rigs and as commercial divers involve din underwater construction. Pile drivers are also required to install heavy timbers and weld or cut large metal beams.

What We Do - Floorcovering

Installing carpeting, hardwood flooring and soft tiles and "linoleum-type" products made of vinyl and rubbers is the work of floorlayers. They install a wide range of decorative floor covering in commercial buildings, hotels, homes and churches. Union contractors and members are also available to install specialty flooring for hospitals, labs and computer environments.

A few years ago, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters worked with flooring contractors and major manufacturers of flooring products to develop a certification process for flooring installation. The INSTALL program (International Standards & Training Alliance) was designed to show that certified flooring installers were capable of the high quality work demanded by end users.

Every member who graduates from Local 2168's apprenticeship program is INSTALL certified and the leadership of the local is suggesting all members increase work opportunities by becoming INSTALL certified.

Did You Know?

"More concrete is used than any other man-made material in the world. As of 2006, about 7 cubic kilometers of concrete are made each year—more than one cubic meter for every person on Earth...More than 55,000 miles of highways in America are paved with this material."

Source: Wikipedia