In early 2023, Dixie Metal Products, a SPIDA member located in Memphis, TN, was contracted to fabricate a large diameter exhaust ductwork system needed for a new 550,000 square foot Owens Corning facility in Fort Smith, Arkansas.  

The new $115 million plant will be producing roofing mat and other building material applications, and the exhaust duct was associated with a drying and clean air environmental process exhaust system.

Dixie Metal Products began producing the ductwork in late 2022 with an anticipated completion in early 2023.  The scope of work included equipment connections to 11 Voith process exhaust fans and 11 general exhaust locations, totaling 150,000 CFM exhausting to a Durr clean air environmental system outside of the building.

The ductwork contained a substantial amount of long seam welded 86” diameter pipe and 86” multi-gore elbow fittings, along with 60” and smaller spiral pipe and fittings, all with galvanized angle rings for joint connections. With the very large diameter and weight of each piece, it was clear that fabrication and transportation would need to be carefully monitored to ensure success and safety.

The largest single fitting, a welded 86” diameter lateral that had a 60” diameter 45deg branch, represented the most fabrication and handling challenges because of its size. It measured 12ft tall by 12.5ft wide and weighed close to 900lbs.

In the end, the project encompassed over 40,000lbs of galvanized steel, spiral coil, and galvanized angle rings. The project provided a unique, large-scale fabrication opportunity to Dixie Metal Products with a successful installation by SM Lawrence Company of Jackson, TN.