Depue Mechanical, Inc.

MCAA '25: Find Your Rhythm 🎶🔧 A few weeks ago, our team had the opportunity to attend the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) 2025 Annual Convention in Austin, TX. This event brings together mechanical contractors from across the country to discuss the future of construction, tackle industry challenges, and connect with peers. One major takeaway? No matter where you’re working—whether it’s the cold Midwest or the hot Southwest—we all run into the same job site hurdles. It’s a reminder that, despite differences in climate and location, the construction industry is united in its challenges and solutions. But if there’s one quote that perfectly sums up this conference, it’s this: "It’s raining pipe right now!"🌧️ Thank you MCAA for bringing our industry together once again and providing a space for collaboration, learning, and growth!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀 We’re lucky to have such a smart, hardworking team that gives it their all day in and day out. No need to chase rainbows🌈 —we already know where the real gold is! 💛👷 #StPatricksDay #Luck #Lucky #PaddysDay #Irish #Grateful #MechanicalContracting #LocalContractor #Minooka #DePue #Mechanical #PipeFitters #PipeFitting

Big Lifts 💪 & Big Steam 💨 Our team recently installed the core of this facility’s energy system—handling boiler installation, skid & boiler support, and a high-pressure steam header. 💧 Boiler Installation Our team installed intake ductwork, steam piping, and condensate lines, ensuring the entire system is ready to perform at full capacity. 🏗️ Skid & Boiler Support We installed condensate polisher skids, water pumps, and chemical treatment systems to keep the boilers operating at peak performance. Moving these massive components required heavy crane work, precision placement, and skilled craftsmanship. 🔥 High-Pressure Steam Header Built using industrial-grade steel piping, this system moves steam where it needs to go, handling extreme temperatures and pressures. Expansion loops and cold spring adjustments were made to ensure longevity and performance—all in tight spaces where every lift had to be carefully planned and executed. This isn’t just about installing equipment—it’s about building a system that delivers efficiency and power for years to come. Drop a 🌎 in the comments to show your support in making this planet a cleaner, more efficient place to live.

What takes 250 lbs of steam and turns it into clean electricity? We do!⚡️ At a sulfuric acid plant for a chemical manufacturer in Chicago, our team tackled the challenge of installing a state-of-the-art steam turbine and generator system in tight quarters. With precision, we set and connected essential equipment, including cooling towers, a deaerator, RO skids, and multiple heat exchangers, all integral to the new Waste Heat to Power (WHP) Plant. But equipment alone doesn't complete the picture. Our experts laid down an intricate network of piping—from ¼” stainless steel tubing to 36” schedule 40 carbon steel pipes—channeling 250lb steam from the plant to the turbine. This steam powers the turbine, driving the generator to produce 2.6 MW of renewable electricity, expected to cover approximately 95% of the plant's electricity needs. The innovation doesn't stop there. The turbine also returns clean, usable 60lb steam back to the plant for process use, enhancing efficiency. This multi-million dollar project is set to eliminate over 12,700 tons of CO₂ emissions annually, reduce utility interruptions, and decrease water and chemical consumption. Precision engineering, sustainable solutions, and a commitment to excellence—that's how we do it. ⚙️

We recently had the Radiographic Testing (RT) crew in the DePue fab shop, running X-rays on welds bound for an agricultural company. Not all flaws are visible to the naked eye, and in agriculture, a bad weld can mean leaks, failures, or costly downtime. That’s where RT comes in—X-ray vision for metal, exposing weak spots before they turn into disasters. In an industry that relies on durable, reliable equipment, RT isn’t just a box to check. It’s the difference between keeping operations moving and dealing with breakdowns at the worst time. So why is NDE (nondestructive examination) so important? 🚜 Extreme Stress & Heavy Loads – From combines to conveyors, ag equipment runs hard, and weak welds will crack under pressure—literally. 🛑 Hydraulic & Fuel System Safety – A weak weld in a 3,000 PSI hydraulic line or a diesel tank isn’t just a leak—it’s a pressurized mess waiting to blow. ⚙️ Structural Integrity – Equipment frames, augers, and processing systems rely on flawless welds to stay operational under constant motion and vibration. 🌾 Corrosive Environments – A hidden threat that weakens welds from the inside out. Constant exposure to moisture, fertilizers, grain dust, and chemicals slowly breaks down metal, compromising structural integrity and increasing the risk of failure. ✅ Code Compliance – RT ensures welds meet required standards, keeping inspectors (and liability risks) off your back. Be honest… were you today years old when you learned what RT really does? It’s okay, just smile and nod.😀

Chemical Plant Relief Line Upgrade🔧 We kicked things off by tearing out the old 8” carbon steel relief piping and stepping it up to 10” for a more efficient system. But bigger pipe means more weight, so we installed a steel structure around the tank to carry the load—keeping the stress off the tank nozzle and transferring it to the concrete below where it belongs. From there, our pipefitters got to work up top, assembling the horizontal and vertical piping on the roof, making sure everything was locked in tight. About 10 feet above the roofline, we installed a jet cap, which isn’t just for looks. It’s the first line of defense against water intrusion, with an internal drip device that drains water before it can enter the piping. It also helps with wind shear during venting, keeping the system running smoothly no matter the conditions. More airflow, no weak points, and built for the long haul. No hot air here—just solid work. 💪⚙️ What do YOU think of this setup, 👍 or 👎, comment below!

Adapting to the Future of Construction: Insights from Jim Jacobson Jr. 🔧📈 Our President, Jim Jacobson Jr., recently attended the ALI (Advanced Leadership Institute) class hosted by the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), where he had the opportunity to connect with top industry leaders to discuss market trends, innovation, and the future of construction. 🔹 What was your biggest takeaway? "Comparing challenges in the Midwest versus the Pacific Northwest, NYC, and LA really puts things into perspective. Just having that peer-to-peer contact and hearing what companies are doing in terms of technological innovation and planning for the next 3, 5, and 10+ years—that was one of the biggest takeaways." 🔹 What’s changing in our industry? "I think in almost every aspect of our industry, things will change very dramatically in the next 5-10 years. Artificial intelligence (AI) is already impacting our businesses, whether it’s analyzing data, improving safety, quality, or productivity. A lot of these tools are being incorporated into the software we already use. You see incredible widespread technology change in terms of welding methodology and equipment. Particularly in building information modeling (BIM), you see a lot of things changing quickly in the next few years in terms of how owners and designers approach constructing and designing buildings." 🔹 How do we stay ahead? "We embrace all these technologies. At the end of the day, our goal is to provide the best possible product in terms of quality, productivity, and value to our clients. Our industry has already changed significantly—if you look at what we were doing 100, 50, or even 20 years ago, there have been advancements in pipe joining, construction materials, and processes. The key isn’t what we think about it—the key is how we adapt. That starts with properly training our people and ensuring we implement these technologies in a way that improves the final product." The construction industry is evolving faster than ever, and those who prepare for change will be the ones shaping the future. 💬 What advancements do you think will have the biggest impact in construction? Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️

Tinley Park Library is getting some much-needed HVAC upgrades, and we’re on the job. 📚🔧 This project is all about better airflow, improved efficiency, and long-term reliability. We’re installing new hydronic piping, air handlers, fan coil units, exhaust systems, upgraded ductwork, and much more to keep temperatures steady and the system running strong. A job like this isn’t just about comfort—it’s about performance. Better circulation, reduced energy waste, and a system built to handle the demands of a busy public space. A good book and a well-running HVAC system—both are underrated until you don’t have them. 📖 ❄️🔥 What’s your go-to read when you need a break? Comment below! _____________________________ DePue Mechanical 815-255-2500 info@depuemechanical.com • Industrial Piping • Steel Fabrication • Skid Fabrication • Code Welding • General Contracting • Emergency Service • Commercial HVAC #mechanicalcontracting #contractor #HVAC #HVACwork #TinleyParkLibrary #TPLibrary #upgrades #projectupdate #airflow #commercialHVAC

✨ DePue Apprentices Lead the Way at Local 597! ✨ This past weekend, Local 597 hosted a prestigious competition to highlight the extraordinary skills of their apprentices in welding, pipefitting, and HVAC. It is with immense pride that we announce two DePue apprentices have risen to the occasion and claimed 1st place in their respective categories. 🌟 Paul Fox emerged victorious in the pipefitting category, conquering a rigorous challenge that demanded both technical precision and critical thinking. Contestants were tasked with fabricating a 4” carbon pipe segment featuring a custom offset, weld-o-let placements, copper sweat and brazed joints, and exact stainless tubing specifications. The complexity of the task required hours of calculations, and Paul’s performance set a standard of excellence that stood above all others. 🌟 Andrew Kay claimed the top spot in the welding category, demonstrating mastery in creating a complex spool piece that required exceptional joint preparation and welding procedures. With only certified welders eligible to compete, Andrew showcased precision, focus, and an undeniable commitment to his craft. Out of dozens of talented apprentices, Paul and Andrew distinguished themselves as the best, and their achievements speak volumes about their hard work and determination. We are honored to support such remarkable talent and are excited to see them represent at the state competition this March. Their success reflects not just their personal dedication but also the values and excellence of the entire DePue team. Congratulations, Paul and Andrew—you have made us all incredibly proud! 🏆 🙌

Client said they needed a loading arm that could handle the grind. We said, "Hold our torch." 🔥💪 Our team is in the thick of it, designing and fabricating two steel loading arms for an industrial chemical plant—one for the rail car station and the other for the truck loading station. These beasts are built from carbon steel with a hot-dipped galvanized coating to handle the grind, equipped with three hydraulic cylinders controlled by a master lever gearbox—designed in-house by DePue. Hoses are integrated into the arms, and they’re ready to handle naphthalene with precision and safety. This project proves once again: if it needs to move, lift, or carry, we’ll make it happen. Stay tuned for more updates from the field! 🚧🔧 _____________________________ DePue Mechanical 815-255-2500 info@depuemechanical.com • Industrial Piping • Steel Fabrication • Skid Fabrication • Code Welding • General Contracting • Emergency Service • Commercial HVAC #mechanicalcontracting #contractors #loadingarm #welding #pipefitters #industrial #chemicalplant #carbonsteel #galvanizedcoating #projectupdate