Bolt Construction, Titan Abrasive Featured in The Fabricator
Since 1981, Bolt Construction has served the petroleum and natural gas industries through construction of airport fueling systems, gas compressor stations, gathering systems, and bulk storage petroleum piping.
The company receives raw pipe, valves, and fittings into its 20,000-sq.-ft. fabrication shop and creates products not only for its own in-house construction projects but for a variety of outside customers as well.
Abrasive blasting and coating are two of the most important processes in the overall operation.
“We specialize in the fabrication of pipe and structural components, so painting and coating play a significant role in the operation of our business,” said Todd Miller, president.
“Blasting helps create a smooth finish on the components, leading to improved adhesion of all coatings. And while everything is running smoothly now, it wasn’t long ago that we had to address two of the biggest obstacles hindering the productivity of both procedures.”
The first was the weather, which had a major impact on abrasive blasting.
“Since we previously did all our blasting outdoors, the elements were a constant issue,” Miller noted. “Not only did inclement weather frequently slow down or completely stop the blasting process, but even when there was no precipitation, the employees doing the blasting often had to endure oppressive heat and humidity or biting cold.”
The second roadblock was the size of Bolt’s paint booth.
“We had a tiny, 1,000-sq.-ft. painting facility, which severely limited the size and number of components we could fit in there,” Miller explained.
In spring 2024, ending a lengthy search for alternate approaches, Bolt took delivery of a new blast room and a modern, fully featured paint booth, both supplied by Titan Abrasive.
The 16- by 16- by 50-ft. blast room includes a mechanical abrasive recovery system with a 16-ft. cross auger and a 14,000-CFM dust collection system. Similar in size to the blast room, the paint booth includes a large vacuum system that captures fumes and dust.
Brandon Acker: President
Brandon purchased Titan Abrasive from his uncle and founder in 2013. Titan has since redesigned its entire product line to solve dozens of industry challenges.
Brandon purchased Titan Abrasive from his uncle and Titan founder, Bruce Maurer, in 2013 after spending five years learning the ins and outs of the business. He and VP of Engineering Brian Fox have completely redesigned the entire product line to solve the dozens of challenges that have plagued the blasting industry for decades.
Brandon is passionate about American manufacturing, the jobs it creates, the quality produced, and the bright future that lies ahead. He’s a frequent guest on manufacturing podcasts where he shares his deep industry expertise. Brandon holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University.
