Month: September 2022

Anvil Attends bp Cherry Point’s Annual Safety Fair

On Thursday, September 8th, Anvil attended bp Cherry Point’s annual Safety Fair at their refinery in Blaine, WA. Our team – together with about two dozen other local engineering and construction businesses – showcased their contributions in ensuring the overall safety of our shared industry.

On Thursday, September 8th, Anvil attended bp Cherry Point’s annual Safety Fair at their refinery in Blaine, WA. Our team – together with about two dozen other local engineering and construction businesses – showcased their contributions in ensuring the overall safety of our shared industry.

Anvil’s booth at the Safety Fair.

Anvil was represented by Jim Holien, Kyle Brooks, Austin Brooks, Jen Desrochers, Eric Peterson, and Tom Butenschoen.

Guests visiting Anvil’s tent were treated with presentations of our 3D modeling and laser scanning technology.

Designed to digitally map out our clients’ facilities, a set of cameras and lasers are operated to scan the complex and crowded machinery of the refineries we work in. Present in each of our resource disciplines, this method often allows members of our team to accurately tour refineries without even having to step a foot inside one.

This practice also allows our team to design projects in the most cost effective, efficient, accurate, and – most importantly – safe manner possible.

“Using laser scanning and 3D modeling improves safety and efficiency for all stages of an Anvil project, which leads to safer designs for our clients,” Eric says. “Laser scans reduce the number of field walks required for Anvil employees while improving the accuracy of our designs. 3D model reviews allow for input from the client and constructors, resulting in safer designs and construction of projects.”

“We scan practically everything before most projects,” Austin says. “We put it all together back at the office.”

According to Austin, small projects sometimes only take a day to complete while larger projects can take weeks. Anvil is often tasked with providing 3D models for new refinery units – even for those we’re not involved with on the engineering side of things.

A 3D model of an Anvil project created through laser scanning.

“This type of technology was revolutionary to the work we do at Anvil,” Austin says. “I don’t think we could ever go back to the way things were done before.”

As the team wrapped up for the day, Jim Holien, Bellingham Branch Manager, remarked on the importance of the Safety Fair.

“It’s great that bp does this every year – it’s a fantastic way to bring local members of our industry together,” Jim says.

Anvil wants to thank bp Cherry Point for continuing to hold their annual Safety Fair – our team will gratefully take any opportunity to celebrate the various professionals who help keep our industry safe.

Life in Concord: The Land of Opportunity

The conclusion of Anvil’s Branch Highlight Series takes us to Concord, CA, where we’ve proudly operated for more than two decades.

Located in Northern California, Concord is nestled right outside of San Francisco – in the heart of California’s famous Bay Area. Only a thirty-minute-drive away from the big city, Concord is a suburban haven for those wanting the amenities of San Francisco without the hustle-and-bustle of urban living.

The conclusion of Anvil’s Branch Highlight Series takes us to Concord, CA, where we’ve proudly operated for more than two decades.

Located in Northern California, Concord is nestled right outside of San Francisco – in the heart of California’s famous Bay Area. Only a thirty-minute-drive away from the big city, Concord is a suburban haven for those wanting the amenities of San Francisco without the hustle-and-bustle of urban living.

Anvil’s own Carlos Hernandez hiking through Yosemite National Park.

Concord is also located conveniently near Oakland, Sacramento, and San Jose – all three cities can be visited within an hour from our office. Because of this, as is the case with many of California’s major cities, there’s always something to do in Concord.

“There’s a ton of hiking, lots of bands play in this area, and Napa is even nearby,” Carlos Hernandez, Process Engineer, says. “Yosemite National Park isn’t too far away either.”

Yosemite Valley is only three hours away from our office in Concord, CA. Photo courtesy of the NPS.

While Yosemite is obviously stunning, the San Francisco Bay Area is a sight to behold in itself. Our employees in Concord are treated to some of our country’s most beautiful locales each time they commute to work.

“We have an incredibly diverse environment in Concord,” Albert Chung, Process Engineer, admits.

Albert is right – Concord is known for the variety of outdoor pursuits on offer for the city’s inhabitants. While hiking, fishing, camping, and biking might be more popular with adults, ‘Camp Concord’ is a popular recreational destination for families of all sizes in the Bay Area.

“The weather in Concord is absolutely perfect,” Andy Tsung, Senior Project Manager, adds. “Compared to Southern California, the cooler weather in Northern California is where you want to be.”

A sunset in Concord. Photo courtesy of the Contra Costa Herald.

The Bay Area is constantly brimming with exciting activities, gorgeous surroundings, and most importantly, a culture that’s completely its own.

“There’s a lot of different, varied restaurants in Concord, but especially in San Francisco and Oakland,” Carlos says. “The cultural scene, in terms of museums and art shows, is vibrant. There’s also a ton of fun professional sports teams.”

As Carlos referenced, Concord has a strong connection to the fine arts. The city hosts an annual Jazz Festival, the B8 Theater Company, as well as the Solo Opera, to name a few of the interesting entertainment options available.

The suburbs of Concord offer a welcome escape from the city of San Francisco. As of 2022, Concord has a population of 126,708 people. Photo courtesy of the Contra Costa Herald.

The area also has a rich connection and history with the country of Mexico. The area was discovered and settled by Don Salvio Pacheco, a Californio ranchero. In 1834, Pacheco received a land grant for all of California’s Ygnacio Valley. He subsequently gave parcels of land to the residents of Todos Santos, the former Mexican town we now refer to by the name of Concord.

“I was ultimately drawn to Concord because it’s relatively close to home,” Carlos shares, referring to his family in Monterrey, Mexico.

Anvil is honored to have roots in the Golden State, an area which prides itself on the ambition of those who’ve come before us.

Life in Denver: Whatever You Want It to Be

Established in 2016 as our newest branch, Anvil is proud to operate out of Denver, Colorado. As a company of enthusiastic engineers, it’s an honor to contribute to the city’s rich history of manufacturing excellence.

“Living in Denver allows me to ride my bike to and from work and still have enough time to spend with my family in the evenings,” Jason Davis, Piping Engineer, says. “I can escape the city life over the weekend without spending countless hours in my car, leaving me more time to enjoy my getaway.”

Engineer Pass, a historic road which takes drivers through the San Juan Mountains. Photo courtesy of Jason Davis.

Established in 2016 as our newest branch, Anvil is proud to operate out of Denver, Colorado.

“Living in Denver allows me to ride my bike to and from work and still have enough time to spend with my family in the evenings,” Jason Davis, Piping Designer, says. “I can escape the city life over the weekend without spending countless hours in my car, leaving me more time to enjoy my getaway.”

Having grown up near the area, Jason and his family have come to love the variety of sporting options in Denver.

“During an average week, I have the freedom to play sand volleyball one day, ice hockey the next day, and golf the day after that,” Jason says. “If you’re more of a sports fan, Colorado has just about every professional sport you can think of.”

Denver, and by extension Colorado, harbor strong cultural ideals; the area is home to an exciting list of engaging activities.

“Red Rocks Amphitheater is just minutes from our office,” Jason explains. “Concerts at Red Rocks cannot be beat – you have not lived until you’ve seen your favorite band play at Red Rocks. Downtown Denver also offers its own medley of breweries and fine dining. There are options for every taste.”

Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Photo courtesy of the venue.

Denver is also home to the Denver Art Museum, the American Mountaineering Museum, the Colorado Railroad Museum, and many more interesting spots to spend a rainy afternoon. However, when it comes to true recreational entertainment, the very best of Colorado lies just outside the city limits.

“Most people in Denver only live within an hour’s drive of world class skiing and snowboarding,” Jason shares. “Some of the ski-resorts even open to mountain bikes during the offseason, allowing people to ride a lift to the top of the mountain and bike down. If you enjoy riding in the mountains, there are more trails than you could ever ride in one lifetime. For campers such as myself, there are an endless number of camping spots with amazing views, not to mention countless hiking trails, that will all take your breath away.”

“The outdoor activities in Denver are unmatched,” Marco Scofidio, Senior Structural Engineer, confirms. “Hiking, fishing, camping, the scenic mountains – it’s all great.”

Colorado is one of the country’s most popular fishing destinations. Photo courtesy of Ken Swalley.

Cradled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is naturally stunning.

“The Denver office looks out on mountains to the west and over the city to the east,” Jason explains. “I typically go for a walk during lunch to enjoy the view from the top of a nearby park. Sunrise from the office is not to be missed.”

“Denver offers something for everyone,” Jason adds. “Whether you prefer hanging out in the city, going to dance clubs, dining at fantastic restaurants, or if you prefer to camp in beautiful locations far away from the hustle and bustle and cook a hearty meal over a campfire – you will always have something to do.”

The city of Denver has a population of over 738,000 people. Photo courtesy of The Denver Post.

Ken Swalley, Denver’s Branch Manager, concurs.

“In my spare time, you’ll often catch me rafting, hiking, or biking,” Ken says. “I love living here.”

Life in Billings: The Great Outdoors

One of the important aspects of life at Anvil has always been the natural beauty of where we work. Our five branch locations, which are strategically placed across some of our country’s most scenic regions, often play a major part in how our employees enjoy their life away from work.

From fly fishing to snowmobiling, perhaps none of Anvil’s branch locations encapsulate the spirit of the outdoors more than our branch in Billings, MT. Located in the south-central portion of the state, the metropolis sits at the seat of Yellowstone County – cradled between seven different mountain ranges.

One of the important aspects of life at Anvil has always been the natural beauty of where we work. Our five branch locations, which are strategically placed across some of our country’s most scenic regions, often play a major part in how our employees enjoy their life away from work.

From fly fishing to snowmobiling, perhaps none of Anvil’s branch locations encapsulate the spirit of the outdoors more than our branch in Billings, MT. Located in the south-central portion of the state, the metropolis sits at the seat of Yellowstone County – cradled between seven different mountain ranges.

Rhonda Laughman and family in the mountains of Montana.

“The winter sports are great in Billings, with a lot of snow,” Brandon Crane, Control Systems Engineer, says. “We’re about an hour from the Beartooth Mountains, which obviously provides us with tons of opportunities to hike, camp, snowmobile, and fish.”

The Beartooth Mountains infamously feature Granite Peak – the highest point in all of Montana.

“Billings is a great hub for all the outdoor adventures Montana has to offer,” Rhonda Laughman, Anvil’s Project Management Department Manager, affirms. “We camp, mountain bike, hike, run, fish, play golf, ski, water-ski … it’s so much fun.”

Camping in the Beartooth Mountains. Photo courtesy of Troy Hand.

Whether you’re enjoying a hobby or exercising your body – if you enjoy the outdoors, you’ll struggle to find a city with more options than Billings.

“The sheer number of outdoor activities just outside my door helps support my work/life balance,” Toby Erickson, Senior Project Manager, shares. “My favorite thing about living in the area has to be riding my motorcycle through the mountains.”

Toby Erickson’s motorcycle photographed at Beartooth Pass.

While Billings sits very much in the shadows of the mountains which surround it, Montana is home to a wide range of natural environments.

“I enjoy digging for fossils,” Troy Hand, Civil Structural Designer, reveals. “In Billings, you’re only a couple hours drive from a variety of regions with differing and interesting geological features and petroglyphs.”

“There’s a lot to love about life in Billings,” Bridger Flynn, Civil/Structural Engineer, affirms. “Hiking in the Beartooth Mountains, fishing on the Bighorn River, the long summer days, and winters spent in Red Lodge.”

The great outdoors are fundamental to the lives of our employees in Billings. However, despite its reputation as an alfresco haven, Billings is also Montana’s largest city.

“Billings is the local epicenter of our area – everyone around us comes ‘into the city’ for our shops, districts, clubs, bars, and to just have fun,” Devon McHugh, Civil Structural Designer, shares. “However, since Billings isn’t this huge metropolis, it often still feels like a small town.”

As of 2022, Billings has a population of just over 117,000 people – the second smallest of all our branch cities.

Brandon Crane snaps a selfie while riding dirt bikes with his son.

“It’s big enough to have all the amenities I want while staying small enough to support a reasonable commute,” Bridger Flynn affirms.

“Nothing is too far from the office,” Devon McHugh adds.

Despite its comfortable size, Montana boasts an exciting collection of restaurants, museums, art galleries, and more.

“I love trying out the different breweries in town and around Montana,” Rhonda Laughman shares. “Billings has some great local eateries and bakeries. My favorites are Le Fournil and Veronika’s.”

“The downtown location offers a lot of choices to go out and eat after work,” Greg Nelson, a Senior Civil Structural Designer, agrees.

In addition to great eats, Montana is also home to the Yellowstone Art Museum, the Billings Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Museum of Women’s History.

“It feels much more like home than other office locations,” Brandon Crane shares.

Like many of Anvil’s branch locations, Billings has the potential to be whatever you want it to be – with the spirit of the outdoors at the heart of everything.