Category: Community

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.”

​​​​​​​Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day

​​​​​​​Anvil is constantly evolving. Whether it’s expanding the scope of our projects through technological innovation or even improving the level of benefits we’re able to offer our employees, Anvil has always known that engineering and progress go hand in hand. With this belief in mind, it’s no secret that our industry, and company, have undergone many changes over the years.

​​​​​​​A Series of Interviews with the Women of Anvil

Anvil is constantly evolving. Whether it’s expanding the scope of our projects through technological innovation or even improving the level of benefits we’re able to offer our employees, Anvil has always known that engineering and progress go hand in hand. With this belief in mind, it’s no secret that our industry, and company, have undergone many changes over the years.

Alissa Engelby, a Lead Structural Engineer out of our Anchorage branch, has witnessed some of these changes first-hand.

“When I first started in engineering, I was usually the only woman in the room or even within a company,” Engelby said.

Alissa Engelby

An engineer for over twenty years, Engelby was forced to endure discrimination early on in her career before making her way to Alaska and Anvil.

“At my first job, my boss got a few phone calls that some clients didn’t want to work with me,” she shares. “He told them to give me two weeks, and to come back to him if there were any issues. I worked very hard to make sure there were no issues.”

Despite the adversity she’s faced, Engelby has enjoyed a successful career in our industry, and is hopeful for the next generation of female engineers.

“Have confidence in yourself,” she tells them, “and if you have a strong work ethic, you’ll succeed. When I first started, there was always the assumption that I didn’t know what I was talking about. I think the opposite is now true.”

Cynthia Greene, a Project Controls Lead in Billings, holds similar sentiments.

“The message that is given to women early on in education has changed,” Greene said. “Working together we can accomplish amazing things.”

Greene, who’s been with Anvil for nearly twenty years, has grown to appreciate the value of working on a unified and diverse team.

“At Anvil, we work for each other, and each person’s individual success elevates us all,” she said.

Cindy Greene

This sense of unity, shared among all women in the engineering industry, transcends work at Anvil. For Greene, professional inspiration is drawn from a figure from within her own family: her sister-in-law.

“She has accomplished so many things as an engineer and manager in the field of aerospace,” Greene said. “She is a leader, mentor, and inspiration to many. She has given me the renewed energy to continue to improve and achieve new accomplishments.”

As Greene alludes, a strong sense of ambition is a common trait among women in this industry. Kari MacDonald, a Project Manager in Anchorage, isn’t afraid to push boundaries whenever she can.

“Within this industry, initially, it seemed like women were only in administrative roles,” MacDonald said.

MacDonald recalls a story from early in her career, an instance where the extent of her skills weren’t being properly utilized.

Kari MacDonald

“I hate filing and, unfortunately, it was a large part of my first job in oil and gas,” she remembers. “However, my boss believed that the success of our team hinged on working together. He really enjoyed filing and felt I was better on the phone talking to candidates, so we divided and conquered. I’ll always remember this – it showed me the value of a team and not a position.”

As our industry continues to evolve, Anvil pledges to progress alongside it. On this International Women in Engineering Day, we applaud the careers of all women at Anvil – your unique experiences and unrivaled dedication make Anvil the company that it is today.

Helping Hands Feed the Community

As part of September’s Hunger Action Month, Anvil partnered with Shell Puget Sound Refinery to participate in a friendly “Granola Bar Challenge” to collect granola bars for Helping Hands Food Bank in Sedro Woolley, WA. Anvil is the proud winner of the challenge, collecting over 7,750 granola bars!

Photo of Anvil Volunteering

As part of September’s Hunger Action Month, Anvil partnered with Shell Puget Sound Refinery to participate in a friendly “Granola Bar Challenge” to collect granola bars for Helping Hands Food Bank in Sedro Woolley, WA. Anvil is the proud winner of the challenge, collecting over 7,750 granola bars!

In addition to the challenge, Anvil and Shell employees teamed up for a joint community service activity to pack the granola bars collected into backpacks full of various food items for Helping Hands Food Bank’s “Food for Kids Program.” About 700 of these backpacks are provided weekly to children in the community to ensure they are fully nourished and able to thrive.

A huge THANK YOU to all Anvil and Shell Puget Sound Refinery employees who donated granola bars and especially those who volunteered to fill backpacks.

About Helping Hands Food Bank

Helping Hands Food Bank is Skagit County’s largest direct emergency food provider. Last year, they distributed over 2.2 million pounds of food to over 14,000 people. Over 60% of the clients they serve are children and seniors. The nonprofit organization works with local food providers and community organizations to provide the best services possible.

Learn more about Helping Hands Food Bank and ways to donate at www.helpinghandsfoodbank.org.

Anvil Employees Participate in Engineers Without Borders

Anvil employees have been participating in Engineers Without Borders USA (EWB-USA) since shortly after its founding in 2002, working to enhance the lives of others by improving the living conditions of those in developing countries.

Anvil employees have been participating in Engineers Without Borders USA (EWB-USA) since shortly after its founding in 2002, working to enhance the lives of others by improving the living conditions of those in developing countries. Anvil’s Mike Moora and other members of the EWB Alaska Professional Chapter  (EWB-APC) recently traveled to Malawi to begin assessment of a new water treatment and distribution system for a local community. When completed, this project will enable the distribution of clean water to several thousand villagers.

The Alaska Chapter has been supporting Malawi Children’s Village (MCV) and Open Arms Infant Home since 2008.  In 2012, they commissioned a new treatment system to provide safe drinking water to over 500 students and staff at the facility. Moora and the EWB-APC team provided design, procurement, construction management, and operator training to MCV staff to own and operate a fully functioning water treatment system that provides safe drinking water for the community.

We are very proud of our employees who volunteer their time and skill to change the lives of others and build strong and sustainable communities around the world.

About Engineers Without Borders

Engineers Without Borders USA’s mission is to “build a better world through engineering projects that empower communities to meet their basic human needs and equip leaders to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.” The organization partners with communities to find and provide solutions for infrastructure needs and build sustainable communities. Learn more about Engineers Without Borders USA and their efforts at https://www.ewb-usa.org/.

Ronald McDonald House Holiday Toy Drive

Anvil employees collected nearly 200 toys in this year’s Toy Drive to support the Ronald McDonald Seattle House. Toys donated to the Ronald McDonald House benefit children of families staying at the Seattle House during the holidays.

Anvil employees collected nearly 200 toys in this year’s Toy Drive to support the Ronald McDonald Seattle House. Toys donated to the Ronald McDonald House benefit children of families staying at the Seattle House during the holidays. We’re honored to donate to a great cause and provide a glimpse of joy and happiness to many families during a difficult time.

About the Ronald McDonald Seattle House

The goal of the Ronald McDonald house is “to help families focus on their child’s healing – so we ensure families don’t have to worry about basics like a place to stay, where they will find their next meal, or where they can take a shower.” The Seattle House started in 1983 with just 20 rooms and has since been renovated to now serve up to 80 families per night. The Seattle House has provided over 28,000 nights of housing to nearly 500 families per year whose child is receiving treatment at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities and ways to donate at www.rmhcseattle.org.