By sourcing locally, Hranec ensures quality, reliability, and shorter lead times than competitors
Founded in 1995 as a mechanical contractor, Hranec soon diversified into HVAC development and manufacturing. Working exclusively with American-made sheet metal, the company now produces a wide range of product lines for homes and commercial properties. As both a manufacturer and installer, Hranec is ideally positioned to continuously improve its products and services to ensure it is addressing the needs of its customers.
Today, Hranec boasts an industry-leading portfolio of ducting and commercial roofing products. From spiral ductwork to advanced vibration isolation roof curbs,
the company continues to push HVAC technology forward. As Vice President of Manufacturing, David Pocratsky, begins: “Our first products that we entered the manufacturing arena with revolved around spiral ductwork and all affiliated options. Over the years, we’ve expanded our manufacturing abilities to nearly all options of ductwork manufacturing along with our rapidly expanding roof products division. That ranges from VRF stands all the way to a tractor trailer sized roof top unit curbs. I am proud to say that we have now successfully shipped to all 50 states over the USA as we just completed sending an outdoor ductwork order to Hawaii. To see us grow our footprint from southwestern PA all the way to a nationwide brand is an accomplishment that everyone who has ever been affiliated with Hranec is proud of.
“In recent years, we’ve developed a new product line called Tuff Duct, which is a pre-manufactured outdoor duct system, that is extremely easy to install. Tuff Duct can be built to accommodate any R-Value that would be necessary to ensure top level efficiency. This would provide resistance to extreme weather conditions whether it be extreme heat or extreme cold.
“To further refine our outdoor ductwork line, we invented a new rubber gasketed connection cover, which we have since patented. This easy to install connection cover has allowed us to quickly gain momentum within the mechanical engineering community responsible for designing most of the projects we fabricate for. The connections between duct runs are where any HVAC system is most vulnerable, but with our patented covering, everything is fully water-and-weather proofed.
“We created this system based on feedback that we were getting from our field service teams, who were reporting that existing systems were hard to install. That type of feedback is really crucial to us and our process in new product development,” he adds.
Expanding market share
From its core product offering to new innovations, everything Hranec produces is made using 100 percent American steel. Protecting the future of US manufacturing and relying on only the very best materials is central to the company’s overarching mission. As David discusses: “Sourcing our raw materials from within the US is important for several reasons. Not only does it ensure all our products are high-grade and exceed regulatory standards, but it’s significant in a broader sense. Being a local manufacturer allows us to stand out from the competition.
“It’s about keeping the American manufacturing sector alive. We’ve worked with similar companies to develop our knowledge and push technology forward – as a result we’ve become one of the country’s leading suppliers of commercial sheet metal products.
“We’re currently looking to expand our market share within the clamp together duct marketplace. This type of duct is often used in dust collection and fume extraction applications as they can be easily disconnected and rerouted. In more abrasive applications, it can allow for easy installation of new duct where the extracted material might wear down the duct or leave behind residue that would affect its ability to travel through the air stream. These types of application usually require higher pressure class of materials to handle the extreme air flow velocities and since we’re already working with top-quality American steel, we are well positioned to diversify in this direction.”
Upgrading systems
To better handle its expansion into different markets Hranec has built a new 200,000 square foot facility, which offers the space to triple its existing output. With additional capacity, David and his team plan to continue to push the limits of their manufacturing capabilities: “The new location will allow us to continue to expand our already impressive roof products division and reach for even greater heights,” David details.
To deliver the capability to produce larger and more heavy-duty products, Hranec’s new manufacturing facility is being built from scratch. Designed to accommodate a range of highly specific requirements, the factory will include top-of-the-range machinery and upgrades to the company’s existing systems.
“We’re upgrading all our laser cutters to the latest models for greater precision. We’re also increasing our capacity, and with that we can add a fifth spiral machine. We’ll also have an additional production line, and a new team of sheet metal experts to keep it all running.
“We’ll need to bring trained professionals onboard to operate some of the more advanced machinery. For instance, we use overhead cranes to move materials around the shop floor. It’s an exciting time, as we can bring on new talent and offer additional training opportunities to our existing staff,” David enthuses.
For everyone across the business, Hranec’s new facility offers a wealth of new opportunities. The company maintains a dedicated workforce through competitive pay, positive working culture, and clear pathways for progression. As David reveals: “We’re one of the highest paying employers in the region, which really helps attract the top talent. We also are looking to bring in talent outside those who grew up in the area. Because the cost of living is far less than most areas in the area, we feel that Uniontown offers a great place to grow and raise a family.
“In addition, we maintain strong partnerships with our subcontractors. From sheet metal workers to contractors and to day laborers, everyone works together to get the job done. It’s a big operation, but everyone has an important part to play.”
Committed to excellence
As Hranec approaches its 30th anniversary, David reflects on the journey so far: “The company has always benefited from strong leadership. In recent years, we’ve seen a lot of investment into new machinery, which has really pushed our product offering forward and allowed it to stand apart from others in the market.
“We have a great team behind us. Everyone is very customer-focused, which allows us to keep lead times short. Most of our competitors have ten to twelve week wait periods but we have always been aware of the competitor’s lead times and have strived to always beat them. That has been one of the keystone variables that has made Hranec successful.
“Consistently delivering a reliable service has allowed us to continue growing. I’ve been with the business for 21 years, and it’s never felt like we were stagnateing. There’s always more to do. From expanding the operation to creating innovative new products, Hranec has never deviated from its commitment to excellence,” he concludes.