Explore how Avalotis Industrial Services is transforming the industrial landscape through cutting-edge technologies and workforce empowerment
For over 60 years, Avalotis Corporation has been a leading industrial services provider, serving clients across the US, Central America, and the Caribbean. With a diverse portfolio that spans industries such as power, steel, entertainment, marine, water, and infrastructure, Avalotis has established a strong presence in those geographical markets. Under the same ownership as Avalotis is Avalotis Industrial Services (AIS), whcih is focused on manufacturing. Recently, Manufacturing Today spoke with Antoni Aivaliotis, President of AIS, to gain insights into its operations.
“Founded in 1966, Avalotis Corporation is the parent company of AIS. There is some crossover between the two companies, as they share the same ownership. AIS originated from our extensive history in field work, rooted in the work my grandfather began when he established the business, and is now entering its third generation. Around 2017, we recognized a significant opportunity in the industrial coatings market that we had previously overlooked. While we had been actively engaged in fieldwork and new construction, we realized we could be a fundamental part of the fabrication process as well. Thus, when a steel fabricator creates steel components, we could take on the responsibility of coating or processing those materials before they are sent to the construction site. The idea was to become a one-stop shop, handling 100 percent of the application process,” he begins.
As a whole, Avalotis Corporation is active in various service sectors, including application and installation of industrial coatings, fireproofing, insulation, resinous flooring, abatement, and access platforms. “AIS was established when Avalotis Corporation recognized the need for shop applications. Consequently, our services are widespread, ranging from industrial coatings and specialty linings to complex plural component and intumescent fireproofing application systems A key part of our operation revolves around our metallizing capabilities, a process that involves applying a molten mixture of zinc and aluminum wire to steel surfaces. This process significantly extends the lifespan of the underlying steel substrate that it covers and is becoming increasingly popular as a long-term solution to combat corrosion in industries spanning from infrastructure and manufacturing to hydro power to aerospace. Metallizing can provide four-to-five times the life expectancy of a standard coating system. Additionally, we specialize in applied fireproofing, thermal insulation, and general surface preparation, all focused on steel
applications,” Antoni clarifies.
Recently, AIS invested in a new location by converting an old steel mill to accommodate its growth and wide-ranging operations. “We have converted the former Tin Mill of the J&L steel plant in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh. Since the acquisition of the property, we have cleaned and insulated over one million square feet, with plans to insulate an additional million square feet this upcoming year. As a result, we have created a fully temperature-controlled environment, allowing us to operate efficiently in sub-zero or 100-degree weather while maintaining consistent production levels all year long,” Antoni enlightens.
One of the big discussions in the manufacturing sector concerns the implications of adopting automation. While Avalotis has made significant investments in automation to enhance its production processes, the company is committed to retaining all of its core workforce. “For us, automation does not mean reducing our team. If anything, we continue to hire as a means of keeping up with increased demand.
“We have split one of our buildings in the Aliquippa facility in half to dedicate space to automation. Among our key investments is a 14-wheel shot blast machine from Blastec, designed for our larger structures, including bridge girders. These massive steel components, which can be up to 12 feet tall and 150 feet long, are processed and moved around using interior overhead cranes. We also utilize smaller, high-production conveyers and monorail machines to automate surface preparation. This setup allows us to process a substantial amount of material with shorter turnaround times. Manufacturing automation is often synonymous with the elimination or dilution of jobs as a means of being more cost-effective and efficient. While we have absolutely increased efficiencies across the board, we are happy to report that we have retained and have actually expanded the number of core employees within the facility. Each automated machine must be monitored by skilled personnel, in line with our commitment to quality. A robot can only take you so far, so the human element in our work is crucial and it is not going away,” Antoni explains.
Continuing the theme of staff, Antoni sheds light on how unionization shapes the company’s approach. “We currently employ painters, operators, laborers, boilermakers, ironworkers, and carpenters. Whenever we undertake any type of building improvements, we hire from each respective trade. Our long-standing relationships with the unions have played a key role in our growth and have significantly reinforced our company culture. Above all else, we prioritize the safety of our workforce and the quality of the work we produce. Given the way unions hire, train, and instill specific core values in their members, it feels like we are hiring people we would have trained ourselves. These professionals come to us with a strong commitment to safety, and then we build on that foundation to emphasize our focus on quality production. This alignment has allowed us to grow organically with like-minded individuals, which is crucial for maintaining our core values throughout each year and during major expansions,” Antoni closes.
As AIS continues to evolve, its commitment to quality, safety, and workforce empowerment is poised to drive further growth and innovation.