call us: 800.806.6059
ELECTRO-COATINGS OF IOWA, INC. RECOVERS FROM RECORD BREAKING FLOOD OF 2008
Electro-Coating of Iowa, Inc. (ECI), like many Cedar Rapids businesses and homes is on the road to recovery following the record breaking flood of 2008. ECI, an industrial metal plating and finishing company, a Cedar Rapids business for more than sixty five years suffered tremendous loss, as a result of over five feet of rushing water from Cedar Lake and the Cedar River. The picture above was taken from Interstate 380 at the Shaver Road exit.
Employees evacuated the morning of June 12th when water began rising on Shaver Road, much like in 1993. Unlike 1993, the water kept rising, completely flooding the plant and offices. Over the days following, employees doubted the security of their jobs. When the water receded, management staff entered the plant to survey the damage. The plant’s electrical service was severely damaged throughout the entire building. All of the rectifiers, which convert AC to DC current for electroplating, were heavily damaged. Much of the plant’s plumbing and plating tanks were damaged and the offices were completely ruined.
ECI prides itself on being self sufficient. As soon as permitted, clean up operations began. All clean up activity was done, and continues, by ECI employees. Two primary goals were identified early on—getting back to business and not losing any employees. Since power was shut off to the plant, workers used generators to begin clean up work and to operate power washers, pumps, and utility lights. Alliant steam was out of service, so a temporary steam boiler was installed to power the plating tanks. A temporary air compressor was installed and office-trailer was brought in for operations management. ECI’s office equipment, including all computers was a total loss. All paper records and files were completely destroyed.
Practically everything had to be dragged out of the plant to sort out salvageable equipment and to clean out the mud and debris left behind by the flood. Inventory lists were compiled to document losses. There was little difference between management personnel and hourly employees during this catastrophe. Everyone pulled together like a team to get back to business.
ECI’s customers have been very supportive and patient. Some customers have diverted work Electro-Coatings of Texas, Inc. in Houston and others were forced to go elsewhere, but promised to be back when ECI is back in business. After much hard work, nickel plating operations was restored on July 14.
Chrome plating operations has been much more difficult to repair. Partial chrome operations have been restored and ECI hopes chrome plating to be fully operational by the 20th of August. Electro-polishing operations will take considerably longer to restore, possibly by the end of September.
ECI was in the middle of an expansion, adding zinc plating lines to its services when the flood occurred. Work on this project has resumed. Repair work on the zinc barrel plating line is in progress. Installation of new large zinc rack lines will begin in coming months. Installation of new waste treatment equipment is underway.
The road to recovery has been a difficult one. The positive side of this disaster is that ECI will be back—better than before. ECI has made a very large investment into restoring the business. Much electrical work has been done and many new pieces of equipment have been purchased. Processes have been improved and the physical layout of the plant has been rearranged for efficiency. Soon, ECI will add zinc plating to its services provided. Future plans include a new quality control system and ISO certification.
The ECI local management team would like to thank the following organizations for their continued support.
- Acme Holdings—parent company of ECI
- Electro-Coatings of Texas, Inc.
- Electro-Coatings of California, Inc.
- Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & Insurance Co.
- Trey Electric
- John Schnieder & Associates
Contact one of our sales representatives today
to inquire about a quote from Electro-Coatings
or call us today at 800.806.6059
Have a Question?
