The W.H. Sammis Power Station in Stratton, Ohio, a cornerstone of energy production until June 1, 2023, is now undergoing the largest demolition project in the United States. This three-year endeavor is managed by B&B Wrecking and Excavating, with ShearCore Fortress demolition shears playing a pivotal role in the process.

Brian Baumann, President of B&B Wrecking and Excavating, shared insights into the project. “The plant ran up until June 2023. On June 1st, they shut the plant down and began decommissioning. By May, they had removed all the oils and greases and started asbestos abatement. We’ve been here since early December, but really got started in full force sometime in January.”

This massive project, which will last between two and a half to three years, depends heavily on logistical challenges. “We have cranes to handle heavy pieces of ductwork and various building components,” Baumann explained.

Nick Philippi, Technical Operations Manager at B&B, highlighted the complexity of dismantling a site with numerous renovations. “The project was built in about 13 to 15 different renovations, adding a lot of emissions equipment after the original build. We’re anticipating over 100,000 tons of ferrous metal. We have eight shears working nonstop, 10 to 12-hour shifts to keep the material moving.”

Safety remains the most challenging aspect. “We’re dealing with high structures and heavy construction. Even with amazing shears, we rely on a skilled torching team working behind them to cut heavy materials the shears can’t handle,” Philippi noted.

Bryan Donatelli, the project manager, praised the ShearCore Fortress shears. “We are really enjoying the new shears we got with ShearCore. They are probably the best-performing shears I’ve ever been around. Their support is unparalleled, and their products are very stout for our industry. The Fortress FS145, in particular, has been crucial. We have two of them on site, with one on an 800 class machine for more low-end processing and another on a 1250 machine as a 3rd member for higher reaches.”

This project showcases the power of teamwork, advanced engineering, and the robust performance of ShearCore Fortress demolition shears in transforming the W.H. Sammis Power Station.