Side Story: Flexibility Breeds Success

Diverse offerings, relationship bring business to Fraco

Tourism represents a growing industry, and every city around the world hosts several construction projects to supply the upcoming demand. Montreal, Canada, is no exception. The former "The Gazette" building and two other historic buildings located in Old Montreal are under heavy construction to be converted into a 432-room Westin Hotel. The project also includes the construction of a new, 20-story tower.

Fraco Products, the Canadian-based manufacturer of mast-climbing work platforms, has been requested for the installation of 14 units of its leading model, the FRSM-20K. Equipped with several 4,000-pound portable hoists, these units are positioned all around the mentioned buildings. The FRSM-20Ks are not solely required for masonry works. They will be used for every step of the façade construction, e.g. metal framing, insulation, glazing, etc. Part of the final skin will include curtain walls. Fraco's set-ups represent the main access systems available on this project and are being used to safely install steel structures.

The selected contractor, L.M. Sauvé, has chosen Fraco as the supplier because of its strong relationship with the Canadian manufacturer. Fraco was able to fulfill the requirements of the contractor regarding products, and engineering and technical services.

This $90 million hotel project started in January 2008 and is scheduled for completion this month.

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