Raising the Bar—and the Roof: How Gulf South Helped Laborde Products Expand Faster and Safer

When Laborde Products set out to expand their Covington facility, speed, safety, and efficiency were non-negotiable. That’s why Kent Design Build brought Gulf South Metal Works in to handle the steel erection phase—and together, we turned a complex job into a showcase of modern construction strategy.

Rather than a traditional steel erection approach, our team proposed a smarter, safer solution: modular steel erection.

Here’s what that looked like in action:

Heavy Lifting, Done Right

Instead of spending manhours working in the air, we spent them at ground level. We assembled massive sections of steel framing and roof structure on the ground, then used a crane to lift them into place in a single, coordinated operation.

In total, we lifted more than 25 tons of steel in one day.

That’s not just impressive—it’s transformative.

Why It Matters

This modular lift strategy isn’t just about getting the job done faster (though it certainly does that). It’s about rethinking the entire process for better results:

• Faster Turnaround
  What would’ve taken weeks with traditional methods was completed in a fraction of the time. That means Laborde Products can start using their new space—and seeing return on investment—much sooner.

• Safer Work Conditions
  With most of the work done at ground level, we dramatically reduced the risk of falls and other high-elevation hazards. It’s a win for the crew and a major advantage for project safety overall.

• More Efficient Use of Resources
  By streamlining the lift process and reducing on-site congestion, we minimized the number of crane lifts, optimized labor hours, and kept the site running like a well-oiled machine.

Small Crew, Big Results

One of the most telling signs of this project’s success? The lean size of our crew.

“We’ve doubled our efficiency without sacrificing quality,” said Gulf South’s Jake Palmisano. “It’s a testament to smart planning, skilled execution, and a team that knows how to deliver.”

When you can do more with less, everyone wins: the contractor, the client, and the boots on the ground.

The Power of Partnership

This project was only possible because of a strong, trust-based partnership with Kent Design Build. Their design-forward mindset paired perfectly with our field-first strategy, allowing us to create a streamlined process from drawing board to final lift.

It’s also a great example of what’s possible when local expertise meets national best practices. We studied modular lift methods from other regions and customized the approach to fit Louisiana’s needs and conditions.

The result? A model we’re proud to replicate.

A Better Way to Build

At Gulf South Metal Works, we believe this kind of innovation isn’t the exception—it should be the standard. Our success at Laborde Products shows that modular steel erection is faster, safer, and shaping the future of metal building construction in the Gulf South.

If your next project needs to move quicker, run safer, and deliver more value, let’s talk. Because at Gulf South, we’re not just lifting steel—we’re raising expectations.