Steamfitters UA449 Pittsburgh Projects can be found across the region, supporting the systems that power everyday life. When most people think of a Steamfitter, they picture pipe installation on a job site. However, their work extends far beyond construction sites.
From food and beverages to electronics and medicine, Steamfitters build the systems that keep modern life moving. Because of this, their work appears in places most people never expect.
Building Trades Instructor Biz Mancini, Photo courtesy of ua449.com
Steamfitters Behind Everyday Products
Local 449 Building Trades Instructor Biz Mancini explains how widespread this work really is.
“Anything you eat, anything you drink, anything that’s produced for your car or cell phone, anything that’s processed — a Steamfitter touches it.”
Behind the scenes, Steamfitters build and maintain tubing, tanks, pipes, and pumps that power processing industries. These systems deliver clean drinking water and support food production. For example, they help produce canned goods, sauces, and ice cream.
In the Pittsburgh region, Mancini points to familiar products like Heinz ketchup and Del Monte fruits and sauces. In fact, Local 449 members built the infrastructure that brings these products from the factory to store shelves.
Steamfitters in Breweries and Process Facilities
In recent years, Steamfitters have taken on a growing role in craft breweries.
“We’ve been getting a lot of calls to build craft breweries,” Mancini said. “Those tanks are steam-jacketed tanks, and Steamfitters build the boilers and install the piping.”
In these facilities, Steamfitters control both hot and cold processes. For example, they install and maintain glycol systems that regulate temperature. Because of this work, breweries produce beer safely and consistently.
Supporting Advanced Manufacturing and Technology
Steamfitters also support advanced manufacturing across the country. Semiconductor facilities and pharmaceutical plants rely on precise piping systems to move materials safely.
On these projects, Steamfitters work directly with engineers to design and install piping systems. According to Mancini, several major chip plants planned for the region will represent billions of dollars in work. As a result, these facilities require miles of small-bore piping installed by skilled Steamfitters.
Building the Foundation of Modern Life
Local 449 members continue to build the infrastructure that supports modern life. Their work helps power industries people depend on every day.
As Biz Mancini explains:
“You can see the work of a Steamfitter almost anywhere you look. Our hard work forms the foundation of America.”