EXPERIENCE
LBFNY boasts a highly mobile and robust workforce, bolstered by our strong union affiliation with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). With a workforce exceeding 300 company employees, and connections that can extend to an additional 700 skilled travelers, all IBEW signatories from New York State Locals, we have the manpower to tackle even the most ambitious projects. Notably, we hold the distinction of being the sole Union Racking Foundation panel installation contractor in the Northeast, specifically serving Upstate New York.
Our primary focus revolves around utility scale projects governed by stringent Article 10 or Section 94C requirements. We possess an in-depth understanding of the intricacies associated with such projects, ranging from their design considerations for constructibility and cost-effectiveness to the meticulous management of the construction process to meet tight schedules, characteristic of the renewable energy market.
Safety is paramount at LBFNY, and our track record reflects this commitment. Presently, we have accumulated an impressive 750,000 man-hours without any workplace lost time accidents, surpassing industry standards. This is complemented by our low Experience Modification Rate (EMR) for our company’s age.
Our emphasis on internal development is a key feature of our approach. All our employees, regardless of their background, undergo hands-on training and experience in the field, ensuring they not only understand the technical aspects of constructing a solar farm but also the importance of teamwork, which lies at the heart of LBF’s ethos.
Our teams are structured around the concept of seven-man crews, where one individual leads six others. These crews form the backbone of our operations, and typical job sites have multiple crews of this size, organized under the supervision of a project manager responsible for administrative aspects. A construction manager oversees all field personnel, ensuring seamless coordination. Superintendents are designated for each discipline, including racking, foundation, panels, and quality control. Assistant foremen manage smaller groups of seven. Additionally, we deploy full-time safety personnel on job sites with more than 20 workers.
Our daily routine commences with a team-based effort to identify risks, plan the day’s activities, and discuss construction methods, locations, and rationale. We empower every team member to make independent decisions that enhance job site efficiency and safety. Rather than incentivizing increased production through rewards, we foster a culture of ergonomics, engineered safety practices, and efficient work methods. This approach creates a cohesive, team-oriented environment that leads to successful project outcomes.
At present, we have nearly 300 craft professionals working across 20 sites, varying in size from 7.5 megawatts DC to 80 megawatts DC. Our extensive management structure and resources enable us to handle up to four utility-scale projects, ranging from 100 to 200 megawatts, simultaneously.
A vital asset is our team of company employees who travel extensively across the United States. Our exclusive traveling agreements with the IBEW ensure a high ratio of company employees on every job site, allowing us to maintain control over schedule, duration, quality, and, most importantly, safety. The ability to manage a team of a hundred workers on a single job site demands a shared vision and mission, and this is precisely what we achieve at LBFNY.
