Tarpon's Structures division has initiated full construction on the Suncor Firebag Camps project. “I'm proud of the progress we've made as a team. As this is our first undertaking for modular accommodations, it has taken significant efforts to get this project underway but it's moving along well,” says Dale Berstad, Sr. VP, Structures Division.

Last August, Suncor Energy Inc. signed a $51 million contract for Tarpon to develop, build and install a two-storey steel complex with 700 suites for Suncor's Firebag Camp near Fort McMurray. Since the contract was awarded, Structures has completed all architectural, mechanical, electrical and structural design work and is starting production on the first set of camps in Calgary. “This is where we really start to ramp up. We're at the steepest part of the curve,” says Project Manager, John Wiebe. “What we're producing is unique. We are revolutionizing the traditional camp.”

According to Wiebe, a key factor in attracting and retaining staff to work in the oil sands is the style of living accommodations for employees. “It gives our clients a competitive edge. If you're going to have people living away from home, it's in your best interest to have the nicest accommodations possible.”

The complex will provide workers with their own full suite, complete with bathroom and amenities that include an LCD TV, Internet connection, a small refrigerator, microwave and a coffee maker. “Since the structures are made of steel, they are more fire-resistant,” says Wiebe. “It‘s similar to a commercial building, like what you'd expect in any hotel. It's very different from the wood structures our competitors are providing and is well received by our safety-conscious clientele.”

The style of this project is unlike anything in the industry. “It's very innovative in a lot of ways,” explains Wiebe. “It's a new approach to the way these projects are usually run.” For Structures, the end goal is to provide the entire package under one roof, offering full construction capability in a manufacturing setting. “When clients come to us, we will be in a position to offer an integrated package,” Wiebe explains. “It's a one-stop solution.”

The Structures division is currently in the midst of the procurement cycle, obtaining products and hiring trades. “We're hiring people who are excited to work on a project like this. People want to come here because what we're doing is new and innovative,” says Wiebe.

The Suncor Firebag Camps project schedule calls for Structures to begin delivering the units to Fort McMurray from June 2008 through January 2009. With the completion of this project, Structures is poised to make a major impact on the camp construction business. “The market is going to push this product forward and Tarpon is going to be prepared to capitalize on it,” Wiebe says. “This is an aggressive project we've taken on and once it's completed we are going to be in a very strong position to produce more of these high-end accommodations.”