Blog

Excited to share some photos of our work at the brand-new Hollywood Burbank Airport Terminal! Albina bent 421,030 lbs of steel for this project totaling 170 pcs of wide flange and HSS, both round and square. Material radii varied from 72’ 5 5/8” to 574’ 0”. The nearly $1.3 billion dollar project will include a new 355,000 square foot terminal with 14 gates, providing more space for passengers. Also being upgraded are security and baggage claim, as well as shopping and dining. The goal of building the new terminal is to give travelers a more “elevated” experience.

We are excited to have been a part of the Nugget Event Center, Sparks Forecourt Shade Structure project! The city of Sparks, Nevada held a ceremony in June 2024 to celebrate the completion of the forecourt project. The 11 custom curved steel shade structures provide shade for visitors and residents, and were installed with advanced LED lighting for the evening time. This project is located on Victorian Avenue, an incredibly popular street in Sparks, where many special events are held.

For this project, Albina bent
33 pieces of 6" SCH40 A500 GR B to multiple radii and configurations,
and 47 pieces of 6" XXH A53B to multiple radii and configurations.

Albina offers an expertise in curving structural steel, plate, and other metals to create spiral, circular and helical stair stringers meeting the diverse needs of industries worldwide. Albina has mastered the art of spiral bending with our in-house developed induction bending process. We are the leader in spiral bending in the US and Canada. Our induction heat source and increment bending method produce extremely tight spiral bends to industry leading quality AESS standards.

As a professional in the stair industry, staying current with evolving codes, technical innovations, and best practices is essential. The SMA (Stairbuilders & Manufacturers Association) stood out because it offers:

• Cutting-Edge Education: Whether it’s through the SMA Stair Academy or AIA Continuing Education programs, members gain access to specialized courses and certifications that help advance our expertise.
• Technical Resources: From the 3D Anatomy of a Stair to comprehensive manuals and visual interpretations of the stairbuilding codes, the SMA equips you with the tools to design safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing stairways.
• Networking Opportunities: Annual conferences, regional workshops, and an extensive member directory allow you to connect with fellow professionals—from builders and architects to code officials and designers.

We specialize in architectural exposure quality spiraling of tube steel, channel, plate and pipe to amazingly tight radii and steep pitches. We work on both commercial and residential applications. In addition to staircases and stringers, we produce a number of other ornamental products such as handrails, decorative gates and fences, as well as architecturally unique and appealing signage and entry-ways for commercial, residential, recreational and transportation applications.

SMA (Stiarbuilders & Manufacturers Association) is a vibrant community of professionals passionate about the art and science of stairbuilding. Deciding to join the SMA has opened doors to education, networking, and a wealth of industry knowledge.

The Winter Park Events Center in Florida stands as a testament to modern architectural excellence, offering a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. One of its most striking features is the monumental circular staircase that gracefully ascends to the Rooftop Terrace, providing guests with a unique and memorable experience.

This freestanding spiral staircase is not only a focal point of the interior design but also a marvel of engineering. Crafted with precision, the staircase was constructed using various steel components, each meticulously bent and shaped to achieve the desired curvature and structural integrity.

Key Materials and Specifications:

• TS 20" x 4" x .500" WALL A500 GR B:
• 2 pieces spiral bent the easy way to a 7’-10” radius (inside upper and lower stringer)
• 4 pieces spiral bent the easy way to a 10’-6” radius (outside upper and lower stringer)
• 1 landing section bent the easy way to a 7’-10” radius (inside landing section)
• 1 landing section bent the easy way to a 10’-6” radius (outside landing section)
• TS 6" x 4" x .500" WALL A500 GR B:
• 4 pieces spiral bent to a 10’-6” radius (outside upper and lower stringer sections)
• 1 landing section bent to a 10’-6” radius (outside landing section)
• FB ½" x 4" A36:
• 5 pieces rolled flat the hard way and pulled to pitch by the customer to a 122.45” radius (top and bottom plates)
• 1 landing section bent the hard way to a 7’-10” radius
• 2" x 2" x 3/16" ANGLE A36:
• 8 pieces rolled leg in to a 153.56” radius
• 2 pieces rolled leg in to an 11’-0” radius
• 6 pieces rolled leg out to a 117.90” radius
• 2 pieces rolled leg out to a 7’-4” radius
• TS 1½" x 1½" x .120" WALL A513:
• 4 pieces rolled to a 160” radius (outside handrailing)
• 3 pieces rolled to a 120” radius (inside handrailing)
• 1 piece rolled to a 10’-9” radius (outside handrailing at landing)
• 1 piece rolled to a 7’-7” radius (inside handrailing at landing)

The careful selection and manipulation of these materials ensure that the staircase is both a structural masterpiece and a visual delight. The use of rectangular and square tube steel (TS) components, along with flat bars (FB) and angle sections, allows for the creation of smooth, continuous curves that define the staircase's elegant spiral form.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the staircase serves a practical purpose, connecting the Grand Ballroom to the Rooftop Terrace. This design not only facilitates movement within the venue but also enhances the overall guest experience by providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The Winter Park Events Center, with its innovative design and state-of-the-art facilities, is an ideal location for weddings, corporate functions, and social gatherings. The combination of its architectural features, such as the spiral staircase, and its versatile event spaces make it a premier choice for hosting memorable events in Central Florida.

For more information or to inquire about hosting an event at the Winter Park Events Center, you can visit their official website. Photo credit: Staircrafters, Inc. 

#precisionbending #steelfabrication #constructioninnovation #steelsolutions #nomma1958 #spiralstaircase #steelstairs #spiralstairs #spiralstairaware #spiralstringers #winterparkeventcenter #winterparkflorida #yoursteelbendingexperts #albinacoinc

Art has the power to inspire, transform, and connect us to the world around us. Migrations, an awe-inspiring installation by artist Olivia Guethling at GuildWorks, embodies these qualities with breathtaking elegance. This large-scale sculpture, depicting a migratory bird in motion, stands as a testament to both artistic vision and structural ingenuity.

A Monumental Installation

Standing 19.5 feet tall, 42 feet wide, and 16.5 feet deep, Migrations is a striking presence. Constructed from steel and architectural fabric, the piece captures the fluidity and grace of birds in flight while maintaining a strong, structured form. To achieve this intricate design, Albina bent various sizes of Schedule 40 pipe, ranging from 1-1/4” to 3” in diameter, demonstrating an impressive feat of metalwork.

A Journey Across Celebrated Venues

Migrations first took flight at Burning Man 2023, where it was unveiled in the vast Nevada desert among other visionary artworks. It later illuminated the Portland Winter Light Festival in 2024, captivating audiences with its ethereal presence. Today, the installation continues its journey and can be seen at OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) in Portland, Oregon, where visitors can experience its beauty up close.

A Tribute to Movement and Change

The theme of migration is deeply woven into the fabric of our world—both in nature and human experience. This installation serves as a poetic reminder of the resilience, adaptability, and interconnectedness of all living beings. Whether viewed against the backdrop of a glowing festival or entrance to OMSI, Migrations encourages reflection on the movement that defines life itself.

Experience "Migrations"

For those in Portland, OMSI offers a unique opportunity to witness this masterpiece firsthand. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone drawn to powerful visual storytelling, Migrations is not to be missed.

📷 Photo Credits: Olivia Guethling, Mar Ricketts, Brooke Smith Photography
🔗 Learn more: Migrations Project | OMSI Exhibit

Scheduled to open its doors in 2025, the Morgan Center for Research and Innovation promises to redefine cutting-edge research in the fields of science and technology. This monumental 17-story facility is a testament to advanced architectural design and engineering, providing dedicated spaces for wet labs, genome sequencing, core facilities, mechanical infrastructure, and much more. The Morgan Center is poised to become a hub for groundbreaking discoveries, further cementing its place as a leader in the research community.

Architectural and Engineering Marvel

What sets the Morgan Center apart is not just its focus on innovation but also its state-of-the-art construction. The building integrates an impressive array of materials and design elements to meet the needs of modern research while embracing sustainable and forward-thinking practices. One of the key highlights of the project has been the inclusion of custom steel bending by Albina Co., Inc., showcasing the precision and expertise required for such a project.

Albina’s Contribution: Steel Bending Excellence

Albina Co., Inc. played a pivotal role in bringing the Morgan Center’s design to life. We supplied over 94 pieces (155,000 lbs) of 8" X 8" X .500" WALL A500 GR C structural steel, bent and cut to various dimensions and configurations. These materials form integral components of the building, including its windscreen steel, which has already been installed at the top levels.

The windscreen installation marks a critical milestone in the construction process, adding a functional and aesthetic element to the building’s design. These components not only enhance the structure’s visual appeal but also provide structural reinforcement, showcasing Albina’s ability to deliver complex, high-quality steelwork for large-scale projects. Albina’s work doesn’t stop at the top. A separate section of the Morgan Center, located closer to the lower levels, will feature ribbon steel also provided by Albina. This bent steel will add another layer of visual and structural sophistication, tying together the building’s design elements from top to bottom.

The inclusion of these custom steel designs emphasizes the Morgan Center’s commitment to blending functionality, durability, and artistry in its construction. Albina’s expertise in steel bending has enabled the project to achieve its ambitious architectural vision.

Learn More

To stay updated on the Morgan Center’s construction progress and its anticipated opening, visit the Facilities Department’s Construction Page.

Albina Co., Inc.’s contribution to the Morgan Center highlights the critical role that precision steel bending and fabrication play in modern architecture. By enabling projects like the Morgan Center, Albina continues to set the bar for quality and innovation in construction.

At the Chehalem Cultural Center, the Performing Arts Wing remodel is a project that beautifully marries artistry and structural innovation. This renovation highlights the use of expertly bent steel materials to achieve elegant curves and helices that contribute both to the aesthetic and functional design of the space.

Steel Components and Craftsmanship

This remodel involves the precision bending of structural steel components to exact specifications, showcasing advanced fabrication techniques:

1. Tube Steel 12" X 6" X .625" WALL A500 GR C
• Detail: One length bent the easy way to a 16’-7” radius.
• Purpose: Offers smooth, sweeping lines that enhance structural integrity and visual appeal.
2. Tube Steel 14" X 4" X .500" WALL A500 GR C
• Details:
• One length helically bent the easy way to a 10’-9” radius.
• Another length helically bent the easy way to a 15’-9” radius.
• Purpose: Provides complex, helical shapes to support the artistic design of the structure.
3. 1¼" SCH40 A53B ERW WHEELED
• Details:
• Two lengths helically bent to a 10’-11½” radius.
• Two lengths helically bent to a 15’-5 7/8” radius.
• Purpose: Creates intricate curves for additional architectural elements, blending strength with aesthetic finesse.
4. 6" X 4" X 3/8" ANGLE A36
• Detail: One length bent with the 4” leg out to a 17’-1” radius.
• Purpose: Adds angled support with a subtle radius, balancing the structural framework.

Why Steel Bending Matters

Steel bending is at the heart of modern architectural design, allowing for the creation of fluid forms that would be impossible with traditional straight-line construction. The materials used in this remodel reflect the durability and flexibility needed to bring the Performing Arts Wing’s vision to life.

The Chehalem Cultural Center's Vision

This remodel not only upgrades the Performing Arts Wing but also emphasizes the center’s commitment to innovation and excellence. By utilizing advanced steel fabrication techniques, the project ensures a lasting impact on the community and future generations of performers and audiences.

For more details on the Chehalem Cultural Center Performing Arts Wing, visit Chehalem Cultural Center.

At Albina Co., Inc., we are proud to have played a key role in the construction of the newly installed videoboard at Folsom Field, home to the University of Colorado Buffaloes. The massive videoboard debuted in the 2024 season opener and is over five times the size of its predecessor, measuring 130 feet wide and 36 feet high. The project includes a significant steel infrastructure to support the board, a critical element in maintaining its strength and durability over time.

For this project, our team was tasked with bending several large structural tubes to exacting specifications, ensuring the steel framework would hold this state-of-the-art screen securely. Here's a closer look at the steel bending work we completed:

Steel Bending for Folsom Field

For the videoboard's frame, we bent a variety of A500 Grade C structural tubes, known for their high strength and resilience. These tubes were bent "the hard way"—along their stronger axis—to achieve precise radii needed for the structural support.

• TS 12" x 8" x .500" Wall A500 Grade C
  15 pieces bent the hard way to a 256’-5” radius.
• TS 12" x 8" x .313" Wall A500 Grade C
  10 pieces bent the hard way to a 256’-5” radius.
• TS 8" x 8" x .313" Wall A500 Grade C
  25 pieces bent the hard way to a 262’-0” radius.

Precision Bending for Structural Integrity

Bending the steel "the hard way" is a critical process that ensures the strength and longevity of the framework. In this case, it was especially important due to the videoboard's large size and the need for exacting precision to meet both design and load-bearing requirements. With radii of 256’-5” and 262’-0”, the structural elements had to fit seamlessly into the overall design.

The bulk of this $15 million project is dedicated to the steel infrastructure, with four large columns running from the ground to the bottom of the videoboard, providing crucial support. The precision bending we provided ensures that the board will stand strong, even under the weight of the enormous display.

Why Choose Us for Your Steel Bending Needs?

We pride ourselves on delivering top-tier steel bending solutions that meet the most stringent requirements. Whether it's supporting a massive videoboard or crafting components for complex architectural projects, our precision bending services ensure that the job is done right the first time, every time.

The new videoboard at Folsom Field is set to transform the fan experience for Colorado Buffaloes football games, providing an immersive, high-definition display that is five times larger than the previous screen. Behind the scenes, our precision steel bending work ensures that this massive structure will stand the test of time, enhancing the atmosphere at Folsom Field for years to come.

We're proud to have contributed to this exciting new addition to the stadium, and we look forward to continuing to help bring ambitious projects like this to life.

Photo Credit: @_Kate Sands

Albina provided 60,000# of bent steel for the Salt Lake City Mormon Temple Renovations over the last few years in efforts to help provide a foundation that will withstand the forces of nature into the Millennium.

40 pieces of TS 12” X 4” X .500” WALL A500 GR C bent the easy way to AESS quality standards.
16 pcs bent to a 1’-9” radius
16 pcs bent to an approx. 3’-4” radius
8 pcs bent to a 5’-2” radius

12 pieces of TS 4” X 2” X .375” WALL A500 GR C bent the easy way to AESS quality standards. All pieces bent to a 3’-4” radius.

132 pieces of 8” galvanized pipe and 44 pieces of 6” galvanized pipe. All bent to various radii.

View the Seismic Upgrade video.

SGA’s, Arsenal on the Charles, is a new life science campus in Watertown, Massachusetts with three new research and laboratory facilities on the bank of the Charles River. SGA specializes in highly sustainable life science buildings and campuses. In addition to the 4-story office and research lab, the campus offers a green space and community gardens where you will find the canopy Albina bent for this project.

We bent 11 lengths of Tube Steel 8” X 6” X .375” WALL A500 GR B to net 14 bent pieces. All parts were bent by Albina to various radii ranging from 4’-3” to 105’-0”.