Raising the bar

ScaffSource recently announced the opening of its new headquarters in Deer Park, Texas, just outside of Houston. Photo: ScaffSource

Based out of Deer Park, Texas, the company serves the petrochemical, refining, offshore, manufacturing and power-generation industries, as well as the commercial, marine and staging markets. 

Boasting more than 17 million pieces of scaffold inventory alongside a large and growing inventory of shoring equipment, ScaffSource has the capacity to deliver a material rental program specific to any customer’s unique contractual requirements.

As a way to mitigate possible schedule challenges and optimize logistics, ScaffSource also maintains product yards strategically located throughout the US – representing one of the largest and broadest inventories of scaffolding, shoring and value-added services available in the industry today.

Combined with ScaffSource’s innovative 3D modeling service, this availability simplifies complex projects by providing better access, visualization and planning for more accurate resource management, safer execution and cost savings on labor and material.

Organic growth

Formerly United Scaffolding, Inc., ScaffSource was formed in 1992 by a specialty soft craft services provider who noticed an opportunity within the market for superior access and service.

By 1998, the young company had acquired Pyramid Scaffolding, Cowboy Scaffolding and Cherokee Scaffolding, and business only grew from there. Between 2004 and 2017, United Scaffolding, Inc., was purchased three times, the last of which was by American Industrial Partners (AIP), who still owns the company, which would officially become ScaffSource in 2022.

“Right around the early two thousands, United Scaffolding started to see their own identity,” said Earl McJunkin, Director of National Accounts.

ScaffSource’s newest Houston yard comprises seven acres of land, and will hold up to a million pieces of scaffold and/or shoring material at any time. Photo: ScaffSource

“And then once the AIP acquisition took place, new management came in around 2019 and did a significant restructuring – really put some measurables in place so we could track direction, spend, profits. And the final piece to that process took shape in 2022 with the name change and brand/identity update.

”What didn’t necessarily change at ScaffSource was the core mission, vision and values, according to McJunkin. “At the heart of who we are and what we do is experience, partnerships, precision and our reach,” he explained.

“That was established early on in the nineties, and it hasn’t changed – although it has evolved and expanded as we’ve grown. But to that end, this is a reactive market – we’re here to serve. People need what they need, when they need it.

“Our customers are themselves reacting to their customers, supply lines, timelines. Our mission is simple: to provide superior service and a transparent, seamless process for our customers – from the quote to the final invoice for each project.”

As a result, McJunkin emphasized the vital importance of partnerships at ScaffSource. “Most of our customers today are a result of long-term relationships. A central pitch for us is: ‘Give us a chance to earn your business.’ The loyalty alone means the world to us, and we’ll work our tails off to both establish and then honor that trust and loyalty.”

The mission being what it is, McJunkin confirmed that, even as some things, like vision and goals, occasionally evolve along with customer needs and market shifts, ScaffSource keeps it simple. “At the end of the day, our biggest value is honesty. It’s how you gain that trust from the customer, and eventually, the loyalty. That said, we’re not in the habit of telling our customers what they want to hear – but they always know where we stand. And in this industry, a lot of companies can string folks along and then not come through.”

Walking the walk

Members of the ScaffSource team do inventory on material returns from customers. Photo: ScaffSource

ScaffSource also distinguishes itself on the products and services side, offering up a scaffolding rental solution for pretty much any project a customer can come up with – strengthened by an extensive supply of Ringlock and Cuplock modular scaffolding systems. Additionally, they inventory several types of planks, tube and clamp, and provide a wide range of supplemental accessories.

Notably, they’ve spent the past five years removing old and obsolete scaffolding, replacing it with 4.5 million new pieces – while simultaneously increasing their inventory in low-profile planks, adjustable toe boards, fully galvanized clamps and new swing gates.

On the shoring side, the company similarly offers up just about any solution for new construction, re-shoring of existing loads, demolition work or work associated with ongoing infrastructure improvement projects. The ScaffSource inventory includes some of the most popular systems with Post Shore, 20K Frame and Drophead.

“While we don’t manufacture, we do spec out what the material will look like, and then send that off to the manufacturers,” said McJunkin.

“And at present, we deal with three manufacturers, in order to control quality. There’s a lot of people we could buy our material from, but we’re also not just going to stick anything in our inventory.”

What perhaps stands out even taller for ScaffSource, however, is the design advantage they bring to the table. “When you rent with us, you get the full 3D design, we get you a BOM, the whole nine yards,” indicated McJunkin.

A new container of ScaffSource Screw Jacks sits in the yard ready for distribution. Photo: ScaffSource

“I think the biggest thing is that we’re so hands-on – we know our customers, we work to identify the scope of their needs, which dictates elevations, distance. It’s a qualification process. Yes, other people do it, but I believe that our method, and the way we go about it, sets us apart.

The ScaffSource difference

“We’ll also put a few guys on your jobsite, if needed, to help control inventory. In that regard, a lot of companies talk a big game, but we walk the walk.”

At a time when equipment within the industry doesn’t necessarily change on the regular, McJunkin added that what ends up separating outfits like ScaffSource from its competition is attention to detail and follow-through.

“Sure, there might be some innovations in equipment here and there – and we’re certainly open to them as they emerge – but to be a leader in this space, you have to solve problems,” he pointed out.

“Prime example, I received an order recently late on a Friday night, and they needed material onsite early Monday. A lot of companies won’t touch a request like that. I told them we’ll try everything in our power – no promises – but I can promise we’ll try everything possible to get it there. And it got there.”

Much of the reason ScaffSource is able to “get it there” points back to the aforementioned network of locations – currently eight of them located strategically around the U.S. “And that number is evolving all the time,” noted McJunkin.

Racks of Ringlock Verticals ready to be shipped to customers. Photo: ScaffSource

“The whole point is to help our customers save money, so the more we’re diversified across the U.S., the more we’re able to complement and help them. Depending on who we’re working with, we grab materials from the closest source. It also allows us to be more agile than most.”

At less than 100 total workers throughout the country and North America, the turnkey appeal of ScaffSource is even more impressive, McJunkin established.

“We accomplish a lot with what we have. Ultimately, the last thing a customer wants to do is make a bunch of phone calls to get what they need for their job. So, if they call us, we can handle the materials, the specs, the design if needed.

“We go over their material list – get it all covered. No other companies can really say that in the rental world. One phone call and it’s handled.”

He added that none of it would be possible without the partnerships. “We’re committed to building long-lasting relationships. No two projects or customers are the same, but we take a consultative approach to learn the nuances of the job and identify customized, spot-on solutions that provide the final piece to every project. We’re available every step of the way as a one-source solution, and we hope to have that opportunity with each and every customer for a long, long time.”