Stack Preservation Project For Historic Carrie Blast Furnace Connects Big Steel History To A Promising Future
PITTSBURGH, PA — History was re-made during the summer of 2017 as heavy industrial contractor Songer Services performed a vital vent stack preservation project at the Carrie Blast Furnace – a National Historic Landmark in Rankin, PA.
Songer Services documented the job with a breathtaking new video called “Landmark” that connects the tangible history of the deactivated Carrie furnace with the colorful half-century legacy of Songer Services, and its legendary founder Paul Songer.
“While it’s true we’re used to working on live furnaces, this project was a chance we just couldn’t pass up,” said Gregg Preteroti, Chief Operating Officer for Songer Services. “This was about working on a historical site that preserves steel history for future generations. It’s a great way to honor our founder.”
The project involved removing and capping 75 feet of distressed steel and brick from the furnace’s hot stove vent stack. Songer was awarded the contract by the Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation; a regional non-profit promoting conservation of industrial, natural, environmental and historic resources across southwestern Pennsylvania.
“We believed in Songer as a company; in their integrity, and in their commitment to preservation of the industry in this region,” said Ron Baraff, Director of Historic Resources and Facilities for Rivers of Steel. “The Carrie Furnaces are a testament to the ingenuity, will and development in 20th century America.”
Preteroti was emphatic about how this labor of love could demonstrate Songer’s indelible place in American steelmaking history.
“We were aggressive with winning the Carrie Furnace project because it’s a rare opportunity,” added Preteroti. “Preserving a site like this honors Paul Songer in ways that will be remembered for years.”
About Songer Services:
Songer Services is a fifth-generation heavy industrial general contractor known worldwide as industrial installation, maintenance and repair experts for such companies as AK Steel, Arcelor Mittal and U.S. Steel. Songer employs over 90 key management individuals and contracts 100% Union craftspeople. Learn more at www.songerservices.com
About Carrie Furnace:
Idle since 1982, Carrie Furnace was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006 and hosts a variety of public and private events, tours, steelmaking education and receptions. The site has hosted American Ninja Warrior, the nationally renowned THRIVAL Music Festival featuring Wiz Kalifa and provided locations for the film Out Of The Furnace starring Christian Bale. Learn more at www.riversofsteel.com.