TFR Delivers Space-Age Flooring to NASA

Where will you find an epoxy flooring company that manufactures, warranties and installs their own product without interrupting production schedules? TFR, based in Toledo, Ohio fit the bill.

Lockheed Martin Michoud Operation needed a company to provide high compressive strength, durability, reflectivity, and more level working surfaces in a quality flooring system covering over 1,400,000 square feet.

Other secondary needs of the flooring, such as appealing aesthetics, cleaner conditions, and the incorporation of corporate logos, safety lines and signage had to be met as well, according to Andrew Laurant, engineer at Lockheed Martin Michoud Operations. “The flooring system would also boost morale and help promote more organized working conditions, thus boosting overall productivity,” added Laurant. “We also wanted the option to have potential problems solved quickly before and after the flooring system was installed.”

Lockheed Martin Operations chose TFR from several companies considered. “TFR had an ideal presentation, great bid package and best detailed plan for our needs,” said Laurant. Each company being considered was also required to submit a criteria matrix by which the final contractor, TFR, was selected. The criteria included maintainability, durability, warranty, experience, and cost.

Production began with tests and an initial assessment conducted by TFR after the contract was awarded. “Initial planning is a key part of any project,” said Richard Coleman, president of TFR. “TFR uses proven methods and practices to make the map that will give customers the results and quality they need and expect.”

TFR was required to allow numerous production windows to work areas ranging from as little as 10,000 sq. ft. in a single mobilization.

The turnkey advantage at TFR gives customers great support and confidence in job performance. TFR has the in-house technical expertise and experience to resolve any formulation problems and other installation issues.

TFR also formulated unique systems to isolate the work areas involving carefully measured floor-to-ceiling curtains and removal of all materials, including wax – leaving a clean surface. The project work required minimal dust and airborne particles to meet stringent requirements from prime application of the epoxy flooring materials and Lockheed Martin Michoud Operations’ production levels.

Lockheed Martin Michoud Operations benefited from TFR’s production, warranty and installation of a high quality flooring system, mainly consisting of two coats of “superhard”‚ epoxy flooring.

“We’re very satisfied with TFR’s enhancement of the "high-tech" working environment, productivity, and appearance of the main manufacturing areas through the installation of an epoxy flooring system,” added Laurant. “We saw immediate positive results and appreciated the flexible scheduling provided by TFR that allowed our production schedule to easily continue with operations.”

“The greatest challenge was to provide prompt service while working under very dynamic schedule situations,” said Coleman. TFR achieved superior intercoat adhesion, high compressive strength, and no VOCs through turnkey installation. Approximately half of the three year project was completed in one year.

Customer satisfaction, always a priority at TFR , was very high. “The work ethic of installation crews was outstanding, which is part of the reason TFR received a performance award – the SFAS (Space Flight Awareness Achievement) award, presented to TFR at a special ceremony,” said Laurant.

“Lockheed Martin Michoud Operations greatly benefited with an updated floor system from long lasting professional materials and effective labor with minimal disturbances,” said Laurant. “The modifications and operational improvements TFR achieved with the applied epoxy flooring system met and exceeded our level of quality, cost, safety and reliability.”

“TFR received numerous compliments on workmanship and dedication during the project,” said Coleman. “It’s a great testimony to our workers and their quest to provide quality products and services, and respond completely to our customers’ needs.”

The NASA Michoud Assembly Facility employees 2,250 workers at its 832-acre facility in New Orleans, La. Since 1973, Michoud Operations has designed, assembled and tested various structures for aerospace including Space Shuttle External Tanks, the largest single component of the Space Shuttle system. Michoud Operations also excels in hybrid propulsion technology, thermal protection products and extensive aerospace research and development of space launch systems, advanced satellites and commercial reusable launch vehicles.