Lost the motherload

Got a call from a realtor yesterday that needs to clear out an old anodizing facility. He indicated there was 400,000 pounds of stainless steel tanks. Told him I'd call him back last night to set up a time to at least look at it today. Called last night and this morning leaving messages. Got a text back that they found additional metal and machines that needed to be removed and they were on site talking to a contractor that could do that and remove the stainless they asked me about. They gave it to them because they had a mobile shear, could start tomorrow and have it done by next friday. Lost out on at least a $140,000 job (if they were close on weight). Little bummed out about it.

Over the years I have found that it is essential to make split second decisions, sometimes sight-unseen ( which can be a good, AND bad thing ).

Keep in mind I scrap for a little extra money, not as a full time job ...

I would have been there as soon as he notified me and said I will do whatever it takes. I would have rented/bought everything needed immediately.

There's a lesson to be learned in there somewhere. What it is .... i have no idea.

I would kick back and watch how the story unfolds. It's easy to talk the talk. Much harder to walk the walk. See if the contractor follows through on his commitment to have the work done by the deadline he gave the realtor. If he does, then it's no shame on you. He was the best qualified man for the job.

If he was just blowing smoke then get out the popcorn and watch the show.

It's fun to watch em' struggle when they have no idea of the mess they've gotten themselves into.

I'm bummed out, but also a little relieved. Would have been a lot of work since I already have a full time job that has a lot of responsibilities.

did a little research. roughly 20+ miles from Pittsfield in north adams is a bankrupt anodizing plant.

North Adams, MA Real Estate | MLS # 213178

possible this was the jobsite. cleanouts like this could be hazardous to your health, wealth and sanity if the bankrupt company left a few "environmental issues" in those tanks or pipes that needed to be scrapped.

"Safety

Operating an anodizing line is similar to operating aqueous cleaning, deburring and vibratory finishing tools. That said, anodizing uses hazardous chemicals so worker safety is paramount. The types of hazardous materials shops will need to purchase, use and store include sodium hydroxide, chromic acid (for Type I anodizing), sulfuric acid (for Type II and III anodizing), nitric acid, ferrous sulfate, nickel acetate and organic dyestuffs. Obviously employees should be outfitted with the proper protective gear. For information about handling these materials, shops should contact their state’s department of environmental quality.

In addition to hazardous chemicals, anodizing also generates hazardous waste. This includes diluted wastes such as rinse water and concentrated wastes from cleaner tanks that need to be removed."

source : Bringing Anodizing In-House : Modern Machine Shop

Originally Posted by oldtoothlessbassmaster

did a little research. roughly 20+ miles from Pittsfield in north adams is a bankrupt anodizing plant.

North Adams, MA Real Estate | MLS # 213178

possible this was the jobsite. cleanouts like this could be hazardous to your health, wealth and sanity if the bankrupt company left a few "environmental issues" in those tanks or pipes that needed to be scrapped.

"Safety

Operating an anodizing line is similar to operating aqueous cleaning, deburring and vibratory finishing tools. That said, anodizing uses hazardous chemicals so worker safety is paramount. The types of hazardous materials shops will need to purchase, use and store include sodium hydroxide, chromic acid (for Type I anodizing), sulfuric acid (for Type II and III anodizing), nitric acid, ferrous sulfate, nickel acetate and organic dyestuffs. Obviously employees should be outfitted with the proper protective gear. For information about handling these materials, shops should contact their state’s department of environmental quality.

In addition to hazardous chemicals, anodizing also generates hazardous waste. This includes diluted wastes such as rinse water and concentrated wastes from cleaner tanks that need to be removed."

source : Bringing Anodizing In-House : Modern Machine Shop

That was the plant. They have a clean 21E, so haz materials were either cleaned up or not spilled.

One of the guys at work had a story about this realty company and some shady stuff after a verbal agreement. Not sure how much of that I believe, but makes you wonder. I'm wondering if they were going to try to use me to get this contractor to remove the stuff for free.