In the heart of Chesapeake, VA, a team of dedicated professionals stood out like beacons of reliability and excellence. Mike Gregory, Brad Hildreth, and their remarkable colleagues at ICE® (International Construction Equipment, Inc.) form the backbone of their exceptional Sales & Service team. Their unwavering commitment to going above and beyond is not just a mission statement but a way of life.  

Chad Dunn, a project manager at Marine Contracting Corporation, recently witnessed their exceptional work firsthand. "I'd really like to specifically ask that Mike, as well as Brad and the rest of the team here in Chesapeake be recognized. Truly a great group of guys to work with," he said, filled with admiration. These men have a reputation for handling everything from small hardware requests to complete machine overhauls with the same level of dedication and efficiency.  

Marine Contracting's latest venture is a Whiting & Turner project, fitness center and combat training pool. Located at Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station in Havelock, NC. This wasn't just any project; it required precision, expertise, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges posed by deep foundation construction. Marine Contracting Corporation had chosen the formidable 11000 Manitowoc crawler crane to install 80-foot-long, 12-inch concrete test piles. It was a task that demanded the best tools, and for this, they had selected the ICE® I-19 Diesel Hammer fitted to 120 feet of 26-inch leads. This combination of hammer and leads maximizes the safe working radius, ensuring that operations are conducted within a controlled and secure environment. 

The ICE® I-19 Diesel Hammer, known for its power and reliability, is designed to drive piles into the ground efficiently, making it a crucial tool for marine and construction projects. It uses diesel fuel to generate the necessary force to drive the piles, and unlike other manufacturers' hammers, it uses oil for lubrication.  

Chad was particularly impressed by the ICE® diesel hammers. "I really like using the ICE® diesel hammers because they use oil for lubrication instead of having to grease other manufacturers' hammers every 15 minutes of drive time," he explained. This choice saved them a significant amount of work and production time. Moreover, the ICE® leads were a brilliant blend of strength and lightweight design, assuring the Marine Contracting team's safety and saving money by negating the need for a higher capacity crane. 

Knowing that the pool would be excavated between test piles and production piles, the team opted for suspended leads on this project. This decision proved to be pivotal. Suspended leads offered unparalleled maneuverability, allowing the team to work efficiently within the excavation and reach across the sheet piles from existing grade to drive piles far out of reach of a fixed lead setup. 

Throughout the project, the ICE® Sales & Service Chesapeake team were readily available. Their reliability, service, parts support, and attention to detail were unmatched. To Chad, they aren't just colleagues; they are friends. "Great guys I consider friends more so than business acquaintances at this point," he remarked. 

The team at ICE ® Chesapeake has once again proven their mettle, prioritizing safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness; ensuring that Marine Contracting Corporation continues to thrive, even in the most challenging projects. Amazing work to the entire ICE® Sales & Service team, you are a testament to what can be achieved when dedication, expertise, and camaraderie came together.  

To Marine Contracting Corporation, thank you for your unwavering support of ICE®. Your partnership has been invaluable, and we look forward to many more successful collaborations in the future.