BeamChamp and SkyBrace to Steal the Spotlight at FABTECH
With FABTECH just around the corner, BZI® and its R&D arm InnovaTech® are preparing to grab the spotlight at Chicago’s McCormick Place, booth A5974, from 8–11 September.
The international construction scene is buzzing, and for good reason. No two weeks are the same in this industry, and BZI’s unveiling of two pioneering systems, BeamChamp® and SkyBrace®, promise to amplify attention from professionals across the globe.
This isn’t just another trade‑show appearance. It’s a statement: innovation, safety and performance are the new benchmarks in structural fabrication and erection.
BZI’s CEO, James Barlow, underlined their anticipation: “BZI and InnovaTech are proud to be featured in North America’s premier event for metal fabrication, welding and finishing… Through sharing our insights, advanced equipment, and experience, we aim to drive thought leadership across our industry, while improving performance and safety for all.”
Efficiency Meets Safety in Beam Rotation
At the heart of BZI’s showcase stands BeamChamp®, a patented, next‑generation beam rotation system designed to do more than just spin steel. By optimising ergonomics and weld positioning, it dramatically enhances operator safety and workplace productivity. Available in two models, BeamChamp 30 and BeamChamp 50, these kits boast capacities of 30,000 lb and 50,000 lb per pair respectively.
The system employs a chain‑cradled rotation within linked units—sidestepping common failings in strap‑based rotators. Key features include:
- A vertical jaw arm that swings open to ease beam placement or removal.
- A support arm that holds the beam steady during welding.
- A rugged chain drive offering far greater durability than straps, with the added flexibility of individual chain motion for angled positioning.
Feedback from Sanpete Steel speaks volumes: “20 % more productivity, happier welders.” In short, BeamChamp is a serious ally for fabrication shops aiming to ramp‑up safety, efficiency and morale.
Reimagining Structural Bracing
Not to be overshadowed, SkyBrace® is BZI’s sharp answer to traditional cable X‑bracing. This rigid‑brace system is engineered to streamline construction in commercial and industrial settings—offering heightened efficiency while maintaining sturdier, safer builds.
SkyBrace’s fixed structure delivers consistency where cable systems can falter, especially under high‑stress or load‑dynamic environments. It’s a design shift that could well redefine bracing standards in steel construction.
From Ground‑up to Global Stage
At the helm of BZI’s operations, COO Thomas Harker represents more than strategic leadership, he’s emblematic of BZI’s evolution. One of the company’s first five employees, he began his journey erecting pole barns and pre‑engineered buildings in Southern Utah. Since then, he’s held nearly every role—bolter, welder, operator, foreman, superintendent, regional manager.
On Wednesday 10 September at 3:00 pm, Harker will deliver a keynote at Session F095, “Structural Steel Innovations,” titled “The Connection Between Fabrication and Panelization.” He’ll share how BZI’s manufacturing‑first approach is sharpening timelines, accelerating project delivery, boosting team performance—and raising safety standards industry‑wide.
Harker’s remarks are candid: “We’ve challenged the ways that things have always been done in the construction industry and have uncovered opportunities and solutions to make operations more efficient, productive, and safer…we are now able to show that our strategies and ways of thinking are distinctly benefitting BZI and our industry partners.”
BZI’s National Reach
BZI isn’t just all show‑and‑tell. Across the US, it’s executing large‑scale steel projects—from data centres to EV battery manufacturing plants, aerospace facilities, microchip fabs, e‑commerce fulfilment centres, and food‑and‑beverage‑processing lines. Its sterling reputation draws global clients, helping fuel economic growth in every quarter.
The company’s pedigree is unmatched—backed by top accolades such as USA Today’s Top Workplaces (#11 for midsize firms in 2025), Inc.’s Best in Business 2024, Utah Business Fast 50, and numerous regional and industry awards. On a technical front, BZI is AISC‑accredited, earning its Erector Award of Honor and Safety Award of Merit. CEO James Barlow even sits on the Forbes Business Council and holds a Malcolm Baldrige Award.
Its military‑grade training arm, SteelTech Academy™, delivers OSHA‑10/30, equipment training, fall protection, welding certifications and a Department of Labor‑certified apprenticeship programme—logging over 33,000 student‑contact‑hours yearly and thousands of certifications since 2021.
What Industry Should Watch at FABTECH
- A live showcase of BeamChamp® in action—with intuitive rotation, operator safety and ergonomic design on full display.
- SkyBrace® in action—how rigid bracing is replacing cable systems without compromising safety or efficiency.
- Harker’s keynote, offering a rarity: a hands‑on recount of BZI’s lean‑manufacturing mindset, applied to structural steel and panelisation.
FABTECH 2025 is shaping up to be a touchstone for future construction standards—where gear that’s safer, smarter and faster takes front row.
A Future Built on Innovation
BZI and InnovaTech aren’t just exhibiting at FABTECH—they’re redefining what fabrication and erection can be. BeamChamp® and SkyBrace® reinforce a powerful message: in the steel construction world, the future belongs to companies that build innovation and safety into every weld, every beam, every structure.
For engineers, investors, policy‑makers and construction pros alike, this isn’t a performance, it’s the new baseline for the next decade.
