Offsite construction and prefabricated steel framing are reshaping the way the petroleum industry approaches infrastructure. With growing demands for speed, strength, and reliability, steel framing has emerged as a strategic solution, delivering efficiency and long-term value in remote, high-performance environments. Leveraging advanced roll forming technologies, companies are now integrating steel truss systems and structural framing systems directly into modular construction workflows. This article explores how one petroleum company is driving continued success by adopting Scottsdale’s roll forming technology to streamline their offsite operations.
We previously wrote about Total Field & Environmental Services (TFES), a North Dakota based oilfield service company. We were pleased to welcome a stellar company outside the typical residential construction realm into our ecosystem. It showed the versatility and power of our Scotpanel 7090G2 system, arguably the most sold roll forming machine globally. TFES’s early success with their Scottsdale roll former led them to quickly expand their capabilities by adding the Scottruss 6050G1 to their operation, just months after putting their Scotpanel 7090G2 roll forming machine into service. The reality is that prefabricated steel framing and offsite construction help any building segment beyond the typical residential applications.
Welcome aboard once again. It is exciting to witness your continued growth and expansion. A special thanks to TFES owner Tony Burke for his vision and for recognizing the value of strategic innovation, deploying it quickly to strengthen his industry and the company’s competitive edge in his market.
Introduction to Cold-Formed Steel Construction
Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing has become a cornerstone in modern construction methods, particularly for mid-rise and multi-housing buildings, student dormitories, assisted living facilities, and hotels. This innovative approach involves forming CFS members into C-sections and other shapes using roll forming machines equipped with a series of dies. The advantages of CFS framing are numerous: it is lightweight, extremely strong, noncombustible, and relatively easy to install. These attributes make it an ideal choice for construction in regions prone to high winds or earthquakes, thanks to its exceptional strength and ductility. The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) provides comprehensive standards and guidelines to ensure the effective use of CFS framing in various construction projects, further solidifying its place in the industry.
Who is Total Field & Environmental Services (TFES)
TFES is based in North Dakota and caters to the Bakken Basin oil exploration segment in the energy industry. TFES specializes in building prefabricated modular units designed to house and store a wide range of oil exploration equipment and supplies, including everything from chemicals to generators. With cold-formed steel framing, TFES can reduce the number of studs required compared to traditional wood framing, enhancing structural strength and construction efficiency in their modular units.
Tony Burke, owner and president of TFES, brings extensive expertise and deep industry knowledge from the energy sector. In 2024, TFES acquired a Scotpanel 7090G2 roll forming machine, which quickly proved to be a powerful addition to their business, perfectly complementing their operations and accelerating their growth. Encouraged by the efficiency of this widely distributed roll forming system, TFES quickly ordered a steel truss manufacturing system, Scottruss 6050G1, to expand their operation.
Why TFES Invested in Another Scottsdale Roll Forming Machine
Tony Burke was clear and candid on why he moved so quickly to acquire another Scottsdale roll forming machine, highlighting that Scottsdale’s technology and cold-formed steel have fundamentally transformed his business:
The entire Scottsdale Construction System team has been amazing before, during, and after we decided to purchase our first panel machine and join the Scottsdale family!
Before we purchased our panel machine [Scotpanel 7090G2], our company up here in North Dakota was, let’s just say, challenged every day, 7 days a week, pushing to deliver for our customers. Now, after two months with our panel machine, we are leading our industry with quality, timeliness in project execution, and engineering buildings that exceed the expectations of the oil and gas industry!
The products, support, encouragement, and education that we received from the Scottsdale family are the sole reason we have expedited our schedule and purchased our truss machine [Scottruss 6050G1] six months ahead of schedule.
“Total Field & Environmental Services, LLC has become a manufacturing company because of Scottsdale Construction Systems! Our future is brighter today, our quality is better, and more importantly, our productivity has increased tenfold. The ease of training our crews to work with cold-formed steel framing has significantly streamlined our operations.
This is the best Christmas ever for me. I received a notification today that wheels are up, and our truss machine is headed to the USA!”
Tony Burke, Owner, Total Field and Environmental Services, LLC
Our Cold-Formed Steel Truss Manufacturing Automation
TFES chose Scottruss 6050G1 for a reason, it represents the next strategic step in expanding their steel framing operation. Scottruss is a comprehensive steel truss manufacturing system encompassing roll forming, design, engineering, and CNC controls all inside one seamlessly integrated platform, enabling efficient and precise production from start to finish. Optimized specifically for truss behavior, Scottruss is available in G1 and G2 generations of 6050 and 6075 models, catering to roof and floor framing with virtually any truss geometry imaginable. Similar to Scottsdale’s Scotpanel series of roll formers, Scottruss runs off our popular ScotSteel and ScotRF software.
The roll forming process also allows for the integration of secondary processes, such as punching holes, enhancing the efficiency and design possibilities of metal fabrication.
Why Scottruss
Scottruss can be deployed in offsite construction context, as well as in a mobile factory for onsite truss fabrication. Some customers elect to deploy it for framing of industrial warehouse mezzanines, while many others deploy it for residential construction of cold-formed steel homes, panelizing entire floors. Other unique uses involve the replacement of long-span metal building tapered rafters.
All Scottruss shapes are ICC-ES certified, with the code approvals available to download on our website and covering the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, as well as many other world regions using the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). Scottruss code approvals also include the California Building Code (CBC), California Residential Code (CRC), Florida Building Code, Florida Residential Code, as well as High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) endorsement for uses in Florida.
We wish TFES all the success in their endeavor, and we will be there to support them to thrive, prosper, and expand their business. We are honored to have been a part of their journey, assisting them in entering the steel framing fabrication industry.
Benefits and Applications of Cold-Formed Steel
The benefits of CFS framing extend far beyond its structural capabilities, making it a preferred choice for builders and designers alike. One of the standout features of CFS framing is its non-combustible nature, which offers superior fire protection and significantly reduces the risk of damage. Additionally, CFS framing is resistant to pests and decay, ensuring longevity and durability. Its non-structural applications are equally impressive, making it an ideal material for walls, windows, and other architectural features.
Ease of installation is another major advantage, as CFS framing is typically lighter than hot-rolled steel, simplifying shipping and on-site handling. Moreover, CFS framing is capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions, and its incremental forming process allows for the creation of complex profiles and shapes. The acceptance of CFS framing in the construction industry is on the rise, with its use expected to grow due to its myriad benefits. For instance, CFS framing is increasingly being used in racking and infrastructure projects, expanding its applications in the market.
To learn more about CFS benefits, steel construction, and for a deeper dive into our roll forming solutions and technology, contact us at sales@scottsdalesteelframes.com, reach us at 1 (888) 406-2080, or visit us at scottsdalesteelframes.com.
