BZI® Showcases Unique Panelization at Advancing Prefab 2025
BZI®, a nationally recognized leader in steel and construction, showcased the benefits of its exclusive building approaches at the Advancing Prefabrication 2025 Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Tom Harker, BZI’s Chief Operating Officer, highlighted how the company’s innovative panelization technology is transforming prefabrication, modular systems, and field operations by making them safer, faster, and more cost-effective.
“Taking action is a key value at BZI. The results of our unique panelization approach speak volumes about its ability to engineer out hazards, improve conditions for workers, and increase cost savings and product quality for our customers,” said Harker. “Due to these and other innovations, BZI is seeing growing interest from global companies wanting to apply our approach to their building projects.”
Traditionally, construction companies erect columns, girders, joists, and decking one piece at a time, requiring assembly at dangerous heights. This method involves multiple high-risk connections. In contrast, BZI’s method lifts preassembled joist and decking panels as single modules constructed at ground level. During his presentation, Harker shared the positive outcomes of this innovative panelization process:
- Improved Safety: Reduces risks associated with working at height. Panels are assembled at ground level and lifted as a single pick, replacing six traditional picks and reducing connection points from ten or more to just two.
- Increased Efficiency: Lowers man-hours by applying a manufacturing mindset to on-site construction.
- Reduced Hazard Exposure: Limits the time and number of workers needed at height, leveraging advanced equipment and technology.
- Cost Savings: Reduces material usage, lowering overall costs.
- Faster Production and Installation: Ground-level assembly saves boom-lift time. Workers assemble panels faster and more confidently due to improved site conditions.
- Centralized Panelization Area: Streamlines logistics by staging materials and equipment in designated areas, reducing handling and optimizing workflow.
- Higher-Quality Deliverables: Ground-level assembly improves precision, allowing workers to position components perfectly and create laser-straight lines.
BZI also utilizes proprietary equipment designed to enhance the pre-construction, construction, and panelization processes:
- Panel Table®: Simplifies the assembly and transportation of joists, bridging, frames, and decking.
- MezzMaster™: Enhances the lifting of roofs and mezzanines.
- WallMaster™: Supports more efficient and safer wall-system installations.
- SkyBrace®: Provides structural stability with an innovative bracing solution.
With construction ranked among the most hazardous industries, BZI prioritizes worker safety. The company’s exceptional safety performance is reflected in its Experience Modification Rate (EMR) of 0.48, significantly outperforming industry averages.
“Our panelization methods are just one example of how BZI’s innovations improve safety and efficiency for our team members while delivering superior results for our customers,” added Harker.
“We believe innovation has the power to transform construction,” said James Barlow, CEO of BZI. “From industry-leading logistics and field-management processes to groundbreaking tools like Trackzilla and our panelization technologies, we’re committed to setting new standards in safety, efficiency, and project delivery. Leaders like Tom Harker are helping differentiate BZI across all segments of our business. We’re proud to share insights that others can apply to achieve similar results.”
The Advancing Prefabrication Conference is North America’s only end-to-end event dedicated to accelerating safer, more sustainable, and higher-quality construction through prefabrication and modular techniques. The conference attracts companies pushing the boundaries of construction innovation.
BZI serves key industries such as retail, data centers, and manufacturing facilities for batteries, microchips, electric vehicles, and food and beverages.
About BZI
Headquartered in Kanarraville, Utah, BZI® operates through three primary organizations: Building Zone Industries, LLC specializes in steel erection, BZI Steel, LLC focuses on steel fabrication, and Innovatech®, LLC designs and manufactures innovative construction equipment and processes. To support its workforce, BZI partners with SteelTech Academy™, which offers technical, safety, and vocational training, including OSHA certifications, equipment operations, fall protection, and welding. Since 2021, SteelTech Academy has issued thousands of certifications and logged over 10,000 student contact hours annually.
BZI’s recent accolades include:
- Inc. Best in Business 2024 for Construction: BZI Innovation Park
- USA Today’s Top Workplaces (two consecutive years)
- Utah Business Fast 50 (#12 ranking)
- Top Workplaces Construction Industry Award
- Salt Lake City Tribune Top Workplaces (#5 ranking in 2024)
- One Utah Summit “Rural Rockstar” Award (presented by Utah Governor Cox)
- Best Employer (Cedar City Chamber)
- Cedar City Best CEO 2024
- Trade Partner in Safety Excellence (Layton Construction)
As an accredited member of AISC, BZI received its top safety honor, the “Erector Award of Honor.” CEO James Barlow, a Forbes Business Council member, is also a recipient of the Malcolm Baldrige Award. BZI continues to deliver major construction projects nationwide, solidifying its reputation as a global leader in innovative construction solutions.
