QB Fabrication & Welding
Pioneering as a Transmission and Distribution Provider

Since 1987, QB Fabrication & Welding has been a prominent utility supplier, specializing in the production of steel structures for transmission and substations. The company’s inception involved addressing emergency projects for federal, state, local, and prime contractors within the utility industry. Acknowledging the imperative for dependable power during community emergencies, the company has steadfastly maintained this commitment, ultimately growing into the premier manufacturer of steel lattice towers in the Northwest. QB Fabrication’s influence extends beyond its origin, taking on projects spanning from Canada to the city of San Francisco, where it excels in the manufacturing of custom-tailored substation structures and distribution components.

As a utility supplier strategically positioned to support the Western grid from the Pacific to the Rocky Mountains states, the company emphasizes maintaining robust relationships with suppliers, crucial for ensuring on-time delivery. With a commendable 20-year association with the Bonneville Power Administration, QB Fabrication has consistently exceeded expectations in delivering high-quality products. QB Fabrication has proactively engaged with state authorities to support training programs and educational initiatives to mitigate the challenge of attracting passionate and skilled individuals to the industry in response to the shifting landscape of the post-pandemic workforce. However, the challenge persists, exacerbated by the nationwide goal of achieving 100 percent clean energy by 2035. While clients express enthusiasm for the industry’s future, the demand for expanding and upgrading transmission lines within an aggressive timeline poses a formidable task for all stakeholders.

QB Fabrication has effectively addressed the domino effect impacting suppliers by undergoing a substantial transformation. This includes an 81 percent increase in manpower, the implementation of dual sourcing, the adoption of new equipment and processes in the shipment department, and significant maintenance and upgrades to its facilities. The company’s ability to adapt is attributed to its hardworking team, actively involved in training new personnel and working overtime to meet project demands. Despite the challenges, QB Fabrication prioritizes the well-being of its people.

QB Fabrication’s manufacturing plant spans approximately 5 acres and boasts a monthly steel production capacity exceeding 500,000 pounds.

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including angle masters, beamlines, plate processors, and automated shipment equipment, the facility ensures expedited delivery to clients. “Our quality workmanship comes from our experts with over 20 years of experience in this industry to identify issues with drawings early on before the production phase, provide alternative fabrication methods for approval, fitment, provide trial assemblies from 115V to 500KV lattice towers, visual inspections with photos, and certifications,” says Ivy Quach, chief financial officer of QB Fabrication and Welding.

What sets QB Fabrication apart in the western region is its ability to accommodate and accept emergency projects from existing and new clients. Treating every project with the utmost priority, regardless of size, the team prides itself on consistency, quality maintenance, and exemplary customer service. For instance, in 2011, a 230KV transmission tower owned by BC Hydro collapsed on the south bank of the Fraser River due to erosion, cutting off power to 25,000 customers in British Columbia, Canada. QB Fabrication & Welding did not previously have a relationship with BC Hydro, but when they needed support to rebuild the tower, the firm accepted the emergency project. The team expedited the work, and a newly built 500KV tower was completed within 29 days.

Our quality workmanship comes from our experts with over 20 years of experience in this industry to be able to identify issues with drawings early on before the production phase, ability to provide alternative fabrication methods for approval, fitment, provide trial assemblies from 115V to 500KV lattice towers, visual inspections with photos, and certification.

Today QB Fabrication & Welding is under the leadership of siblings James and Ivy Quach, representing the second generation of its founder, Ben. James has over 25 years of experience in the steel fabrication industry and started out as a welder himself. He brings his wealth of knowledge from previously working with large companies in the Pacific Northwest. Meanwhile, Ivy grew her background around finance working for the Department of Defense for over a decade, and her recent experience was at the Army Medical Command Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. As a certified minority and family-owned business, the siblings are bringing innovative ideas to expand the company’s growth within the utility industry.

Prioritizing effective logistics and communication, the company actively collaborates with clients to coordinate field site crews, ensuring timely delivery. Currently overseeing a large project for the Bonneville Power Administration, the company strategically tracks critical components for delivery and communicates project statuses to facilitate collaborative problem-solving with clients.