Safe Travel Secured by Steel Building Construction

Frank Melo • March 13, 2025
When Vancouver’s airport needed more capacity to deliver jet fuel for over 20,000 aircraft and two million passengers, they turned to trusted partners to build the facility to safely store the pump equipment.
Metal buildings serve many purposes. Their practicality, affordability and durability make them an ideal industrial building solution for a wide variety of company needs. In the case of Vancouver Airport (or YVR as it is lovingly known by its airport IATA code), one critically important use of facilities is to safely store jet fuel and house the pumps that transfer it to aircraft. 

When Vancouver Airport Authority recognized the need for additional mechanical services, they worked with RAM Consulting (an engineering project delivery firm and experts in infrastructure) and chose Double Black Construction to install the structure that would house their new fuel pumps and equipment.
A Structure to Support Massive Logistical Operations 
Managing the administration and logistics for a major airport like YVR is no easy task. On a monthly basis, the Vancouver Airport Authority safely handles over 2 million passengers, 29,000 tonnes of cargo, 20,500 total aircraft and an additional 1,700 non-runway craft, such as floatplanes and helicopters [source]. These vehicles require a lot of fuel to make them go. The need for more productive industrial facilities is constant. Protection and functionality are critical: safe storage and distribution of jet fuel via pumps need to be securely housed and protected. Aviation pumps are specialized devices designed to transfer fuel from storage tanks to aircraft. They are engineered to handle the unique requirements of aviation fuel, ensuring that it reaches the aircraft in the right quantity and under optimal pressure.

They trust expert contractors and firms to help manage all the construction and maintenance a system like that requires. One such partner is RAM Consulting (RAM), a project delivery firm founded in 2007. They are delegated with successful management of Canada’s largest infrastructure projects, from major highways to pipelines. The company’s comprehensive service offerings engages all aspects of project delivery, including multi-disciplinary engineering, project and construction management, and quality and safety management.

Double Black Construction collaborates with engineering firms on building projects. Companies like RAM Consulting find working with a speciality pre-engineered building installer allows them to focus client relationship, knowing the project will get done on time and on budget. When it came to adding additional jet fuel pumps, RAM Consulting took on the responsibility to ensure they were installed correctly and left the facility construction to a reliable partner.
  • Steel framing and concrete foundation for YVR jet fuel pump facility.

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Jet fuel pump facility under construction at Vancouver Airport.

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Steel framing and concrete pad under construction at Vancouver Airport by Double Black Construction.

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Metal panels being added to industrial steel building at Vancouver YVR.

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • RAM Consulting engineering team photo.

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Completed industrial pre-engineered steel building for jet fuel pumps at Vancouver airport.

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
The Ideal Building Solution for Any Engineering Need
Working Double Black Construction installed a new 26’ x 50’ metal structure with a symmetrical gable to serve as a jet fuel pump facility. The site lay adjacent to several other existing buildings, which meant crews had to work around obstacles while they added the concrete foundation and installed the metal building’s wall and roofing systems.

Collaborating closely with RAM Consulting engineers, the team designed and supplied the exact building solution to meet the strict safety and structural demands to house jet fuel pumps and fuel lines. The job site lacked a base strong enough to support the weight, so they excavated and added a more adequate concrete foundation. Installation was added to the interior, but windows and doors were not necessary due to ventilation requirements.


“A heartfelt thank you to the entire team!” says Jose Gonzalez (BSEE), the construction manager for the project for RAM Consulting. “Their dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in our success. I've been consistently impressed by their skills, positive attitudes and willingness to go the extra mile. It's been a privilege to collaborate with such a talented and supportive group.”
The Biggest Organizations Count on Us for Their Building Construction – So Can You
The leadership team at Double Black Construction has over 60 years of experience installing pre-engineered steel buildings. It’s their sole focus. The company continues to grow based on the success they’ve had working with engineering firms to deliver high-performance wall and roof systems. 

Pre-engineered metal structures are an ideal solution for any infrastructure project. Let us be the one-turnkey provider for your construction needs – we’re ready to build when you are.
To discuss these opportunities with Frank Melo and our leadership team, use our Contact Us page or speak with us directly at 
(833) 322-2722. You're also welcome to email us at info@DoubleBlackConstruction.com so we can provide you with a free quote 
and to start the planning process for your next steel building.


About the author:
Frank Melo has a construction civil engineering technology and business background with over 25 years of experience as a business owner and contractor. He was born and educated in London, Ontario and now divides his time between projects primarily in Ontario and British Columbia. He can be contacted at Double Black Construction at (778) 951-4766 or by email at frank@doubleblackconstruction.com or through LinkedIn.

You might also like

Skilled trades add metal wall siding to a metal building project on Salt Spring Island in B.C.

Beyond Assembly: Turn Metal Building Projects into a Competitive Advantage Through Collaboration

By Frank Melo • April 9, 2025
Double Black Construction is more than just an assembly team – they've the strategic partner who transforms building projects into competitive advantages.
We support any manufacturing system with experience to get the job completed on time, on budget.

Construction Mercenaries: Have Crews, Will Travel Anywhere, Anytime to Install Steel Buildings

By John Lohan • February 27, 2025
Double Black Construction has the talent, tools and techniques to successfully install pre-engineered metal building anywhere we're needed.
Wooden forms are installed on jobsite to create strong concrete retaining wall for metal building.

Building Durable Concrete Retaining Walls on Salt Spring Island, B.C.

By John Lohan • February 13, 2025
In the rugged terrain of British Columbia, the importance of a robust foundation cannot be overstated. Our recent project demonstrates our expertise in overcoming geotechnical challenges.
More Posts

Book a Service Today

Share by: