RSS

Blog

DJC 2025 Top Projects!
DJC 2025 Top Projects!

This year Albina Co. played a part in 3 of DJC’s top projects of 2025! Albina did bending for components of the Legacy Silverton Emergency Department project, the Oregon State University Cordley Hall project, and the PDX Terminal Core Redevelopment Phase 1 project! 

Legacy Silverton Emergency Department Albina bending descriptions

Legacy Silverton Emergency Department

Albina bent

1 pc of W12 X 22# A992 to a 80’-0” radius

4 pcs of C8 X 11.5# A36 to a 58’-3” radius

4 pcs of TS 8" X 6" X .250" WALL A500 GR C to a 65’-3” radius

Oregon State University Cordley Hall Albina bending descriptions

Oregon State University Cordley Hall

Albina bent

3 pcs of WT3 X 6# A992 to a 10’-0” minimum radius

4 pcs of WT5 X 11# A992 to a 17’-3” minimum radius

8 pcs of 4" X 4" X 3/8" ANGLE A36 to a 1’-6” radius

9 pcs of WT3 X 6# A992 to a 8’-5” minimum radius

10 pcs of WT5 X 11# A992 to a 14’-8” minimum radius

1 pc W6 X 12# A36 split for rolling Tee

5 pcs W10 X 22# A992 split for rolling Tee

4 pcs of 3/8" THICK A36 PLATE X 9' 2-7/16" WIDE to a 14’-0” radius

2 pcs of 3/8" THICK A36 PLATE X 9' 1" WIDE to a 8’-0” radius

2 pcs of 3/8" THICK A36 PLATE X 8' 1-3/8" WIDE to a 8’-0” radius

PDX Terminal Core Redevelopment Phase 1 Albina bending descriptions

PDX Terminal Core Redevelopment Phase 1

Albina bent

8 pcs of 1½" OD X .120" WALL 304SS #4 FINISH to a 2.5” radius

Father's Day Weekend at Albina Co., Inc.
Father's Day Weekend at Albina Co., Inc.

From our family at Albina, to yours. We hope you had a wonderful Father’s Day weekend.

This time of year we like to reflect back on the people who inspired us. In 1939 John Smith founded Albina out of a tiny shop in downtown Portland. After building a machine with his own 2 hands, from the transmission and differenetial of a model T Ford, the business started to grow. At first, just specializing in pipe, Albina became pipe bending experts. Years later, John's son Bill joined the team and helped the company continue to build a strong reputation in the industry. As Albina got bigger, and after Bill's son Brian joined the team, Albina moved to where we are now located in Tualatin. Shortly after Brian joined the team, his wife Jaime came on as the Marketing Manager, and his brother in law KC joined in Shop Support. The company grew from specialzing in pipe, to specializing in all types of steel; pipe, tube, HSS (square/rectangular), plate, and all forms of structural steel. Just recently Brian and Jaime's daughter, Brooke, joined the team as the first member of the 4th generation of Smith's to work for the family business. 

At Albina we have 4 generations of Smith men and women working for the company, each learning from their father before them. With 86 years of knowledge passed down from generation to generation, we have got you covered with whatever your bending needs may be. 

PS - Can you tell we are big fans of fishing and Albina hats?

Modern Curved Steel Sign Welcomes Visitors to Premera Campus
Modern Curved Steel Sign Welcomes Visitors to Premera Campus

Albina rolled 56 lengths of 24-foot-long Tube Steel 6” X 3” X .190” WALL 6063-T52 ALUM the Hard Way to a 74’-1 5/16” inside radius for the Premera Campus Entry. Premera, a family of health plans includes Premera Blue Cross, LifeWise Health Plan and others, is based in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. The new curved steel signage at the entry of the campus is part of a multi-year campus refresh.

Fabrication and photo credit: CREO Industrial Arts, LLC

Premera Campus Curved Steel Sign in Shop

Premera Campus Curved Steel Sign Side View

Premera Campus Curved Steel Sign Final Installation

 

Experience the Steel Bending Process from Start to Finish
Experience the Steel Bending Process from Start to Finish

Albina rolled 4 pieces of Tube Steel 10” X 6” X .375” WALL A500 GR B the easy way to AESS standards (9’-0” radius x 180°). We also trimmed and welded 246 plates to the rolled parts to create these Pods that are located at AirBNB at Great American Parkway in Santa Clara, California. Check out the progression in the pictures below to see how steel comes into our facility straight, leaves curved and fabricated and then gets erected at its final installation spot. Alot of people just think that curved steel just comes that way...guess again! 

This piece was designed and built by Techcon Corp. 

Rolling of AirBNB Canopy Tube Steel

Trimming and Tack Welding Plates onto Tube Steel

Erection of Tube Steel for AirBNB Canopy at Great American Parkway Office

Final Installation of Tube Steel for AirBNB Canopy at Great American Parkway Office

Albina Featured in The Fabricator Magazine!
Albina Featured in The Fabricator Magazine!

We’re thrilled to share that The Fabricator magazine has published a feature article on Albina and some of the unique capabilities we bring to the table—especially when it comes to our Davi plate rolling machines!

The piece dives into the story behind how we acquired our Davi equipment and the fun Top Gun-inspired nicknames we’ve given each one. (Yes, we do feel the need for speed when it comes to rolling precision and innovation!)

One standout section tells the story of our collaboration with artist Damon Hyldreth. Together, we pushed the boundaries of what’s possible by rolling plate in a truly unconventional way to bring one of his sculptures to life. It was a perfect example of creativity meeting capability.

The article also offers insight into the vision and leadership of our President, Brian Smith, whose “Field of Dreams” philosophy—“if you build it, they will come”—played a key role in our decision to invest in cutting-edge plate rolling technology.

Beyond the machines themselves, the article explores how we integrate advanced technology into our operations. From iPads and a custom-developed app to the use of Microsoft HoloLens, we’re committed to staying ahead of the “curve”.

All in all, it’s a fantastic read that gives a glimpse into how we “roll” at Albina—combining innovation, passion, and a little bit of movie magic to get the job done right.

Check it out and see what sets Albina apart in the world of steel bending and rolling!

Cover story The Fabricator article Albina

The Fabricator article cover story Albina BTS behind the scenes cover shot

The Fabricator article cover story Albina BTS behind the scenes interview with President Brian Smith

Steel and Sustainability with Albina Co., Inc.
Steel and Sustainability with Albina Co., Inc.

Happy Earth Day! Today is the perfect time to highlight why using curved steel in your projects is good for the environment. Steel is a strong, resilient material that is also infinitely recyclable. 

Click here for our printable PDF! Steel and Sustainability

Steel and Sustainability Earth Day informational PDF Albina Co

Photo Credit to Kadan Productions 

Coal Creek Park
Coal Creek Park

Coal Creek Park in Erie, Colorado!
This 6.5-acre park is in the heart of Erie, Colorado. It is home to an ice rink, café, splash pad, play structure, walking path, and multiple curved steel canopies. The park hosts many events throughout the year including outdoor concerts, town fairs, and festivals.
For this project Albina bent various sizes of Angle, Wide Flange, Channel, and Tube Steel totaling 101 pieces and 55,702 pounds!

 

Outdoor curved steel park canopy complete

Outdoor curved steel park canopy complete seating area

Outdoor curved steel park canopy complete shade structure

Outdoor curved steel park canopy complete playground

Outdoor curved steel park canopy complete playground alternate angle

Outdoor curved steel park canopy complete ice rink area

Aulani - A Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii
Aulani - A Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii

Albina Co., Inc. rolled 326,140# of wide flange ranging in size from W8 x 10# to W24 x 84# in order to form the roof trusses of the main entrance lobby at “Aulani- A Disney Resort & Spa” in Ko Olina, Hawaii. The concept for the rolled material was to make the lobby appear in the shape of a canoe. The material was fabricated by Brooklyn Iron Works.

Curved steel roof construction

Curved steel roof construction under view

Curved steel roof exterior completed

Curved steel roof exterior completed stairway view

Curved steel roof exterior completed parking lot view

Curved steel roof exterior completed vertical parking lot view

Curved steel roof exterior completed interior lobby view

Volkswagen Headquarters Curved Stair
Volkswagen Headquarters Curved Stair

Volkswagen Curved Stair at Volkswagen Group of America Headquarters in Reston, Virginia.

 

Albina bent different sizes of Tube Steel and Plate the Easy Way for this project to 12 and 16 foot radii.

TS 16" X 4" X .500" WALL A500 GR B (8 pcs bent the Easy Way)

3/8" THICK X 8-13/16" WIDE A36 PLATE (2 pcs bent the Easy Way)

3/8" THICK A36 PLATE (3 pcs bend the Easy Way)

3/8" THICK X 84-11/16" WIDE A36 PLATE (1 pc bent the Easy Way)

3/8" THICK X 19-5/16" WIDE A36 PLATE (1 pc bend the Easy Way)

3/8" THICK X 12" WIDE A36 PLATE (2 pcs bent the Easy Way)

 

Spiral stair install top view

Spiral stair install bottom view

Spiral stair construction bottom view

Spiral stair construction top view

Why Use Curved Steel
Why Use Curved Steel

Why Use Curved Steel? 

Aesthetic Appeal

Curved steel provides a more modern, unique appearance and adds more dynamic dimension with minimized visual disruptions. Curved steel is more aesthetically appealing and attractive than "built-up" or "welded" sections. Curved steel creates flowing, uninterrupted lines that provide a sense of elegance and fluidity in design.

Structural Integrity

The AISC indicates that the bending process does not adversely affect the strength or structural integrity of steel. When a shape has been curved successfully, the strains the member will experience under actual service conditions will be much smaller than those associated with the curving operation.

Load Distribution

The maximum axial compression in an arch typically occurs under uniformly distributed loads across the full span. This efficient load-bearing mechanism enables the design of lighter structures that maintain structural integrity. Additionally, the inherent stiffness of curved steel elements contributes to the overall stability of structures, reducing the need for supplementary support materials.

Functional and Versitile Design

Curved shapes facilitate smoother transitions and more complex designs; enabling the creation of curved slab edges and unencumbered column-free spaces, providing elegant and cost-effective solutions. No other framing material matches structural steel's capacity to encourage freedom of expression and design creativity. 

Energy Efficiency

The AISC acknowledges that curved steel designs can enhance natural lighting in buildings. For instance, the use of curved steel and glass roofs can create expansive atriums that allow ample natural light to penetrate interior spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours, contributing to overall energy savings.

Material Conservation 

Steel weighs half the amount of concrete resulting in a lighter, more sustainable building and less cost. According to the AISC, domestically produced structural steel typically contains between 90% and 100% recycled content. The industry average for recycled content in domestic structural steel is over 90%, the highest of any building framing material.

Aerodynamic

Curved structures can enhance aerodynamic properties by reducing wind resistance, minimizing turbulence, and decreasing drag. Studies have shown that incorporating curved elements, such as rounded corners, can enhance aerodynamic performance by reducing drag and mitigating wind-induced vibrations.

Click here for printable PDF! Why Use Curved Steel

 
Blog archive