We are thrilled to announce the arrival of a new dealership in Virginia. Roy Phaup and Shirley Duncan, both experienced in the construction industry, have joined forces to provide quality screw pile services in the Greater Richmond area.

Roy Phaup, a 65-year-old veteran, spent 37 years in the military as a skilled helicopter and airplane mechanic. In addition to his military experience, he has also built garages, additions, carports, and has done mechanical and renovation work.

Shirley Duncan, 58 years old and a mother of three, is a self-sufficient individual that has worked with the public for over 40 years. She has a variety of skills including the last 10 years mainly construction and remodeling. She has a passion for hands-on work and helping those around her. She thrives on staying busy and possesses a unique blend of analytical and creative skills.

Roy and Shirley make a great team and enjoy working together. They prioritize delivering the best results rather than repeating tasks.

Their interest in starting a Techno Metal Post dealership sparked about 5-6 years ago while watching an episode of HGTV featuring Mike Holmes installing a retaining wall using Techno Metal Post helical piles. They were captivated by the concept and started envisioning the countless projects they could accomplish with TMP.

This initial fascination led Roy to make his first contact with Techno Metal Post about 3 or 4 years ago, expressing his keen interest in becoming a dealer. About a year ago, Roy reconnected with TMP and had the opportunity to meet Serge and Ian in Virginia in December 2023, solidifying his commitment to join the Techno Metal Post family.

We are very excited to have them join our Techno Metal Post family and wish them all the best in their new roles.

Introducing the talented, passionate, and close-knit team behind TMP of Buffalo. They’ll be serving the Buffalo-Niagara region, in close collaboration with their parent corporation, recognized as Buffalo’s premier general contracting company. Founded by Domenic's father and uncle, the company will mark its 75th anniversary in 2026 and has since grown and diversified, now led by Domenic and his children, Phil, Nick, and Michelle.

Domenic, with 53 years of experience and a hard-working ethic, has built a strong foundation in masonry and business. He is also a radio host of the popular Buffalo show "Hammer Time Radio" and also appears on local television. His dedication to customer satisfaction and family culture has shaped the company's core values. Domenic is also a proud grandfather of eight.

Phil, the eldest, married and father of 3, worked for his family throughout high school, but mostly during summer. He also worked for a friend’s father's construction company doing framing work and gaining hands-on construction experience. Phil later took on the project management role of his family’s business, working hard and working his way up. Many years later, now focuses on design, sales, and marketing, which he loves doing, with a team of project managers.

Nick got his degree in business management at Canisius College and also started working for the family business throughout the summer months. He worked in various construction roles such as framing, tiling, drywall, roofing, and siding. Nick became a rough framing carpenter, building additions and focusing on that for a while. He eventually switched things up and obtained a Six Sigma certification along with his real estate license, before starting the sunroom division at the company. Nick is married with two boys.

Michelle, a mom of 3 now, had been working in the office for her dad, throughout high school. She also went to Canisius College to study marketing, digital media, and graphic design. Eventually, she made her way back to the family’s business and dove into the marketing side of things before later discovering her love for interior decorating. Michelle got certified in the field and started working with customers on all the design components of their projects. Michelle has also been involved in several high-profile decorating projects, giving back to the community through her creative talents.

Tyler, a University of Buffalo graduate, began his career in radio, where he produced Domenic’s radio show and met his present-day girlfriend. Bonds were made soon after, and he eventually decided to join this family’s enterprise. He climbed the rungs quickly to become a carpenter’s assistant and has now switched focus to handling sales, design, engineering, and permitting for the company.

Matt, a childhood friend of Phil, has extensive experience in construction and a university degree in environmental science. He got involved in framing and built houses for about 15 years. He joined the company in 2021 starting off in sales and has also fast-tracked to design for them as well. He loves having the opportunity to connect with clients and contribute to their homes’ projects. He’s got 2 kids who are involved in a lot of travel sports, making him a very busy dad.

The team chose Techno Metal Post for its innovative solutions, seeing it as a game-changer for deck projects and a perfect complement to their diverse offerings. With this new addition, TMP Buffalo is set for even greater achievements built on a foundation of love, dedication, and teamwork. Welcome to the family everyone!

Exciting News! We are proud to announce the arrival of Justin Rettenmayer, as the new owner of Techno Metal Post Western Montana.

With over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Justin specializes in landscape construction, patios, and outdoor design. Working alongside his wife, who specializes in garden design, Justin has the privilege of bringing his clients' visions to life, creating beautiful and functional outdoor areas that truly enhance their properties.

In recent years, Justin has been drawn to the innovative technology of TMP helical piles. It all started when he noticed their increasing presence on job sites. Intrigued, he connected with a guy who had successfully used helical piles for a cabin foundation. This encounter sparked Justin's interest, leading him to reach out to Kevin Robinson, the previous owner of TMP Western Montana, to learn more.

Now, as the new owner of Techno Metal Post Western Montana, Justin is excited to continue providing high-quality helical pile solutions to clients in the Missoula area and surroundings. With his dedication and expertise, he aims to deliver reliable and efficient foundation support for various construction projects, ensuring stability and longevity for his clients.

If you are seeking a trusted professional who can provide reliable helical pile solutions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Justin Rettenmayer.

One of the most frequently asked questions we get on social media is, how to deal with rocks during a helical pile installation. The answer, of course, depends on the size and location of the rock as well as the specific circumstances of the project. In this article, we look at the different methods and solutions that Techno Metal Post uses to ensure a successful outcome.

In the case of small to medium-sized rocks, our specialized installation equipment is powerful enough to maneuver around them, allowing the pile to be installed. As the pile screws into the soil, the helix naturally displaces these rocks. Generally, if the installer comes across only a few small shallow rocks that are manageable, digging by hand is also another option for removal. When faced with very rocky land, our installers can use a specialized pile, which has been already approved by our engineering team, to bypass rock obstructions.

When the rocks are too large to be pushed or manually removed, alternative solutions are required. One such option is to install the pile right next to the rock, provided that it doesn’t deviate from the designated line and doesn't interfere with the project plans. Such relocation is always done following the approval of the project designer. However, if a large rock or boulder is obstructing the desired location and can’t be moved, it may be necessary to bring in a small excavator to remove it.

Depending on location, certain sites are composed of mainly bedrock. If the bedrock is deep enough, it can serve as a footing, provided that the helix is below the frost line. If the bedrock is shallow or even exposed, a specialized anchoring system could be used. This approach ensures that the installation remains secure and stable.

Whether it's pushing small rocks, working around large rocks, or anchoring directly to bedrock, installation professionals always find a solution to ensure a successful project.

We are happy to introduce Scott Gagliano, our new dealer from Southeast Wisconsin, who has started a new chapter in his professional life. With a rough carpentry and framing background, he’s transitioned to taking ownership of an existing TMP dealership from Jim Hilligoss. He’s been married 26 years now and has a son and dog to complete his strong family life. His wife Gwen has helped manage his previous business and intends to continue doing so for the Southeast Wisconsin dealership.

Having been a rough carpenter for 33 years, Scott has primarily focused on framing for large-sized home constructions and in recent years, felt the need to shift gears and explore new opportunities. The physically demanding nature of the job motivated him to consider other solutions. The opportunity to buy an existing dealership happened when Jim, the previous owner, decided to sell. Scott had known Jim for about two years, having first met at a framing job where Jim was installing piles for a deck job. Impressed with the work, he began exploring this avenue.

Scott spent weeks researching this field, comparing TMP to other companies in the market. He found himself consistently drawn back to TMP, confident that it was the right choice for him. He said, “I find it almost shined out! you know?”

During this time, Scott teamed up with Brian Kelly, another dealer from Southwest Wisconsin to complete two installation jobs, further confirming his decision to join the TMP family.

The transfer of ownership happened quickly, taking just a few months from start to finish. Scott is eager to continue Jim’s legacy and looks forward to what the future holds.

We are excited for Scott and anticipate great success in his new venture!

Techno Pieux du Nord starts a new chapter, as we welcome Dany Gaudreault and Marie-Danièle Perron, who acquired the dealership from its former owner Yves Merette. Here's some background information...

In 2004, Dany began working at a manufacturing company as a summer employee. Thanks to his many skills, he quickly made his way up the ranks, eventually becoming a team leader working in collaboration with a foreman. In May 2023, he accepted the position of supervisor, which he held until February 2024.

As for Marie-Danièle, in spring of 2015 she graduated as an engineering technician and then studied to become a mechanical engineer at the University of Chicoutimi. After working for a few years, she took maternity leave. Upon returning to the workforce, she transitioned into her current role as a maintenance engineer.

Previously, the couple had tried to acquire a business, but their efforts were fruitless. They took the next step and presented their business plan to a major financial institution offering support to prospective entrepreneurs and then, in the fall of 2023, a new opportunity presented itself. They were approached and offered the chance to acquire an existing dealership.

After signing non-disclosure agreements, discussions then quickly progressed. They visited our Techno Metal Post headquarters and were immediately won over by the team, the facilities and by TMP overall. Finally, in February 2024, they signed to become owners of the Techno Metal Post North dealership.

Over the years, Dany's experience in renovation and construction has proved to be an invaluable asset in launching this new business. As for Marie-Danièle, she plans to assist her husband with the administrative work and submission process that's involved with the business, while continuing her career as an engineer.

We decided to explore a topic that doesn't get much attention yet deserves merit for its participation in the helical pile world. In this article we help our readers better understand TMP’s specialized installation equipment, and give them a look into how things got started.

From the start, Techno Metal Post has boasted a dedicated team of mechanical engineers, who to this day, continues to oversee the company's advancement. Together, they developed a line of cutting-edge equipment, created exclusively for the installation of helical pile foundations. In total, four models were created, each designed for different project requirements. They are: R2D, ET1, EM1 & EM2.

Before we comment on their features, let’s review their humble beginnings. We spoke to Étienne St-Laurent, a mechanical engineer who is now the company's Director of Operations and Finance, to discuss his involvement in the development of Techno Metal Post's installation equipment.

He told us that the creation of the R2D dates back to 2001. Before that, pile installation was achieved using a hitched trailer equipped with a boom and gearbox. Limited accessibility became an issue, motivating Clément Binet, co-founder of Techno Metal Post, to collaborate with a sub-contractor and create the first R2D machine. The goal was to create a machine that could access very restricted areas and, more specifically, fit through a 30" door frame. Later, Étienne collaborated to enhance the R2D, making it faster and more efficient. His main role, however, was developing the ET1, a large-scale machine, designed to meet specific load-bearing capacity requirements of over 20 tons per pile.

Over time in France, the R2D eventually proved too small for certain jobs needing a larger, more robust machine. The ET1, in contrast, was oversized and the demand for it was limited. After returning from his trip to France, Clément then designed the EM1 as an intermediate alternative tailored to suit the French market. In time, the EM1 was developed in 2010. This machine is the result of combined effort between Étienne and Maxime Binet, a mechanical engineering technician who remains involved in research and development to this day. An optimized, more efficient version of this machine, the EM2, was launched in 2018, thanks to its many improvements.

We also spoke with Éric Laplante, Mechanical Production Manager, about some key points regarding the installation equipment. He showed us around the facility as he pointed out the machines. Here is what he had to say:

Eric: “All mechanical and electrical components are designed and manufactured here, in Thetford Mines, Québec. Hydraulics, engine, and body are assembled here and made by us as well. The only part we source externally is the bottom section, specifically the traction system.”

“How long does assembly take?”

Eric: “It takes about one month to manufacture one EM2 or R2D. Overall, we can produce up to twelve EM2s and twelve R2Ds per year, depending on the demand.”

Eric added, “The hydraulic system is what screws the pile into the ground. Also, an important fact is, machines can be fitted with 2 different hydraulic motors- a faster one offering lower torque, and a slower one capable of generating higher torque. So, it really depends on the project requirements.”

He pointed to the main head piece attached to the arm and said, “See where the 2 hoses connect at the top? The fork at the end of the boom holds a gearbox equipped with these interchangeable motors which are connected with that 2-hose system. There are 4 bolts in the lower portion that can be unscrewed so that the motor can be lifted out and replaced by another. The gearbox stays in place, and the installer needs to change only the motor. This process is quick and easy and can be completed directly on site. It’s worth mentioning that only the R2D operates with gas/fuel, while the others are all diesel.”

“How are the machines operated?”

Eric: “All machines are equipped with wireless remotes. They turn, move forward and backward through a remote-control box, that’s been designed specifically by our team. The R2D, however, also has a manual control option for forward and reverse. We can also offer a wired remote with the same functionalities.”

“Can you tell us about the bio-hydraulic oil that’s used? I thought that was very interesting.”

Eric: “Well, we use bio-hydraulic oil for hydraulic functions and mineral motor oil for diesel or gas engines. The engine drives a pump which generates the hydraulic pressure required to operate the various parts of the machine."

Now that we have a better picture of how the machines work, lets review the advantages they provide for both the installer and customer-

• Compact, the smallest being able to manoeuvre through tight spaces.
• Powerful, including the smallest machine model.
• Can access difficult terrain without site disruption.
• Requires no excavation or concrete.
• An environmentally conscious and cleaner method.

Visit our Installation Equipment page for more details on each machine.

Our network expands within Spain, as TMP welcomes Jaime Romero and his friend Arnaud as new dealers for TMP Madrid. Recently, these gentlemen came to Canada simply out of curiosity, to visit the Techno Metal Post offices, which they had heard so much about on several occasions. Accompanied by Guillaume Danis, owner of Techno Metal Post Oxford and market developer in Europe, these future business partners were truly impressed by the positive and collaborative spirit within the company.

Their story began when Arnaud, originally from France, fell in love with a beautiful Spanish woman while on a trip to Madrid. During their time together, she introduced him to her friend's life partner, Jaime, who later became his good friend. The two of them, having very different career backgrounds, would often discuss the idea of starting a business together.

Arnaud is a friend of the de Franssu family, who oversees several Techno Metal Post companies in France. Therefore, he was well aware of their success, and increasingly saw the same potential to develop the almost untouched market within Spain. It was at the beginning of 2024 that Arnaud and Jaime decided to take the first step in their new venture together and visit TMP located in Canada, where the company was founded.

After a week of meetings and discussions, everyone knew they would be part of the family! It is with great pleasure that we welcome them and wish them much success!

We recently had the pleasure to sit down with Jonathan Lavallée, local dealer and owner of TMP Thetford. He gave us an insight into what it's like to install helical piles during winter in his area of Thetford Mines, Qc, Canada. We explored both the challenges and solutions of installing piles in cold regions, specifically in winter. The number of winter installations isn’t a common occurrence for Jonathan, yet the demand is still there due to specific projects. On his end, a typical year can see the completion of over a dozen projects during the winter months.

Jonathan mentioned the first step he takes, just before the installation, is to clear the snow from the site to access the frozen ground. He then uses a type of auger to pre-drill a hole and break the ice and/or the frozen ground, before installing the piles. It's often the preferred method for winter installations because it’s usually faster and more efficient.

Aside from operating the auger, Jonathan also uses another method for accessing the ground below. Thawing is considered a less common approach, yet an available technique, nonetheless. In past situations, he’s drilled a small hole about an inch wide with a heated electrode. This process takes about half an hour to thaw a 12-inch radius, depending on the frozen state of the ground.

These types of helical pile installations are more common in the colder regions of Canada and certain parts of the United States, where the ground freezes.

Jonathan commented how winter installations, in his territory, are more common for large commercial projects in city centers, rather than residential projects. He says that most orders are received before the holidays, with the best time to install piles being from April to the end of December. Typical winter installation projects include house extensions in residential areas.

Even if conditions aren't optimal, installations are still possible; simply reach out to your local dealer to determine the next steps. It's worth noting that in certain cold regions where temperatures aren't especially low, accessing those areas becomes much easier with either of our installation machines.

We thank Jonathan for spending time with us and sharing the challenges of winter installations, and how to overcome them.