Edmonton Exchanger and Davi: Two Families Build Business Strength on Heavy Plate Rolling Legacies

Print 🖨

When you are one of North America’s most trusted suppliers of pressure vessel components for the energy sector, there is no room for compromise in forming precision. Edmonton Exchanger, a family-owned Canadian company celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is known for high-quality heavy steel components (up to 12² thick) customized for pressurized transfer and storage of oil, gas, petrochemicals and blue hydrogen. Founded in 1975 by boilermaker Henry Gusse, Edmonton Exchanger guides its long-term vision by prioritizing investments in people, materials and market expertise. That steady leadership allows the company to navigate industry changes smoothly while meeting or exceeding customer expectations.

A reflection of its investment in expertise, Edmonton Exchanger, led by then-President Larry Gusse, forged a powerful partnership with Davi, another family-owned company and leader in plate rolling. Davi has spent more than five decades building a reputation for innovation and reliability, and for the last two decades, Edmonton Exchanger has relied on Davi’s machines to help shape some of the continent’s heaviest and most complex components.

At Edmonton Exchanger, two powerful machines form the core of its plate rolling capabilities. The MAV and MCO, nicknamed “Monster Davi” and “Baby Davi” respectfully by the team on the shop floor, are both three-roll systems. The MAV variable axis machine (the “Monster”) features motorized rolls, precise positioning, and a sturdy frame for enhanced performance.

MAV’s patented Servo-Tronic© system maintains parallelism, and the multi-gearbox configuration enhances operability and maintenance. The MCO (the “Baby”) is a double pinch system with the top roll fixed and two side rolls that move up and down to pre-bend edges and roll the plates. The machines can roll plates into shells, rolled rings, cones (concentric and eccentric) as well as repads. Edmonton Exchanger produces its heavy steel components using materials sourced from its vast on-site plate inventory.

Legacy Machines, Modern Capabilities

“When you’re working with plates up to 12 inches thick, you need machinery that doesn’t flinch,” says Terry Rozak, Vice President Manufacturing Division at Edmonton Exchanger. “Davi’s systems give our well-trained staff the power to roll sections accurately every time.”

In a typical job, plates come to Edmonton Exchanger’s facility from its steel inventory and are cut to size. Operators feed the material into one of the Davi machines, where experienced craftsmen take over. Supported by the mechanical symmetry of Davi’s three-roll design, they apply their skill to shape the steel. The machine design ensures uniform plate load throughout the rolling process, resulting in improved workpiece tolerances without relying on digital control systems.

The process demands both force and finesse. Rather than automated feedback loops, Edmonton Exchanger relies on its operators’ deep knowledge and hands-on control, a testament to the value of skilled tradespeople supported by world-class equipment.

A 100-ton overhead crane spans the shop to move up to 60,000-pound workpieces between plate rollers to cutting application stations, helping ensure seamless material handling and efficient job flow. Hydraulic side and top supports on Davi machines prevent deformation and ensure consistent outputs, even on the heaviest jobs. These features are essential to maintaining the roundness and straightness required for critical pressurized components for the energy sector.

Rolling Power Backed by Pride

The relationship between Edmonton Exchanger and Davi is built not only on technology but also on trust developed over the years. Both companies have grown their reputations by serving one of the most demanding manufacturing sectors with pride.

Edmonton Exchanger’s rolling capabilities reflect this mindset. The company’s dimensional capacity includes a minimum diameter of 16″ (406.4 mm) I.D., a maximum thickness of 8″ (203.2 mm) for cold rolled plate, 12″ (304.8 mm) for hot rolled plate, and a maximum plate length of 144″ (3,657.6 mm). All rolled shells meet ASME code specifications and are matched to vessel heads for accurate, efficient fit-up. End-user products can be supplied with square cut or beveled circumferential and long seams. Components formed from Edmonton Exchanger’s plate inventory are supplied with mill test certificates. For hot-rolled parts, furnace heat charts are provided.

A company that stands so firmly behind its products looks for a like-minded partner. Edmonton Exchanger’s decision to invest in Davi technology came only after extensive evaluation.

“We went through the methodical process of looking at all the roll manufacturers,” says Rozak. “There were a lot of good ones out there, but Davi stood out as the highest quality, and we knew we’d get exceptional value.”

That first new plate roll purchase was the MAV. When it came time to add a second new machine, the Edmonton Exchanger team repeated the process only to reaffirm their confidence in Davi. Beyond their size and strength, Davi’s machines have delivered something just as valuable to Edmonton Exchanger: confidence.

“Our two Davi rolls are absolute workhorses. They’re never down. We’ve had almost zero issues, and that reliability is huge for us,” Rozak explains. “If we buy another roll, I’d be shocked if it wasn’t a Davi.”

Built to Last

As Edmonton Exchanger celebrates its golden anniversary, its longstanding partnership with Davi is a powerful reminder of what family-run businesses can accomplish. These are companies that build more than just equipment and components; they build trust, reliability, and a shared legacy of excellence.

“We call them ‘Monster’ and ‘Baby,’ but the truth is, both of these machines are beasts that match our strict quality requirements,” adds Rozak.

With deep roots and a forward-looking mindset, both Edmonton Exchanger and Davi continue to set the standard in heavy plate rolling for the energy sector. In an industry that demands precision, strength and resilience, their multi-generational leadership and enduring partnership prove that the strongest in manufacturing are truly built to last.