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Volkswagen Group of America Inc. selected Walbridge as general contractor for a $30 million paint shop at its new Chattanooga assembly plant.  The paint shop is the first of three buildings to be awarded.  Production at the plant is expected to begin in 2011 and create 2,000 jobs.

"The paint facility is one of the more complex aspects of plant construction, and only a limited number of companies have the expertise necessary. After receiving strong proposals and finalizing the negotiations we determined that Walbridge brings the experience necessary to execute this critical task," said Frank Fischer, CEO-designate for Volkswagen's Chattanooga production facility.

A contributing factor in the decision was Walbridge’s subcontracting plan which exceeded VW’s goal of 10 percent participation by minority or women-owned businesses.  "We are committed to a local and diverse supplier and employee base and we are pleased that Walbridge shares that commitment," said Fisher.

With operations in Chattanooga and throughout the Southeast, Walbridge is the leading automotive facility builders in North America. Notable automotive projects include Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America assembly plant in San Antonio, Texas; bundled paint shop projects for General Motors in Ohio, Michigan and Oshawa, Ontario; and the Ford Rouge Complex in Dearborn, Michigan.

"We are extremely pleased to have been selected by Volkswagen. Walbridge targeted this project because Volkswagen is the type of quality customer we desire" said Walbridge Chairman and CEO John Rakolta, Jr. "Walbridge has a long history in industrial construction, delivering added value for our customer's success. We believe we have the best team in the industry and we're ready to begin work."

Walbridge will build the foundation, steel, siding and roofing for the paint shop. The structure is scheduled to be weather-tight by the end of September 2009.