The “Best Planned City” award, sponsored by Walbridge, went to Academy of the Sacred Heart in Bloomfield Hills. Runners-up for the award were St. John Lutheran School in Rochester, Birney K-8 School in Southfield and Hazel Park Junior High School in Hazel Park.

“It’s always really refreshing to see all the creativity and imagination that these kids put into these projects,” said Walbridge Director of Talent Development Rick Krout, who presented the “Best Planned City” award. “One of the reasons we chose Academy of the Sacred Heart was the amount of information and research they put into their project. The amount of planning they did to develop their city was phenomenal.”

Students were charged with creating a city from 150 years in the future through innovative use of engineering principles. Cities were designed around notions of sustainability, and several groups made use of recycled, household materials to build their models. The Future City program is designed to engage sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)-related activity, and apply it to real-world problems. The program also gives students the opportunity to interact with professional engineers, as well as like-minded students from across the state.

Dozens of engineering and construction-industry professionals from local companies and universities turned out to judge the student-made projects, which were graded on sets of different criteria. Eight individuals from Walbridge volunteered to judge at the event: Kerry Deacon, Rick Krout, Dan Lamble, Taneisha Lockwood, Jacob Markut, Micah Milot, Matt Pulick and Nick Schmidt.

More than 30 event sponsors presented participating schools with special awards, ranging from “Best Use of Energy” to” Safest City.”

Walbridge was hired by the University of Michigan to guide the first significant additions made at its Law Quad in more than 75 years. The work included a major renovation of Hutchins Hall, which included transformation of an unused outdoor courtyard into a two-story, 16,000-square-foot enclosed commons area now known as the Robert B. Aikens Commons. Walbridge and its project partners also added a new entrance to the building, removed a metal skyway, and replaced a metal façade on the Law School’s Legal Research Building, also known as the “Stacks” wing.

The $65 million project also included construction of South Hall, a new four-story, 100,000-square-foot academic building housing classrooms, meeting spaces, and faculty and administrative offices. A key challenge at South Hall was matching its new granite façade with the exterior stone of neighboring Hutchins Hall and companion buildings in the Law Quad, which were constructed between 1924-1933.

Walbridge served as construction manager, while Integrated Design Solutions (IDS) was Project Architect and Hartman-Cox Architects served as Design Architect.

This year’s Build Michigan Award is the fourth Walbridge has received in the past six years. Prior winning efforts include: University of Michigan North Quadrangle Academic and Residential Complex (2011), Detroit Metropolitan Airport North Terminal Redevelopment Project (with Barton Malow, 2010), and the City of Ann Arbor Field Operations and Maintenance Facility (2007).

U-M Law School project team members pose with their "Build Michigan Award" at AGC Michigan's annual awards ceremony Jan. 27. Pictured left to right: Beth Pinterpe (Integrated Design Solutions), Paul Stachowiak (Integrated Design Solutions), Bill Matthews (Walbridge Project Manager), Dave Garet (Walbridge) and Michael Kalil (Walbridge)

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The building contains office space and additional facilities used for work-related hygiene operations for employees. Walbridge is providing construction management services for the modification and expansion of EnviroFocus’ existing 65,000-square-foot Tampa facility in a complex multi-phased project. The company uses the plant to recycle and process lead, plastic and other components from lead-acid batteries and other lead-bearing materials. The lead is then used in new automotive and industrial batteries. Following expansion, the new facility will house all operations under one roof, encompassing 300,000 square feet.

In construction of the hygiene building, Walbridge and its project partners registered points in the areas of pollution prevention, brownfield redevelopment, stormwater management, water efficiency, energy performance, and use of low-emitting materials to earn LEED® Gold status.

EnviroFocus Technologies is based in Tampa and after expansion of its facilities will be able to process approximately 130,000 tons of post-industrial lead annually. The Tampa facility is one of four hazardous materials reclamation operations owned by Gopher Resource Corporation, North America’s premier lead recycling company and a recognized leader in environmental protection.

At Kansas City, Ford plans to invest $1.1 billion in a new body shop, new tooling in the final assembly area, upgrades to the paint shop and construction of the new stamping plant. Investments in the plant cover facility upgrades and re-tooling for production of both Ford’s Transit commercial van and next-generation F-150 truck.

The 450,000-square-foot stamping plant will be built on a greenfield site adjacent to the assembly plant in the city of Liberty, Missouri. Pre-construction work has begun and the stamping plant is scheduled for completion in September 2012.

The paint shop project consists of building renovations and additions to support installation of a new paint process system provided by DURR. Work includes four building additions, plus renovations to the existing building shell in three locations, totaling more than 400,000 square feet. Construction has begun and the project is scheduled for completion in August 2012.

Gold is the second-highest level available under Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. The dental insurance carrier was notified mid-December that its corporate headquarters campus in mid-Michigan had achieved the certification.

Walbridge served as construction manager on the project, which included 160,000 square feet of renovations to Delta Dental’s existing building, new construction of both an 80,000-square-foot office building and a 22,500-square-foot Tier 3 Remote Data Center, and 48 acres of site work. As part of the effort, Walbridge expanded an onsite regional drainage system, brought improvements to wetlands located on edge of the headquarters property, and installed an intricate walkway system.

“Going for the Gold was a challenge in that it not only determines what materials and practices can be used during construction, but also how materials can be disposed,” said Peter Smeekens, Walbridge Project Manager at Delta Dental. “But those practices ultimately helped set the benchmark of what we wanted to deliver to the customer, which was a sustainable, new headquarters.”

The USGBC provides the framework for identifying and implementing pragmatic and measurable eco-friendly design, construction, operation and maintenance solutions. Its LEED ®certification has only been awarded to 250 Michigan projects since the program began 12 years ago. Of those projects, only 68 have achieved Gold status or higher, and five are located in the Lansing area.

Delta Dental earned points in multiple categories, ranging from the use of sustainable materials to innovative techniques.
 

The intent of the session is to introduce students to Walbridge professionals, provide a networking environment and showcase opportunities with the company’s 2012 Summer Internship Program.

“This gives construction students a chance to learn more about us and what we have to offer,” said William Shaul, manager of recruitment and staffing at Walbridge. “We hope they’ll connect with our people and see, first-hand, our headquarters’ great location overlooking Campus Martius Park in downtown Detroit.”

The students invited to the Dec. 28 event were identified as candidates for the Summer Internship Program based on initial meetings during career fairs at their respective schools, or at the Associated General Contractors Student Construction Awareness Night (SCAN).

Walbridge is considering expanding the Intern Networking Session in spring 2012.
 

Earlier this year, Walbridge secured a contract from Chrysler to construct a 490,000-square-foot paint shop at SHAP. That project is scheduled for completion in December 2012.

Chrysler builds the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger at the 3 million-square-foot SHAP complex.

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) awarded a $289 million construction management contract to the joint venture for a multi-year expansion at the Vance facility.

The Vance facility currently assembles second-generation M-Class, R-Class and GL-Class vehicles, and produces up to 160,000 vehicles per year. The expansion will allow MBUSI to build C-Class vehicles for its North America market at the Vance plant. Production for the C-Class is scheduled to begin in 2014 and MBUSI’s parent company, Daimler AG, recently announced a fifth vehicle will be built at the plant beginning in 2015. In July, Daimler AG announced plans to invest approximately $2 billion in MBUSI for the expansion.

MBUSI is the state of Alabama’s largest exporter. The Vance plant employs approximately 3,000 people and has an annual economic impact of more than $1.5 billion.

Walbridge is one of the nation’s largest private construction firms and is a leading automotive facilities contractor. Amason provides general contracting, design-build, and construction management services in the industrial, commercial, institutional, healthcare and retail markets.

In many cities around the country, texting while driving is punishable by law. More importantly, studies show a driver distracted by a cell phone is more than twice as likely as a non-distracted driver to cause an accident

“Walbridge takes its employees’ safety and health very seriously,” said Stephen B. Clabaugh, vice president of Safety, Health and Environment at Walbridge. “We are continually trying to prevent injuries and incidents on – and off – the job.

With the promotion of its no-texting-while-driving initiative, Walbridge provided employees with a list of the following statistics.

• About 6,000 deaths and 800,000 injuries in the U.S. are caused by distracted drivers every year.
• More than 80 percent of cell phone users said they believe using a cell phone while driving increases the risk of being in an accident.
• Answering a text takes your attention away from the road for about five seconds – enough time to travel the length of a football field.

“It’s important to remind employees how important they are to Walbridge, their families and their friends,” said Clabaugh.

In November, Walbridge distributed letters and stickers to more than 1,000 employees.
 

The Free Press conducted this year's survey, its fourth, with Workplace Dynamics LLC and recognized 132 companies in the state. Rankings were based on employee opinions about a variety of workplace factors, including company values and strategy, communications, career opportunities and training, working conditions, quality of managers, and pay and benefits.

Employees at top workplaces, according to Workplace Dynamics LLC, want to be a part of something meaningful, where they can contribute and give their best.

"We have a top-flight group of employees and we want to continue to provide them with opportunities to grow with Walbridge," said Terry Merritt, Group Vice President. "That takes ongoing commitment by our leadership to provide resources and recognition for the efforts of our employees."

Walbridge was also named a top workplace in the Free Press’s 2010 Top Workplaces Survey.

"The strength of the pool of candidate firms was incredible," said WMU’s David Dakin, chair of the facilities committee for the medical school. "We chose Walbridge because the project team and supporting players demonstrated great experience with complex projects that were built under aggressive schedules and designed with sustainability as a focus. They also had a background working in a higher education environment and they have experience in developing projects that include simulation labs, which will be an important element in the WMU medical school."

The announcement of Walbridge’s selection as construction manager was made at an Oct. 11 reception at WMU. Attendees included board members of the school’s three major partners – Borgess Health, Bronson Healthcare and WMU. Walbridge will work closely with S/L/A/M Collaborative, a Connecticut-based architectural and engineering firm that was selected as the design firm for the medical school. The Walbridge team is expected to immediately be involved in site development once the site location is finalized sometime later this year.

"Walbridge is excited to be working with Western Michigan University and S/L/A/M Collaborative on a project of such significance in our state," said Donald Greenwell, Jr., P.E., Senior Vice President of Walbridge. "The new medical school will have a positive impact on our state and so many people in medical education and training for generations to come."

The Western Michigan University School of Medicine is expected to welcome its first class in fall 2014. It is a privately funded initiative housed at WMU and in March 2011 the University announced a foundational gift of $100 million for the medical school from an anonymous donor. For more information, go to wmich.edu/medicine.

Walbridge maintains an extensive supplier diversity program that has driven procurement opportunities to minority business owners for many years.  Among numerous entities that have recognized Walbridge for its diversity efforts are MMSDC, formerly the Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC), and Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America. 

“When opportunities are expanded for minority-owned and women-owned businesses, our company benefits and our communities are enhanced,” said John Rakolta, Jr., chairman and CEO of Walbridge.  “We remain committed to helping these businesses advance, thrive and succeed.”

MMSDC is a privately funded, non-profit, corporate services organization that has provided unique procurement opportunities to corporate members and certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) for more than 30 years.
 

Mrs. Rakolta and her son, John Rakolta, Jr., chairman and CEO of Walbridge, attended the event, along with other members of the Rakolta family. The family's ties to the university date back to 1953 when Mr. Rakolta, Sr. earned a bachelor's degree from the university in commerce and finance. Mrs. Rakolta and Walbridge are a Platinum-level Sponsor of the Centennial Celebration.

Serving with Mrs. Rakolta on the Centennial Celebration Committee are:

Peter J. Basso, '59, chairman, Peter Basso Associates, Inc.

Andrew Brown, Jr., '79, executive director & chief technologist, Delphi Corp.

Thomas P. Dekar, '71, '75, vice-chairman, Deloitte LLP

Steven E. Kurmas, president and COO, DTE Energy

Derrick M. Kuzak, '73, '74, '76, group vice president Global Product Development, Ford Motor Co.

Glynn S. Lunney, '58, manager (ret.), Space Shuttle Program, NASA; vice president (ret.), Rockwell

Douglas E. Patton, senior vice president, Engineering Division, Denso Int'l America, Inc.

Roger S. Penske, chairman, Penske Corp.

Robert E. Rossiter, CEO and president, Lear Corp.

Thomas G. Stephens, vice chairman & global chief technology officer, General Motors Corp.

Stephen L. Williams, vice president, Advance Engineering & Vehicle Architecture, Chrysler Group LLC

William C. Young, '64, president and CEO, Absopure-Plastipak

The University of Detroit created a new Engineering Department in fall 1911. At the time, the school year lasted 11 months with engineering students spending half of the time in classrooms and the other half in the "shop" for practical application of theory. In 1977, the College of Engineering added science programs to become the College of Engineering & Science. Today, according to the university, through their University of Detroit Mercy engineering education, students and graduates "make a difference in their communities and profession, reflecting the College's motto: ‘Envision a Better World, Then Create It.'"

Mary Rakolta (fourth from left) and son John Rakolta, Jr., (center), are flanked by members of the Rakolta family at the Sept. 30 gala celebrating the centennial of the founding of Engineering Education at the University of Detroit Mercy. Pictured are (l-r) Paige Rakolta Frisch, Eileen Kiriluk, Terry Rakolta, Mary Rakolta, John Rakolta, Jr., John Rakolta III, Michael Fitzgerald and Nick Frisch.  (Photo courtesy of the University of Detroit Mercy.)

Merritt also participated as a panelist with Jessica Gard, Vice President of Human Resources at REDICO, and moderator Jocelyn Giagrande, President and Founder of SASHE, LLC, in a "best practice" session entitled, "The Talent War: Our Compelling Mission." Merritt has spent more than 25 years in Human Resources Management, with an emphasis on management development, organization effectiveness and learning, and change management. She joined Walbridge in 1981.

In August 2011, Walbridge was named one of Metro Detroit's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. It was the ninth-straight year Walbridge achieved that distinction. The company has also received three Elite Awards.

Each student was recognized for their work at one of nine school construction sites in Detroit involved in DPS’s current $500.5 million capital improvement program. Those schools are:

Those schools are:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School
• Mumford High School
• Munger PreK-8
• Finney Crockett High School
• Amelia Earhart PreK-8
• Gompers PreK-8
• Mackenzie PreK-8
• Denby High School
• Western International High School

The DPS Student Summer Worker Program combined classroom instruction with on-site job experience in construction trades for current DPS students and recent graduates age 16 and older. Students earned $250 per week during the program and were exposed to all aspects of the district’s construction program to build and renovate schools.

"The work program gave us an in-depth look at 'the real world.' By partnering a trade program with on-site job training, we were able to get an experience like no other," said Jhane Hemmingway, a rising senior at Renaissance High School. "The the student worker program has been, by far, the best summer program I have worked with."

Student workers were taught job skills that provided them with more opportunities for a career in skilled trades, design and construction management. Under the supervision of the DPS School Construction Program contractors and design build teams, students were exposed to the three primary aspects of the district’s bond program: design, construction and management.

Students worked in architects' studios and construction offices, shadowed trades workers and attended project and performance meetings. They also rotated between job sites and received classroom instruction at the Philip Randolph Career and Technical Center.

"The attitude of the people and the up-beat atmosphere at both Randolph and the job site allowed for an amazing work experience," said Jasmin Haynes, a DPS graduate attending Michigan State University.

The summer work program was open district-wide to currently enrolled or recently graduated DPS students age 16 and older. Applicants also had to pass an interview evaluation, drug test and maintain a 2.5 grade point average to be accepted in the program.

The DPS Student Summer Worker Program complied with child labor regulations established by the United States Department of Labor and youth employment standards set by the Michigan Legislature for workers under age 18.

Detroit voters approved Proposal S in November 2009 which enabled the district to access $500.5 million for school capital improvement projects. DPS received the sixth largest allocation in the nation.

The improvement program also includes technology upgrades and security initiatives being funded with Proposal S dollars. To comply with federal guidelines, all bond dollars must be spent within three years and all projects must be completed by Sept. 2012.

At the Aug. 26 recognition ceremony, representatives of nine design/builders involved in the project handed students certificates and bonus checks for completing the program. The design/builders were: Brinker Christman Joint Venture, W/3 / Shmina Joint Venture, Clark’s / DeMaria, Jenkins/Grainger Construction, White / Turner / O’Brien Edwards, Tooles / Clark, KEO / McCarthy Smith, MIG / Auch Construction, and Colasanti / DCI.

Also participating in the ceremony were the following individuals: Carol Weaver, Director, Bond Construction; Toney Stewart, Bond Oversight Member; Cynthia Hough, Director, Randolph Career and Technical Center; Beth Cole, Director, Student Summer Work Program; and student representatives Amber Chapman, Rayneicia Pettway, Omari Jackson, Kenya Gouch, and Nedra Hall.

Walbridge Joint Venture (WJV), comprised of Walbridge, Brailsford and Dunlavey, and Fanning/Howey Associates, is the Program Manager for the DPS capital improvement program. WJV was responsible for supervising the summer work program, ensuring that students, the design/builders and representatives from Randolph Career and Technical Center received the necessary support to make the program a success. The joint venture was also responsible for collecting weekly timecards, interacting with teachers and staff at Randolph, and conducting periodic site visits.

"This program grew in its second year to include 135 students, more than double the number from the prior summer," said Donald Greenwell, Jr., P.E., senior vice president of Walbridge, the managing partner of Walbridge Joint Venture.  "Students were committed to the program and they worked on projects that will have a positive, lasting impact on their community."

The $175 million North Quad complex, completed in May 2010, is the first housing structure built on the Ann Arbor campus in more than 40 years. Comprised of a 10-story residential tower accommodating 450 students, a 7-story academic building and a lower level connecting the two, North Quad is an incomparable living and learning environment. Through international programming and the latest technology, North Quad creates a global village for students, faculty and administrators.

Walbridge served as construction manager, Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture & Engineering was executive architect / engineer, and Robert A.M. Stern Architects was the project’s design architect.

The IMPACT Awards, according to CREW Detroit, “recognize recently completed, multi-disciplinary projects that demonstrate a significant, positive impact on the communities where they are built.” The award’s geographic boundaries were expanded in 2011 to include projects from 10 counties in southeast Michigan. CREW Detroit, an organization influencing the success of the commercial real estate industry by advancing the achievements of women, is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2011. This year’s IMPACT Awards competition, the tenth for the organization, included submissions from 14 projects.

Walbridge’s work on North Quad was recognized for excellence earlier this year with a “Build Michigan” Award in the Building Construction Category ($10 million or more) from the Associated General Contractors of Michigan.

Walbridge has 65 LEED professionals on staff with either the Accredited Professional or Green Associate designations.

ENR unveiled the list of top global contractors in its Sept. 19 issue.

The Michigan Voluntary Protection Program for Construction (MVPPC) Star Award is awarded by MIOSHA and recognizes worksites that provide outstanding safety and health protection for their workers. Walbridge is being commended for its exemplary safety program and practices at the Alice Lloyd renovation project.

Walbridge was the first construction company in the state to receive the MVPPC Star Award for its safety program and performance at the Couzens Hall Renovation project at the University of Michigan in September 2010.

MIOSHA Director Doug Kalinowski is scheduled to present the newest Star Award on Friday to Richard J. “Rick” Haller, President and Chief Operating Officer of Walbridge. Hank Baier, Associate Vice President for Facilities and Operations for the University of Michigan, will represent U of M.

Walbridge was selected by the university in 2010 as construction manager for the Alice Lloyd Hall renovation. The project will upgrade building infrastructure, including new fire detection and suppression systems, plumbing, heating and ventilation systems, renovated bath facilities, improvements to Internet access, and accessibility modifications. The building is a 176,000-square-foot structure housing approximately 560 students. The project is scheduled for completion in 2012.

The renovations of Alice Lloyd and Couzens halls are part of the university’s Residential Life Initiatives (RLI) program, which is a long-range plan for improving facilities to enhance student life and learning in on-campus housing.

Walbridge, a top-50 construction company founded in Detroit in 1916 and headquartered in the city, will partner with dck worldwide, a global construction company based in Pittsburgh that specializes in federal and corrections facilities.

The new 700,000-square-foot jail will be constructed on a 7.2-acre site near the intersection of Gratiot Avenue and Interstate-375, across St. Antoine Street from the Frank Murphy Justice Center. Pre-construction on the 2,192-bed facility will begin immediately, with construction set to start by the end of 2011 and completion scheduled for June 2014. The project is being built under the direction of the Wayne County Building Authority.

"We are excited to build another structure of great significance in our hometown," said John Rakolta, Jr., chairman and CEO of Walbridge. "Walbridge-dck Joint Venture will work together to deliver a highly efficient facility with the most up-to-date security and population management technology."

"dck is pleased to partner with Walbridge on a very important project for the Wayne County community, which allows us to integrate our expertise with the experience and regional presence of Walbridge," said Stephen D’Angelo, president and CEO of dck worldwide. "We look forward to helping bring this state-of-the-art correctional facility to reality."

The architect for the project is AECOM/Ghafari and the owner’s representative is Parlovecchio Building, Inc.

Walbridge (www.walbridge.com) is a privately held company specializing in the construction of institutional, commercial, government and manufacturing facilities in North America, South America and the Middle East. In 2010, company sales exceeded $1.4 billion. Walbridge is the largest general contractor based in Wayne County and has completed more than 700 projects with a value exceeding $13 billion during the past 20 years.

dck (www.dckww.com) is a global construction company specializing in developing, managing, and building highly complex projects in several core markets, including federal/military, high-end resorts, and corrections. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, the company operates in North America, Guam, the Pacific Rim, Caribbean, and Middle East. During the past 30 years, dck worldwide has been involved in more than $1.8 billion in correctional projects totaling over 35,000 beds, with facilities ranging from low- to maximum-security projects.

Walbridge will construct the balance of the plant’s mechanical, electrical and control systems, along with civil works, equipment installation, commissioning, and start-up of Plant 3. This plant, when completed, will consist of five new engine/compressor sets that will provide customers with a safe, secure supply of natural gas for many years to come.

"Walbridge was founded in Michigan 95 years ago. We're proud to support such a key project in our state," said Richard J. Haller, president and COO of Walbridge. "The economic benefit of this project to Michigan, our subcontractors and their employees and families will make a tremendous difference."

Capital spending at the Ray Compressor Station Plant 3 project is part of a commitment made by Consumers Energy to increase its Michigan-based expenditures. The company reported that during the first three months of participation in the State of Michigan’s Pure Michigan Business Connect initiative, it paid Michigan companies $2.8 million and awarded $71 million in new multi-year contracts to companies based in the state.

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), provides natural gas and electricity to 6.8 million of Michigan’s 10 million residents in the state’s 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
 

The $11.4 million project includes building two new reactor bays used to process chemicals for drug ingredients. Walbridge will begin work in September 2011 and the project is expected to be completed sometime in spring 2013. The project is required to undergo a lengthy approval process with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Ash Stevens, which is privately held, is a world leader in development, manufacture and registration of small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Walbridge was awarded a design-build contract to construct a new 105,000-square-foot THADD Battery Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility (TEMF)/Sustainment Facility/JLENS Facility at Ft. Bliss. The $41 million project includes construction of three medium-size TEMFs, associated buildings, and more than 1 million square feet of hardstand paving. It is scheduled for completion in September 2011.

Walbridge has been working on multiple projects at Ft. Bliss continuously over the past five years.

Walbridge was awarded a contract to serve as general contractor on the renovation of the 88,000-square-foot Building 4 – Maneuver Center East Wing Project. This building will house state of the art classrooms for teaching soldiers at Ft. Benning. Walbridge was noted for its “outstanding performance in execution of an extremely effective safety program” during April-June 2011. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2011.

Interns worked in a variety of departments, including Accounting, Information Technology, Marketing, Estimating, Equipment Installation and Construction.  A group of interns worked in the field on projects ranging from the renovation of a residential complex at the University of Michigan, construction of a battery recycling plant in Tampa, and construction of a Navy shopping center exchange in Bethesda, Md.

Mike Haller, Walbridge Executive Vice President, joined the event via conference call from Mexico, where he was visiting an automotive project currently under construction.  Haller told the students he began his career with Walbridge in April 1973 as an intern from the University of Detroit.  Today, he heads the company’s Industrial business unit and serves on its board of directors.

“I told you at the beginning of your internships at times you’d be doing what you might consider to be menial things and at times you’d be doing exciting things,” Haller said.  “I hope we challenged you.  You’re very important to us.

“I hope you learned that in satisfying the customer, in the end it’s done in the field,” he continued.  “A lot of support comes from people at the corporate office, but it’s the people standing in the mud directing construction and the installation of equipment that ensures we deliver for the customer.”

Individual intern recollections of their summer working for Walbridge included:

“I continually learned that assumptions don’t work in the field.  Don’t assume.  Verify.  The one time you don’t check is the time when your boss will go out there and see that it didn’t get done.”
     - Tyler Bergin, pursuing a master’s degree in Construction Management at the University of Michigan

“I saw how important effective communications is between the project owner and construction manager, the construction manager and subcontractors, the construction manager and the trades.  Communication is vital between these entities for a successful project.”
     - Stephen Butterly, Senior, Construction Management, Michigan State University

“I worked on assignments where I felt if I made a mistake, it would affect someone else’s job.  You gave me responsibilities that made me feel like my work here was important.”
     - Michael D’Orazio, Junior, Civil Engineering, Michigan State University

“When I got to go out on site visits, I could see how my work with invoices and releasing checks could impact things in the field.”
     - Renee Gideon, Junior, Accounting and Finance, University of Pittsburgh

“This job taught me there are always ways you can become more efficient.”
     - Andrew Hart, Junior, Building Construction Management, Ferris State University

“The benefit to working with multiple departments is you can see how the whole process comes together.”
     - Alexander Jakstys, Senior, Engineering, Michigan State University

“I conducted safety orientations, answered requests for information and updated blueprints.  I thought it was grunt work at first, but later I realized how important it was to the project.”
     - Angelo Murphy, Senior, Construction Management, Eastern Michigan University

“I experienced a team working together toward one goal, which was to get this project out on time without any problems.”
     - DeAndre Rushing, Sophomore, Civil Engineering, University of Detroit-Mercy

“Working on the IT help desk gave me experience working in a fast-paced environment.  It helped me with my time management skills.”
     - Edmund Russell, Senior, Information Technology, Baker College

“I learned to get it right the first time, otherwise it’s a waste of time when you have to re-work it.”
     - Nicholas Schmidt, Senior, Finance, Baker College

“You always need to be on your toes and expect the unexpected.  You have to be ready to act on a moment’s notice.”
- Jordan Smith, Senior, Construction Management, Clemson University

Tyana Green, who is pursuing master’s degree in Human Resources Training and Development at Oakland University, presented an “Intern Memory Book” she created for the occasion. 
 

Walbridge and the other 2011 winners were evaluated by the MBPA on key measures in these categories: communications, community initiatives, compensation and benefits, diversity and multiculturalism, employee education and development, employee engagement and commitment, recognition and retention, recruitment and selection, small business, and work-life balance.

Detroit’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies will now compete for 10 “Elite” awards, which will be announced at a luncheon on Sept. 29 at the Dearborn Inn Marriott.

“This year’s 101 award recipients stand out from most businesses in that they have exceeded traditional human resources practices to recruit, develop, motivate and retain their employees,” said Jennifer Kluge, MBPA President.  “We are very impressed by the commitment they have demonstrated to their employees.”

Based in Warren, the MBPA is the largest business organization of small to medium-sized businesses in Michigan, representing more than 20,000 members who employ more than 200,000 persons.
 

Walbridge served as general contractor on the $58.9 million project, which also included construction of an office addition and a 17,000-square-foot building designed to house the site’s recycling center.

The new single story warehouse buildings, 411,789 square feet and 170,000 square feet, respectively, were built using pre-cast panels with truss and joist-supported insulated EPDM membrane roofs on metal roof decks. The support steel for the roofs rests on exterior pre-cast panels as well as interior columns and masonry blast walls. The warehouses contain rooftop HV units supported by an underground steam system connected to a central powerhouse. Size wise, the two warehouses are the equivalent of 11 football fields.

The largest of the two new warehouses will store truck axles, water-tight doors for naval craft, aircraft fuel tanks, and nuts and bolts. The second warehouse is an open bulk facility designed and approved for canister storage for large containerized items, such as Humvee engines and transmissions.

DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pa., with facilities at New Cumberland and Mechanicsburg, provides military and commercial repair parts, clothing and textiles, medical supplies and industrial and electronic components to military customers throughout the United States and the world.

Ronald L. Hausmann, P.E., general manager of Walbridge’s Heavy-Civil Business Group (second from right), joins in the ceremony to mark the official opening on July 28 of two new warehouses constructed by Walbridge for Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania.

The U-M Law School has proposed a comprehensive renovation of The Lawyers’ Club Building dormitory wing and the entire John P. Cook Building, totaling 92,000 square feet. The former opened in 1924 and the latter in 1931. The combined square footage of the two buildings is 159,000 square feet and they provide housing for 258 law students. Work includes installation of new plumbing, heating, ventilation, fire detection and suppression systems, wired and wireless high-speed network access, and accessibility improvements. While the buildings’ historic Collegiate Gothic exteriors will be preserved, the interiors will be renovated to improve living spaces for U-M law students and create a sense of community for residents.

The university received a gift of $20 million from Charles T. Munger in support of the renovations to both buildings. The gift, one of the largest ever made to Michigan Law, will provide the majority of funding for the project. Mr. Munger, Vice-Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Corporation, studied mathematics at U-M in the 1940s and received an honorary law degree from the university in 2010.

Substantial completion is scheduled for June 2013.

Walbridge constructed its first residence hall at the University of Michigan, Stockwell Hall, in 1939 and has completed or is in the process of completing five residential dorm renovation projects on the Ann Arbor campus in the past five years. In September 2010, Walbridge became the first company in the state to receive the Star Award for safety excellence under the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program for Construction (MVPPC) in recognition of its safety program at U-M’s Couzens Residence Hall renovation project.

The MMSDC plans to honor 50 company and university recipients of the 2011 Corporate ONE Award at its 13th annual awards program at the DeVos Center in Grand Rapids, Mich., on Aug. 11.

Corporate ONE Award winners must have an established minority/diversity supplier development program, report minority purchases on a quarterly basis, maintain membership in the MMSDC’s Project ONE initiative aiding minority businesses in becoming competitive bidders for corporate contracts, and sponsor the MMPC Trade Fair or other major MMSDC event.

"These 50 companies are Michigan’s leading business champions who create opportunities and support local minority businesses to help our local economy grow," said Louis Green, MMSDC president and CEO. "They understand that supplier diversity is the key to innovation that provides their company with a competitive edge."

Col. Landry headed the Louisville District from July 2008 until July 2011. The Louisville District is responsible for civil engineering work, military construction and environmental clean-up programs primarily in Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and a portion of Tennessee. The Louisville District manages the military construction program nationwide for the Army and Air Force Reserves, oversees management of 20 reservoirs, and also handles navigation issues and regulatory permitting. Approximately 1,400 people are employed by the District.

Col. Landry is a registered professional engineer and earned a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. He holds a Master of Science degree in Natural Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C., and an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

During his career, Col. Landry completed overseas tours in Hawaii, Germany, the Republic of Korea, and Iraq, as well as three combat tours of duty with the Third Armored Division during Operation Desert Storm and the Third Infantry Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Walbridge is active in the federal market sector, including projects currently under construction in Alabama, California, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

The award noted the project team’s “outstanding achievements in airport aesthetics, safety and service in the State of Florida.”

The $318 million Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport opened in May 2010 and was the first international commercial service airport built in the United States since Denver International Airport opened in 1995. The terminal was designed to be a LEED© certified building.

Walbridge provided general contracting services for construction of the airport’s 125,000-square-foot, seven-gate terminal with atrium, amenity areas and retail shops, 148-foot air traffic control tower, a 16,000-square-foot public safety building, air cargo and maintenance facilities, and a utility building. The complex also features a rental car area.

The terminal features a state-of-the-art storm-water management system and extensive use of sustainable materials. Landscaping at the site does not require supplemental irrigation.

Walbridge shared in the Florida DOT Commercial Service Airport Project of the Year Award with the Panama City Bay County Airport and Industrial District (The Airport Authority), program manager KBR, and civil works contractor Phoenix Construction.

Check out more details on this award-winning project. Learn more > 

The project will include installation of tens of thousands of lineal feet of water mains, direction-bore water lines, sanitary sewer lines and other direct-bury pipe work. The work also includes removal of more than four miles of existing sanitary lines, demolition of an existing telephone building, removal of an existing high-level elevated water tank, and removal and abandonment of several existing fresh water wells. The majority of the work will take place around the Courthouse Bay area of the base.

Other major components of the project include construction of a new 3,000-square-foot Telex building/communications center, including installation of several thousand feet of communication duct bank, and construction of a new elevated water tower. As areas are completed, approximately 140,000 square yards of top soil, seeding and mulch will be applied to dress up disturbed areas.

Completion is scheduled for March 2012.

Walbridge is active in the Federal Government space. Learn more >

Work also includes structural steel erection, electrical and mechanical work, and construction of a 46,000-square-foot building expansion. Work is underway and completion is scheduled for February 2012. Construction value of the project is approximately $19 million.

In September 2010, Gerdau announced it was initiating a $67 million capital investment program for its production mill in Monroe. The investment will allow the plant to improve reliability and quality, as well as increase its installed capacity by 225,000 short tons through 2013. Gerdau Group is the leading producer of long steel in the Americas and one of the world’s major suppliers of specialty long steel.

Walbridge Concrete Services is a full-service, self-performing concrete company.

Walbridge Concrete Services handles big projects, including a world-record concrete pour. Lean more>

Sewell previously served as Assistant Vice President Operations for Walbridge and was the company’s primary contact with project owners and architects/engineers. He also led Walbridge teams in the areas of estimating, contract negotiations, cost controls, scheduling, field operations, project management and engineering. He joined Walbridge in 1995 as Project Manager and was later promoted to Senior Project Manager and Project Director.

From 1987 to 1995, Sewell worked in project management and engineering for J.A. Jones Construction.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering Technology/Construction from Southern Polytechnic State University and is a LEED® Accredited Professional under the auspices of the United States Green Building Council.

Walbridge is a top-50 U.S. construction company with offices in Tampa and 11 other U.S. cities. The firm also maintains operations in Canada, Mexico, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates. For more information, visit www.walbridge.com.

The project will include petroleum/oil/lubricant storage, hazardous material storage, open storage, organizational vehicle parking, organizational storage buildings, including a distribution company storage building, and an unmanned vehicle (UAV) storage building.

Prior to construction, eight existing buildings will be demolished.

The new TEMF will include installed building equipment, a bridge crane, a vehicle exhaust system, a compressed air system, a quick lube system, fire protection and alarm systems, a concrete arms vault, energy monitoring and control systems, intrusion detection systems, anti-terrorism measures, heating and ventilation systems, and interior communications and building information systems.

Supporting facilities will include electric, security lighting, water, sewer, and natural gas utilities, along with fire protection, hardstand concrete pavement, privately owned vehicle parking areas, service roads, walks, curbs and gutters, fencing, storm drainage with storm water retention, anti-terrorism protective measures, irrigation systems, lightning protection, landscaping, and signage.

Completion is scheduled for October 2012.

The project will include a 64,000-square-foot ARC, 9,500-square-foot Organizational Maintenance Shop (OMS), 4,000-square-foot Unheated Storage Building, parking lots and installation of supporting utilities.

The 266-member ARC will provide training, administrative, educational, assembly, library, learning center, vault, weapons simulator, storage and physical fitness areas for 13 Army Reserve units. The OMS will provide work bays and maintenance administrative support. The project will also be designed and constructed to be GOLD certified under LEED v3.0 with the inclusion of a photovoltaic field, storm water harvest system and grey water harvest system.

Completion is scheduled for spring 2013.

In 2010, the Walbridge Overaa Joint Venture completed a new Armed Forces Reserve Center and Regional Support Command at Moffett Field, located near San Jose, Calif.

Walbridge registered regional revenue of approximately $246.8 million in 2010. The company moved up 10 spaces from its 2009 position on the ENR Southeast list.

The company’s Southeast operations are based in Charlotte and are headed by General Manager Steve Helms, P.E.

ESD Fellows are members of special distinction, conferred by invitation of the Board of Directors. They are recognized for outstanding and extraordinary qualifications and experience in their professions, and professional society service and leadership.

Haller is immediate past-president of ESD. Founded in 1895, ESD is a multi-disciplinary society uniting engineering, scientific and allied professions to enhance professional development and foster excitement in math and science to produce the next generation of leaders.

He currently serves as 2011 chairman of the Construction Industry Institute (CII). CII is a national consortium of more than 100 leading owner, engineering-contractor and supplier firms from both the public and private sectors within the construction industry. CII is based at the Cockrell School of Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin.

Haller joined Walbridge in 1976 and is responsible for all day-to-day operations at the company, a private, top-50 construction firm based in Detroit with offices in North America, South America and the Middle East.

Walbridge was construction manager on the project, which began in November 2006 and was completed in December 2008.

The Trenton South Engine Plant was awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification for meeting the highest environmental standards. Trenton is one of only four auto manufacturing facilities to receive a LEED rating of any kind and the only engine manufacturing facility in the world to achieve the honor, according to Chrysler.

In 2010, Walbridge reported revenue of $309 million from projects where it provided Construction Management services on at at-risk basis and accepted the legal and financial risks associated with delivering the construction project. That moved the company up to No. 59 from the prior year’s position at No. 89.

Walbridge reported $120.6 million in revenue generated in 2010 from Design-Build projects, where the company coordinated the design and managed construction of the project. That moved Walbridge up to No. 83 from its position of No. 96 in the prior year.

ENR reported that the Top 100 Design-Build firms generated $78.32 billion in revenue in 2010 from projects using design-build or engineer-procure-construct project delivery models. That’s a decline of 12 percent from 2009. The Top 100 for Construction Management-at-Risk saw revenue drop 12.3 percent in 2010 to $78.32 billion compared to $89.34 billion in 2009.

The trash clean-up showdown began in April after Rochelle Riley of the Detroit Free-Press wrote about her experience picking up garbage in front of a local school. Riley called Walbridge Chairman and CEO John Rakolta, Jr., and out of that conversation came the idea to challenge Detroit students to pick up trash every day for the rest of the 2010-2011 school year.

A contest was created for students at Mark Twain Academy, who were split into two teams: Team A (elementary students) and Team B (middle school students). The two teams were tasked with keeping designated areas of the school clean. Students were observed keeping their areas tidy by teachers and maintenance staff. Participants were given brightly colored slips of paper and encouraged to enter their names into a drawing. Students could earn up to six entries if they participated for the full six weeks of the competition.

Terry Merritt, Walbridge Group Vice President, picked the names of the prize-winning students. They were selected among 800 entries. The three students each received a new laptop computer, protective laptop sleeve, Microsoft Office Student Edition, a year of anti-virus software updates, a wireless mouse and mouse pad, and additional school items.

"These students really got behind the program and it's great to see that level of commitment and effort to do something positive for Detroit’s schools," Merritt said.

Student Whitny Funderburg (center) holds her new laptop computer. She’s joined by (left) Terry Merritt, Walbridge Group Vice President, and Margaret Scales, Principal of Mark Twain Academy.

Walbridge teamed on the project with Gensler, design architect and architect of record; Ghafari Associates LLC, Hamilton Anderson Associates and Scales & Associates, associate architects; Wayne County Airport Authority, the owner; and Barton Malow, joint venture contractor.

The 27-gate North Terminal included 800,000 square feet of apron, an enclosed skywalk connecting to a new parking deck, and a three-level Ground Transportation Center. Construction on the $390 million project was completed in September 2008.

The $318 million Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport opened on May 23, 2010. The airport was the first international commercial service airport built in the United States since Denver International Airport opened in 1995.

Walbridge provided general contracting services for construction of the airport's 125,000-square-foot, seven-gate terminal with atrium, snack bar and retail shops, 148-foot air traffic control tower, a 16,000-square-foot public safety building, air cargo and maintenance facilities, and a 3,000-square-foot utility building. The complex also features a taxi shelter and rental car area.

"It's a great honor to be recognized for our work with the Panama City-Bay County Airport Authority in building this world-class facility," said David Hanson, senior vice president and general manager for Walbridge's Florida Group. "Everyone worked diligently to identify cost savings, improve the overall design and deliver the best value for every dollar spent while at the same time accelerating construction to meet the airport's commitments to Southwest Airlines for an earlier than planned opening of the new facility."

The terminal features a state-of-the-art storm-water management system and extensive use of sustainable materials. Landscaping at the site does not require supplemental irrigation.

The Horizon Award recognizes excellence in construction projects completed by general contractors, subcontractors and service provider/supplier firms who are members of the AGC of Greater Florida Chapter. The Horizon Award, according to the organization, stands as a testament to each member's skill, integrity, hard work, ingenuity and commitment that goes into every construction project.

Walbridge registered 2010 revenue of approximately $1 billion, an increase of $40 million (4.1 percent) over 2009.

Walbridge also achieved the following rankings among U.S. contractors in 2010, according to ENR:

• Top 50 Contractors Working Abroad, #36, $65 million
• Top 100 Contractors by New Contracts, #33, $1.47 billion
• Top 50 in Domestic General Building Revenue, #28, $772 million

ENR reported that the Top 400 U.S. contractors generated $259.41 billion in contracting revenue in 2010, down 10.8% from 2009. Domestic revenue for the Top 400 fell 11.5% in 2010 to $208.16 billion, while international project revenue fell 7.8% to $51.24 billion.

Walbridge President and Chief Operating Officer Richard J. Haller said the company dealt with numerous challenges in 2010, including difficult economic conditions and increases in the cost of key materials.

"We’ve reacted quickly to market indicators and we’re managing costs very closely," Haller said. "Competition has increased exponentially. Our focus on being lean and innovative has paid off. We continue to provide very high value at the lowest possible cost."

Walbridge is a privately held construction company founded in Detroit in 1916. The company offers construction management, design-build, engineering management, general contracting, pre-construction, program management and turnkey solution services. It also self-performs concrete, equipment installation and facility management services. Walbridge employs 1,000 professionals in North America, South America and the Middle East.

Walbridge East was recognized for achieving a Days Away, Restrictions and Transfers (DART) rate of zero (“0”) for 2010. To be eligible for the Reynolds Award, recipients were required to have a DART rate below 1.725, which is 25 percent lower than the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national average of 2.3.

Reynolds Award recipients were recognized at an awards luncheon held today during the TAUC Leadership Conference 2011, held at the Greenbrier Resort.

“We’re honored to receive this award and we accept it on behalf of all the men and women working for us who remain focused on thinking and acting safely in everything they do,” said Joseph Castellano, general manager of Walbridge East.

Walbridge East is based in Pittsburgh and provides a full complement of contracting, construction management, concrete and equipment installation services.

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing also stopped by to discuss issues affecting the city with Smith.

Smith’s program on WJR-AM (760) airs weekdays from 5:30 to 9 a.m. Whether he is interviewing the head of a major local company, the governor, or a Hollywood celebrity, Paul W. has a warm and conversational style that keeps listeners tuned in.

Recently dubbed by the Wall Street Journal as “The King Of Talk Radio in Detroit,” Paul W. is the only broadcaster who has been asked to fill in for three of the biggest names in the radio business; Paul Harvey, Rush Limbaugh, and Sean Hannity.

Listen to the Podcast -> 

Paul W. Smith, left, and Walbridge Chairman John Rakolta, Jr. at Walbridge headquarters in Detroit.

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, left, is interviewed by WJR’s Paul W. Smith.

ELECTRIC POWER is one of the year’s biggest shows for power generating companies and firms that provide services to the industry.

Walbridge provides innovative solutions and integrated services to power companies, from installation of heavy equipment to expansion of coal, gas or steam power generation facilities.

For more information on Walbridge’s experience in Power,

Download Walbridge Power Brochure ->

View Walbridge's booth location at ELECTRIC POWER ->

Since its founding in 1973, AIC is home of the individual professional constructor and recognizes the professionalism of individual constructors. It establishes standards of ethics and competence; promotes the study and advancement of the practice of construction-related fields, and facilitates the exchange of information and ideas within the profession. It also developed its semi-autonomous certifying body, the AIC Constructor Certification Commission, which offers certification for Certified Professional Constructor (Level II) and Associate Constructor (Level I.)

Wasiniak serves as Walbridge’s business development lead for federal projects. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Cleveland State University. He began his career in construction as a youngster working for his father, a concrete and masonry subcontractor in Ohio. Following graduation from Bowling Green, Wasiniak began his professional career in Cleveland working for Turner Construction, where he worked for nearly a decade. He has worked for Walbridge for nearly 12 years.

Wasiniak has experience in field operations, project controls, estimating, procurement, and business development. Signature projects he has contributed to include Key Tower, Quicken Loans Arena, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame - all in Ohio; Chrysler MOPAR Distribution Center and General Motors Vehicle Engineering Center and Global Engineering parking structures in Michigan; Bel Mare at Riviera Dunes, Positano on the Gulf, and EnviroFocus Technologies – all in Florida; and Project One at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

He has been involved with the American Institute of Constructors since 1993 and has served as Vice President and Vice-Chair of the Constructor Certification Commission. He is also a member of the Tampa chapters of the AIA, the USGBC, and the REIC.

Andy Wasiniak

Joining Clabaugh and LaClair will be Doug Kimmel, Michigan Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP) Specialist with the Consultation Education and Training Division of Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration (MIOSHA), and Jeffrey Montminy of Holly Construction.

In September 2010, Walbridge received the first Michigan Voluntary Protection Program for Construction (MVPPC) Star Award for safety excellence at a fixed-base site for its work at the University of Michigan Couzens Hall project in Ann Arbor. The company also received the Platinum Award from MIOSHA, in recognition of more than 7 million hours of work without a lost-time injury.

Clabaugh has specialized in construction industry safety for more than 30 years, including the past 21 years with Walbridge. LaClair has worked in the field of construction industry safety for 20 years, all with Walbridge.

This year’s event marks the 81st anniversary of the Michigan Safety Conference. The conference is being held at the Lansing Center, 333 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing. Each year the conference features close to 120 programs. For more information, visit www.michigansafetyconference.org.

The Labor Harmony Award applauds Walbridge for demonstrating these characteristics:

• “Recognizes the importance of utilizing the skilled men and women of the organized construction trades and endorses the respective certified apprentice programs that ensure the future workforce is property trained;
• “Promotes employment of local area workers by working with area subcontractors;
• “Insists on a high standard of safety and training for all project personnel in order to achieve quality and productivity;
• “Is a recognized leader and partner in the local community; and
• “Demonstrates that construction teamwork and harmony is achieved through equity, fairness and mutual respect at every level of the construction process.”

Walbridge is marking the occasion by launching a new website, BuiltForGood.com. The site traces the company’s progress from its roots and profiles how values instilled by its founders continue to influence the organization nearly a century later.

“These men decided in 1916 to come to Detroit and form a new company that was going to take advantage of the tremendous growth going on in the auto business,” Chairman and CEO John Rakolta, Jr. said. “The culture they established was one of skill, responsibility and integrity. I always like to say there’s something in the water, and what I mean by that is there’s a history of this company that we all feel committed to. That’s our legacy. That’s why we honor them and maintain values they believed in.”

BuiltForGood.com has rich video content, powerful still imagery and compelling text. It shows how Walbridge leaders and employees exemplify keystone attributes of trust, integrity, safety and accountability as they create, construct, and contribute every day. Main sections of the new website cover: Values, Safety, Innovation, Projects and Community Works.

George Walbridge and Albert Aldinger first worked together in Chicago in the early 1900s. Then, Walbridge headed east to New York City and Aldinger ventured west to Winnipeg, Manitoba. The two men reconnected in Detroit in 1916 at a time when the opportunity to construct manufacturing plants, office buildings, hotels and entertainment venues was never greater.

On March 11, 1916 they created a firm focused on safe operations, maintaining customer trust and providing quality construction.

Within three-and-a-half years of its formation, Walbridge-Aldinger built:

The 13-story Book Building (1917) on Washington Boulevard in downtown Detroit;
The 600,000-square-foot Lincoln Motor Company plant (1918) at the corner of Livernois and West Warren in Detroit; and
The 2,014-seat Orchestra Hall (1919), an acoustic marvel on Detroit’s Woodward Avenue.

A few notable projects among the hundreds constructed during the firm’s 95-year history include:

Olympia Stadium (1927)
United Artists Theater Building (1928)
WWJ-AM studio building (1936)
General Motors Wind Tunnel (1979)
Detroit People Mover (1987)
One Detroit Center (1992)
Chrysler Technology Center and World Headquarters (2002)
Compuware World Headquarters (2003)
Ford Heritage 2000 Project (2004)
Toyota Motor Manufacturing San Antonio Assembly Plant, Texas (2006)
Detroit Metropolitan Airport North Terminal (joint venture with Barton Malow, 2008)
National Alabama Corporation Rail Car Manufacturing Facility, Cherokee, Alabama (joint venture with Yates, 2009)
North Quad Residential and Academic Complex, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2010)
Embraer Aircraft Production Facility, Florida (2011)
Ft. Stewart Fifth Infantry Brigade Combat Team Barracks Complex, Georgia (2011)

Aldinger served as CEO until his death in 1942. Walbridge died in 1955. Roy Pickett served as CEO from 1955-57 and was followed by G.K. Chapman, 1957-63. In 1963, John Rakolta, Sr. and his business partner Robert Robillard acquired Walbridge-Aldinger. In 1970, Rakolta succeeded Robillard as CEO. In 1993, John Rakolta, Jr. succeeded his father as Chairman and CEO and has directed the company to its current position in the top 50 of the 400-largest construction companies in America. In 2008, the firm retired “Aldinger” from the corporate name and unveiled a new, one company brand – Walbridge.

The $1.5 million project includes converting the existing general aviation terminal space into a commercial service aviation space. The existing first floor of the 14,600-square-foot building will be completely renovated and the existing Fixed Base Operator (FBO) space, pilots’ lounge, and other facilities will be removed. They will be replaced with new ticket counters, baggage screening, passenger screening, hold room space, baggage claim and various support facilities.

A single story open air expansion will be made on the southeast corner of the building to cover baggage belts. An enclosed single story expansion on the southwest side will house the departure area. The project is scheduled for completion in June.

Lakeland Linder Regional Airport is a key part of the air transportation system of central Florida. Each spring, it hosts the annual six-day Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In event, one of the largest aviation events of its kind in America.

The A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education is an 11-story, 760,000-square-foot building in Detroit that houses multiple education, non-profit and business organizations. Walbridge began work on the project in April 2008. Work included renovation of the historic Argonaut Building, which was constructed in 1928 as an automotive research laboratory and later served as an automotive design center for General Motors.

At the project’s completion in December 2009, the center became home to The College for Creative Studies. The building currently consists of classroom space, two large dining facilities, 150 dorm rooms, studios, and fitness rooms, game rooms, along with a color and materials library, public galleries, and 80,000 square feet of commercial office space.

Winners of the chapter’s safety awards are determined by comparing the injury incident rate of each company, which is based on the number of injury cases a company experiences during the year related to total hours worked. Awards are divided into two categories, General Contractor and Specialty Contractor, and are then segmented into divisions based on total hours worked.

The AGC of Michigan is a full-service construction trade association providing safety, education and training, legislative and regulatory advocacy, human resources, labor relations options, construction information and affinity programs.

The $152 million North Quad is the first housing structure built under the university’s Residential Life Initiatives (RLI) program and the first constructed on the Ann Arbor campus since 1967. It consists of a 10-story residential tower, a seven-story academic building and a lower level connecting the two. The housing tower accommodates 450 students and features single and suite-style rooms with semi-private bathrooms.

Walbridge was hired by the university as construction manager. Architects on the project were Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture & Engineering (EYP) and Robert A.M. Stern. Work on North Quad was completed in 2010 and the complex opened in time for the start of the 2010-2011 academic year.

The Build Michigan Award is the highest recognition given by AGC Michigan and is dedicated to generating awareness of the quality of Michigan projects constructed by AGC members. Winners are selected by a jury of peers, including representatives from the AGC of Michigan Professional Service Providers/Suppliers Council, an AGC general contractor, design professional, chapter past president, university representative, media representative, and owner representative.

Learn more about the University of Michigan North Quad Academic and Residential Complex >

A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 2. ZF is expected to begin hiring for the facility in 2012 and by 2015 the facility will employ an estimated 900 workers. The company currently employs 5,900 people in North America.

“We selected Walbridge because of its long-standing reputation for excellence and its track record for designing and building world-class facilities,” said Dr. Ludger Reckmann, CEO of the new plant.

Earlier this month at the North American International Auto Show, ZF announced it is developing a highly fuel-efficient nine-speed automatic transmission for front-drive vehicles. The transmission will be built at the South Carolina facility.

For this project, Walbridge has partnered with Red Rock Developments of Columbia, S.C.; SSOE; Gala Associates; and BP Barber.

Haller served as vice-chairman of CII in 2010 and served previously as a member of its Construction Research Committee. He is also immediate past-president of the Engineering Society of Detroit.

“Without question, participation in CII improves the efficiency and effectiveness of member companies, especially their ability to plan and execute capital projects,” Haller said. “CII is more than just research. It is the one place where the critical mass of our industry works together to identify, implement and validate leading process improvements, while also developing the leadership potential of all who commit to participate.”

CII conducts world-class research on issues related to leveraging technology, planning, project controls, craft productivity, estimating, quality management, project site leadership, global procurement and work process changes.

The organization’s Implementation Program is an indispensable resource in integrating work practices, improving communications, and managing change in everyday work activities. CII’s Professional Development efforts focus on the work force, from entry level through executive talent. The CII Benchmarking & Metrics Program provides the means for members and subscribers to compare their capital and maintenance projects with “best in class.”

“The multi-stakeholder structure of CII creates a unique forum for innovation through a skillful approach to programs, communities of practice, committees and research teams,” Haller said. “Through this structure, CII provides a wealth of meaningful, relationship-based networking opportunities.”

For more information on CII, go to www.construction-institute.org.

	Haller joined Walbridge in 1976 and has held positions of increasing responsibility throughout his tenure. Currently, he is responsible for all day-to-day operations at the company, a private, top-50 construction company based in Detroit with offices in North America, South America and the Middle East.
Rick Haller

Walbridge teamed on the first award with architect SHW Group on construction of the Richard J. Mazurek, MD Medical Education Commons on the campus of Wayne State University.  The second award went to Albert Kahn Associates Inc., which worked with Walbridge on construction of the A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education.  The awards were presented at a ceremony in Detroit on Nov. 19.

The Mazurek Medical Education Commons is a three-story, 118,000-square-foot education commons that adjoins the newly renovated Shiffman Medical Library.  Mazurek Medical Commons provides flexible office space, computer labs, a testing center, training center, simulation laboratory, exam rooms, and study spaces that enhance learning experiences for students and staff.

The A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education is an 11-story, 760,000-square-foot building in Detroit that houses multiple education, non-profit and business organizations.  It involved renovation of the Argonaut Building, originally constructed in 1928 as an automotive research laboratory.  It later evolved into an automotive design center for General Motors.  Today, it is home to The College for Creative Studies.  The building consists of classroom space, two large dining facilities, 150 dorm rooms, studios, and fitness rooms, game rooms, along with a color and materials library, public galleries, and 80,000 square feet of commercial office space.

Both projects have been credited with contributing to a revitalization of mid-town Detroit.

Rakolta is one of 10 members selected by Governor-elect Snyder.  An additional 10 members were named by Governor Jennifer Granholm.

MEDC is the state’s primary economic development organization.  Doug Rothwell, former MEDC chief executive, has been selected to serve as chairman and Michael Finney, former president of Ann Arbor SPARK, has been designated to serve as MEDC’s new chief executive.

Walbridge was contracted by Siemens Energy to erect the turbines at the wind farm, owned by Pattern Energy Group LP.  The 101.2 megawatt wind farm will produce enough clean, renewable energy to power approximately 10,000 homes in California.  Electricity produced annually by Hatchet Ridge is expected to offset more than 134,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, equal to emissions generated by 21,000 vehicles, according to the American Wind Energy Association.

Walbridge Equipment Installation, a self-performing unit of Walbridge, performed turbine erection, final mechanical check-out, and installation of a climb-assist system.  WEI was also responsible for offloading, inventorying, securing and distributing all attachments and internal components associated with the turbines.  Preparations began in June 2009 and full operation was initiated in October 2010.  WEI completed turbine erection ahead of schedule and within budget.

The Hatchet Ridge Wind Farm installation project created 200 jobs, utilizing the local workforce, during construction.  Equipment components were manufactured in Iowa and California.  Hatchet Ridge is the only wind farm in California constructed and designated operational in 2010.

The Oct. 27 ceremony included representatives from Pattern Energy Group LP, RES Americas, Siemens Energy, Walbridge and local government officials.
 

The CISE Awards program seeks to encourage efforts to improve safety by recognizing safety leaders in all segments of the construction industry. 

“The CURT CISE Award winners have once again established new levels of safety performance, achievement, and innovation that proves zero accidents can be achieved,” said Greg Landis, co-chairman of the CURT Safety Committee.  “CURT is proud to recognize world-class performance and teamwork resulting in the highest commitment to safety as defined by the Owner Safety Blueprint.”
The organization’s Construction Owners Safety Blueprint details safety goals, standards, programs and behaviors.

CURT was founded in 2000 by construction and engineering executives representing major corporations all across the United States and the world.  CURT provides a national and international forum for the exchange of information, views, practices and policies of construction users from an array of industries.

The CISE award is the latest safety award for Walbridge.  Other awards received in 2010 include:

• “Construction Safety and Excellence Award”, best in the nation in the Building Division (1 million – 4 million hours worked category), Associated General Contractors of America;
• Star Award, “Best of the Best” safety program at a fixed site, Michigan Voluntary Protection Program for Construction (MVPPC), Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration;
• Platinum Award, “Excellent Safety and Health Performance,” including completing 7.08 million work hours without a lost-time accident over a six-year period, Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division, Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration;
• “Burr Bennett Award for Safety Excellence”, General Contractor Category, American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC);
• “National Safety Award Winner”, Building Division, 50,000+ Work Hours with Zero Incident Rate, Associated General Contractors Michigan Chapter.

The three-story, 340,000-square-foot E3 commercial office building provides support for the entire campus at Toyota Technical Center.  It was constructed on a former brownfield site and the landscaping plan utilized wildflowers, trees and shrubs native to southeastern Michigan, as well as adaptive plants, in order to minimize supplemental watering.

During construction, Walbridge implemented practices to prevent site run-off from affecting adjacent property.  More than 80 percent of construction waste was diverted from landfills.  Building materials contained 33 percent recycled content and nearly 30 percent of all materials were provided by local sources.  More than 70 percent of all wood used on the project was Forest Stewardship Council-certified.

Additional design features contributing to the sustainability of the Toyota Technical Center campus and E3 Office Building include use of reflective roof materials to reduce heat island effect, alternative transportation solutions, innovative wastewater technology, and a water-use reduction program.  Optimal energy performance of the office building is enhanced by an efficient thermal building envelope, use of day lighting controls, and efficient HVAC systems.

Walbridge has built nine projects certified as LEED® Gold, Silver or Certified, including the Tampa Bay History Center, the Ohio Center of Honda R&D Americas Inc., and Walbridge world headquarters in downtown Detroit.

Walbridge is pursuing LEED® Gold or Silver certification for an additional 12 projects across the United States. 

Abdallah’s selection was announced on Oct. 19 at the organization’s Board of Advisors Fall 2010 meeting in Dearborn, Mich.

Abdallah joined Walbridge in 1997 and is responsible for the company’s business development, sales and estimating operations.

The Construction Industry Institute (CII), based at The University of Texas at Austin, is a consortium of more than 100 leading owner, engineering-contractor and supplier firms from both the public and private sectors.  CII’s Research Committee develops policy to guide the organization’s research function and implements the research needs assessment process. Annually, the committee develops a list of recommended research topics for review and authorization by the Board of Advisors, requests proposals for the academic community, and selects the proposed that best meet the intent of the research topic.

 
Richard Haller, President and Chief Operating Officer of Walbridge, is Vice Chairman of CII and is scheduled to assume the responsibilities of CII Chairman for 2011 in January.
 

Walbridge will provide preconstruction and phased construction management services for site preparation, utility relocation, construction and renovation requirements, equipment, and commissioning support.   The project is scheduled for completion in 2012.

The building was constructed in 1949 and was named in honor of Alice Crocker Lloyd, dean of women during the 1930s and 1940s.  It is a 176,000-gross-square-foot structure housing approximately 560 students.  Like recent renovations of other U-M residence halls, the Lloyd project will upgrade building infrastructure, including new fire detection and suppression systems, plumbing, heating and ventilation systems, renovated bath facilities, improvements to Internet access, and accessibility modifications.

The major renovation of Alice Lloyd Hall is the next project in the university’s Residential Life Initiative (RLI).  Launched in 2004, RLI is a comprehensive, multi-year plan to revitalize and renovate student housing at U-M.  Other RLI projects include construction of the North Quadrangle Residential and Academic Complex (opened fall 2010), the renovations of Mosher-Jordan Hall (re-opened fall 2008) and Stockwell Hall (fall 2009), and construction of the new Hill Dining Center (opened fall 2008).  Walbridge is serving as construction manager on the renovation of Couzens Hall, scheduled for completion in 2011. 

“We look forward to working once again with the university to improve and expand the residential experience for students,” said Mike Haller, P.E., executive vice president at Walbridge. 
 

Walbridge and members of the Center project team, including Jones Lang LaSalle and Albert Kahn Associates, were honored at the CREW Detroit annual awards luncheon on Sept. 23. 

In the fall of 2009, The College for Creative Studies (CCS) launched a major expansion that transformed the institute and advanced development of Detroit’s New Center area.  CCS developed the historic Argonaut Building as a second campus site.  The A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education is an 11-story, 760,000-square-foot building that houses multiple education, non-profit and business organizations. 

Amenities and features include student housing, a dining facility, conference center, gymnasium and fitness center, a 500-car parking structure and a 230-space surface parking lot, as well available retail and office space.

IMPACT judges cited the center as a “great transformation” with “a tremendous impact on the surrounding community.”

The CREW Detroit Impact Awards are presented annually to three multidisciplinary real estate development projects located in southeast Michigan.  One is given for a new construction project, one for a project redeveloping an existing property/facility, and one special impact project (new construction or redevelopment.)

Judges were: Joan Cleland, president/executive vice president, Acquest Development, Inc./Acquest Realty Advisors, Inc,; Catherine DeDecker, P.S., vice president/marketing manager, Spalding DeDecker Associates, Inc.; Helen Dennis, managing director, CB Richard Ellis; R.J. King, editor, Dbusiness magazine; Lawrence R. Marantette, partner, Taktix Solutions; Delia Rodi-Barczys, CEO, Niagara Murano Architecture; and Robert P. Washer, F.E.S.D., president, MICCO Construction, LLC.
 

The Free Press unveiled findings from its 2010 Top Workplaces survey on Oct. 3 and listed Walbridge as one of the Top Mid-size workplaces in the state.  “For the third year,” the Free Press reported, “the survey reveals which employers are getting it right when it comes to motivating workers and giving them flexibility and direction.”

At the top workplaces, the Free Press added, “employers are taking extra steps to ensure their workers feel appreciated.  In today’s challenging business environment, this kind of approach can produce lasting benefits, such as deep employee commitment and loyalty.”

The rankings of the state’s top workplaces will be disclosed at a Nov. 11 ceremony.

“We are fortunate to have a talented, dedicated team of employees,” Terry Merritt, group vice president of Human Resources at Walbridge, said.  “To continue to attract and retain the best talent, we need to provide them with new opportunities, encourage innovation and reward their accomplishments.”
 

Only general contractors and specialty contractors among the top 10 percent of all applicants with the lowest incident rates were invited to apply for the award, according to the ASCC.

Walbridge maintains an industry leading safety program and has received numerous industry awards, including the national 2009 Construction Safety and Excellence Award in the Building Division (1 million – 4 million hours category) from by the Associated General Contractors of America.

The ASCC is comprised of concrete contractors and others who provide services and goods to the industry.  Members include contracting firms, manufacturers, suppliers, architects, specifiers and distributors. There are more than 550 ASCC member companies in the U.S. and abroad.

The magazine’s Best of 2010 awards program recognizes construction and design excellence in the four-state region that includes Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.  This year, 183 entrants competed for honors in 22 different categories based on construction type.  Eligible projects had to be located within the four-state region and completed between Sept. 1, 2009 and Sept. 1, 2010.

All winning projects will be featured in an upcoming issue of the magazine and will be honored at a luncheon in Orlando on December 8.

The new $318 million Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport opened on May 23, 2010.  The airport is the first international commercial service airport built in the United States since Denver International Airport opened in 1995.

Walbridge provided general contracting services for construction of the airport’s 125,000-square-foot, seven-gate terminal with atrium, snack bar and retail shops, 148-foot air traffic control tower, a 16,000-square-foot public safety building, air cargo and maintenance facilities, and a 3,000-square-foot utility building.  The complex also features a taxi shelter and rental car area. 

“We’re very pleased to be recognized for our work with the Panama City-Bay County Airport Authority in building this great new facility,” said David Hanson, senior vice president and general manager for Walbridge’s Florida Group.  “It was designed to be the first airport terminal in the country to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver standards and will be a hallmark of northwest Florida for many years to come.”

The terminal features a state-of-the-art storm-water management system and extensive use of sustainable materials.  Landscaping at the site does not require supplemental irrigation.

Southeast Construction is part of McGraw-Hill Construction’s network of regional construction publications.
 

Walbridge can subcontract and manage turn-key installations from Kokomo.  Donald Jardine, Jr., executive director, and Joseph Socha, assistant project manager, are staffing the new office, located at 725 East Blvd.  The phone number is 765-453-4749.

Walbridge was also named one of “Metropolitan Detroit’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” in 2010.  It is the eighth consecutive year Walbridge has earned the distinction.

Walbridge is noted for the way it showcases employees and their work in construction management, engineering, lean construction, health & safety, and related disciplines at career fairs and recruitment events.  Walbridge is also recognized for its paid internship program, where interns receive mentoring, training opportunities and candid feedback on performance from experienced professionals.  In return, at the conclusion of the internship each student is given the opportunity to provide an honest assessment of Walbridge and their experience in the program.  Many interns have been offered full-time employment with the company upon graduation and during the past five years 90 percent of those former interns have remained with Walbridge.

Merritt explained that supervisors actively participate in recruitment and receive training to improve their ability to identify prospects with high achievement potential.  Employees are brought in to meet with job seekers, giving the prospective employee a chance to learn about Walbridge and the work environment directly from potential peers.
 
“We are fortunate to have such dedicated people working for us, and that’s a real benefit when Walbridge looks to add new members to our team,” Merritt said.  “Recruitment isn’t just the responsibility of our Human Resources professionals.  All of our team members participate.

“Our employees are great ambassadors for Walbridge within their own families and neighborhoods,” she added.  “A considerable number of family members, friends and neighbors of our employees work for Walbridge.”

Walbridge received an MBPA Elite Award for Communication in 2009 and one for Employee Education and Development in 2003.

MBPA presented 10 Elite awards, including Communication, Community Initiatives, Compensation and Benefits, Diversity and Multiculturalism, Employee Education and Development, Employee Engagement and Commitment, Recognition and Retention, Recruitment and Selection, Small Business, and Work-Life Balance.

It is the second safety award the company received from MIOSHA in the same week.  On Sept. 23, Walbridge Chairman and CEO John Rakolta, Jr., accepted the Star Award from Susan Corbin, deputy director of the Michigan Department of Energy Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG), and MIOSHA Director Doug Kalinowski at a ceremony in Ann Arbor.  The Star Award recognizes Walbridge’s “best of the best” safety program at a fixed site, the Couzens Hall renovation project at the University of Michigan.  The Star Award is part of the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program for Construction (MVPPC).

MIOSHA’s CET Division recognizes Michigan employers and employees on excellent overall safety and health efforts.  The Platinum Award acknowledges the effort of companies that have operated for at least five years without a lost-time accident.  Walbridge was recognized by CET for operating without a lost-time accident for the evaluation period of Jan. 1, 2004 through Dec. 31, 2009.

“We’re honored to be recognized by MIOSHA for our safety record and practices,” Rakolta said.  “It’s all about keeping people safe.  Nothing pleases us more than to watch our employees, and our subcontractors and their employees head home safe every night. “

Walbridge has been recognized on a continuing basis for the quality and effectiveness of its safety program.  In addition to the two MIOSHA awards, Walbridge has received this recognition for safety in 2010:

• “Construction Safety and Excellence Award”, best in the nation in the Building Division (1 million – 4 million hours worked category), Associated General Contractors of America;
• “Burr Bennett Award for Safety Excellence”, General Contractor Category, American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC);
• “National Safety Award Winner”, Building Division, 50,000+ Work Hours with Zero Incident Rate, Associated General Contractors Michigan Chapter.

Listen to the podcast of the interview on WJR.com >
 

Susan Corbin, deputy director and chief of staff of the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, and MIOSHA Director Doug Kalinowski are scheduled to present the Star Award to Walbridge at a ceremony beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23, at Palmer Field, adjacent to Couzens Hall.  Walbridge Chairman and CEO John Rakolta, Jr. will accept the award on behalf of the company and Hank Baier, associate vice president for Facilities and Operations for the University of Michigan, will represent U-M.

The MVPP program has been in place in Michigan since 1998 for general industry.  MIOSHA recently worked with construction industry leaders to create the MVPPC.  The program recognizes the specialized work conducted by contractors and subcontractors.  To qualify for the Star Award on a fixed-base project, companies must be in business at least three years, have a history of successful partnering with MIOSHA, show a superior commitment to safety and proof of outstanding programs, and have injury and illness (I & I) rates at or below the national average in a very hazardous industry, according to MIOSHA. 

“The Star Award recognizes the highest level of achievement in the state for occupational safety and health management in construction,” Kalinowski said.  “The industry plays a vital role in the state’s economy and higher education is a key to Michigan’s future.  Walbridge and the University of Michigan have created a partnership at Couzens Hall that demonstrates how a shared vision for safety and consistent follow-through can yield exemplary results.”

In evaluating Walbridge, MIOSHA confirmed that the company had written programs and procedures in place that demonstrated a superior commitment to safety.  MIOSHA conducted a total of 62 interviews with company management, Walbridge health and safety personnel, and subcontractors and their employees.  It also conducted unscheduled inspections of subcontractors working at Couzens Hall.

Couzens Hall is undergoing major renovation of more than 150,000 square feet of housing space for 560 students.  The work includes updating plumbing, heating, ventilation, fire detection and suppression systems, adding wireless high-speed network access, and renovating bath facilities and making accessibility improvements.  The renovation of Couzens Hall will be completed in time for the fall term of 2011. 

“The university is fully committed to operating safely at all times and we applaud Walbridge for its emphasis on safety,” said Marina Roelofs, executive director, Architecture, Engineering and Construction at U-M.  “We value their purposeful approach and the way they hold themselves and their subcontractors accountable.”

Walbridge’s John Rakolta, Jr. pointed to the important contributions made by company employees and subcontractors.

“Our employees and construction partners made this happen,” he said.  “This honor is the result of efforts they make every day to think about safety and to act safely.  Safety is a core value and not a part-time obligation with us.”

Walbridge has been repeatedly recognized for the quality and effectiveness of its safety programs.  In March 2010, the company was awarded first place in the 2009 Associated General Contractors of America Construction Safety and Excellence Awards competition, recognizing it as best in the nation for safety in the Building Division (1 million – 4 million hours worked category.)

Read more about the MVPPC program and its evaluation of Walbridge’s safety practices >

About Walbridge

Walbridge is a privately held, top-50 construction company founded in Detroit in 1916.  The company offers construction management, design-build, engineering management, general contracting, pre-construction, program management and turnkey solution services.  It also self-performs concrete, equipment installation and facility management services.  Walbridge employs 600 professionals in offices located in North America, South America and the Middle East.  For more information, visit www.walbridge.com.
 

About AEC at the University of Michigan

Architecture, Engineering and Construction plans and manages the design and construction of new facilities, additions, renovations, and utility and infrastructure improvements.  By managing the design and construction of campus projects, Architecture, Engineering and Construction assures that all projects will be completed in accordance with University and State of Michigan criteria for quality design including economics of construction and operation.  For more information on the Couzens Hall project, visit the University of Michigan AEC Web site > 
 

Total case incident rate (TCIR)
(2009) Walbridge and subcontractors: 2.0; industry average: 3.4
(2008) Walbridge and subcontractors: 1.9; industry average: 3.4
(2007) Walbridge and subcontractors: 1.6; industry average: 5.6

MIOSHA also confirmed that employees provide input into safety planning and procedures, and are trained to identify potential hazards and prevent harm to themselves and others.

In its MVPPC report, MIOSHA recognized Walbridge for multiple “Areas of Excellence” at Couzens Hall, including:

• An attendant working with a crane operator is required to blow a whistle prior to the crane moving to warn employees of impending action;
• Daily safety huddles (three per day) allow employees the opportunity to evaluate their work processes, ask questions about new work procedures, and identify hazards immediately if encountered during their work;
• Employees are encouraged to complete a Pre-Task Analysis (PTA) for every job task, but are required for tasks with greater risk.  A PTA involves identifying the basic tasks of a job, determining any existing or potential hazards associated with each task, and then developing recommendations for eliminating or controlling each of those hazards;
• Walbridge has implemented a “no walking while talking” policy banning the use of cell phones and electronic devices in areas where active construction is taking place.  The policy applies to all Walbridge and subcontractor employees working on any company project;
• Fall protection is required for everyone on site working at a height of six feet and above, including iron workers; and

Safety posters, banners and signs are posted in multiple locations throughout the jobsite.

The renovation of Couzens Hall is part of the University of Michigan’s Residential Life Initiatives (RLI) program.  Launched in 2004, RLI is a comprehensive, multi-year plan to revitalize and renovate student housing at U-M.  Other RLI projects include installation of new fire detection, alarms and fire suppression systems throughout the residence halls, the construction of the North Quadrangle Residential and Academic Complex (opened fall 2010), the renovations of Mosher-Jordan Hall (re-opened fall 2008) and Stockwell Hall (fall 2009), and construction of the new Hill Dining Center (opened fall 2008). 

For more information on the Couzens Hall project, visit the University of Michigan AEC Web Site > 
 

The first building will house three stages of 30,000 square feet each.  The second building is comprised of two 16,000-square-foot stages, two 12,000-square-foot stages and a 12,000-square-foot mill area.  Between the two buildings will be an elevated penthouse that will house building transformers and 13 air handling units.  The combined square footage of the new space is approximately 206,000 square feet.  Construction is scheduled for completion in spring 2011.

The project also includes renovation of an existing 360,000-square-foot office building.  When completed, the studio will be a hub for film production and post-production, and serve as an education and training center.

Investors in the project include John Rakolta, Jr., chairman and CEO of Walbridge, A. Alfred Taubman and his son, Robert Taubman, of The Taubman Company, Ari Emanuel, co-CEO of William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, Mark Rosenthal of Raleigh Enterprises, and Linden Nelson of Nelson Ventures.

“Walbridge is pleased to have the opportunity to expand into this new market type and build a world-class movie studio,” Rakolta said.  “This is expected to create hundreds of construction jobs within the next year and provides an opportunity to bring 3,000 jobs overall to the state.”
 

Future Home of Raleigh Michigan Studios in Pontiac, Mich.

MBPA will present 10 Elite awards at the event in the following categories: communication, community initiatives, compensation and benefits, diversity and multiculturalism, employee education and development, employee engagement and commitment, recognition and retention, recruitment and selection, small business, and work-life balance.

Walbridge received an Elite award in the communication category from MBPA in 2009 and one for employee education and development in 2003.

Employees can only use portable communication devices in designated “safe areas”, including trailers, break or lunch areas, and other areas on site where no construction work is taking place and no hazards are present.

“We know how easy it is to initiate or take a phone call and lose your focus,” said Stephen Clabaugh, Vice President of Safety, Health & Environment at Walbridge.  “It’s a bad idea to talk on the phone or text while you’re walking around at a construction site.  You not only put yourself in danger, but you can endanger others.  We think this will help reduce distractions and minimize the risk of injury.”
Walbridge is currently working on projects in 22 states and in Canada, Mexico, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates.  The company is instituting the new policy as part of its ongoing, industry leading safety program.

Walbridge has been recognized on a national basis for the quality and effectiveness of its safety efforts.  On March 19, the company was awarded first place in the Associated General Contractors of America’s 2009 Construction Safety and Excellence Awards competition.  Walbridge’s safety performance was ranked best in the nation in the Building Division (1 million – 4 million hours worked category.)
 

The first award recognized the efforts of Walbridge and architect Albert Kahn Associates, Inc. on the A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education, an 11-story, 760,000-square-foot building in Detroit that houses multiple education, non-profit and business organizations.  The design, an integral part of a renovation of the Argonaut Building, was noted for its “modern interpretation of this historic building.”   Physical improvements also reduced energy costs by more than 20 percent.

The second award was given for Walbridge’s work with joint venture partner Yates Construction on the new National Alabama Corporation Railcar Manufacturing Facility in Cherokee, Alabama.  The 2.1 million-square-foot facility is the largest railcar manufacturing plant in North America and combines “function, form and sustainable design with the capability of producing up to 12,000 cars annually,” according to the ESD.  Construction materials included up to 20 percent of recycled materials and low-emitting materials for adhesives, paints and sealants.  It is the world’s largest manufacturing facility registered under the LEED® Green Building Rating System.  Albert Kahn Associates, Inc. was the architect on the project.

The ESD Outstanding Achievement Awards for Building Design & Construction are among the premier recognitions accorded to members of the construction industry and their projects.  The awards, according to the ESD, “are unique in that they honor the three primary members of the building team: owners, designers and constructors who demonstrate outstanding team achievement and innovative use of technology in their projects.”  This year marks the 36th year for the ESD awards program.
 

The company is being recognized by the ASCC for safety program achievements in 2009.  They include reducing the rate of lost workday cases, for achieving zero lost workday cases due to injury and for achieving an incident rate below the national average for contractors.  For the Bennett Award, entrants are judged on three years of safety performance indicators, values and trends. 

“More and more owners and specifiers are looking carefully at their contractors, and the general perception is that a firm that is actively taking steps to control safety in their operations is also better managed in other areas,” the ASCC stated.

The winner of the W. Burr Bennett Award for Safety Excellence will be announced at the ASCC’s Annual Conference in Salt Lake City on September 16.

Walbridge maintains an industry leading safety program and has received numerous industry awards, including the 2009 Construction Safety and Excellence Award in the Building Division (1 million – 4 million hours category) from by the Associated General Contractors of America.

The ASCC is comprised of concrete contractors and others who provide services and goods to the industry.  Members include contracting firms, manufacturers, suppliers, architects, specifiers and distributors. There are more than 550 ASCC member companies in the U.S. and abroad.
 

The new facility will house several production bays and will be sized to handle multiple submarine modules.  Construction of the SMOF is scheduled to be completed in 2012.

“We’re pleased to be selected to manage construction of this significant project,” said Steve Helms, P.E., general manager of Walbridge Southeast.  “Our focus on safety and use of innovative technology to plan and manage construction helps us deliver a high degree of value in these types of assignments.”

Becky Stewart, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding’s vice president of submarine programs, said, “We are making substantial capital investments in our shipyard to support the increase in production to two Virginia-class submarines per year, the continued schedule acceleration and our cost reduction goals.  These investments include the new Supplemental Module Outfitting Facility, which will be a great addition to our other submarine construction facilities.”

This is the first construction project that Walbridge will manage for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, which is one of only two companies capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines.  In Newport News, the company builds, overhauls and repairs nuclear aircraft carriers and submarines.
 

For more information>

The Master Entrepreneur of the Year award, according to Ernst & Young, is presented in recognition of “a solid record of achievement, maturing management skills and a compelling vision that has led to success in more than one business, in multiple aspects of business and community life or over a lifetime of achievement.” 

Entrepreneurs nationally are nominated and evaluated by local business, academic and community leaders.  All regional honorees are invited to Ernst & Young’s national Entrepreneur of the Year gala, hosted by NBC’s Jay Leno, on Nov. 13 in Palm Springs, Calif. 

“It’s an honor to receive this award and I’m proud to accept it on behalf of our entire Walbridge team,” Rakolta said.  “Our organization takes great pride in being innovative, delivering superior results for Walbridge customers, and making positive contributions to our communities.”

The Entrepreneur of the Year program honors entrepreneurs regionally in June, leading up to the national awards in November.  The overall national U.S. winner then moves on to compete for the World Entrepreneur of the Year title in June 2011.

For more information>
 

According to the ESD, the Rackham Award is presented in recognition of an individual’s “outstanding humanitarian achievements as exemplified by meritorious technical accomplishments for the benefit of mankind or by recognition on either a local, national or international level for extraordinary achievements in civic, business, public-spirited or humanitarian endeavors.”

In addition to serving as Walbridge chairman and CEO since 1993, Rakolta served from 2003 through 2009 as chairman of New Detroit, a coalition of civil rights and advocacy groups, and civic and business leaders focused on creating positive change in the community; he continues to serve on its board of directors.  He is also a member of the board of directors of the Detroit Police Foundation, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Detroit Downtown Partnership and Business Leaders for Michigan (formerly Detroit Renaissance.)

Walbridge provided general contracting services for construction of the airport’s 125,000-square-foot, seven-gate terminal with atrium, snack bar and retail shops, 148-foot air traffic control tower, a 16,000-square-foot public safety building, air cargo and maintenance facilities, and a 3,000-square-foot utility building.  The complex also features a taxi shelter and rental car area. 

The first passengers to depart from the new airport flew to Orlando on a Southwest Airlines flight.  Southwest and Delta Air Lines will offer service from the new airport, which improves domestic and international access to northwest Florida.

“We take great pride and satisfaction in this major undertaking and are especially pleased that more than sixty-one percent of our subcontractors and suppliers came from the area of northwest Florida that will be serviced by the airport,” said David Hanson, senior vice president and general manager for Walbridge’s Florida group. 

The airport terminal was designed to be the first certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Silver airport terminal in the nation.  The terminal features a state-of-the-art storm-water management system and extensive use of sustainable materials.  Landscaping at the site does not require supplemental irrigation.

Walbridge was selected for the project by the Panama City-Bay County Airport Authority and the firm worked with architect HNTB and engineer Post, Buckley, Schuh and Jerrigan.  Through value engineering, the construction team lowered the airport’s construction cost by $9.8 million below the original low bid to $58.8 million.

Previous Walbridge airport projects include general contracting and construction management of new terminals, maintenance facilities, hotels, parking and other facilities at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Mexico City International Airport, San Antonio International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Learn more about this project >

David Hanson, Walbridge senior vice president and general manager of its Florida group, co-authored the cover article of the Summer 2010 issue of Airport Consulting, a publication of the Airport Consultants Council.  Read the full article at acconline.org >

The National Alabama Corporation Manufacturing Facility project team took home a Michigan Steel award in recognition of design excellence through innovative use of steel products. Walbridge provided construction management services for the 2.2 million square-foot facility designed by Albert Kahn Associates. 

The DTE Energy Campus Enhancement project earned an Honor Award in the building category. Working with Neumann/Smith Architects, Walbridge provided construction management services for the renovation of the 80,000 square-foot corporate campus, including the enclosure of an exterior plaza, a new pedestrian bridge, renovation of the main lobby and extensive site improvements.

The jury for awards is composed of at least three prominent architects from outside of Michigan.  Projects were judged in competition with other entries and on the basis of the solution to the problems presented.

Each year, AIA Michigan members sponsor the Honor Awards Program to bring public attention to examples of good design and to recognize the people who make significant contributions to the built environment.

Construction Manager Walbridge worked in conjunction with the College for Creative Studies, Larson Reality Group, Albert Kahn Associates, Inc. and SDG Associates to renovate the over 80-year-old Argonaut Building. The new 760,000 square-foot A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design is an integrated learning center for CCS undergraduate and graduate design programs, an art-centric school for middle and high school students and provides additional tenant space.

“Preserving Michigan’s historic buildings enhances the uniqueness of our communities and stimulates economic activity,” Granholm said.  “This year’s awards demonstrate that Michigan history can be preserved when individuals and organizations unite to do so.”

The State Historic Preservation Office began the award program in 2003 to recognize outstanding historic preservation achievements reflecting a commitment to the preservation of Michigan’s unique character and the many cultural resources that document the state’s past. 
 

Built in 1928, the Albert Kahn-designed Argonaut Building was an automotive research laboratory, later becoming General Motors Corporation’s design center. The 11-story Art Deco building appears on the National Register of Historic Places.

Learn more about this project >

The AGC Construction Safety Excellence Awards program is the industry’s elite safety excellence awards program for companies of all sizes and occupational divisions.  CSEA recognizes companies who have developed, implemented and maintained premier safety and loss prevention programs.   This is Walbridge’s second nomination in four years.

"There's no better measure of a company's commitment to quality than the strength of their safety program," said Doug Pruitt, the association's past president who announced this year's winners. “While completing magnificent projects is important, protecting hard working employees is essential in this industry."

Safety is Walbridge’s number one core value.  The Walbridge safety program’s success relies on the company’s Safety FIRST mentality.   The Safety FIRST system provides a pathway to safety success with steps ensuring employees follow processes, inform, review effectiveness, share lessons learned and train to be safer.  Program highlights include daily safety huddles,  visual management, behavioral-based training, use of 100% personal protection equipment and fall protection, and custom safety programs including Walbridge’s Crane Action Plan, Stop Look and Listen Safety Observations and a high angle rescue plan.

"We have always put a premium on safety for our customers, partners and employees," said Walbridge Chairman of the Board John Rakolta.  "We have found that our repeat customers give us the work because of our safety record and the value we place in protecting lives."

Walbridge recently surpassed 7,000,000 safe works hours and has worked since October 2003 without a lost-time injury.  The company’s innovative safety program has won over one hundred national, local and project safety awards in the past ten years, and the company was named one of America’s Safest Companies by Occupational Hazards magazine.

Learn more about Walbridge's Award Winning Safety Program >

The scope of work includes site preparation and construction of a 35,290 square-foot Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility for a combat engineer battalion.  Support facilities include site utilities, electric service, security lighting, fire protection and alarm systems and landscaping. The project is scheduled to be completed by July 29, 2011.

March 23—Walbridge was awarded a $40,686,943 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of three Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facilities at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Project construction will take place on three nearby but separate sites. Each TEMF will provide facilities to maintain and repair tactical organizational equipment and vehicles, repair and maintenance bays, equipment and parts storage, administrative offices, secure vaults, oil storage buildings, hazardous material storage and other supporting facilities.  The project’s estimated completion date is Dec. 30, 2011.

March 5— The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District has awarded Walbridge a $19,650,700 lump sum contract to build an Armed Forces Reserve Center at Fort Benning, Georgia.  The complex will include a training building, organizational maintenance shop, unheated storage building, wash rack and related site work. 

Walbridge also received an award to construct a 2,600 person stand-alone dining facility at Fort Benning.  The dining facility will host two battalions with separate dining areas for each. Supporting facilities include utilities, security lighting, communications, fire protection, storm sewer system and detention structure, paving and sidewalks, site preparation and landscaping.

Built on the site of a former parking lot, the 822,000 square-foot sustainable complex includes an engine manufacturing facility, material handling building, administration building and energy center. 

Sustainable measures undertaken during construction included a robust waste management plan, managed by Walbridge, which diverted more than 90 percent of construction waste from landfills.  Additionally, 44 percent of materials used were recycled with over 80 percent of construction materials purchased within a 500 mile radius, reducing travel and carbon impact.  The team also used an indoor air quality management plan focused on the use of low emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings and carpet systems. 

“To meet LEED objectives, you have to plan ahead,” said Walbridge Project Manager Karlos Melgar. “From the start, we partnered with Chrysler and the architects to find materials that provided maximum recycled content at the lowest possible cost.

“We also couldn’t have met Chrysler Group’s LEED goals without our subcontractors’ commitment to training and continuous communication from submittal reviews through construction,” Melgar said.

Chrysler Group honored the Trenton South Engine Plant project team’s commitment to production related environmental protection with a 2009 Environmental Leadership Award. 

With standards exceeding regulatory guidelines, the Walbridge Intelligent Sustainability and Environmental Program, GreenWISE, is comprised of 18 job site practices focused on construction methods that affect a project’s carbon footprint. 

Current Walbridge projects registered with the USGBC include Volkswagen Group of America’s Chattanooga Assembly Paint Shop, TN; Infantry Brigade Combat Team Barracks at Fort Stewart, GA ; National Alabama Corporation Rail Car Facility– the world’s largest industrial facility registered under the LEED Green Building Rating System and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport  designed to be the country’s first LEED certified airport.
 

Read the full story at airportbusiness.com >

“Walbridge is proud to be recognized by the Savannah District, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers for our Serious About Safety commitment.  Safety is our top core value,” said Walbridge Executive Vice President and General Manager Ron Hausmann P.E., “This honor is representative of the hard work and dedication of our teams in the field who think, demand and deliver safety each and every day.”

Walbridge Corporate Safety Manager Dennis Jones also received a Certificate of Appreciation in gratitude for his active role on the Contractor Advisory Board.  Jones presented on crane safety during the annual conference.  Walbridge representatives Robert Crane and Rick Kinney were also on hand to receive the safety honors. 

Walbridge is providing construction services on 19 military bases throughout the United States.  A sample of current projects includes the Anniston Army Depot Transmission Addition Facility, Alabama; Vehicle Technology Directorate's laboratory at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland; the 5th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Barracks at Fort Stewart, Georgia; the Combat Aviation Brigade Tactical Equipment Facility at Fort Bliss, Texas and the Moffett Field Armed Forces Reserve Center, California.

Walbridge will be working closely with MCCC representatives and Hobbs + Black Associates Inc., the architect/engineer already secured by the college. To meet the college’s growing enrollment needs, the new facility will provide teaching labs and training classrooms with infrastructure that is flexible to workforce demand. Training will be focused on construction management, alternative energies, hybrid auto, computer-aided design, and nuclear engineering, for which MCCC recently received a $200,000 federal earmark.  

Walbridge Chairman and CEO John Rakolta, Jr, said, “We are pleased to oversee construction of the new Career Technology Center, and support MCCC’s vision for expanding the skill sets of current and future Michigan workers.”

Upon completion, the Career Technology Center will apply to become certified under the U. S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program.

This is the first construction project that Walbridge will manage for MCCC.   Among the many higher-education projects recently completed by Walbridge are the Wayne State University Mazurek Medical Education Commons, Stockwell Hall at University of Michigan, University of Michigan Law School renovations, and the A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education at the College for Creative Studies.   Late in 2009, Walbridge was named construction manager for Eastern Michigan University’s Pray-Harrold Building renovation.

Read the full story at the UTSA Today Web site >

The AGC Construction Safety and Excellence Awards (CSEA) recognizes companies who have developed and implemented excellent safety and loss prevention programs achieved through management commitment, employee involvement, and program innovation.

Walbridge’s innovative safety program has won hundreds of national, local and project safety awards in the past ten years, and the company was named one of America’s Safest Companies by Occupational Hazards magazine. 

Walbridge was nominated by the AGC of Michigan.  

Walbridge Safety Team Leaders Steve Clabaugh and Mark LaClair Accept an Outstanding Safety Performance Award from AGC Michigan.

“It’s great to see the North Terminal receive the recognition it deserves,” said Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano. “It’s an important element in anchoring the Detroit Region Aerotropolis to create the jobs and prosperity of the future.” 

One of the first airport complexes fully designed and constructed post-9/11, the 26-gate, 850,000 square foot North Terminal can accommodate 14 million passengers annually.  The linear footprint creates a faster, more efficient path for taxiing aircraft, which conserves fuel, reduces environmental emissions, and saves time for travelers.  Natural daylight, bright color, and dramatic lighting enhance the passenger experience and impression of the facility. Built within a budget of $431 million, the North Terminal establishes a new benchmark for value-conscious airport planners. 

The work included a multi-airline terminal, Federal Inspection Services (FIS) for international flights, baggage handling, hydrant fueling system, and apron replacement.  Additionally, the team created an enclosed skywalk between the terminal and a parking garage, and a ground transportation center for commercial traffic, to leave the curbside for passenger vehicles.

“We extend our thanks to the local contracting community, which understood the significance of this work, and was committed to excellence throughout,” said Barton Malow Project Executive Doug Maibach.

“Walbridge was pleased to contribute our innovations to this project,” added Walbridge Chairman and CEO John Rakolta, Jr.  “The North Terminal team not only achieved ambitious goals in costs, logistics, and deadlines, it has enhanced the role of Detroit Metro Airport as a world-class gateway to the Metro Detroit Region.”

Wayne County Airport Authority CEO Lester Robinson summed up the meaning of the Build Michigan honor and the importance of the new facility.  “The North Terminal at Detroit Metro Airport is a shining example of how to achieve more with less,” he said. “Working with a very modest budget and a tight set of design limitations, the project team created a facility that satisfied the bookkeepers, provides an ultra-efficient operating environment for airlines, incorporates a number of eco-friendly features, and—most importantly—delights Detroit travelers and visitors to our region.  You can’t ask for much more than that!”

Learn more about this project >

Walbridge joins one of the nation’s largest minority-owned educational program management and construction management firms, Brailsford and Dunlavey and the country’s third largest educational planning and architectural firm, Fanning/Howey Associates, Inc. in overseeing the facilities program.
 

Read the complete story >

The entire project could take a decade. But by May 2011, employees who now work in a World War II-era facility will be in a new $39 million building.

Read the full story at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times >

Housing the offices of the College of Arts and Sciences Departments and incorporating the University’s Department of Information Technology, the Pray-Harrold classroom building opened in 1969 and is the largest classroom building on the EMU campus, serving 10,000 students daily.

Walbridge will be working closely with both EMU representatives and SHW, the Architect/Engineer already secured by the university.  Walbridge will lead both the pre-construction and construction phases of this renovation, which will place high priority on mechanical, electrical and plumbing infrastructure Improvements.

“We are pleased to take on this new project for Eastern Michigan University,” said Walbridge Chairman and CEO John Rakolta, Jr.  “Our team’s preconstruction and renovation experience will enable Walbridge to help EMU preserve its rich history while better serving its growing student base.”

This is the first construction project that Walbridge will manage for EMU.   Among the many university renovation projects recently completed by Walbridge are the Wayne State University Mazurek Medical Education Commons, Stockwell Hall at University of Michigan, and the A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education at the College for Creative Studies, for which a ribbon-cutting was held in September.

Read the full story at www.tampasdowntown.com >

Read the full story at Chattanooga's timesfreepress.com >

Throughout the year, Walbridge participates in Project ONE, an MMBDC initiative that expands participation of MBEs by offering exposure to participating corporate members.  Walbridge’s supplier diversity program also sponsored exhibits at procurement conferences to aid minority business owners.
 

For more information about Walbridge's supplier diversity program, please contact us >
 

The 760,000 square-foot Taubman Center adds a second campus for the College for Creative Studies and is home to the new Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies.  Over 2,000 students, faculty, parents and visitors are expected per day to fill classrooms, labs, exhibition space and a 360-seat dining facility.  Additionally, 300 students will reside in the building.  The facility has 80,000 square feet of developmental space for new or growing creative businesses, professional networks and support services. 

Restoration of the historic building required extensive demolition, removal of hazardous materials and preservation of the building’s façade. Designed in 1928 by Albert Kahn, the Argonaut building served as General Motor’s first research facility featuring the legendary Harvey Earl’s automotive design studio.
 

Read the latest at Panama City's News Channel 7 WJHG.com >

Entries are evaluated by a panel of three or more industry experts with scores based on design, copy writing, innovation, content, interactivity, navigation and use of technology.  The Walbridge/Silverscape Web site submission scored an average 25% higher than its industry peers. 

Read more at www.mmbdc.com >

Army Research Laboratory Director John Miller says the state-of-the-art facility will allow VTD researches to develop the technologies necessary to protect soldiers. 

Building construction is scheduled to complete by April 2011.
 

Read more at Crain’s Detroit Business >

Winning companies are selected based on the following categories: communication, community initiatives, compensation and benefits, diversity and multiculturalism, employee education and development, employee engagement and commitment, recognition and retention, small business, recruitment and selection and work-life balance. 

FRANKFORT, Ky – A new wastewater treatment facility in Petersburg, Ky., is being built under a construction safety partnership between the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Sanitation District No. 1 in northern Kentucky and Walbridge Construction and Dugan & Meyers, two construction companies that have joined forces for the project.

The Construction Partnership Program is a voluntary agreement in which safety and health experts from the Kentucky Office of Occupational Safety and Health (KOSH), Division of Education and Training make quarterly, consultative visits to the building site to provide extensive safety and health surveys. 
       

Labor Cabinet Secretary J.R. Gray, who today signed the agreement with company officials, said construction partnerships have positive impacts on reducing injuries and implementing safety programs. “Construction partnerships have numerous goals, strategies and measurable results that benefit workers. In fact, employee involvement is a requirement.

“Partners, including the general contractor and subcontractors who want to participate, work to identify training needs and inadequacies in their written safety programs and to identify on-the-job hazards,” added Gray.

Education and training on Kentucky OSH standards are provided when applicable. This continuous engagement between labor and the company eliminates the need for random compliance inspections as long as state requirements are being met. Regular safety meetings also are conducted onsite.

The Western Water Reclamation Facility, located at 5459 Belleview Road in Petersburg, will be a 20-million gallon per day (GPD) wastewater recovery facility. The project costs an estimated $69 million and is scheduled for completion in August of 2012.
 

Read the full story at construction-today.com >

Read the full story at Chattanooga's timesfreepress.com >

There are four levels of LEED Certification bestowed by USGBC:  Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.  Certifications recognize new construction as well as commercial interior (CI) projects.  The CI award received by Walbridge was for the renovation of the interiors of the two floors of the 777 Woodward building that comprise Walbridge’s headquarters across the street from the popular gathering place, Campus Martius.

“We were excited to move our headquarters into the heart of Detroit two years ago,” said Walbridge Chairman and CEO John Rakolta, Jr.  “Today we’re pleased to bring the city recognition that comes with the achievement of an exceptionally high level of sustainability in construction work. 

“Constructing a green office space was the right thing to do for many reasons,” he continued.   “Most importantly, we wanted to foster a culture of sustainability and better benchmark the system that we lead many of our customers through.”

“A CI LEED certification can be even harder to achieve than a new construction project,” explained Dan Lamble, the Walbridge engineering manager responsible for the renovation effort.  “When you’re dealing with existing construction, you must reconfigure and redesign systems as well as replace materials, which is often more complex than starting from scratch.”

The Walbridge office space was constructed using recycled and environmentally safe materials.  For instance, a large percentage of construction materials – flooring, ceiling tiles, wallboards and workstations – were produced using recycled content.  Nearly 80 percent of construction waste was recycled and diverted from landfills, and more than 60 percent of the furniture from Walbridge’s former headquarters site was reused, diverting it from landfills.  Also, more than half of the materials utilized during construction were purchased from within a 500-mile radius of Detroit, minimizing the project’s carbon footprint.  Read more about this project > 

Walbridge’s commitment to reducing environmental impacts during construction continues.  In March, the company launched a sustainable job site program, GreenWISE, as an extension of its existing sustainability efforts.  This new initiative includes requirements that surpass Environmental Protection Agency, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regulatory and municipal guidelines.

For more information, contact Walbridge Marketing Director Karen Manardo at 313.442.1209.

Founded in 1916, Walbridge has steadily grown to become one of the top 50 construction firms worldwide.  Headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, Walbridge provides diverse delivery options including construction management, program management, general contracting, design-build and turn-key solutions.   Services include pre-construction, engineering management and decommissioning.  The company also self-performs structural concrete and flatwork, millwright and rigging, equipment installation and facilities management.  While Walbridge remains the leading firm in the construction of automotive facilities in the United States, the company also possesses expertise in construction market segments that include airports, healthcare, education, federal government, infrastructure, manufacturing, research and development and power and energy.  For more information, visit the Walbridge website at www.walbridge.com.
 

"One of my top goals, as the commanding officer of what I certainly consider to be the finest naval air station in the world, is to anticipate the needs of war fighters and ensure they have the right equipment and facilities needed to accomplish their missions.  This magnificent structure brings me one step closer to achieving my goal," said NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr.

With construction completed months in advance, the facility incorporates many sustainable design principles including the use of recycled steel, day lighting throughout the hangar and a rain water collection system to recycle water for a helicopter wash rack.

“A project of this magnitude does not happen overnight,” said NAS Jax Public Works Officer Comdr. Chuck Lewis.  “Many personnel from the Navy, both military and DoD civilians and Walbridge played significant roles in the day-to-day execution of this project ensuring the highest quality, timely completion and exceptional safety record through 482,000 man-hours of construction.”

Walbridge was awarded the design-build project by NAVFAC SE on March 21, 2006.

Read more about this project >

Read more about the hangar's opening at Clay Today Online >

The program recognizes outstanding achievement in community planning, architectural design, building development, environmental sensitivity, and encourages future projects to benefit the region through mixed-use and urban connectivity.   The 27th Annual Community Design Awards also marked the 50th anniversary celebration of the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission. 

Walbridge executives Richard Marshall, Tim Sewell and Project Manager Cranston Harris, who led the $20 million facility’s construction team, received the honor for the Tampa Bay History Center.  Also accepting were Hillsborough County Architect, William Hand and C.J. Roberts, the museum’s president and CEO.  The Tampa Bay History Center was nominated in the Commercial, Public or Quasi Public category based on its contribution to community connectivity, unique and attractive design features and energy or natural resource conservation.  Situated on a former industrial site, in the heart of the Channelside District, the 60,000 square-foot museum is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council and intends to pursue LEED® certification.  Also receiving honors in the category of Historic Preservation and Restoration was Walbridge’s work on Orange Grove Middle Magnet School.  The school, originally built in 1927, received a $3.4 million restoration.  The award was accepted by John Williams of Hillsborough County Schools. 

This year, 25 projects were entered in ten categories.  Winners were selected by judges with experience in the fields of planning, architecture and landscape architecture and who reside outside of Hillsborough County. 
 

Representatives from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality presented the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance Dundee plant with a Green Corporate Citizen Award. GEMA, supported by the Walbridge Facility Management team, helped reduce production costs by as much as $5 per engine through sustainable solutions and conservation. 

Walbridge Facility Management’s on-site team initiated and implemented many of GEMA’s sustainable measures including lighting reductions, recycling of water used in floor scrubbers and dunnage washing water filtration and reuse. WFM made additional improvements to efficiency in the powerhouse, bulk material handling area and plant operations. 

Read the full article from MonroeNews.com>
 

DETROIT- March 17, 2009- Walbridge, a national construction service provider, has launched a sustainable job site program designed to reduce environmental impact during a facility’s construction.

The Walbridge Intelligent Sustainability and Environmental Program, GreenWISE, surpasses Environmental Protection Agency, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regulatory and municipal guidelines.  An extension of Walbridge’s sustainability efforts, the job site specific program identifies 18 on-site environmental practices including safety and spill control, use of alternative power and waste management plans.  In addition to creating public awareness, GreenWISE engages Walbridge team members and partners in measurable steps to reduce the environmental impact on communities and promote conservation during construction. 

“GreenWISE is not just a process but a provocative expression of Walbridge’s beliefs and commitment to meet our responsibility to preserve, protect and promote our most precious gift next to life, the environment,” said President and Chief Operating Officer, Richard Haller, who is championing the program. 

Haller said through implementation of GreenWISE, Walbridge will develop a collection of evolving solutions in order to fulfill our responsibility to the next generation.

Job sites will be designated by level of achievement based on performance metrics published quarterly.   Each participating job site will display GreenWISE signage made from eco-friendly materials with a graphical overview of the sustainable practices employed at the site.  

Learn more about GreenWISE >
 

“We commend your entire on-site staff and subcontractors for this accomplishment.  We also thank you for providing a safe work environment for all personnel on your construction site,” said Area Engineer and Chairman of the Fort Benning Safety Committee, George P. Condoyiannis, “This requires a great deal of daily commitment, dedication and focus on your part and I urge you to keep up the outstanding results.”

As a quarterly winner, Walbridge is eligible to receive a 2008 safety award at the Savannah District’s annual Serious About Safety Conference and Awards Banquet.

After finding the low bid of $68,570,000 to be significantly over the expected value, an intensive value engineering effort was conducted with the airport’s consultants including Program Manager, KBR; Lead Designer, Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jerrigan; Architect, HNTB; Systems Engineers, TLC and  firms performing specialty design on the project.  The result of this effort was an agreed scope of work over $10 million less than the original bid. 

 “We are proud to be a part of the team building the first new green field airport in the United States in over a decade,” said Walbridge Senior Vice President, David B. Hanson, “this new gateway to northwest Florida will be a great economic stimulus to the region, as well as provide a wonderful front door to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.”   Work is scheduled to begin this month with completion in the spring of 2010.  It is anticipated that well over 85 percent of the work on the project will be performed by Florida businesses, with the bulk of the efforts coming from the Panhandle Region of northwest Florida.

With worldwide volume over $1 billion and Florida volume of $137 million in 2007, Walbridge is a major force in general contracting for both the public and private sectors.  Walbridge’s current Florida projects include the aviation, K-12 schools, higher education, retail, healthcare, institutional, federal facilities and museum markets.  The company also has broad national and international expertise in automotive and general manufacturing facilities, water/wastewater and power. 

Founded in 1916, Walbridge has steadily grown to become one of the top construction firms worldwide.  Headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, Walbridge provides a full range of services including:  program management, turnkey, process engineering and technical services, construction management, general contracting and design-build. The company also provides self-perform construction services such as concrete, millwright and rigging, production equipment installation and facilities maintenance.  While Walbridge remains the leading firm in the construction of automotive and manufacturing facilities in the United States, the company is also experienced in the commercial, residential, healthcare, research and development, institutional, education, municipal, public works and cultural facilities markets.  For more information, please visit www.walbridge.com.

Read the full article here.

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