US
WInter 2010
Developers Journal www.usdevelopersjournal.com
American Piping and Boiler Co. Hawaii’s Multiple Project Manager
THE MAGAZINE FOR CONSTRUCTION EXECUTIVES
Hawaii’s Multiple Project Manager Produced by Sean Barr & Written by Molly Cohen Kapolei, Hawaii-based American Piping and Boiler Co. (APB), is a locally owned general/mechanical contractor with field tradesmen, superintendents, professional engineers and project coordinators serving the Pacific Rim. Founded in 1965, APB went through a succession of owners until an employee buyout occurred, eventually leaving it in the capable hands of President John Polischeck Jr. and several other partners. Despite the many changes in ownership, APB has maintained the same clientele to whom it offers the most comprehensive service in the process piping
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US Developers Journal
Winter Edition 2010
installation and shop fabrication, boiler and pressure vessel fabrication and installation, code emergency repairs, mechanical equipment, site utilities, heavy-civil, electrical, and engineering services. The company manages multiple private and Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) projects, understanding government contracting and industrial new construction, maintenance, service, renovation, plus more. The company has grown from 65 people to 150 at peak, averaging 120 employees yearround. Last year APB completed projects that placed company revenue in the $30 million range. “We clock around 300 man-hours per year,” says Shane Lau, a
mechanical engineer, has been with APB since 2001 Known for its efficient turnaround and shut down and is now the executive vice president. work at refineries and power plants, APB also does a lot of fueling and specialized welding and fabrication Distinctive Qualities work. But the tricky part of these projects is their location. “We have to plan work out very well to get As a general contracting company specializing it done, because you can’t just get a large crane to in refinery work, heavy civil and electrical/ show up; we’re in the middle of the ocean, that’s underground utilities work, plus structured steel what’s challenging about working in Hawaii,” says fabrication installation, APB’s employees often work Lau. on jobsites requiring heightened safety protocols. Yet, the company boasts an impressive Experience In-House and External Skills Modification Rate (EMR) at .71. In addition, APB holds several licenses, including one from Associated Indeed, APB’s location may present the occasional Builders and Contractors Inc. “We also won a GCA challenge, but APB’s 18,000 square foot shop facility is (General Contractors Association) Best in Class award well-equipped to handle almost all of the company’s in the heavy industrial division for our safety record,” services. APB has the American Society of Mechanical says Lau. “We were in same category as the large Engineers (ASME) code stamps “U” pressure vessel, companies in Hawaii.” “PP” power piping, “A” boiler assembly and “R” National Board Inspection Code repairs. And APB’s In addition to this impeccable safety record, Lau craftsmen include electricians, carpenters, laborers, sees APB’s schedule-driven union shop as another operating engineers, ironworkers and pipefitters. outstanding feature. “Our capabilities range from doing underground civil work to doing heavy lifts Based on this range of skill, APB only subcontracts with our 300-ton cranes,” says Lau. “We provide … about five percent of its work. “That’s another thing turnkey projects from the ground up with our own that makes us different; we keep so much in-house,” resources and limited subs.” says Lau. “We do sub out some insulation and positive remediation, though.”
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When the company does use a subcontractor, it does not go for the lowest bidder, but works with the same vendors repeatedly to get the best pricing and service. “Coordinating with vendors and subcontractors, paying them on time and making them part of the team is a key component in completing a project on time and on budget,” according to Lau. Diversified Customers Combining its in-house capabilities and reliable subcontractors and vendors, APB has finished several notable projects, some for repeat clients and others outside the company’s normal work. In 2006 APB continued its long-standing relationship with Chevron on an environmental compliance project. “It was a $50 million project that required a lot of piping and concrete and had to finish in three or four months,” Lau remembers. APB was also the contractor for the Ewa Beach Waste Water Pump Station Upgrade. The challenge for this project was the nine million gallons of water pumping
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US Developers Journal
Winter Edition 2010
through that station per day. APB built a temporary pump station to handle that water flow while it gutted and expanded the existing pump station to double its size. Once completed, the pump station was turned over to the city and APB was recognized by the GCA for its work. In 2008, APB was the key contractor for Chevron’s 2008 turnaround -- a six-week, around-the-clock project that required 150 of APB’s employees and about 400 Chevron employees working to revamp the refinery. Repeat customers, such as Chevron, are a key performance indicator for Lau, who does limited bidding since most of his work comes directly from project owners. “My clientele demands service and when they need us, they want us immediately,” he says. “I can tell we’re doing well when we get called back.”
COMPANY AT A GLANCE
Even with loyal, repeat customers, APB noticed the economic slowdown. “It will be a year or two before things settle,” Lau foresees of the marketplace. “People have money, but are not willing to spend it right now.” To diversify its services in the face of such funding challenges, APB found a partner and jumped into the renewable energy sector. “We’re looking into photovoltaic, solar and wind,” Lau shares.
w w w. a p b c o n s t r u c t i o n g r o u p. o r g
Established : 1965 President : John Polischeck Jr. Annual Revenue : $30 Million Employees : 120
Using this budding expertise, APB is now bidding on government projects involving these renewable energy technologies. Lau believes APB could have a large share in this market, but the company is looking before it leaps. “We could kick it up and do more work, but we like the control, we’re steady where we’re … I don’t know how far sustainable energy will take us or if growth will be needed to take us there,” he admits. Still, APB has the facility, safety record, resume of completed projects and the ambitious disposition to step into renewable energies to provide the company a foundation on which to grow. American Piping and Boiler Co. has the resources to keep business flowing, as seen through its repeat work and reputation throughout Hawaii.•
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American Piping and Boiler Co. Winter 2009
91-335 Kauhi St Kapolei, HI 96707 United States
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