http://67.199.43.4/index.php/site/index/ en shane@grafiqa.com Copyright 2010 2010-12-01T15:47:46+00:00 http://www.shawelectric.com/index.php/site/december_newsletter/ http://www.shawelectric.com/index.php/site/december_newsletter/#When:15:47:46Z SER Communications becomesShaw Systems & Integration In April, SER Communications became a part of Shaw Systems & Integration, a subsidiary of Shaw Electric Co. Shaw Systems & Integration (SSI) was formerly known as Shaw Fire Detection Services.  Everyone within the three companies is very enthusiastic about what we can now offer. We have the ability to offer a total electrical solution for your electrical needs, no matter how extensive or sophisticated they may be.  The combination of the three companies is unique in that there was virtually no overlap of services provided prior to joining forces. More than that, once combined there are virtually no gaps in the electrical services offered. We can now truly offer a total solution. SER Communications always enjoyed a stellar reputation as a telecommunications contractor wherever it worked. Long before joining forces was even considered, Shaw and SER worked together frequently and the projects were invariably successful. We have every reason to believe that the opportunity to build projects as a team will only improve what we offer. Where Shaw Electric Co. has traditionally operated solely in Michigan, the client base within  SSi extends across the country with projects in many of the lower 48 states, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. As selected opportunities present themselves, Shaw Electric will leverage this exposure to bid projects outside our traditional geographic area. Should you have any questions or would like further information regarding Shaw Systems, please contact Brion Sulkowski at (586) 427-1009.     Ann Arbor WWTP almost completed Shaw Electric has reached substantial completion for the City of Ann Arbor Wastewater Treatment Plant Residuals Handling Improvements Project. The 2½-year-long project consists of replacing the existing residuals handling equipment with a new system that includes the following major equipment: Installation of (3) Centrifuges and (2) Gravity Belt Thickeners. Installation of new Lime Silos, Pug Mills, Conveyors and Hoppers. Installation of a new Boiler that services the whole WWTP. Addition of a new Truck Loading Facility to process bio-solids and receive chemical deliveries. Rehabilitation of existing Gravity Thickener Tank and conversion of two thickener tanks to covered Blend Tanks.   Shaw's portion of the work includes power, instrumentation and controls to the new major equipment as well as a great deal of ancillary equipment.  Shaw's $8.5 million electrical contract also includes the installation of the following major electrical equipment/systems: Installation of new PLC and SCADA equipment to monitor and control all new equipment and processes. Installation of new 13.2/4.8 kV to 480V unit substation. Installation of (6) new 480V Motor Control Centers. Lighting, Branch Power, Fire Alarm, and Communications. Perhaps the greatest challenge of this project is that the existing Residuals Handling Equipment must remain in operation during construction. The new equipment is being installed in the existing building alongside the old dewatering plates and frame presses.   This has required a high degree of coordination and cooperation between Shaw Electric and the City of Ann Arbor to schedule and execute shutdowns and phase overs to minimize the impact to operations. Only upon final installation, start up, and integration of the new system and processes will old equipment be taken off line. Verizon Westland switch project almost done As Verizon Wireless' quest continues to be the largest, fastest, and most reliable wireless network provider, the company is investing in many of its sites throughout the Detroit area.  Shaw Electric is proud to be part of this effort.    We are in the final stages of a new 28,000-square-foot addition and renovation project at the Westland Michigan Switch. This new addition will house equipment to expand its present network capabilities as well as equipment for the launch of the 4G network or LTE network in southeastern Michigan.   The new addition includes 22,500 square feet of mechanical space to support 5,500 square feet of actual switch space.  The mechanical spaces include seventeen air handlers, two 1500kW generators, two substation, two DC battery rooms, and two inverter/rectifier rooms. It is amazing what is needed to provide for a proper environment for the network equipment.   General Foreman Tony Goddeeris has used his 40 years of experience to construct another successful project.  Working with the Turner Construction team, Shaw Electric has gained the trust and confidence of Verizon Wireless to meet its high expectations. The project started in February of 2009 and is scheduled to complete by December 2010.   Follow along with us as we enter 2011, which promises to be a great year, with new projects, new goals, new achievements. It will mark the 81st anniversary of our founding, and we're looking forward to it. Better yet, friend us on Facebook. Sincerely, Shaw Electric Co. Shaw's Recently Awarded Projects McLaren Hospital New Proton Treatment Center City of Lapeer, Mich., 2010 Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements GM Pontiac North New Steam Plant University of Michigan Tappan Hall Renovation Ann Arbor Veterans Administration 4.8KV Generator Replacement U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Cold Test Cell Detroit Public Schools New Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School William Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak Heart & Vascular Center William Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak Administration Building Lighting Controls Upgrades   Shaw Starts Fall Protection Initiative Shaw starts fall protection initiative Shaw Electric Company has started a fall protection initiative to increase awareness of fall hazards associated with electrical construction and stress the need for appropriate fall protection. We will ensure that employees receive essential training. Over the past 10 years, falls accounted for 75 workplace fatalities. These fatalities can be stopped with the proper training and equipment. Shaw's fall protection program trains employees to recognize hazards before an accident occurs, how to select and use the proper equipment and the skills needed to inspect and maintain equipment. Shaw's protection initiative can reduce accidents, related costs and lost production, as well as prevent MIOSHA citations and penalties. 2010-12-01T15:47:46+00:00 http://www.shawelectric.com/index.php/site/march_newsletter/ http://www.shawelectric.com/index.php/site/march_newsletter/#When:15:14:22Z Every business has its milestones, memorable as waypoints in the company history that are looked back upon as “the good old days.” A leader and friend retires Every business has its milestones, memorable as waypoints in the company history that are looked back upon as "the good old days." Tim Shaw's retirement at the end of 2009 marks one of those waypoints in our company history that now extends back 80 years to when Robert Douglas Shaw and Rudy Kauth began the business with $200 each in the depths of the Great Depression. There were several Shaws in the company over the years, including our founder, R.D. Shaw, and his children, Ruth, Kathleen, and Douglas Shaw. All were partners in the business at some point. Tim Shaw, R.D.'s nephew, is the last remaining namesake and with Tim an era comes to a close. Tim joined Shaw Electric while in college as a part-time draftsman. Cutting-edge technology back then meant you had an electric eraser instead of the pink Eberhard Faber erasers. If you were really on your game you could produce an ink drawing using a fountain pen and a Carter's ink well. These drawings still exist today, but it requires a visit to a museum to see them. Tim Shaw is a success by anyone's yardstick. This is an industry where conflict is often the norm and a thick skin is as a job prerequisite. However, after 30-plus years in the business, you will not find a person that will speak ill of Tim Shaw. Anyone who met him through business or sat across the table from him in a meeting respected Tim and many, many called him "my friend." So where did this ability come from? Tim certainly entered the business with no sense of entitlement as a result of his name. He understood the value of hard work from the first day on the job. His wife Cindy once remarked "You know, people just don't realize what a hard job this is. Tim works his tail off every week. There's no such thing as leaving early on a Friday afternoon like you might see in other jobs." Tim understands the difference between right and wrong and has the character to stand by his beliefs. That quality garners respect in any profession. Tim is also a "nuts and bolts" guy. Putting an electrical project together means dealing with thousands of details and Tim was never shy about diving head first into the deep end when a new project was dropped on his desk. As the years rolled by, Tim became known as one of a very few project managers who could take on the large projects without breaking a sweat. In every respect, Tim led by example. He will be missed. Best wishes to Tim and Cindy as they enter retirement. Your friends at Shaw Electric Co. Shaw management changes Tim Shaw's retirement as President of Shaw Electric Co. brought about some changes in our senior management team. Effective January 1, 2010 the following people assume new roles within the company: Robert Minielly was promoted to President of Shaw Electric Co. Bob first worked for Shaw as a laborer while in high school starting in 1979 and moved up in the organization, first in the warehouse and subsequently in our estimating department. For the past five years, Bob has been Vice President of Estimating and Preconstruction Services. Bob is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University. Arthur Wood was elected to the Board of Directors of Shaw Electric and Secretary of the corporation. Arthur first worked for Shaw in 1999, then moving to Detroit Electrical Services for nearly 10 years before returning to Shaw Electric in early 2009. Arthur is a graduate of the University of Michigan. We would also like to extend a somewhat belated welcome and acknowledgement of a new employee within our subsidiary company, Shaw Systems Integration. Jeff Brown comes to us from a career within Johnson Controls. Jeff is the Vice President of the new Shaw Systems Integration. C.S. Mott project nears halfway point Shaw Electric is nearly halfway through the electrical contract to bring power to the new 1.1 million-square-foot C.S. Mott Women's and Children's Replacement Hospital at the University of Michigan. We've purchased nearly 85 percent of the materials to complete the project. The facility will consist of a nine-story clinic and a 12-story tower devoted to inpatient care. Nearly 855,000 square feet will be devoted to inpatient, 245,000 square feet will be used for clinics, and offices and 180,000 square feet will be used for future growth and expansion. We have a long history of health-care projects, like our various projects at Beaumont Hospital, but we always appreciate a new challenge. We have nearly 100 Local 252 electricians in nearly every area of the new facility. Their task is to furnish and install temporary power, 120-volt branch power and the complete power distribution system for the hospital and clinic spaces. Over the course of the project, Shaw will install nearly 107 miles of conduit and 585 miles of wire throughout the hospital. The project is being coordinated in 3D. In essence, we build a digital prototype of the building that allows us to manipulate areas of the project to see how it affects or conflicts with the rest of the building. Potential conflicts between the contractors are also caught in this phase, ultimately reducing coordination issues and errors in the field. The project broke ground on Oct. 6, 2006, and is on schedule to open in the fall of 2012. Project Manager: Dan Cervenan Project Superintendent: Craig Theros Oakwood CSO project on target for 2011 opening We've hit the halfway point in our project to install pump motors and a control system to the $154 million PC-755 Oakwood Combined Sewer Overflow Control Facility and Pump Station. The project began in the fall of 2007 and is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2011. The City of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department is building the facility in southwest Detroit to eliminate untreated sewer overflows into the Rouge River during heavy rain storms. As part of federal mandate, the city is replacing the existing Oakwood Pump Station and constructing a 9 million-gallon combined sewer overflow retention basin and a pumping station. Shaw's $11 million share of the project includes a 15KV Switchgear lineup that feeds two 1,500 horsepower, 15KV Storm Pump motors and six 2,000 horsepower, 15KV Storm Pump motors. These motors pump the pre-treated sewage from the pump station through a series of screens that remove solids. The water is then stored in the CSO basin. As the rain subsides, the water is released to the main waste water treatment plant in a controlled manner. The project also has provisions to feed a 13,200V/480V double-ended substation to distribute power throughout the facility. Like many of the DWSD waste water facilities, the project requires that we install an Ovation control system that operates the entire facility. It is used to start and stop motors, report levels within the facility, report alarms or fault conditions when there are problems, and inject the proper dosage of chemicals to pre-treat the sewage. One of the many benefits of the Ovation System is that the entire facility can be monitored and controlled at the remote DWSD Central Station. Project Manager: Bob Marsh Project Superintendent: Doug Debastos Shaw Fire Detection Services becomes Shaw Systems & Integration We've expanded our fire detection service to offer products and services far beyond life-safety systems. Learn about Shaw Systems & Integration now. View More Long-term staff We want to honor the staff who have given us years—even decades of loyalty, up to 40 years. More experience means more value—both to Shaw and to our clients. View More Outstanding safety We've seen the fewest injuries in a decade, and we've dropped our insurance modification rate for three years running. That means we improve insurance coverage and still reduce costs for Shaw and our customers alike. View More Block becomes LEED certified Congratulations to Randy Block, Vice President of Project Management, on passing his LEED exam and becoming Shaw's first LEED Green Associate. View More 2010-03-05T15:14:22+00:00 http://www.shawelectric.com/index.php/site/randy_block_vice_president_of_project_management_becomes_leed_green_associa/ http://www.shawelectric.com/index.php/site/randy_block_vice_president_of_project_management_becomes_leed_green_associa/#When:14:39:44Z Congratulations to Randy Block, Vice President of Project Management, on passing his LEED exam and becoming Shaw’s first LEED Green Associate. Congratulations to Randy Block, Vice President of Project Management, on earning his LEED Green Associate credential and becoming Shaw’s first LEED professional.  Randy scored a 93% on the test becoming one of Michigan's 1st LEED Green Associate. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED Professional Accreditation distinguishes building professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully steward the LEED certification process. LEED Accredited Associates have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles as well as the LEED Rating System.  You can view all LEED professionals at: www.gbci.org. Involved in the Electrical Contracting Industry since 1976, Randy joined Shaw Electric Co. in 1994.  He has successfully managed numerous projects for hospital facilities, wastewater facilities, research and development facilities, dynamometer facilities, powerhouse facilities as well as other design/ assist projects. Randy has distinguished himself as a resource for others seeking to achieve their sustainability goals.  In 1998, Randy became a shareholder of Shaw Electric Co. and was promoted to head the Project Management Department as well as the Project Engineering/CAD departments. Again, CONGRATULATIONS to Randy. 2010-02-15T14:39:44+00:00 http://www.shawelectric.com/index.php/site/shaw_honors_employees_for_their_loyalty/ http://www.shawelectric.com/index.php/site/shaw_honors_employees_for_their_loyalty/#When:12:53:09Z Centuries of combined experience bring added value to company and customer alike. Shaw Electric is pleased to honor the employees who made us what we are. Their loyalty -- in many cases, decades of it -- allows us to provide better value to our customers. It's a reflection of how Shaw treats the people it works with, and it's a reflection of the quality people can expect of Shaw. In particular, congratulations to Tony Goddeeris on hitting 40 years of service with Shaw Electric.  Tony’s large project experience coupled with his longevity in the industry place him among the elite in our field work force. Whether the project is a new hospital or an addition to a wastewater treatment plant, Tony has been successful on every project he has managed, including several of our most challenging. Also, we offer our congratulations, and gratitude, too: Corby R House, 35 years David W Kurtz, 35 years Jean M Chaney, 34 years James D Jones, 27 years Douglas V Debastos, 26 years Robert A Marsh, 25 years William J Henehan, 23 years Steven D Holtz, 21 years Robert C Minielly, 19 years Michael D Riddle, 18 years Kevin M Cottrell, 18 years Rick B Plisko, 17 years James F Zech, 16 years Kenneth D Skibinski, 16 years Thomas H Muirhead, 16 years Brian J Jones, 16 years Randy A Block, 15 years Suzanne L Provagna, 15 years Robert A Bender, 14 years Brian E Tausney, 13 years Michael R Whitt, 11 years Vincent L Warolin, 11 years Jeffery S Rosinski, 11 years Michael L Cox, 11 years Patrick Russo, 10 years Steven E Holtz, 10 years Kelly L Fuller, 10 years Robert F Terpstra, 9 years Clifford M Moore, 9 years Dustin S Byrd, 9 years Kevin N Chaney, 8 years Jonathan J Walz, 7 years Mark J Jones, 7 years Scott L Tingley, 7 years Kevin D Bielski, 6 years Jack H Goodman, 6 years John C Vivian, 6 years Chad W Crumb, 6 years Joseph P Bova, 6 years Michael F Fritzam, 6 years Timothy A Flores, 6 years Bradley S Bowden, 5 years John E Wojtys, 5 years Howard L Tracey, 5 years Daniel L Cervenan, 5 years 2010-01-29T12:53:09+00:00 http://www.shawelectric.com/index.php/site/shaw_expands_to_add_shaw_system_integration/ http://www.shawelectric.com/index.php/site/shaw_expands_to_add_shaw_system_integration/#When:12:51:34Z Shaw Fire Detection Services grows to include new services and products. We have exciting news to begin the new year: Effective January 1, 2010, Shaw Fire Detection Services has become Shaw Systems & Integration.  The name change reflects an expanding business model, which now includes products and services far beyond design and installation of life safety and security systems. As technology continues to evolve, organizations such as ours must be flexible in expanding our ability to address customer's current and future business requirements.  Our expanded capabilities offer customers a single point of responsibility up front to bring an enterprise-wide perspective to managing the design, installation, integration and service of low-voltage systems, business applications and supporting infrastructure. Shaw Systems & Integration will have the same ownership, management and service that you have become accustomed to over the years and we intend to enhance that even further as we implement our new brand. The new logo reflects our expanding capabilities to meet our customer's unique  requirements. 2010-01-29T12:51:34+00:00 http://www.shawelectric.com/index.php/site/a_year_of_outstanding_safety_achievements/ http://www.shawelectric.com/index.php/site/a_year_of_outstanding_safety_achievements/#When:12:38:10Z Shaw Electric and Shaw Systems & Integration have a great 2009 in reaching—and exceeding—safety goals. On behalf of Shaw Electric and Shaw Systems & Integration, I would like to congratulate and thank our employees for their participation, hard work and commitment to our health and safety program. The foundation of our program, Health, Safety, Awareness & Wellness along with your efforts enabled Shaw to achieve three outstanding and significant safety goals in 2009.   Only three employee injuries were recorded for 2009, the lowest total and claims costs in a decade. This is a continuation of a downward trend over the past three years and reflects our commitment on providing a hazard-free work environment. Commencing Jan. 1, Shaw Electric’s Employer Modification Rate (EMR) as calculated by the State of Michigan is .89, and for the third consecutive year a reduction of our modification rate. For the third consecutive year, significant savings on insurance costs were realized during our renewal process. Since 2007, Shaw has reduced insurance related costs by one third while improving coverage.   Elimination of work place injuries is the catalyst for reducing the modification rate and insurance costs. As a new decade unfolds we have a unique opportunity to capture the momentum generated by our health and safety achievements and apply our success to the year ahead.   The future success of Shaw’s health and safety programs will be measured by the commitment of our employees to work in a safe environment. Thank you again, for your continued support and efforts on keeping our employees SAFE.   Jim Vanderhull Risk Manager 2010-01-29T12:38:10+00:00 http://www.shawelectric.com/index.php/site/shaws_mission/ http://www.shawelectric.com/index.php/site/shaws_mission/#When:18:38:05Z Shaw Electric Company is committed to excelling as a provider of the construction related services … Shaw Electric Company is committed to excelling as a provider of the construction related services that have established our company as a premier contracting firm in our industry. We will accomplish this within a framework of values that governs the way we conduct business. We will manage our business with customers, suppliers, and other industry professionals in the same fair, ethical, and responsive manner that we would expect from them. Our business and reputation are predicated on long term relationships. We will conduct each transaction to foster and encourage these relationships. For the benefit of our stockholders and employees consistent profitability is paramount. The safety of our employees, customers, and the public at large is our principal concern in every aspect of our work. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset and ultimately define how the community views our company. We resolve to support their continued growth and development, both personal and professional, thus ensuring the future growth of our company. 2009-09-11T18:38:05+00:00 http://www.shawelectric.com/index.php/site/shaw_celebrates_commitment_to_safety/ http://www.shawelectric.com/index.php/site/shaw_celebrates_commitment_to_safety/#When:18:36:38Z The construction industry average Experience Modification Rate (EMR) for electrical contractors is approximately 2.0, while Shaw’s emphasis on … The construction industry average Experience Modification Rate (EMR) for electrical contractors is approximately 2.0, while Shaw’s emphasis on ensuring a safe working environment has resulted in an EMR of .61 for 2004. Our EMR has not exceeded .96 for over a decade. We are committed to providing a safe work environment for the employees of Shaw Electric Company as well as the employees of other contractors on our jobsites. To this end we believe that it is the responsibility of management and every employee of Shaw Electric Co. to carry out their jobs in a manner which does not create any unnecessary hazards or unsafe conditions for the employee or any other person on the jobsite. Safety on the jobsite is not to be sacrificed under any condition to expedite the project, because of pressure from other trades or contractors, or because of personal ambivalence toward safety procedures. Safe jobsites are a necessary component of a successful, profitable project just as are skilled tradesmen, proper scheduling, and good drawings. Ignoring safety measures is costly to the individual employee as well as to Shaw Electric Co. Any questions or suggestions with regard to the Safety Policy should be directed to the Safety Director. 2009-09-11T18:36:38+00:00 http://www.shawelectric.com/index.php/site/shaw_team_raises_money_for_heart_association/ http://www.shawelectric.com/index.php/site/shaw_team_raises_money_for_heart_association/#When:17:10:09Z A team of Shaw Electric Co. employees raised more than $2,700 in May as part of the American Heart Association Heart Walk. A team of Shaw Electric Co. employees raised more than $2,700 in May as part of the American Heart Association Heart Walk. The three-person team of Randy Block, Jean Chaney and Suzanne Provagna raised $2,725 in pledges and contributions at the annual event, and were joined by other Shaw employees showing their support. The event, at several locations around metropolitan Detroit, raised $1.3 million for the American Heart Association, which supports programs to reducing heart disease and stroke – the No. 1 and No. 3 causes of death in America. 2009-09-08T17:10:09+00:00