Exceeding Expectations

stories. The access points available to the WBI crews had to remain open sixteen hours everyday to meet the needs of other parts of the hospital. Thus company workmen had to workduring the remaining eight hour window, from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. All involved were proudthat they were able to place 3,200 cubic yards of concrete without interfering with the dailyoperations of the hospital. As the project neared completion, Project Manager John Vaughancongratulated Kevin Steele and the finishing group, as well as the work of Foreman JoaquinReveles. In March 2012, Mr. Reveles was also honored for his safety excellence on the expansionproject.In addition to the work in progress, work was scheduled to begin on an industrialproject at the new Horsehead Corporation plant. A second contract for work on the UNC-Charlotte campus involved work on the Phase XI Residence Hall. The Civil and InfrastructureGroup, managed by Jim Rhodes, secured another new project with Piedmont Natural Gasand Duke Energy. Mr. Rhodes and his Group pride themselves in the value they are able togive clients, working with them from the planning for a project through its completion. TheGroup welcomes the opportunity of adding to their inventory of separate projects as well asthe opportunity to work with the concrete crews on contracts involving both site work andgrading, as well as concrete construction.In an effort to provide greater value for its clients, the Civil and Infrastructure Group utilizesthe WBI approach of using technology when it can lead to lower direct costs of constructionand improve the pace of the project. By early 2012, Rhodes announced that the Civil andInfrastructure Group had found just the right technology with the assistance of Carolina CATand Si-Con, formerly Spectra IS: Trimble’s GPS staking and machine control. Use of the GPSequipment was expected to result in shorter project schedules, as the Group works with theclient in the preconstruction stage to locate existing conditions on the site, and stake out theproposed structures. Once the mass dirt is removed and the site brought to a rough grade,the machine control is used to guide the fine grading process to completion, ensuring both anaccurate and expeditious process. Use of the technology, which Mr. Rhodes regards as vital forthe success of the Group, results in a project completed both more accurately and rapidly, at alower overall cost.In addition to embracing new technology, WBI continued to rely for its continuing successon a plank in the company platform: its trained, competent and professional work force. As theeffects of the recession lessened, WBI hiring authorities noticed a change in the experienceand education levels of those applying for employment. Since the quality of its workforce76 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS