Regional Growth Summit

‘Regional Growth Summit’ draws various stakeholders to KCAC

by Press Releases

Business leaders, economic development professionals, and regional stakeholders gathered at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex on the Indiana University of Pennsylvania campus May 2 for what organizers called the third “Regional Growth Summit.”

Organizers said it was an event focused on fostering economic expansion, identifying barriers to business, and celebrating regional successes.

State Rep. Jim Struzzi, R-Indiana, was among those addressing the event, along with Jennifer Lasser and Rich Fitzgerald of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission.

According to a news release issued Tuesday by the event’s publicist, Struzzi and Fitzgerald emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and strategic investment.

“Events like these are crucial for aligning public policy with real-world business needs,” said Ray Duffy, business development manager for CAVCON, a Greensburg-based contractor that touts such local projects as the Indiana County Education & Technology Center in White Township and a branch office of First Commonwealth Bank in downtown Indiana.

“By bringing together decision-makers from across sectors, we can better understand the hurdles businesses face and work collaboratively to find solutions,” Duffy said.

CAVCON was a sponsor of the event, along with Noelker and Hull Associates of Chambersburg, and McKibbin Consulting of Pittsburgh.

Attendees discussed topics ranging from workforce readiness and entrepreneurship to commercial real estate development and broadband access.

By Indiana Gazette May 7, 2025

CAVCON Recognized in National Hall of Fame Competition for Best in Schools Build

CAVCON Recognized in National Hall of Fame Competition for Best in Schools Build

by Press Releases

Greensburg, PA, March 1, 2023 – The Indiana County Education and Technology Center built by CAVCON of Greensburg, PA, has been recognized for architectural excellence by Varco Pruden Buildings, as a Best-in-Class Winner of Schools in the exclusive Hall of Fame award. Varco Pruden Buildings is one of the nation’s largest building-solutions companies. Varco Pruden is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc., and has a network of more than 1,000 builders across the United States and Canada.

CAVCON has been named to Varco Pruden’s 2023 Hall of Fame for the Indiana County Education and Technology Center in Indiana, PA. CAVCON worked with Indiana County Commissioners to build the 26,000 square foot state-of-the-art technology building which will house Westmoreland County Community College campus. There is still 11,166 of shell space remaining for the proposed STEM education facility.

The building is housed on the site that is home to Indiana County Technology Center, a technical school in Indiana County serving high school and adult students. The technology center provides technical and academic curricula offering students both theory and hands-on education into secondary education or direct employment into the trades. The Indiana County Education Technology Center will serve as an educational hub for the residents of Indiana, Westmoreland counties, and beyond. The project was completed in July 2022.

The highly competitive Hall of Fame Awards are presented annually to the independent authorized VP Builders whose work reflects innovation and excellence using Varco Pruden building systems by creating exceptional architectural appearance, efficient design, and effective end use. The projects include a range of industrial, commercial, retail, and municipal projects.

Desmone Architects and Stiffler-McGraw Civil Engineers were instrumental in the development of the project. Funding for the project came from a variety of sources. Byron Stauffer, of Indiana County Office of Planning & Development and key leadership in Indiana County were instrumental in spearheading the project. As a Varco Pruden authorized builder with expertise in pre-engineered steel buildings, CAVCON was able to offer insight into the design and budgeting process.

“The Hall of Fame is proof positive that our builders continue to challenge the boundaries by seeking new and innovative ways to prove that Metal Building Systems are the system of choice,” said Paul Day, president of Varco Pruden.

“CAVCON is extremely pleased to have won this award for a second time in a different building discipline. The first time we won the award was for Vollmer of America’s Sales and Distribution Center and the second time winning the award is for Best in Schools. These projects showcase the versatility and capability of a pre-engineered building. None of the architect’s design intent was sacrificed in the construction of a pre-engineered metal building and the bottom line for the customer was a significant cost savings” said Jim Thomas, president of CAVCON

About CAVCON

CAVCON brings together three generations of Building Owners/Managers and General Contractors with Design/Build expertise focusing on Medical, Commercial, Retail, Manufacturing and Light Industrial projects. As a full-service merit shop general construction company, CAVCON provides design-build services incorporating value engineering, collaborative modeling, construction management, and turn-key general construction services to deliver the best outcomes for our clients. To learn more, visit www.cavcon.com.

About Varco Pruden Buildings

Varco Pruden Buildings is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. Through advanced engineering and proprietary building products, Varco Pruden provides innovative steel building solutions for low-rise commercial and industrial applications – including offices, warehouses, schools, manufacturing and retail projects. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, the company markets its products through a network of more than 1,000 authorized builders within the United States and Canada. Varco Pruden is a member of the MBMA, CSSBI and the USGBC. For additional information, visit www.varcopruden.com.

THE VALUE OF DESIGN/BUILD

THE VALUE OF DESIGN/BUILD

by Blogs

CAVCON has been involved for many years with Adelphoi in providing construction services for a variety of projects and becoming their long-term partner.

We have consistently worked with John Duwall, Director of Facilities at Adelphoi. The relationship began when CAVCON was a general contractor in bid build projects performing renovations for various projects. In May 2018, we served as the Construction Manager of a 3.5-million-dollar project that featured both a Welcome Center and Youth and Family Center.

We are currently working on a multi-phase, design/build, 6-million-dollar project that will provide an enhanced “green area” including an amphitheater and a new housing complex for at risk kids. Relationships and trust that have been developed over the years are at the cornerstone of why Adelphoi comes back to CAVCON for their construction needs.

So how will this design/build project be different?

  • Total responsibility for the design and construction entrusted to one entity. No divided responsibilities with resultant problems.
  • Because projects are designed and built with years of construction knowledge and expertise, CAVCON brings accurate costs based on actual experience.
  • Design/build projects minimize change orders that cost both time and money.
  • Design/build projects are completed in less time.

Why is CAVCON the design/build contractor of choice?

  • Experienced as a design/build contractor and authorized Varco Pruden builder.
  • Recipient of Varco Pruden Buildings Best-in-Class winner of the exclusive Hall of Fame award for Vollmer of America saving the company $480,000. Varco Pruden Buildings is one of the nation’s largest building-solutions companies.
  • A design/build team is jointly involved in producing a product that meets a client’s needs rather than merely acting as professional advisors. A collaboration of designers and builders is the foundation of design/build projects.
  • Benefits of design/build project delivery include a coordinated team approach to identify your needs and provide counsel on important decisions that can affect design, performance and cost, limiting the risks of omissions, errors and costs exceeding your budget.

Relationships and trust are why CAVCON and Adelphoi have developed their partnership to serve the community. Together CAVCON and Adelphoi are building a place for kids and families to connect.

THE FUTURE OF BUILDING: UTILIZING DESIGN-BUILD METHODOLOGY

THE FUTURE OF BUILDING: UTILIZING DESIGN-BUILD METHODOLOGY

by Blogs

Design-Build is becoming the delivery method of choice for construction projects because of rapid project delivery and total team coordination under one entity. According to a study done by FMI, “Design-build will comprise 44% of construction spending between 2018 and 2021. During this time, design-build construction spending will grow by 18% and reach over $320 billion.”

Because Design-Builders aim to find you savings throughout design and construction, you’ll benefit from using a qualifications-based selection. That means you select the Design-Builder with the best credentials, experience, expertise and team.

As efficiencies in all types of building projects help to keep costs in line and building schedules on target, working with CAVCON, a qualified Design-Build Contractor, will be key to a project’s success. With more and more owners seeking out new and innovative delivery methods using state-of-the-art technologies that offer a broad variety of project components, design-build offers greater collaboration among stakeholders in a departure from the linear hard-bid contract.

WHAT IS DESIGN-BUILD?

Combining the function of an architect, engineer and construction manager into a single entity, the integrated approach is focused on the specific needs of your project. One entity holds single-source responsibility and contractual risk for every aspect of a build — from estimation, assessments and pre-construction to architecture, schematics, engineering, subcontracting, construction and post-construction. CAVCON, the Design-Builder, manages all the above. This system is used to minimize the project risk for a property owner and to reduce the delivery schedule by overlapping the design phase and construction phase of a project.

Design + Build is becoming the preferred method of project delivery for many property owners and construction industry professionals. CAVCON’s design-build services include enhanced “value-engineering” and pre-construction reviews, early knowledge of guaranteed costs, accelerated delivery, increased quality control, lower design and engineering fees, reduced owner risk and administrative responsibilities.

PROJECT COST SAVINGS

According to a study done by FMI, Design-Build Projects offer significant savings both in overall costs and time to completion.

“Project cost: On average, projects using design-build (DB) cost 1.9% less per square foot when compared to construction manager at risk (CMR) and 0.3% less when compared to design-bid-build (DBB). DB projects also average 2.4% less cost growth than a comparably scoped project using CMR, and 3.8% less cost growth than a project using DBB.


Project schedule: Design-build (DB) was the best performing project delivery system in terms of schedule growth, delivery speed and construction speed. DB projects see 3.9% less schedule growth than construction manager at risk (CMR) and 1.7% less than design-bid-build (DBB). They’re also 13% faster than CMR during the construction phase and 36% faster than DBB. From design through completion, DB projects are delivered 61% faster than CMR and 102% faster than DBB.”

CLIENT BENEFITS

A design-build team is jointly involved in producing a product that meets a client’s needs rather than merely acting as professional advisors. A collaboration of designers and builders is the foundation of design-build projects. Benefits of design-build project delivery include:

  • Total responsibility for the design and construction entrusted to one entity no divided responsibilities with resultant problems.
  • A coordinated team approach to identify your needs and provide counsel on important decisions that can affect design, performance and cost, limiting the risks of omissions, errors and costs exceeding your budget.
  • Because projects are designed and built with years of construction knowledge and expertise, CAVCON brings accurate costs based on actual experience.
  • Faster occupancy resulting in higher profits for the owner. A study commissioned by the DBIA found that commercial projects using design-build firms finished about 33 percent faster than those that used the traditional design, bid, and build process.
  • Change Orders: A study by Penn State found that compared to DBB, DB projects had a six percent reduction in change orders, delivered 33 percent faster overall, and cost six percent less. By involving the DB entity throughout design, the design and construction disciplines are contractually obligated to work together to complete a design that meets owner needs within constructability and budget parameters. The DB entity bears the risk for the design completeness thereby reducing the need for change orders that can derail budgets and schedules alike. The CII study found “When schedule is critical to project success and budget is still unknown, the DB delivery method should be considered. DB relieves the owner from warranting design documents and mediating interpretations of those documents.”

With CAVCON as your design-build firm, you have one point person throughout the entire length of your project who is accountable for the timeline, the budget, and delivering what the owner wants.

From beginning to end… experience the CAVCON’s Design-Build expertise with leadership, accessibility and accountability in superior design/build service delivery.

About CAVCON

CAVCON brings together three generations of Building Owners/Managers and General Contractors with Design/Build expertise focusing on Medical, Commercial, Retail, Manufacturing and Light Industrial projects. As a full-service merit shop general construction company, CAVCON provides design-build services incorporating value engineering, collaborative modeling, construction management, and turn-key general construction services to deliver the best outcomes for our clients. To learn more, visit www.cavcon.com.

About Varco Pruden Buildings

Varco Pruden Buildings is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. Through advanced engineering and proprietary building products, Varco Pruden provides innovative steel building solutions for low-rise commercial and industrial applications – including offices, warehouses, schools, manufacturing and retail projects. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, the company markets its products through a network of more than 1,000 authorized builders within the United States and Canada. Varco Pruden is a member of the MBMA, CSSBI and the USGBC. For additional information, visit www.varcopruden.com.

Design-Build: A Catalyst for Economic Development

Design-Build: A Catalyst for Economic Development

by Blogs

by Marc Monteleone and Damon Thomas | Bowles Rice LLP

In 1999, the West Virginia Legislature passed the Design-Build Procurement Act (“Act”), which is codified at Chapter 5, Article 22A of the West Virginia Code. Pursuant to the Act, all state departments, agencies, authorities, quasi-public corporations and all political subdivisions, including cities, counties, boards of education and public service districts, must comply with the Act when considering the use of design-build for an upcoming construction project.

Under the “Design-Build” delivery system of construction in accordance with the Act, the design and construction are performed under a single contract between a state agency and an engineer or architect duly registered in West Virginia, or a contractor duly qualified and licensed under the laws of West Virginia. According to national figures, the design-build delivery system of construction can reduce a project’s overall cost by as much as 30 percent and reduce construction time by as much as 25 percent. Therefore, the design-build method should be considered for any public project that can satisfy the requirements of the Act.

In order for a project to be constructed under the design-build method, the “agency” must receive approval from the Design-Build Review Board (“Board”).

The Board reviews potential projects based upon the following criteria:

  1. the agency has the appropriate legal authority to enter into a design-build contract;
  2. the agency requires a project design and construction timeline that is faster than the traditional design-bid-build process would allow;
  3. the project requires close coordination of design and construction expertise or an extreme amount of coordination;
  4. the agency early cost commitments;
  5. the agency provides a written plan for funding the project; and
  6. the agency has completed and submitted a written application for approval by the Board.

An agency considering the design-build method must make a presentation to the Board. If the presentation is successful, the Board approves a project for use of design-build construction.

In the private sector, more and more development projects are being constructed under the design-build method of construction. As with public sector projects, the process streamlines project delivery by converting the relationship between designers and builders into an alliance that fosters accountability, collaboration and teamwork. Essentially, design-build creates a one-stop shop integrated project delivery method that can bring significant benefits to owners. For example, in 1996, we were very pleased to implement the design-build method during construction of a new Charleston, West Virginia headquarters for our law firm, Bowles Rice. The massive urban project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.

The benefits of design-build also includes improved communication between teams, increased levels of interdisciplinary fluency and transparency, increased innovation and significantly better budget control. For instance, cost efficiencies can be more easily achieved since the contractor and designer are working together throughout the entire process. By having a single source of responsibility for both design and construction, an owner can mitigate the risk of delays and claims that impact the cost and delivery of a project.

Finally, design-build reduces the delivery schedule by overlapping the project’s design and construction timelines, allowing the building to be designed in phases. Moreover, design-build encourages the design-builder to take more innovative and best-value approaches to designing and constructing the building. The designer and contractor working together from the inception of the project allows them to immediately address potential issues such as the early identification of any design errors, resulting in savings of cost and time for the owner.

Overall, the design-build method’s cost-effective and optimized approach serves as a real catalyst to construction and economic development projects of all sizes. Our regional law firm is extremely well-versed in the design-build process and welcomes the opportunity to help get your next project off the ground.

About the Authors:

Marc Monteleone serves as the Assistant Managing Partner and CFO of Bowles Rice. He authored West Virginia’s design-build legislation and served as Chair of the state’s Design-Build Review Board for nearly 20 years. He is a Charter Fellow in the Construction Lawyers Society of America. Contact Marc in the Charleston, WV office at 304-347-1132 or [email protected].

Damon Thomas is the newest member of the Bowles Rice Construction Law team. His practice covers the full spectrum of construction law, including but not limited to project contracts, project planning, project design and project management issues requiring mediation, arbitration or litigation. Contact Damon in the Southpointe, PA office at 724-514-8944 or [email protected].

CAVCON Wins National Hall of Fame Competition

CAVCON Wins National Hall of Fame Competition

by Press ReleasesUncategorized

Greensburg, PA, March 3, 2021 – The Vollmer of America Sales and Distribution Center built by CAVCON of Greensburg, PA, has been recognized by Varco Pruden Buildings, as a Best-in-Class winner of the exclusive Hall of Fame award. Varco Pruden Buildings is one of the nation’s largest building-solutions companies. Varco Pruden is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc., and has a network of more than 1,000 builders across the United States and Canada.

CAVCON has been named to Varco Pruden’s 2021 Hall of Fame for the Vollmer of America Sales and Distribution Center in Pittsburgh, PA. The 29,200 square foot facility includes office space, warehouse and a signature showroom highlighting pieces of Vollmer’s equipment that will be used for both sales demonstrations and product training. The project was completed in July 2020.

The highly competitive Hall of Fame Awards are presented annually to the independent authorized VP Builders whose work reflects innovation and excellence using Varco Pruden building systems by creating exceptional architectural appearance, efficient design, and effective end use. The projects include a range of industrial, commercial, retail and municipal projects.

Integrity Design team and architect, Keith Andreyko were chosen to design the project. Keith, a registered architect, brings 21 years of experience and significant history of design honor recognition. As a Varco Pruden authorized builder with expertise in pre-engineered steel buildings, CAVCON was able to offer insight into the design and budgeting process.

The project was initially designed as a conventional steel structure but was significantly over budget. CAVCON suggested changing to a pre-engineered metal building and brought Varco Pruden into the design process. CAVCON and Varco Pruden worked with Integrity Design to make the change. The reduction in the project cost was a $480,000 savings.

“The Hall of Fame is proof positive that our builders continue to challenge the boundaries by seeking new and innovative ways to prove that Metal Building Systems are the system of choice,” said Paul Day, president of Varco Pruden.

“CAVCON is extremely pleased to have won this award as it showcases the versatility and capability of a pre-engineered building. None of the architect’s design intent was sacrificed to make the change to a pre-engineered metal building and the bottom line for the customer was a significant cost savings” said Jim Thomas, president of CAVCON

About CAVCON
CAVCON brings together three generations of Building Owners/Managers and General Contractors with Design/Build expertise focusing on Medical, Commercial, Retail, Manufacturing and Light Industrial projects. As a full-service merit shop general construction company, CAVCON provides design-build services incorporating value engineering, collaborative modeling, construction management, and turn-key general construction services to deliver the best outcomes for our clients. To learn more, visit www.cavcon.com.

About Varco Pruden Buildings
Varco Pruden Buildings is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. Through advanced engineering and proprietary building products, Varco Pruden provides innovative steel building solutions for low-rise commercial and industrial applications – including offices, warehouses, schools, manufacturing and retail projects. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, the company markets its products through a network of more than 1,000 authorized builders within the United States and Canada. Varco Pruden is a member of the MBMA, CSSBI and the USGBC. For additional information, visit www.varcopruden.com.

BEAVER COUNTY - CONNECTING RIVERS, PEOPLE, AND INDUSTRY

BEAVER COUNTY – CONNECTING RIVERS, PEOPLE, AND INDUSTRY

by Blogs

Located in Western Pennsylvania, just north of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, Beaver County’s relaxed atmosphere and old-style hospitality make it an ideal place to live and raise your family.   The announcement of the construction of the Shell cracker plant, job creation, and regional growth seem to all fall together in the same context.  However, Beaver County offers much more to those who live, work, and play here. 

In addition to its close proximity to Pittsburgh, Beaver County is already home to many major corporations.  With the anticipated opening of the Shell cracker plant, and the expectation that many related industries will set up close by, the county is expecting a boost in industry and population.

Lew Villotti, President of Beaver County Corporation for Economic Development, (CED) has spent the last 17 years serving as the Regional Director of Planning & Development for the Southwest PA Commission where he focused on government policy.  The opportunity to guide Beaver County in its growth efforts arose 10 months ago.  “I missed the excitement of the day-to-day activity in operations at the county level and was ready to put my mark on Beaver County.   I felt the skills that I developed throughout my career could make a positive impact on Beaver County businesses and residents alike,” states Villotti.

As we look at Beaver County’s growth, the companies that have expressed initial interest have already had a contractual relationship with Shell and contacted the CED, but there is a 2nd wave of companies who have begun to show interest in relocating to Beaver County that finds themselves in the same sphere as Shell in that they utilize some of their bi-products.   

Villotti is also seeing a shift in community involvement from a business standpoint.  “There are a number of industry individuals who are serving on nonprofit boards and these dedicated individuals are positively impacting the community.  They are willing to roll up their sleeves and get involved to make a difference.”

Main Street Revitalization effort is underway.  The main streets of many of Beaver County’s cities and boroughs suffered after the steel industry left.  There are still opportunities in main street real estate but, as new businesses move in, these opportunities will become rarer.   Now is the ideal time to invest. Through chamber partnerships and government funding, new programs are being launched to help small businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic.  River towns are making investments in their communities by creating a destination for businesses, the arts, nonprofit organizations, and people alike.

Beaver County Commissioners offer various commonwealth sponsored economic development programs to help bring business to the county and build out underutilized areas. The Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) provides tax credits to for-profit innovating companies less than 8 years old in targeted industries within certain municipalities. The Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ) areas help induce economic growth by eliminating specific state and local taxes within underdeveloped and underutilized areas meeting specific program criteria.

An important component of growth in the region is the ability to provide skilled labor to those companies wanting to invest in Beaver County.  From a job training standpoint, the colleges are shifting efforts to support the trades with certificate programs and other types of targeted education. The CED has a strong working relationship with Penn State Beaver, the Community College of Beaver County (CCBC), Geneva, and Robert Morris University in preparing the workforce to meet the needs of incoming businesses and industry in the region. 

Bridges and Pathways, the Beaver Area College Partnership, is a consortium of four higher education institutions with one shared mission – to improve the lives of Beaver Valley residents through access to education, cultural events, and economic opportunities.

As new industry and prospects for growth take root in the valley, the partnership is poised to collectively serve the educational, workforce development, and quality of life needs of residents and businesses in the area. Because these higher education institutions are intricately involved in community development and customized job training to a specific company’s needs, this effort results in a huge economic impact and useful tool when the CED is working with potential companies in a variety of industries. 

Beaver County has great bones and a solid structure.  By blending corporate investment within the communities the county is creating a place where people want to live and companies are looking to build.  A countryside surrounded amid rolling hills, hardwood forests, river valleys, and streams with a collection of parks and outdoor activities can satisfy any outdoor enthusiast and potential employee wanting to work in the area.  The CDE welcomes companies that want to invest in and be a part of how the county progresses and grows. 

To learn more about opportunities within Beaver County, visit www.beavercountycdc.org  or call 724.728.8610.

WORKING TOGETHER THROUGH COLLABORATION BUTLER COUNTY IS THRIVING

WORKING TOGETHER THROUGH COLLABORATION BUTLER COUNTY IS THRIVING

by Blogs

Butler CountyThere is excitement and energy happening in Butler County due to a focused effort in Butler County Growth Collaborative and progressive thought leaders behind the movement. The Butler County Growth Collaborative will harness resources to empower economic prosperity through the region by sharing information, modeling transparency and communicating effectively.

The investment in the Butler County region goes beyond brick and mortar, but also to support workforce development through customized and nationally acclaimed training programs in job search training, retaining and retooling a workforce to support and supply the necessary labor needed for expansion.

Mark Gordon, Executive Director of Butler Economic Development states, “We are excited about the business growth and employment opportunities in Butler County and surrounding areas and stand ready to meet future demands through investment in our infrastructure, training and the people that live, play and work in the region.”

According to Gordon, Butler County’s transportation hub intersects 3 interstate highway systems – I76 and I79 and I80. Butler County received a $20 million federal BUILD grant and studies are underway for the Gateway 228 project to connect Route 65 inland to 356 in Freeport. This connectivity will enhance growth across Beaver, Butler, and Allegheny counties. Transportation solutions for the workforce in need of public transportation to get to work are being tested through a pilot program called Last Mile Service. Through collaboration, this program is being developed with the Butler Transit Authority, CNG Busses and an agreement with the Alliance of Non-Profits.

Butler County runs deep in heritage and roots. Agricultural business representing over 6,200 acres of farmland have been preserved allowing future generations of farmers to be able to work the land.

There is more manufacturing businesses in Butler County than any other county in the state. As an example, manufacturers along the route 228 corridor generated in excess of $28 billion dollars associated with products produced and shipped around the state, country and globally, from Butler County. A unique example… Butler Technologies, partnering with Ralph Lauren, supplied the exterior garments to control the temperature for the Olympians.

What do transportation and manufacturing mean without a trained and skilled workforce? That’s where collaboration with Butler County Community College – the top community college in the state comes into play.

Lisa M. Campbell, Dean of Workforce Development, Butler County Community College states that by working with various businesses and manufacturers throughout the region the college provides market-relevant training across a variety of disciplines. By offering certificate programs, and hands-on training to provide the necessary skills to meet the demands of business, the community college is poised to further develop partnerships and programs with other educational institutions and training facilities.

Jay Grassel, left, a student in Butler County Community College’s manufacturing preBC3_Manufacturing_080819-apprenticeship certificate program, left, watches instructor John Duncan set up a mill in the manufacturing lab on BC3’s main campus in Butler Township

Campbell further identified a new initiative that is a collaboration between the County government, local agencies, and community partners. The new Empowerment Initiative has a mission is to create a County-wide culture of Empowerment utilizing an evidence-based model that supports and connects people who are employment challenged, their agencies/intermediaries, and employers to achieve successful employment outcomes for all. Butler County Community College is proud to be one of the supporting community partners to provide individuals a second chance in life.

Butler County Community College is positioned to work toward the betterment of its residents in helping the county grow by creating new programming to meet the changing needs in the county.

Penn United Technologies, an assembly facility provides in-house training in manufacturing for its own staff as well as trainees from other companies. Slippery Rock University began offering an engineering program in recent years, providing petroleum, civil, and mechanical engineering courses. Steamfitters Local 449 is home to a new 75,000 square foot training facility in Harmony that is currently training over 350 apprentices in a variety of disciplines.

Though much work remains to integrate and empower economic prosperity throughout Butler County and the surrounding regions, it is our vision to make effective enhancements throughout the county by working together. The passion of its residents, the cooperation of its communities and the power of its region will empower leadership through communication, stewardship, and responsibility.

Although Butler County may appear rural, the rapid growth and development in a variety of fields are creating diversification across many industries. Butler County is making its mark on the region as a great affordable place to live, work and play.

VOLLMER OF AMERICA PLANS MAJOR EXPANSION IN FINDLAY TOWNSHIP

VOLLMER OF AMERICA PLANS MAJOR EXPANSION IN FINDLAY TOWNSHIP

by Blogs

VOLLMER-OF-AMERICA

Vollmer of America, an international German Manufacturing Company that produces metal cutting machine tools for manufacturing, is undergoing a major expansion to showcase their products. This 29,200 square foot project will increase the size of their current space in Carnegie by 100%. The design/build project in Findlay Township includes office space, warehouse and a signature showroom highlighting pieces of their equipment that will be used for both sales demonstrations and product training. The product training will feature both instructional and hands-on use of their machinery. With anticipated growth in manufacturing, the new distribution center will better serve the needs of Vollmer’s clients.

Following an interview process and a tour of various Integrity Design projects by the owner of Vollmer International, the Integrity Design team and architect, Keith Andreyko were chosen to design the project. Keith, a registered architect, brings 21 years of experience and significant history of design honor recognition. Integrity Design, a boutique design firm, provides a high level of service to a diverse client base including Commercial Real Estate Professionals, Retail Properties, Entertainment Venues, Universities, and Senior Retirement Communities.

CAVCON was chosen by Integrity Design as part of their design/build team on the project. As a Varco Pruden authorized builder with expertise in pre-engineered steel buildings, CAVCON was able to offer insight into the design and budgeting process.

The preliminary design of the 29,200 square foot project went through preliminary budgeting on both a conventional build as well as a pre-engineered steel build. Upon receipt of the initial budget numbers of the conventional build, the project was too far over budget. The team then shifted back to pre-engineered building solutions to mirror the original design.

CAVCON was a key part of the budgeting and design process. Because of their experience with pre-engineered steel building solutions, CAVCON was instrumental in saving $480,000 by shifting to this type of building structure. They provided guidance on how to satisfy the client and communicated what could and couldn’t be managed in the overall budget while leading the project to meet the budget.

Our technical expertise, many years of field experience and creative thinking abilities enable us to be problem solvers with a unique vision for excellent design. We believe the collaborative efforts of both CAVCON and Integrity Design are essential in meeting the needs and objectives of Vollmer of America. The knowledge and skill from a multi-disciplinary design team create integrated solutions for all environments, resulting in a successful project.

With the construction of a new distribution center currently underway, Vollmer of America will be set to meet the demands of manufacturing throughout the region and beyond.

NEW SOUTH HILLS LOCATION FOR PREMIER PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER OPENING SPRING 2019

NEW SOUTH HILLS LOCATION FOR PREMIER PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER OPENING SPRING 2019

by Blogs

Premier-Plastic-Surgery-Center-2Premier Plastic Surgery Center is relocating their South Hills office to a brand-new destination lifestyle center featuring Whole Foods, restaurants, specialty retail, and a spin studio. When it came time to begin the construction process, Dana Aulicino, Practice Manager for Premier Plastic Surgery Centers once again called CAVCON to work with her on the project. This is the third construction project CAVCON has done with the Premier Plastic Surgery Group.

When asked why she keeps returning to CAVCON Aulicino responded, “The team – Jim Thomas, Rich Walor and Nick Krinock are who make the project flow. The group is hands-on, conscientious of the budget when recommending the best alternatives in design elements, and the management oversight of the construction project is impeccable.”

Prior to beginning construction, with their medical construction expertise, CAVCON did a workflow analysis to mitigate inefficiencies at the new location. This analysis was part of a team effort to coordinate with the building owner, architect, and client an understanding of current and future needs. CAVCON offered suggestions on cost savings without compromising style.

Premier-Plastic-Surgery-Center1Each project has a unique problem to solve. CAVCON addresses those problems by providing a complete range of construction services. Just like any construction project, there were particular challenges faced with this new location that CAVCON was able to resolve during the design phase. There were many high-end fixtures utilized in the former location that required retrofitting to accommodate the space at the new office. Solid wood doors, high-end hardware, lighting, built in exam room casework and an ADA compliant coffee bar were some of the issues faced. “Rich was especially helpful in working through the customized casework retrofit.”

Premier Plastic Surgery is dedicated to providing superior quality and uncompromised safety in cosmetic plastic surgery in an atmosphere of confidentiality and respect. Because of the prior history with CAVCON, Dana is confident as a result of CAVCON’s construction management and oversight, that Premier will have the same aesthetic appeal that her other two locations offer their patients.

The move from their current site and the retrofit to the new site is expected to take approximately three weeks. Dana doesn’t worry about construction, she has a large medical practice to run. That’s why the CAVCON team is on board – Rich, Nick, and Jim. “They practice what they preach and hit it with execution!” The anticipated completion date for the new Premier Plastic Surgery Center South Hills location is slated for spring of 2019.