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Construction Dive’s Friday Punch List is a series dedicated to sharing the top building headlines that contractors may have missed during the week.
It was another big week for construction news. Skanska announced that it won a $1 billion rail bridge job in Massachusetts and Bechtel partnered with NABTU to modernize learning to generate energy.
Read on for other news of the week that builders should know.
Shawmut names new executive to work in Florida
Boston-based Shawmut Design and Construction is expanding its presence in the Sunshine State. The firm has hired project manager Ruben Bravo to deliver projects to the public sector in South Florida, Shawmut announced Wednesday.
The contractor has a 25-year presence in South Florida, with ambitions to grow its construction management business from $2.3 billion to $5 billion.
“As an established construction manager in South Florida, we recognize the significant opportunities in public sector work, with increasing investment in aging infrastructure and sustained demand driven by population growth and international tourism,” Alexis Leal, Shawmut’s head of Florida, said in the statement.
Bravo previously worked in South Florida for Miami-based MCM Construction as well as Greeley, Colo.-based Hensel Phelps, according to his LinkedIn. With more than 30 years in the industry, Bravo has experience in public-private partnerships, aviation and design and construction projects, according to the release. At Shawmut, he will focus on airport, seaport and transportation activities in Miami-Dade County and South Florida in general.
—Zachary Phillips
DeWalt is awarding $200,000 in trade education scholarships
DeWalt, the Towson, Maryland-based supplier of construction tools, has awarded $200,000 in scholarships for 40 students in the US and Canada, the company announced Wednesday.
The annual initiative is part of DeWalt’s goal to help close the skills gap through its Grow the Trades program, which represents a $60 million investment in trades education by 2030, according to the release.
“As the demand for skilled tradespeople continues to rise, it’s essential to invest in the next generation of professionals who will build our communities and drive progress,” James Oh, DeWalt’s president and CEO, said in the statement.
As part of the announcement, DeWalt highlighted the individuals to whom it provided the scholarship funds. For example, Jacob Davis, a current student at Laurel Technical Institute in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, is pursuing a career as an electrical technician.
“The trade school fits my strengths and gives me a clear direction for my future. I’m motivated to finish strong, graduate and start building a career I can be proud of,” Davis said in the release.
—Zachary Phillips
Warfel Construction celebrates 115 years
East Petersburg, Pennsylvania-based Warfel Construction launched its “115 years of gratitude” campaign in recognition of the company’s founding in 1911, according to a statement Wednesday.
In a video, the company offers thanks to employees, customers, business partners and community members who have participated in the company’s century-plus history.
And the company has been growing. It added an office in Paoli, Pa., in 2019, followed by one in Winchester, Va., in 2022 and State College, Pa., in 2024. The newer offices helped the company expand its offerings in the Mid-Atlantic region, according to the release.
“While we’re proud of where we’ve been, we’re even more excited about where we’re going,” Warfel CEO Matt Hartzler said in the statement. “This campaign is ultimately about gratitude and continuing to build meaningful relationships for generations to come.”
—Zachary Phillips
Rudolph and Sletten win construction for Sutter Health
Rudolph and Sletten, subsidiary of Tutor Perini, consolidated a contract for Sutter Health Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Care Complex in Sacramento, California, according to a company statement.
The scope of work includes the conversion of an existing structure into a new 120,000-square-foot ambulatory surgery center and medical office building. The facility will include exam rooms, concussion clinics, a performance lab, physical therapy and research space, as well as five operating rooms, sterile processing areas and advanced imaging.
Rudolph and Sletten will make structural improvements to the existing building then cast in place to meet current seismic requirements and install new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
Pre-construction began last spring, and active construction began earlier this year. The company expects the project to be completed in the fall of 2027.
—Joe Bousquin
