News & Events

Bay Lands Spot On “Project Gold Coast Team

We are excited to announce that Bay has been awarded various electrical and mechanical packages on the 227,000 square foot expansion to the Pepperidge Farm facility in Willard, Ohio.

The project, dubbed Project Gold Coast, is an expansion to the existing 355,000 square foot facility and includes adding a new production line for the famous Goldfish crackers as well as a new ingredient processing facility and additional warehousing and distribution space. The groundbreaking was held in June, 2013 and is slated to be completed in late summer 2014.

Bay has been awarded four separate contracts; (2) mechanical and (2) electrical. On the mechanical side, the work includes large process piping, plumbing, and ventilation. The electrical side of the project includes primary and secondary power distribution, lighting, branch power, controls and fire alarm.

Bay is being contracted by our friends at Jannota and Herner of Monroeville, Ohio (J & H) and SSOE of Toledo, Ohio.  We have completed a number of successful projects for J & H in the past. This is our first project for SSOE. J & H is serving as the general contractor on the project and is teaming up with SSOE for portions of the engineering and other construction services.

Pepperidge Farm was started in the kitchen of Connecticut housewife Margaret Rudkin in 1937. The company was named after her family farm in Fairfield, CT. Margaret opened her first modern bakery in 1947 in Norwalk, CT. The Campbell Soup Company acquired Pepperidge Farm in 1962 and began making Goldfish crackers in 1962.

This $93 million expansion will not only create many new full-time jobs for the Willard area, but it is a tremendous opportunity for all of us here at Bay as well as all of the other construction professionals that have the good fortune of being part of this exciting project.

Norfolk Southern Locomotive Expedited Maintenance Facility

BMEC was contracted by Dunlop and Johnson to perform the HVAC and process piping installation for the new locomotive expedited maintenance facility for Norfolk Southern Railway Company.  This building is unique as a multi-use facility with a high pre-engineered metal building for the purpose of locomotive maintenance and a two story masonry building for locker rooms, storage, offices, lunch room, and training.

The HVAC system consisted of a wide range of equipment for the multi-use facility.  The office was comprised of split AHU’s and condensing units along with make-up air for the locker rooms and ventilation.  The maintenance facility consisted of unit heaters, ventilation systems, and make-up air system.  Two hot water boilers and associated glycol charged heating piping provided the heating medium for both areas.

The process piping consisted of a variety of services required for locomotive maintenance, including multiple oil systems, compressed air, non-potable water, locomotive hot water, and industrial waste.  Multiple hose reel stations were installed to dispense the process.  BMEC was also assigned the task of installation of the owner furnished air compressor and the oil storage and delivery tank systems.

City of Avon Lake Increases Plant Capacity

At their April 16, 2013 board meeting, the Avon Lake Board of Municipal Utilities (ALBMU) awarded Bay a $4.8 Million contract for improvements to their Water Filtration Plant in Avon Lake. The current plant has a 40 million gallon per day (MGD) capacity. This improvement project will increase the plant capacity to 50 MGD.

The scope of work on this project includes all the piping and mechanical work required for the replacement of two raw water pumps, replacement of four high service pumps, and the replacement and addition of a new chlorination system.

The electrical work consists of increasing the distribution feeders system, replacement of the main distribution switchgear, installation of variable frequency drives on the new pumps and generator and control upgrades.

Bay has completed a number of projects for ALBMU Including their last major plant upgrade. This project will begin June and is scheduled for completion in June of 2014.

The Avon Lake Water Filtration Plant supplies drinking water to Avon Lake, Avon, Village of Sheffield, Sheffield Lake, North Ridgeville, Medina and the County of Medina. The plant also supplies water to the Rural Lorain County Water Authority (RLCWA), which serves areas of rural Lorain County and the Villages of LaGrange, Sheffield, Grafton, Kipton and Spencer. Customers outside of the City of Avon Lake consume approximately 85% of the total water produced at the WFP.

Keystone Middle School Opens

After much anticipation, the sixth through eighth grade students in the Keystone school district reported to their beautiful new school in the second week of February. The 60,000 square-foot, two story building is located on Opportunity Way just north of the existing Keystone High School which was completed in 2006. The new Middle School which along with the High School is built in a campus setting, features state-of-the-art technology and has provisions for the addition of an elementary school as part of the master plan. The Elementary School is currently in the preliminary design stage.

 Bay has performed on many educational facilities. From K-12 buildings to a new College of Education building for a University, the process is always exciting and rewarding. Being part of something that will serve thousands of students for many years to come is a privilege. “We knew going in that it was a very challenging completion date. There were some budget issues up front that delayed the start of the project and that pushed some critical portions of the construction into the winter months. With proper planning and hard work from Alex Weber and his team we were able to meet the scheduled completion dates. ” Stated Bay project manager Mark Huston. “ To stay on schedule while maintaining productivity and quality workmanship during winter construction is always a challenge.”

 The ground breaking ceremony for the project took place on May 11, 2011 and the school opened for students the first week of February.  Bay performed the electrical and HVAC disciplines on the project totaling $2,500,000.00. 

Bay Wins 2012 Northern Ohio Chapter Award of Excellence

NORTHEAST OHIO REGIONAL SEWER DISTRICT

SOUTHERLY WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

CONTRACT SSR-1

SUBSTATION REPLACEMENT PROJECT

The challenge to the schedule that was more of a concern was the fact that these buildings were masonry and was being built over two winters. This was addressed early and with the combination of a mild winter and excellent planning by our management team, there was no negative impact to the schedule.

“From an owner’s perspective it is always a pleasure dealing with firms such as Bay Mechanical and Electrical Corporation where “Safety First” is not just a saying, but is actively part of their daily activities” –Thomas Vasel, P.E. Plant Construction Manager, NEORSD

“Bay (and their subcontractors) met all the project constraints throughout the entire construction process. Bay was professional and efficient in the approach to the work, and addressed the needs of the NEORSD to successfully complete the project scope on-time and within the construction budget” –Doug Reed P.E., Vice President

“The key to replacing these substations was planning and coordination with the facilities operation and maintenance staff. Bay was always pro-active and thorough in planning these shutdowns” –Dan Wiglusz P.E.,Construction Supervisor, NEORSD

The contracted scope included:

Furnish and install (10) new split faced block masonry buildings to house (10) new unit substations.

Install (5) additional unit substations in existing Buildings

Demolish and remove from the site (15) existing unit substations

Install new branch electrical power and lighting in the new buildings

Perform over (450) new 5KV and 15KV medium voltage terminations, splices and testing

Perform cable discharge testing on over (225) 5KV and 15KV medium voltage cables

Supply and install (17) remote switchgear operating panels

Supply and install (17) Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)

Supply and install a new plant wide fiber optic loop to serve new PLCs

Supply and install over 38,000 feet of rigid aluminum conduit 3/4” to 5”

Supply and install over 330,000 feet of power distribution and control cable

Perform over 4,500 low voltage wire terminations

Supply install and test new grounding grid at each substation

Supply and install new heating and ventilating systems in each of the new buildings

Substation commissioning and owner training

Site landscaping and pavement restoration

Bay Mechanical Brings Home Ninth Diamond Safety Award

Heather Aschemeier – Safety Director

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) have awarded their prestigious “Diamond Safety Award” to Bay Mechanical and Electrical Corporation. Bay has accomplished a major feat, having won the award for the ninth consecutive year. The award was presented at the 700 BETA Banquet and Conference Center on October 25^th 2012. Safety Director Heather Aschemeier accepted the award on behalf of all the employees at Bay.

The Diamond Safety Award recognizes one general contractor and one specialty contractor that best exemplifies a commitment to providing a safe working environment for its employees and  customers. “Such recognition encourages us to continue our efforts and reinforces our safety culture at Bay Mechanical and Electrical Corporation. Having won this award for the ninth time signifies a real commitment from everyone, it shows commitment to working safely and embracing the safety programs,” said Heather.

Bay Mechanical Welcomes New Staff

BMEC is pleased to announce the addition of Robin Hunt to our office staff. Robin will assume the role of office manager and oversee the daily office functions. Robin brings over 15 years of office experience to Bay and her background includes working in both the manufacturing and construction industries.

Robin is a graduate of Lorain Catholic High School, attended Kent State University and is currently completing her accounting degree.

Robin recently relocated from the Akron area and now resides in Amherst. Robin enjoys bowling, the outdoors and spending time with her family.

All of us here at Bay are pleased with the addition of Robin to our staff and are looking forward to her contribution. Welcome Robin!

Gardner Named Finalist for the 2012 National Craft Professional of the Year Award

Associated Builders and Contractors announced on March 28, 2012 that Bay’s very own Keith Gardner was named as one of five finalists for the 2012 Craft Professional of the Year Award. The Craft Professional of the Year Award is a national award presented each year to an individual who exhibits outstanding skills and leadership in his or her construction craft.

The five finalists will complete an interview process and one of the finalists will be chosen as ABC’s Craft Professional of the Year on April 27 at ABC’s Education Conference & Expo in San Antonio, Texas. These finalists are the best of the best craft professionals from all over the United States. The winner will receive a 2012 full size truck.

Keith has been with Bay since 1992 and has been superintendent on a number of high profile projects including Cleveland State University’s College of Education and currently the $17 million dollar NEORSD Substation Rehabilitation project. Keith was the recipient of the 2009 BMEC Award of Continuing Excellence (Employee of the Year).

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national association with 74 chapters representing 22,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms with nearly two million employees. For more information about ABC and to see the official press release, go to www.abc.org.

Bay Sweeps Excellence in Construction Awards

Bay Mechanical & Electrical swept the ABC Excellence In Construction Awards on Thursday, October 11, 2011. The Awards banquet was held at the 700 BETA Banquet & Conference Center in Mayfield Village, Ohio.

Bay’s entry for Cleveland State University’s Julka Hall won the top Award of Excellence in (2) two categories; Mechanical Commercial $2-10 million & Electrical Commercial $2-10 million. The project completed the sweep by winning the coveted Chairman’s Cup “Project of the Year” for the mechanical entry. Bay concluded the evening by becoming the first 8-time winner of the Diamond Safety Award.

Julka Hall is CSU’s new College of Education & Human Services. The recently completed project is part of the University’s Master Plan. This is the second CSU project that has won the project of the year. In 2008, Bay won the Chairman’s Cup for the CSU Main Classroom project.

Bay Captures 8th Consecutive Diamond Safety Award

At the annual Associated Builders and Contractors awards celebration held on October 13, 2011 at the 700 BETA Banquet and Conference Center, Bay Mechanical & Electrical was once again awarded the coveted “Diamond Safety Award.” This is an unprecedented eighth time for a contractor to win this prestigious award. The award is presented to the contractor that best exemplifies a commitment to providing a safe work environment for its employees and customers. To win this award the contractor must submit to a lengthy application and reporting process. The award is given to one general contractor and four specialty contractors. “Winning this award for the eighth time is a remarkable accomplishment and something we are all very proud of here at Bay Mechanical & Electrical.” stated Heather Aschemeier Director of Human Resources at Bay upon receiving this award.

Employee of the Year: Nelson Colon

It’s that time of year again when the management team of Bay Mechanical & Electrical Corp. selects an employee that best exemplifies our corporate mission to provide the best quality, service, and craftsmanship to our customers. The chosen employee is presented with the Award of Continuing Excellence.

This year’s recipient – Nelson Colon- has been with BMEC for 27 years. Nelson graduated from Admiral King High School in Lorain. After graduation, Nelson went to work for U.S. Steel as a plumber / pipefitter where he worked for 10 years. In May of 1984 Nelson joined Bay and added sheet metal worker to his list of skills.

Nelson worked his way through the ranks as a journeyman, a foreman and is now one of our leading superintendents. As with a number of our superintendents, Nelson’s experience and knowledge of all facets of the construction industry allows him to supervise multi-trade projects. Nelson communicates well not only with his fellow employees but also with our customers and the other project team members. His ability to oversee and complete the tough projects makes Nelson a valuable asset.

Recent projects that Nelson has supervised include the Terra Technical College, Nestle Innovation Campus, Bellevue Hospital, and Elyria Municipal Courthouse.

“The projects Nelson has been in charge of have consistently come in on time and under budget.  The recent Terra Tech project had an extremely aggressive schedule, but Nelson brought the job in on time with a steady crew size through planning and coordination.  Nelson takes ownership of his projects and represents the best interests of BMEC in a very professional manner” said Mark Huston project manager on a number of Nelson’s projects.

At the completion of the Terra Technical College project, Nelson earned praise from the owner’s representative. “This is the first project I have done with Nelson and he has been an excellent representative for your company. He asks intelligent questions, is cooperative, and his team’s workmanship was exceptional” stated Tom Stuckey, Project Representative from Poggemeyer Design Group.

Nelson and his wife of 28 years Sherri reside in Lorain and have a daughter Casey who will be entering her junior year at the University of Dayton this fall. Congratulations to Nelson Colon for being presented with this year’s Award of Continuing Excellence!

Bay Starts Wellness Program

The safety and well-being of all the employees here at BMEC has always been our top priority. As part of this continuing effort, BMEC created a wellness committee to promote an overall safe and healthy life style both on the job and at home.

One of the committee’s goals is to help assess and improve worksite policies and procedures regarding physical activity, healthy eating, tobacco-use, exposure and prevention, and safety policies and programs.

The committee applied for and was awarded a LIVE HEALTHY LORAIN COUNTY MINI GRANT .This money was used to start the 10K a day challenge. Every employee who participated was given a pedometer to track their daily steps and were encouraged to walk at least 10,000 steps a day. Prizes were awarded on a weekly and monthly basis. “As usual, the employees here at Bay embraced this challenge and we have had a very high rate of participation” stated Heather Aschemeier, Director of Human Resources at BMEC. Heather is also chairperson of the committee and promises more wellness programs in the near future.

Bay Lands High Service Pump Station in Elyria

At the October City Council Meeting, city officials in Elyria voted to award the construction of their new $6 million High Service Pump Station building project to Bay Mechanical and Electrical. From the existing High Service Pump Station built in 1904, Elyria is believed to be the first inland city in the United States to pump fresh water from the Great Lakes. As the result of a number of expansion projects the current plant currently has 22 million gallons per day (22-mgd) capacity. Although the existing station has served Elyria well, it has outlived its life expectancy. The new state-of-the-art facility includes (4) vertical turbine pumps and (1) vertical turbine backwash pump. This project will increase the plant capacity to 30-mgd. Bay has successfully completed a number of projects for the City of Elyria at both their waste and water treatment plants. This project will kick off in the early spring of 2011 and be completed in June 2012.

A New Alliance is Born

Double D Crane Service has joined Bay Mechanical & Electrical family through an asset purchase. Now, through our operating divisions, this brings a rigging solution to our business. In an effort to provide total construction services to our clients, Bay Mechanical & Electrical can now receive, store, deliver, & set in place equipment up to 20,000 lbs. Our goal is to provide rigging, concrete or steel support bases, electrical & mechanical service for a truly “one-stop” shop experience.