T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R C O N S T R U C T I O N E X E C U T I V E S

US DevelopersJournal

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american piping anD Boiler co.Hawaii’s Multiple project Manager

Kapolei, Hawaii-based American Piping and Boiler Co. (APB), is a locally owned general/mechanical contractor with field tradesmen, superintendents, professional engineers and project coordinators serving the Pacific Rim. Founded in 1965, APB went through a succession of owners until an employee buyout occurred, eventually leaving it in the capable hands of President John Polischeck Jr. and several other partners. Despite the many changes in ownership, APB has maintained the same clientele to whom it offers the most comprehensive service in the process piping

installation and shop fabrication, boiler and pressure vessel fabrication and installation, code emergency repairs, mechanical equipment, site utilities, heavy-civil, electrical, and engineering services. The company manages multiple private and Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) projects, understanding government contracting and industrial new construction, maintenance, service, renovation, plus more. The company has grown from 65 people to 150 at peak, averaging 120 employees year-round. Last year APB completed projects that placed company revenue in the $30 million range. “We clock around 300 man-hours per year,” says Shane Lau, a

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Hawaii’s Multiple Project ManagerProduced by Sean Barr & Written by Molly Cohen

mechanical engineer, has been with APB since 2001 and is now the executive vice president.

Distinctive Qualities

As a general contracting company specializing in refinery work, heavy civil and electrical/underground utilities work, plus structured steel fabrication installation, APB’s employees often work on jobsites requiring heightened safety protocols. Yet, the company boasts an impressive Experience Modification Rate (EMR) at .71. In addition, APB holds several licenses, including one from Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. “We also won a GCA (General Contractors Association) Best in Class award in the heavy industrial division for our safety record,” says Lau. “We were in same category as the large companies in Hawaii.”

In addition to this impeccable safety record, Lau sees APB’s schedule-driven union shop as another outstanding feature. “Our capabilities range from doing underground civil work to doing heavy lifts with our 300-ton cranes,” says Lau. “We provide … turnkey projects from the ground up with our own resources and limited subs.”

Known for its efficient turnaround and shut down work at refineries and power plants, APB also does a lot of fueling and specialized welding and fabrication work. But the tricky part of these projects is their location. “We have to plan work out very well to get it done, because you can’t just get a large crane to show up; we’re in the middle of the ocean, that’s what’s challenging about working in Hawaii,” says Lau.

In-House and External Skills

Indeed, APB’s location may present the occasional challenge, but APB’s 18,000 square foot shop facility is well-equipped to handle almost all of the company’s services. APB has the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) code stamps “U” pressure vessel, “PP” power piping, “A” boiler assembly and “R” National Board Inspection Code repairs. And APB’s craftsmen include electricians, carpenters, laborers, operating engineers, ironworkers and pipefitters.

Based on this range of skill, APB only subcontracts about five percent of its work. “That’s another thing that makes us different; we keep so much in-house,” says Lau. “We do sub out some insulation and positive remediation, though.”

through that station per day. APB built a temporary pump station to handle that water flow while it gutted and expanded the existing pump station to double its size. Once completed, the pump station was turned over to the city and APB was recognized by the GCA for its work.

In 2008, APB was the key contractor for Chevron’s 2008 turnaround -- a six-week, around-the-clock project that required 150 of APB’s employees and about 400 Chevron employees working to revamp the refinery.

Repeat customers, such as Chevron, are a key performance indicator for Lau, who does limited bidding since most of his work comes directly from project owners. “My clientele demands service and when they need us, they want us immediately,” he says. “I can tell we’re doing well when we get called back.”

Even with loyal, repeat customers, APB noticed the economic slowdown. “It will be a year or two before things settle,” Lau foresees of the marketplace. “People have money, but are not willing to spend it right now.” To diversify its services in the face of such funding challenges, APB found a partner and jumped into the renewable energy sector. “We’re looking into photovoltaic, solar and wind,” Lau shares.

Using this budding expertise, APB is now bidding on government projects involving these renewable energy technologies. Lau believes APB could have a large share in this market, but the company is looking before it leaps. “We could kick it up and do more work, but we like the control, we’re steady where we’re … I don’t know how far sustainable energy will take us or if growth will be needed to take us there,” he admits.

Still, APB has the facility, safety record, resume of completed projects and the ambitious disposition to step into renewable energies to provide the company a foundation on which to grow. American Piping and Boiler Co. has the resources to keep business flowing, as seen through its repeat work and reputation throughout Hawaii.•

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Established : 1965President : John Polischeck Jr.Annual Revenue : $30 Million

Employees : 120

w w w. a pb c o n s t r u c t i o n g r o u p. o r g

COMPANY AT A GLANCE

When the company does use a subcontractor, it does not go for the lowest bidder, but works with the same vendors repeatedly to get the best pricing and service. “Coordinating with vendors and subcontractors, paying them on time and making them part of the team is a key component in completing a project on time and on budget,” according to Lau.

Diversified Customers

Combining its in-house capabilities and reliable subcontractors and vendors, APB has finished several notable projects, some for repeat clients and others outside the company’s normal work.

In 2006 APB continued its long-standing relationship with Chevron on an environmental compliance project. “It was a $50 million project that required a lot of piping and concrete and had to finish in three or four months,” Lau remembers.APB was also the contractor for the Ewa Beach Waste Water Pump Station Upgrade. The challenge for this project was the nine million gallons of water pumping

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American Piping and Boiler Co.91-335 Kauhi St

Kapolei, HI 96707United States

www.apbconstructiongroup.org