Walbridge Southeast example , the Asheville area had devastating weather conditions , such as hurricanes and snow storms . This meant that we needed to be flexible with our schedule and critical about ensuring the safety of our people , and I think we did pretty well in that regard ,” highlights Mike Williams .
Strong relationships
Reflecting on the company ’ s achievements , Mike Williams recognizes the values that have buttressed the company ’ s success . “ Like any business , adhering to your company values is so important . For us , that involves a number of facets : safety and customer satisfaction , and open and honest communication , for example . Those pillars enable a business to grow and be successful , and I think that is what has brought us to where we are today ,” Mike Bedell says .
The key ingredient to success for Mike Williams is the company ’ s relationships with subcontractors . “ We treat subcontractors fairly , which means we have repeat trade partners on projects . In addition , the clients we chose to work with are exceptional . We have a great business development and marketing group that helps steer where the business goes as far as pursuing different projects , and industries . This enables us to be very selective and that has really helped our division be successful .”
With these thoughts in mind , the next few years are looking fantastic for Walbridge Southeast . Mike Williams highlights that a particularly exciting project is currently underway , in partnership with one of the largest auto manufacturers in the US . “ They kicked off a very large project in Tennessee in 2022 , and it is to the tune of $ 5.6 billion , which will be built over the next three years . The work is to create an electric vehicle manufacturing and battery plant . It is wonderful to see that this is becoming a big part of our industry and it ’ s going to have a lasting impact .”
Both leaders predict that the development of electric vehicle infrastructure will form a large segment for the business in the future . “ Battery plant contracts are coming up more and more . We are in the process of building several right now , and to be part of something that big is encouraging to us ,” shares Mike Williams .
The hope is that these massive , multiyear projects will bridge any sort of slump in business that might occur in the long term . “ We have these mega jobs we are involved with that will sustain us for potentially a couple of years . Like Mike said , the big work is great but we also have to maintain our flexibility and find some smaller projects to keep us on our toes ,” Mike Bedell concludes . ■
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