NEWS & EVENTS

Feature Article in Construction Today
September 2009

ewtown, Pa.-based Mandrel Construction Co. Inc. is a privately held commercial construction firm that specializes in the institutional, commercial, office and multi-use building sectors.  Still in its infancy, the four-year-old company already amasses between $20 million and $25 million of construction volume a year, and tackles projects for private endusers, commercial developers and institutions throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.  The company's collaborative way of doing business gives it an advantage, it says.

"We specialize in a team approach, working together with the owner, architect, contractor and facility user to ultimately produce a completed facility that is certain to exceed all expectations," co-owner Larry Grabowski says.  "It is our responsibility to manage and direct the entire construction effort from conception to completion, with superior hands-on involvement.  Providing experienced team members that deliver overall satisfaction is our mission and responsibility," Grabowski continues.  "And, it is a mission that we do not take lightly."  The company has proven this over time with its dedicated approach to building.  Mandrel focuses on the details, but always keeps its eye on the bigger picture, hence its "no overages" policy — a rare commitment in today's constrction marketplace.

In a recent interview with Construction Today, the company explained why it is willing to absorb the cost of any changes it has to make to a project, as well as its unique level of customer service.

Construction Today: What sets you apart from your competition?
Mandrel Construction:

• Our customer service - The superior work we perform before, during and even after the job is complete, in addition to the continuous service we provide our clients is exactly what sets us apart — and well above — our competitors.
• Our attention to detail - Before and during the construction process, [our] attention to detail is superb.  We provide our clients with the highest level of communication, we listen intently to their needs and specifications and then we deliver a quality product — all to ensure that our clients are getting exactly what they wanted.  Often times, plans and expectations are different, so we work very closely with our clients to ensure that the project is delivered to meet and/or exceed their high expectations.
• Commitment to a "no overages" policy - We pride ourselves (on giving) one price and (sticking) to it.  Many contractors bid low to be awarded the job and then come back with an abundance of changeorders, so that by the time the job is complete, the price is much higher than originally anticipated and budgeted.  At Mandrel, we stick to our price when we bid our jobs and we do not increase that price.  Simply put, we do not believe in change orders.  That is our business model.  We stand by our price even if it costs us more, out of our own pockets, to deliver a superior product and keep our clients satisfied and happy.
• We're available 24/7 - At Mandrel, we pride ourselves in our availability to our clients.  The owners are always on call — including nights, weekends, even holidays.  No matter what the problem, our customers can always count on us to be there, at any time.  That is our commitment to each and every one of our clients.

CT: How is Mandrel faring in the current market?
MC: The construction market has definitely slowed down, and by doing so, has eliminated many contractors who were just not strong enough or simply did not possess the quality manpower or quantity of jobs needed to survive this downturn.  Fortunately, Mandrel Construction has obtained top talent.  We continue to market our services; we have tremendous positive word-of-mouth referrals and we have been able to maintain a consistent flow of repeat and new business.  We have therefore sustained a continuous stream of projects and even exceeded our business projections for this year and next.  We at Mandrel Construction feel honored, through our past history of excellence, to be part of the elite group of successful, high-quality contractors in the tri-state area of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

CT: What is a recent project you are proud of?
MC: The Franklin Towne Charter High School was one of our most recent projects.  (It is) a job that we are and continue to be so very proud of, as it demanded intricate fit-outs and state-of-the-art design, and we were able to meet all expectations and deliver a beautiful building.  We were the general contractor, but we also placed the $17 million tax-free financing through our subsidiary company, OmniVest Management.
We delivered the project on time and on budget without one change order, as we stand true to our business model.  We continue to manage their facilities and consider ourselves their partner for ongoing and future success.

Mandrel Construction can be reached at 215-497-8304, or at 115 Pheasant Run, Suite 114, Newton, Pa., 18940.

Published by Schofield Media Ltd. Tel: 312.236.4090 Fax: 312.236.4266
On behalf of Mandrel © 2009 Schofield Media Ltd.  All rights reserved.