| Helix Electric of Nevada: Open Shop |
| Construction | |
| Written by John Zorabedian | |
| Thursday, 31 January 2008 | |
 The construction industry is booming in Nevada. Victor Fuchs discusses how his company’s merit-shop flexibility allows it to bid competitively.  Victor Fuchs, President and Managing Partner HEN, which spun off from its San Diego-based parent, Helix Electric, Inc., wins its share of public projects as well. The company has landed several contracts since 1994 to provide terminal and runway lighting at McCarran International Airport, worth $17 million. In January 2008, the company was awarded a design-build electrical contract for construction of a sub-station of the Las Vegas Police Department. Victor Fuchs, president and managing partner of HEN, said the company’s size, experience, and flexibility make it a front runner for general contractors working on large-scale projects. “We can offer a competitive and fair price, but we also have a history of success of performing the jobs,” Fuchs said. “Our reputation of doing large projects, public or private, speaks for itself, and that’s why we’ve been successful.” HEN continually trains its 500-plus electricians, and because they are direct employees, the company has greater efficiency in assigning work, Fuchs said. And as a member of Associated Builders and Contractors of Nevada (ABC), a branch of a national industry group, HEN receives support for its education and workforce development programs. Helix is also focused on craft and management training through Helix University, the company’s educational arm that offers many classes for Helix personnel. From conduit bending to supervisory training programs, Helix University ensures a workforce ready to compete in today’s complex construction industry. The company’s focus on personnel also extends to safety. Fuchs said Helix has some of the most sophisticated safety programs in the industry. “Our people know safety comes first, and our supervisors are required to attend numerous safety programs designed to ensure our people are working on the safest job sites in Nevada.” Energy efficiency The constantly glittering lights of Las Vegas would probably bankrupt the city if it weren’t for increased energy efficiency. HEN has worked to get ahead of the curve in designing and installing energy efficient lighting and backup power systems. HEN has worked on several Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified projects. It was the electrical subcontractor on the Las Vegas Springs Preserve, which was certified by nonprofit US Green Building Council as a platinum-level project, the highest rating for sustainability. A complex of cultural and historic attractions, the 180-acre Springs Preserve contains botanical gardens, museums, galleries, and an outdoor amphitheater and is a featured public space for events and research into sustainability. HEN designed the Preserve’s solar-powered parking garage, garden, and pathway lighting. The company also designed and constructed a fire alarm system for the complex of eight buildings and surrounding grounds. “We have several other LEED projects in the process, either in design or just starting,” Fuchs said. “A lot of state and public works now go that way because it’s the right thing to do. We feel we’re a leader in that environment since we have so much experience.” When putting together competitive bids on major public projects such as the Springs Preserve, Fuchs said, the company relies on its experienced staff. “It’s a big task to put a bid on $12 million, $15 million, $20 million jobs,” he said. “We make sure it’s competitive, but we also make sure it’s right.” Sky’s the limit As one of the fastest growing cities in the country, the Las Vegas skyline is constantly changing, with high-rise condominium projects shooting up like a desert bloom. Taking full advantage of the construction boom, HEN is presently working on more than 2,000 units. “High-rise condominiums were going up everywhere,” Fuchs said. “In the last couple of years, we have been doing most of the non-Strip condominiums in the Las Vegas Valley.” Among its several projects downtown, HEN completed electrical work in 2007 on the Newport Lofts, a luxury 335-foot tower with more than 160 units, and the Manhattan Condominiums, a complex of nine four-story buildings with a total of 700 units. HEN provided design and installation of wireless Internet access, fire alarm, video security systems, landscape lighting, and utility coordination. As part of its design-build work, HEN has coordinated with architect and design firms on several award-winning projects, including a Las Vegas synagogue, the Congregation Ner Tamid, where it installed closed-circuit television, an audio-visual system for the 360-seat sanctuary, and tasteful lighting throughout the 8.5-acre complex, which includes a meditation garden and Holocaust memorial. “Many items of historical and spiritual significance were integrated into the design. Our task was to highlight the peaceful and reverent atmosphere these items inspire while making sure the systems never overpowered or distracted from the worshipful experience.” |
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American Executive is a RedCoat Publishing publication.
American Executive is a RedCoat Publishing publication.
