Ramtech Completes Texas' Largest Design-Build School Project; Doubles Arlington Independent School District's Kindergarten Capacity

Business Wire, Feb 27, 2001

Business Editors

ARLINGTON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 27, 2001

Ramtech Building Systems, a design-build construction company specializing in both modular and site-erected component steel building projects, recently completed an $18 million, design-build construction project for the Arlington Independent School District (AISD), in effect doubling the system's kindergarten capacity.

Industry sources say this is the largest design-build project in Texas school history.

The AISD expansion project was a necessity, due to the district's decision to extend the hours of the district's entire kindergarten program from half-day to full-day schedules. As the 2000-2001 school year approached, the district accepted design-build construction bids to add 140,281 square feet -- to be specifically designed for kindergarten-age students.

"The size of the AISD project was an extraordinary opportunity for Ramtech to show our capabilities," said Mike Slataper, Ramtech president. "And meeting the deadline imposed by the approaching school year was almost like 'cramming for finals' back in school. Our team performed well under the pressure."

Bob Wadsworth, AISD executive director of plant services said, "Ramtech was selected after a thorough interview process. Each site had unique physical considerations, but once the project began, Ramtech was able to put in classrooms almost as easily as 'stacking dominoes.'"

The project, completed within budget in 15 months, encompassed 103 kindergarten classrooms utilizing standard two-, three- and four-room designs at 37 separate locations.

Design-build is a delivery system where a single entity is contracted to provide both design and construction. Prior to a state law passed in 1997, design-build contracts were not accepted in Texas by public schools or institutions of higher learning.

"Ramtech's design-build approach allowed the district to meet its required project deadlines," Wadsworth said. "Their Texas location also was advantageous to the district. The bottom line is that the project was a total success."

Ramtech Building Systems, based in Mansfield, Texas since 1982, is a leader in design-build construction, specializing in factory-built modular and site-erected component steel buildings for interim and permanent use. The company provides complete construction services for commercial and institutional projects in the public and private sectors utilizing its own in-house architectural, engineering, and project management staff as well as on-site superintendents to oversee urban, rural and remote construction projects. The company is a licensed contractor in 17 States. For more information, visit their Web site: www.ramtechgroup.com.