Local Construction Company Adheres to 'Old Fashioned' Principles of Hard Work, Dedication, Detail and Customer Satisfaction

Inland Empire Business Journal, Jul 01, 2001

M. R. Bracey Construction Co. Inc., 646 West California St. in Ontario, has earned a prominent niche in the annals of Southern California construction history. From major developments to detailed modernizations, expansions and restorations, the ideals of the company's founder: hard work, dedication, attention to detail and customer satisfaction are still very much in place today.

Since 1961, M. R. Bracey Construction Co. Inc. has been a leader in commercial and institutional construction in communities throughoutSouthern California. Over the years, it has gained expertise in many fields, including: renovation, restoration, seismic retrofit, and new construction.

In addition, the company is the authorized dealer for both Butler Manufacturing Co. and VP Buildings. These are two of the world's largest and most respected manufacturers of pre-engineered structures -enabling M.R. Bracey to offer its clients a wider variety of versatile and economic options. Expertise, combined with organizational skills, has been the essential element to insure the successful and timely completion o f a huge variety of construction projects.

Professionalism is instilled in M.R. Bracey's personnel at every level and is apparent in every aspect of their work, establishing a reputation for quality, positive attitudes and participation in community and professional organizations. The company's commitment to a higher standard is reflected in its genuine interest in its customers' organizations and is attuned to their expectations and needs. Special attention is given to budget constraints through value engineering, to help clients maximize their resources.

Following are short profiles from some of their recently completed projects.

M. R. Bracey Construction Co. Inc. Receives National Award

A structure built by M. R. Bracey Construction Co. Inc. has been honored by VP Buildings, one of the nation's largest manufacturers of pre-engineered steel buildings. M. R. Bracey Construction Co. Inc. has been named to VP Buildings' 2001 Hall of Fame for the Claremont University Consortium, Physical Plant facility in Claremont. The award recognized the firm's excellence in craftsmanship and construction. The 49, 000-square -foot structure was completed for occupancy in July of 2000.

The structure houses the support staff consisting of supply, trades shops, engineering and their associated office staffs for the Claremont Universities. The architect, Wheeler & Wheeler of Claremont, chose to use a pre-engineered structure for its versatil ty and economy. The cost of the total project, which includes all associated site work, was $4,500,000.

The National Hall of Fame awards are presented each year to authorized VP Builders for outstanding integration of building systems, products and design.

The 2001 Hall of Fame awards included hundreds of winning entries in the following categories: agriculture, auto dealership, churches, fast track, government buildings, aircraft hangars, manufacturing facilities, offices, recreational facilities, retail buildings, retrofit roofing, schools, warehouses and miscellaneous.

More than 1,000 authorized builders are eligible to enter multiple categories in the Hall of Fame competition. This year, 120 projects were selected to receive Hall of Fame status.

David Gilchrist, president, VP Buildings, commented, "VP gained recognition many years ago with the 'Custom Concept.' The Hall of Fame is proof positive that our builders continue to challenge the boundaries by seeking new and innovative ways to prove that preengineered buildings are the system of choice."

Larry Weed, president, M.R. Bracey Construction Co. Inc. expressed his appreciation for the honor bestowed upon his company and thanked Mr. Gilchrist for his vision and leadership, as well as all of the members of VP Buildings for their support.

Established in 1961, M.R. Bracey Construction Co. Inc. has completed countless commercial', industrial and institutional projects throughout Southern California, acquiring expertise in a wide variety of areas, including: renovation, restoration, seismic retrofit, new construction and design and erection of pre-engineered structures.

Asked to quote the organization's mission statement, Weed responded, "It is our mission to provide our customers with uncompromising quality, personal service and competitive pricing, and to provide our employees with proper training, equal opportunity, and a safe working environment."

The Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino was the fortunate recipient of M.R. Bracey's expertise and sensitivity. The project required the complete restoration of the early mission style church, including the addition of a marble/granite baptismal font, a new altar, ambo, lectern, and restoration and refinishing of the tabernacle, as well as other liturgical items.

A project of a totally different nature that the company has contracted for is the Victorville Quarry Expansion Project the completion of the installation of metal siding on a 360-ft.-tall pre-heater tower at a quarry site, owned by Southdown California Cement, LLC, located in the desert near Apple Valley.