“It is an honor to receive two ENR Global Best Project Awards and be recognized by a panel of international industry veterans. Being recognized for safety performance, application of innovative technologies, dedication to quality and successful collaboration with clients and trade contractors, is further representation that these two remarkable projects are a result of the teams’ unwavering commitment to excellence.,” noted Michael McKelvy, President and CEO of Gilbane.
The Afghan Ministry of Defense Headquarters Complex earned Global Best Project in the Military category. This Gilbane Federal construction project is a six-story, 414,000-square-foot building, housing ministry department offices, National Military Command Centers, administration, dining, kitchens, and a 936-fixed-seat auditorium to accommodate the core of Afghanistan National Army leadership and command bringing all Ministry of Defense functions into a single facility.
“This project involved a massive, unfinished structure left open to the elements for 18 months,” explained Gilbane Project Executive Mike Sousa. “With a focus on finishing early, we identified the variables and challenges and developed an execution plan that brought us to completion three months ahead of schedule.”
The Kerry Global Technology & Innovation Centre earned Global Best Project in the Manufacturing category. Located on a 28-acre site, the 250,000-square-foot facility accommodates approximately 900 employees and includes an interconnected administrative office building, customer application and development suites, research and development labs and pilot plant. “Teamwork was instrumental on this job,” said Gilbane Senior Vice President Adam Jelen. “We held principals’ meetings on a regular basis both from a leadership perspective and at the job level. But having the right team in place – one with humility and strong core values – was the real key to successful completion of the project.”
ENR’s panel of industry veterans looked at projects across multiple international markets and examined safety performance, innovations, challenges, and design and construction quality – with a special emphasis on the diversity of global project teams and their collaboration. They also considered how the project benefits the local community and/or the construction industry.
Courtesy of Steve Hill Photography
About Gilbane Building Company
Gilbane provides a full slate of construction and facilities-related services, from pre-construction planning and integrated consulting capabilities to comprehensive construction management, close-out and facility management services for clients across various markets. Founded in 1873 and still a privately held, family-owned company, Gilbane has more than 50 office locations around the world and is based in Providence, Rhode Island.
For more information, visit www.gilbaneco.com.
