Alberici Constructors | Construction & Design-Build Leader
Alberici Constructors: A Legacy of Building a Better Future
In the vast and ever-evolving world of construction, few companies can boast a legacy as rich and impactful as Alberici Constructors. For over a century, Alberici has been a cornerstone of the North American construction industry, shaping landscapes, building critical infrastructure, and leaving an indelible mark of quality, integrity, and innovation. This in-depth exploration will delve into the multifaceted world of Alberici Constructors, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a diversified construction leader. We will uncover the secrets to its enduring success, examining its history, services, market sectors, notable projects, and the core values that have guided it for more than 100 years.
A Century of Building: The Alberici Constructors Story
The Alberici story is a testament to the American dream, a narrative of ambition, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It all began in 1918 when John Stanislaus Alberici, an Italian immigrant with a passion for building, founded the J.S. Alberici Construction Company in St. Louis, Missouri. His vision was simple yet profound: to create the best possible construction company, one built on a foundation of trust, quality, and an unwavering commitment to its clients.
The early years were marked by steady growth, with the company taking on increasingly complex projects and earning a reputation for its reliability and craftsmanship. A pivotal moment came in 1928 when John’s son, Gabriel Alberici, joined the company. Gabriel’s keen business acumen and forward-thinking approach were instrumental in shaping the company’s future. He recognized the importance of investing in equipment and technology, a philosophy that continues to drive Alberici’s success today.
The 1940s brought a new era of leadership, with Gabriel and his sister Mary taking the helm. Under their guidance, the company incorporated in 1946 and embarked on a path of diversification. Recognizing the need for greater control over project timelines and quality, Alberici established its own steel fabrication plant in 1958. This strategic move not only enhanced its self-perform capabilities but also opened doors to new markets, including the burgeoning automotive industry.
The latter half of the 20th century saw Alberici expand its reach and expertise, venturing into healthcare, energy, and heavy industrial construction. The company’s commitment to safety was formalized in the 1960s with the hiring of its first safety professional, a move that led to a significant reduction in accidents and set a new standard for the industry.
As the 21st century dawned, Alberici continued to evolve, embracing new technologies and sustainable building practices. The company’s LEED Platinum-certified headquarters, completed in the early 2000s, stands as a symbol of its commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation.
Today, Alberici Constructors is a multi-billion dollar enterprise with a workforce of over 3,500 dedicated professionals. It is a recognized leader in the North American construction industry, with a diverse portfolio of projects that span a wide range of markets. Yet, despite its growth and success, the company has never lost sight of the values that have been its guiding light since its founding: integrity, quality, safety, and a deep-seated commitment to its clients and communities.
Core Competencies: A Deep Dive into Alberici's Services
Alberici’s success can be attributed in large part to its comprehensive range of services and its ability to deliver tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each client. The company’s core competencies encompass the entire construction lifecycle, from preconstruction planning to project completion and beyond.
Preconstruction
Alberici understands that a successful project begins long before the first shovel breaks ground. Its preconstruction services are designed to provide clients with the insights and expertise they need to make informed decisions and set their projects up for success. This includes:
Feasibility studies: Assessing the viability of a project and identifying potential challenges and opportunities.
Conceptual and detailed estimating: Providing accurate and transparent cost projections to help clients manage their budgets effectively.
Value engineering: Identifying opportunities to optimize project costs without sacrificing quality or functionality.
Constructability reviews: Analyzing project designs to ensure they are efficient, practical, and safe to build.
Scheduling and logistics planning: Developing detailed project schedules and logistics plans to ensure timely and efficient project execution.
Construction Management
As a leading construction manager, Alberici offers a collaborative and transparent approach to project delivery. Its construction management services include:
Construction Management at Risk (CMAR): Alberici acts as a consultant during the design phase and as a general contractor during the construction phase, providing clients with a single point of responsibility and a guaranteed maximum price.
Construction Management as Agent (CMA): Alberici acts as an advisor and representative for the owner, providing expert guidance and oversight throughout the project lifecycle.
General Contracting
Alberici’s general contracting services are the bedrock of its business. The company has a long and proven track record of delivering high-quality projects on time and on budget. Its general contracting services include:
Competitive bidding: Providing fair and competitive bids for a wide range of projects.
Project management: Overseeing all aspects of the construction process, from subcontractor management to quality control.
Self-perform capabilities: Alberici’s ability to self-perform critical trades, such as concrete, steel erection, and equipment setting, gives it greater control over project schedules, costs, and quality.
Design-Build
Alberici is a leader in the design-build project delivery method, which offers a streamlined and collaborative approach to construction. In a design-build project, the owner contracts with a single entity to provide both design and construction services. This integrated approach offers a number of benefits, including:
Faster project delivery: The design and construction phases can be overlapped, reducing the overall project schedule.
Cost savings: The integrated team can work together to identify cost-saving opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.
Improved quality: The close collaboration between the design and construction teams can lead to a higher-quality finished product.
Self-Perform Capabilities
One of Alberici’s key differentiators is its extensive self-perform capabilities. The company has a large and highly skilled workforce of craft professionals who are experts in a wide range of trades, including:
Civil and concrete: Foundations, structural concrete, and site work.
Structural steel fabrication and erection: In-house fabrication and erection of structural steel.
Process piping and equipment installation: Installation of complex process piping and equipment for industrial facilities.
Millwright and rigging services: Setting and alignment of heavy machinery and equipment.
By self-performing these critical trades, Alberici can ensure the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency on its projects.
Diverse Markets, Specialized Solutions
Alberici’s expertise extends across a wide range of market sectors, each with its own unique challenges and requirements. The company’s ability to adapt its services and solutions to meet the specific needs of each market is a testament to its versatility and depth of experience.
Automotive
Alberici has been a trusted partner to the automotive industry for over 60 years. The company has built and renovated numerous automotive manufacturing facilities, from assembly plants to engine and transmission plants. Its expertise in this market includes:
Body shops: Construction of complex body shop facilities with automated welding and assembly lines.
Paint shops: Construction of state-of-the-art paint shop facilities with advanced environmental controls.
General assembly: Construction of final assembly facilities with integrated conveyor systems and tooling.
Buildings
Alberici has a diverse portfolio of building projects, including commercial, institutional, and healthcare facilities. Its expertise in this market includes:
Commercial office buildings: Construction of high-rise and low-rise office buildings, with a focus on creating modern and sustainable workplaces.
Healthcare facilities: Construction of hospitals, clinics, and research laboratories, with a deep understanding of the unique requirements of the healthcare environment.
Institutional buildings: Construction of educational facilities, government buildings, and cultural institutions.
Heavy Industrial
Alberici is a leader in heavy industrial construction, with a proven track record of delivering complex and challenging projects. Its expertise in this market includes:
Power plants: Construction of fossil fuel, nuclear, and renewable energy power plants.
Manufacturing facilities: Construction of a wide range of manufacturing facilities, from steel mills to cement plants.
Mining and metals: Construction of mining and metals processing facilities, including concentrators, smelters, and refineries.
Industrial Process
Alberici has extensive experience in the industrial process market, which includes industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. Its expertise in this market includes:
Food and beverage facilities: Construction of food and beverage processing and packaging facilities, with a focus on cGMP compliance and food safety.
Pharmaceutical facilities: Construction of pharmaceutical manufacturing and research facilities, with a deep understanding of the stringent requirements of this industry.
Chemical plants: Construction of chemical processing facilities, with a focus on safety and environmental compliance.
Water
Alberici is a leading contractor in the water and wastewater market, with a portfolio of projects that includes some of the largest and most complex water treatment facilities in North America. Its expertise in this market includes:
Water treatment plants: Construction of new water treatment plants and upgrades to existing facilities.
Wastewater treatment plants: Construction of new wastewater treatment plants and upgrades to existing facilities.
Pipelines and pump stations: Installation of large-diameter pipelines and pump stations for water and wastewater conveyance.
Building the Future: A Look at Alberici's Notable Projects
Alberici’s portfolio of projects is a testament to its capabilities and expertise. The company has been involved in some of the most iconic and challenging construction projects in North America. Here are just a few examples of its notable projects:
General Motors Delta Township Assembly Plant
Completed on an aggressive 20-month schedule, the General Motors Delta Township Assembly Plant is a 2.4 million-square-foot facility that was the first automotive manufacturing facility in the world to achieve LEED Gold certification. The project involved the construction of a body shop, general assembly facility, and an administration building with a state-of-the-art data center. Alberici’s commitment to sustainability and its collaborative approach were key to the success of this landmark project.
CITYPARK Stadium
Home to St. Louis’s Major League Soccer team, CITYPARK is a 22,423-seat stadium that has been recognized for its innovative use of structural steel. The stadium’s open and transparent design creates an intimate and exciting game-day experience for fans. Alberici, in a joint venture, overcame pandemic-related challenges to deliver this iconic project, which has become a catalyst for the revitalization of downtown St. Louis.
Kings Bay Dry Dock Recapitalization Project
This project, one of the largest investments in naval infrastructure since World War II, involved the renovation of the Trident Refit Facility at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base. The project required meticulous planning and execution to ensure the safety and security of the active naval installation. Alberici’s work on this mission-critical project has been recognized with a Build America Award from the Associated General Contractors of America.
James River Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow (SWIFT) Facility
This project, a joint venture with Ulliman Schutte, is a key component of the Hampton Roads Sanitation District’s program to recharge the Potomac Aquifer. The project involves the construction of a new water treatment facility and upgrades to an existing wastewater treatment plant. Alberici’s commitment to community engagement and environmental stewardship has been a hallmark of this project.
Growth and Expansion: A North American Leader
Alberici’s growth has been both organic and strategic. The company has expanded its geographic reach and its service offerings through a series of acquisitions and partnerships.
In 2023, Alberici acquired J.R. Filanc Construction Company, a California-based contractor specializing in water and wastewater projects. This acquisition significantly enhanced Alberici’s capabilities in the water market and expanded its presence in the western United States.
Alberici’s Canadian operations, Alberici Constructors, Ltd. and Alberici Western Constructors, Ltd., have a strong presence in the Canadian market, with a focus on the water/wastewater, industrial/power, and mining sectors.
The Power of Partnership: Collaboration and Joint Ventures
Alberici recognizes that collaboration is key to success in the complex world of construction. The company has a long history of forming strategic partnerships and joint ventures with other leading firms in the industry. These partnerships allow Alberici to leverage the expertise and resources of its partners to deliver the best possible outcomes for its clients.
One notable joint venture is the Kiewit-Alberici Joint Venture, which has been involved in a number of major infrastructure projects. Another is the Archer Western/Alberici Joint Venture, which is currently working on the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project, a massive environmental restoration project in Louisiana.
A Culture of Excellence: Awards and Recognition
Alberici’s commitment to excellence has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades from industry organizations and clients. The company is consistently ranked among the top contractors in North America by Engineering News-Record (ENR).
Some of its recent awards include:
ENR Midwest’s ‘Project of the Year’ for the Taylor Visitor Center at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Canada’s Safest Construction Employer Excellence Awardee.
Two Ontario General Contractors Association Builder Awards for its work on the General Motors CAMI Electric Light Commercial Vehicle facility and the Humber Treatment Plant.
AGCMO Keystone Awards for the CITYPARK Stadium and the Melvin Price Locks & Dam Main Lock Overlook Alterations.
Build America Award for the Kings Bay Dry Dock Recapitalization Project.
IDEAS² Award for steel construction for CITYPARK stadium.
These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of Alberici’s employees and their unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and innovation.
More Than a Company: Values, Culture, and Community
Alberici is more than just a construction company; it is a company with a strong sense of purpose and a deep commitment to its values. The company’s mission is to “build the critical structures that improve lives and strengthen communities.” This mission is reflected in everything it does, from the projects it builds to its commitment to its employees and the communities in which it works.
Company Values
Alberici’s values are the foundation of its culture. They are:
Working Safely: Safety is Alberici’s number one priority. The company is committed to ensuring that everyone goes home injury-free every day.
Valuing Diversity: Alberici is committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong and can succeed.
Serving Humbly: Alberici approaches its work with a sense of humility and a desire to serve its clients and communities.
Executing with Integrity: Alberici is committed to honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all of its dealings.
Solving Creatively: Alberici embraces challenges and is always looking for new and innovative ways to solve problems.
Engaging Fully: Alberici is committed to engaging fully with its clients, partners, and employees to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Community Involvement
Alberici has a long tradition of giving back to the communities in which it works. In 2001, the Alberici family established the Alberici Foundation to formalize its charitable giving. The foundation supports a wide range of non-profit organizations, with a focus on education, health and human services, and the arts.
One of the foundation’s most significant contributions was a $5 million grant to establish the Center for Sustainability at St. Louis University. This grant is a testament to Alberici’s commitment to building a more sustainable future.
Innovation in Construction: Technology at Alberici
Alberici has always been at the forefront of innovation in the construction industry. The company embraces new technologies and construction methods to improve efficiency, quality, and safety.
Virtual Design and Construction (VDC)
Alberici is a leader in the use of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) technology. VDC allows the company to create detailed 3D models of its projects, which can be used to:
Identify and resolve clashes between different building systems before construction begins.
Improve collaboration between the design and construction teams.
Enhance safety by allowing the team to visualize and plan for potential hazards.
Lean Construction
Alberici is a proponent of Lean construction principles, which are focused on eliminating waste and maximizing value. The company’s Lean Edge program is a collaborative approach to project delivery that involves all stakeholders in the process. By using Lean principles, Alberici is able to streamline its operations, reduce costs, and improve project outcomes.
Building a Sustainable Future: Alberici's Green Commitment
Alberici is deeply committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The company’s LEED Platinum-certified headquarters is a testament to this commitment. The building features a number of sustainable design features, including a green roof, a geothermal heating and cooling system, and a rainwater harvesting system.
Alberici’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its own facilities. The company is a leader in the construction of green buildings and has completed numerous LEED-certified projects. It is also actively involved in the construction of renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind farms.
The Alberici Family: By the Numbers
Annual Revenue: Alberici’s annual revenue exceeds $4 billion, making it one of the largest construction companies in North America.
Number of Employees: Alberici employs approximately 3,500 salaried and craft professionals across North America.
ENR Ranking: Alberici is consistently ranked among the top 40 contractors in the United States by Engineering News-Record.
A Legacy of Building and a Vision for the Future
For over a century, Alberici Constructors has been a driving force in the North American construction industry. From its humble beginnings as a small family-owned business to its current status as a diversified construction leader, the company has never wavered from its commitment to quality, integrity, and innovation.
As Alberici looks to the future, it is well-positioned to continue its legacy of building. The company’s diverse expertise, its commitment to its values, and its embrace of new technologies will enable it to meet the challenges of the 21st century and continue to build the critical structures that improve lives and strengthen communities for generations to come. Alberici is not just building structures; it is building a better future, one project at a time.
Alberici Constructors Leadership & Teams
Mike Burke – Chief Operating Officer
Aaron Geiger – Chief Technology Officer
Richard Jaggers – Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Trevor Ladner – Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel
Jack Scott – Chief Administrative Officer
Jose Garcia-Aranda – President of Alberici Global Automotive Constructors
Dieter Bareiss – Vice President of Operations
Fred Biermann – Executive Vice President
Lance Cage – Executive Vice President
Will Chipley – Vice President, Operations
Denay Davis – Vice President, Employee Services
John Grib – Vice President, Market Leader – Kienlen Constructors
Tim Gunn – Vice President of Construction
Rick Kayser – Executive Vice President
Mike McClellan – Vice President
Don Oberlies – Vice President Industrial Process
Mike Rhoda – Vice President Construction
Matt Schumacher – Vice President of Estimating
John Smith – Vice President and Market Leader, Energy & Industrial
Sean Thibeault – Vice President
Joe Turner – Executive Vice President of Construction
Headquarters: 8800 Page Avenue St. Louis, MO 63114
Phone: 314-733-2000
Website: www.alberici.com