Partners In Success

Featured Contractor - DEW ELECTRIC

TEAMWORK BETWEEN CATS AND ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY  BRINGS SUCCESS TO CHARLOTTE LIGHT RAIL PROJECT

Bringing three key components—safety, expertise, and workforce management—together to complete the train control and electrification of Charlotte’s South Corridor Light Rail was the challenge. Through leadership and cooperation with the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), the team effort between Mass Electric Construction Company, DEW Electric and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 379 (IBEW) led to the successful installation of the city’s first Light Rail system.

EXPERTISE AND WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT

Mass Electric Construction Company (MEC) is a nationwide electrical contractor that has successfully completed train control and train electrification work for mass transit systems, including light rail, in most major US cities.  MEC brought the expertise to install the train control and electrification for CATS but needed the local electricians necessary to perform the work. Phillip Reynolds of MEC states, "DEW Electric LLC (DEW), a local DBE contractor, was selected by MEC as their exclusive subcontractor for these installations.  With financing assistance from WACHOVIA Bank, DEW was able to provide and manage a peak workforce of over 60 IBEW electricians and linemen."

SAFETY AND QUALITY

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 379 worked with DEW Electric to provide the highly skilled workforce required to complete the project in a safe, high quality manner. The continued training and skill level of the electricians was a vital component to a successful installation. "The working relationship with MEC and DEW is what 'Partners in Success' is all about. We're looking forward to future projects with MEC and DEW, says Bob Krebs, Business Manager of IBEW Local 379. 

The new South Corridor Light Rail system has been designed to be efficient, clean and safe. As Charlotte continues to grow and expand, residents and visitors alike can be assured of a mode of transportation that will be easily accessible, efficient and environmentally sound  thanks to the teamwork between CATS and the Electrical Construction Industry."As a result of the team effort between DEW,  IBEW Local Union No. 379 and Mass Electric, the city of Charlotte will experience its first Light Rail transportation.  With it comes an efficient, clean and safe train system" says David Smith, General Manager of DEW Electric.