DETROIT, MI — As a testament to the efforts by union trades and collaboratation on site, the Ford Central Energy Plant is the Joseph R. La Rocca Union Project of the Year.

The national award is presented annually by The Association of Union Constructors. It recognizes outstanding work under labor-management cooperation and is judged under four criteria: collaboration/teamwork; construction quality and craftsmanship; project execution/scale; and safety. The project’s award was in the $50 million or more category of work.

Built for DTE Energy for use on Ford’s Dearborn campus, the facility generates electricity, distributes chilled water, hot water, and steam to serve the Ford Dearborn campus.

“The skilled trades were key to the success of this project,” said Joe Castellano, Walbridge Senior Vice President. “They were active stakeholders, quick to action, and continually innovated with our team to create the best action plan for the customers.”

The strong relationship with the trades is specifically shown during preconstruction, scheduling through Last Planner and Touch Plan and use of BIM for sequencing piping and cable trays. The sequencing was essential, and the trades were exceptional at providing updated schedules and coordination to achieve every milestone.

“This was a complex project, but a testament to the skill and cooperation of the union trades,” Castellano said. “We’re honored to receive this award alongside them for the hard work to complete this project for DTE Energy and Ford."