General Excavating

With over 6,000-feet of water main, 8,000-feet of storm sewer pipe, 3,600-feet of sanitary sewer pipe and 2,000-feet of electrical duct bank to install, General Excavating has been very busy digging and digging and digging........

Last year, Kawasaki's corporate headquarters announced plans of building a new railcar manufacturing facility. The manufacturing plant is now being completed adjacent to the existing Kawasaki plant at NW 27th and Fletcher Streets in Lincoln, Nebraska. "The facility plans to manufacture these cars for light transit purposes," says Larry Younger, a Kawasaki representative.

Plans are to finish the project by October 2001. Starting in December of 2000, General Excavating was hired to complete many portions of the underground utility work for several different subcontractors. Actual work includes sanitary sewer, storm sewer, fire-water main, electrical, and drain tile.

A severe winter caused more than two-feet of frost that had to be pre-ripped or sawed. After the spring thaw, piles of dirt that were originalIy chunks of frost had to be cleaned up and removed because they were not suitable for backfill. Frost was found in some of the piles as late as May. A tight time frame with several contractors working on the site at once has required intensive planning, scheduling and cooperation. "The project has run smoothly despite the unusually bad weather. We have enjoyed working for several different contractors on site and try to help out where we can," states Jim Brunner, Project Manager for General Excavating.

General Excavating is nearly complete with the original scope of work at the Kawasaki Railcar plant and continues to negotiate and bid additional underground work as needed. We just keep digging and digging and digging.......

Subcontracted through Willmar Electric Service to trench, encase, backfill the electrical duct bank and pour three manholes and three transformer pads. "General Excavating completes quality workit's that simple," claims John Schueth, Project Manager for Willmar Electric Service.

Subcontracted through Shanahan Mechanical & Electrical to excavate and backfill for the sanitary sewer and process equipment drains.

"Shanahan has always had a good relationship with General Excavating. They are very cooperative and handle schedules well," comments Jack Dillon, Project Manager for Shanahan Mechanical & Electrical.

Subcontracted through Nifco Mechanical to complete fire water main, storm and sanitary sewer.

"General Excavating is very professional and easy to work with. We look forward to working together on our next project, " states Mike McNiff, President of Nifco Mechanical.

Subcontracted directly through Kawasaki Corp. to install the drain tile in the rail-sput subgrade.

"The staff at General Excavating is very flexible and have met or exceeded all of our expectations,'' says Larry Younger, representative for Kawasaki Corp.

Relocation, Relocation, Relocation: New construction forces utility lines to be relocated.

With the new construction occurring all over Lincoln, Omaha and surrounding areas, it forces existing utility lines to be relocated. Gas lines, communication lines, storm, water and sanitary, as well as electrical lines have to be relocated when new construction occurs in a new or existing area of development.

General Excavating offers services in the relocation of these utility lines. Our vacuum excavator can locate all existing utilities without interruption, while our directional bore machines, trenchers and backhoes help relocate the utility when needed.

Not Your Typical Dump Site: General Excavating donates dump trucks for 1st Annual Duck Race

The 1st Annual Great Salt Creek Duck Race quacked off on Father's Day prior to the Saltdog's baseball game. General Excavating dumped over 2,000 ducks into the Salt Creek from the Haymarket Square bridge. The rubber ducks raced towards Charleston Street bridge with the chance of winning fabulous prizes, one of which was a $300 landscaping gift certificate provided by General Excavating.

"As a corporate sponsor of the event, we are proud to support Lincoln sports," commented Scott Fitzgerald, President of General Excavating. According to the Lincoln Sports Commission, monies raised from this event will go toward "maintaining State High School Championships and other events in Lincoln, while a portion of the proceeds go toward Youth Baseball and Junior Golf in Lincoln."

Ready...Set...WALK! From eight walkers raising $1000 in 2000, to eighteen walkers raising more than $4400 in 2001, General Excavating showed their commitment in the search for treatment and a cure for premature births!

From setting up our water station, pushing strollers and slathering on the sun block, it was an afternoon of accomplishment and pride. We thank the local businesses, families and friends who supported us this year! Thank you for all of your donations and help.

This quarter's photo winner is Dale Carman. Dale is a foreman and has been with General Excavating for over five years. This picture illustrates a riser being installed at Ash Grove Cement Dome in Louisville, NE. This work was subcontracted through Ayars & Ayars, Inc.

Each quarter, employees enter photos in our contest for a chance to be published in our newsletter and win $100. Congratulations Dale!