Leading Tasmanian electrical and communications contractors have been recognised at the annual electrical industry Excellence Awards on Saturday, 4 August 2012,hosted by peak Australian industry body the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).

Four companies across six categories received the top state awards in front of over 200 industry representatives including contractors, educators and government representatives at the premier showcase event for Tasmania’s electrical and communications industry at Tattersalls Park, Glenorchy.

NECA Tasmania president Andrew Farr says the winning companies were chosen because of their commitment to excellence, significant engineering achievements and importantly finishing the complex jobs on time.

“The electrical and communications contracting firms that have won an award are simply outstanding for what they have achieved during each project,” Andrew says.

“The judging panel were privileged to view such high quality projects and as always, NECA members have played a critical role in some of the largest and most diverse construction jobs in the state.”

The winning companies and their projects are listed below:

Category – Small Contracting Business

A small contractor employing less that 10 technical employees, demonstrating a wide range of skills on a particular project.

Winner: BJ Banks Electrical
Project: Wellington Centre
Why: BJ Banks completed the electrical component of the Wellington Centre and the job grew with them as they won the shop fit outs, Woolworths complete installation and the Department of Health and Human Services base works. They had to change the electrical works to achieve an installation that was not only environmentally friendly but also to redesign many of the Centre’s areas.

BJ Banks director Bruce Banks says, “For BJ Banks to be recognised as a national award winner reflects the excellent work carried out by our team. To win an award of this calibre also shows our clients that we are one of Tasmania’s leading contractors.”

Category – Industrial Project – Small

An industrial project which may include, but is not limited to, undertakings of a civil, mining, high voltage, manufacturing or process nature where the contract value is less than $2 million.

Winner: DegreeC
Project: Fonterra Australia Ammonia Detection System
Why: The system needed to be integrated with the existing equipment which provided challenges to the team who tackled the unusual installation head on and completed the project safely, on time and on budget – a testament to the experience and communication of the people involved.

DegreeC state manager Wayne Hobson says, “DegreeC is pleased to be recognised as the winner in this category. The recognition shows the ability of our employees to complete outstanding installations and to work closely with our customers to meet their needs.”

Category – Voice/Data Project

A voice/data communications project of any contract value.

Winner: PSG Pacific Service Group
Project: Statewide Independent Wholesalers
Why: PSG had the expertise to install the state of the art technology for the Retail Distribution Centre. The construction of Tasmania’s largest Systimax Information Technology Distribution Networks was a great achievement for the skilled and dedicated team at PSG.

PSG Project Manager Geoff Lindridge says, “PSG’s involvement in a communications project of such significance has provided a platform for industry recognition. The skilled and trained data technicians were supported by a group of skilled electrical technicians and apprentices to deliver the project on time, on budget and to the highest standard.”

Category – Commercial – Small Project

A commercial project where the applicant’s contract value is less than $500,000.

Winner: Contact Electrical Pty Ltd
Project: Hopkins St Affordable Living Development
Why: The project delivered real benefits to the tenants providing access to quality living conditions with low running costs. The installation team derived great personal satisfaction from their involvement in the project and were not daunted by the challenges faced throughout the project.

Contract Electrical Hobart branch manager Martin Jackson says, “To be recognised as a winner by industry peers is proof of a successful accomplishment and partnership by our installers, our project managers, our administration staff and our valued clients. It also reflects our commitment to quality and willingness to provide a competitive, dynamic and successful outcome to all involved.”

Category – Commercial – Medium Project

A commercial project where the applicant’s contract value is more than $500,000 and less than $2 million.

Winner: PSG Pacific Services Group
Project: Kmart Store Upgrade
Why: PSG provided the expertise to undertake the mammoth task of transforming the 1974 Kmart store into a state of the art retail complex. The team worked day and night to complete the project whilst maintaining staff and customer safety as the store was operational throughout the upgrade.

PSG project manager Geoff Lindridge says, “PSG delivered the Kmart Devonport store upgrade at a high standard of workmanship. PSG is proud of the achievements in being involved with the delivery of such a challenging pilot program project to one of Australia’s largest retailers.”

Category – Commercial – Large Project

A commercial project where the applicant’s contract value is greater than $2 million.

Winner: Contact Electrical Pty Ltd
Project: Launceston General Hospital – Integrated Care Centre and Car Park Stage 1
Why: Pulling together an electrical system with so many varying types of technology was extremely challenging. Bringing a project such as this in under budget and on time is a great achievement.

Contract Electrical Launceston branch manager Rob Young says, “Successfully completing the project and meshing the syste ms together was in our mind our biggest achievement of all.”