Alaka�i Mechanical Corp.�s projects include the fire sprinkler, plumbing, air conditioning and ventilation work at the Hawaii Prince Hotel in Waikiki, Oahu.

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Alaka’i Mechanical Corp. may not seek to be the least expensive mechanical contractor in Hawaii, but its customers aren’t complaining, President and CEO Clark Morgan says. As opposed to some competitors, “What we endeavor to provide is superior quality and service,” he asserts. “Most people are willing to pay for the added value, because in the long run, it is more economical.”

Based in Honolulu, the mechanical contractor provides air conditioning, ventilation, refrigeration, fire sprinklers, plumbing and energy management services. In addition, Alaka’i Mechanical provides repair and maintenance, and duct products for the air conditioning industry, Morgan says.

Alaka’i Mechanical began as a family owned business in 1974. Sixteen years later, Taisei Oncho Co. Ltd., a publicly traded Japan-based air conditioning and plumbing design and installation company, acquired the company.

“The company has three locations in the Hawaiian Islands with a staff of over 260,” Morgan says. “In addition, Alaka’i Mechanical expects revenues of $65 million this year. [We are] one of the largest mechanical contracting companies in Hawaii.”

In its work, Alaka’i Mechanical says it focuses on bringing outstanding value to its customers. “From late-night repair calls to major design-build projects, we take what we do for [customers] personally,” the company says. “Often that means going beyond what our clients expect of us.”

A Broad Base
Alaka’i Mechanical’s customer base primarily consists of general contractors, but Morgan says the company also serves facility owners and property managers. This often finds the company working on commercial properties, as well as projects for the U.S. military and government.

Alaka’i Mechanical is about to start work on the Hawaii Regional Security Operations Center in Wahiawa, Hawaii. The firm will provide the center’s air conditioning and plumbing systems.

“[The project is a] top priority for the U.S. Navy,” he says, adding that the general contract on the project is $320 million. The project is underway with completion set for 2010. The project consists of a main operations building with an air conditioning plant capacity of 2,550 tons and four ancillary buildings.

He adds that the company is also providing the air conditioning and plumbing for the new tower as well as the renovation of the Kaiser Moanalua Medical Center in Honolulu. Large projects, like the center, represent “the greatest revenue stream for us,” Morgan says.

A Strong Staff
As Morgan has led Alaka’i Mechanical, its employees have grown their abilities, which allow them to increase their contributions to the company.    

“That’s very satisfying [to watch],” he says. “Department mangers readily express new ideas and are willing to innovate. They are not afraid of making hard decisions.”

In addition to providing in-house training, Alaka’i Mechanical supports its employees if they want to expand their skills in educational programs outside of work. “Whether they’re service technicians or project managers, we encourage them to take on additional training and expand their professional abilities,” he says.

Alaka’i Mechanical also enjoys staff longevity. Currently, more than half of its employees carry 15 years or more with the company, Morgan says. “We just have an outstanding team of people,” he says.

Its longtime associates include Senior Vice President and Chief Estimator Ralph Inouye, who has been with the company for 23 years and has formed relationships with the major general contractors working in Hawaii.

“He does most of the negotiating for our large contracts,” Morgan adds.

Laying the Groundwork
Alaka’i Mechanical has its sights set on growth. Morgan explains Alaka’i Mechanical plans to grow its reach into the area of green building with projects focused on indoor air quality and cogeneration.

“We hope to carve out somewhat of a niche,” he says. For instance, Case Middle School, in Punahou, Honolulu, was the first facility in the state to be LEED certified as an ECO-friendly green building. There, the company installed the mechanical systems.

Alaka’i Mechanical wants to grow its footprint, as well.

“There’s a strong possibility that we’ll expand into the Pacific Basin, starting with Guam,” Morgan explains.

In Guam, he says, several U.S. military projects will begin in 2010 to accommodate the relocation of 8,000 marines and their families from Okinawa.

“We’ve started to lay the groundwork, at least, to research the possibilities of getting involved,” he says.

Most of this effort has been basic reconnaissance of business methods and customs in Guam. In addition, much of the proposed construction has yet to be defined with a specific timetable for implementation.