CHATTANOOGA, TENN. — John O'Neil Sr., president of W.J. O'Neil Co., announced that Volkswagen of America awarded the company a contract to fabricate and install utility piping at the automaker's new automotive plant under construction in Chattanooga, Tenn. The piping system will deliver gas, air, chilled water, hot water, and steam throughout the plant, including the assembly, body and paint buildings.

“Volkswagen and W.J. O'Neil have many common values,” he said. “Both are serious about environmental sustainability and 21st Century manufacturing.”

The Mechanical Service Contractors of America recently awarded W.J. O'Neil the MSCA GreenStar designation. Qualified contractors must meet stringent guidelines for environmental responsibility throughout their company to earn the award, and W.J. O'Neil is one of only 29 contractors in the country to be so honored.

W.J. O'Neil has a long history of mechanical contracting in auto plants. With offices in Livonia, Mich., the mechanical contractor has installed piping, HVAC systems and complex projects in auto plants throughout the state. It has also completed large HVAC and plumbing projects at Comerica Park and Ford Field, home of the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Lions.

Earlier this year, W.J. O'Neil opened an office and a 25,000-sq.ft. fabricating facility in Chattanooga. The state-of-the-art facility gives the company tremendous flexibility. By fabricating in-house, costs, schedule and engineering are controlled, and safety and quality are maximized. The facility is fully operational employing local pipefitters and plumbers.

At the peak of the project schedule, W.J. O'Neil will employ 150 people for the Volkswagen assignment.

“We will be in Chattanooga for many years,” said O'Neil. “Our environmental values are right in line with Chattanooga's strong environmental commitment. Plus, there are tremendous growth opportunities for our company in the region, not only for our design/build capabilities but for our service division as well.”

The W.J. O'Neil Co. prides itself on delivering the highest quality mechanical solutions to industrial clients. With corporate offices in Livonia, Mich., and regional offices in Chattanooga, Tenn., and Tijuana, Mexico, the company specializes in solving complex, highly technical projects with design-build services. The firm also excels at process piping, HVAC, plumbing, piping fabrication, and 24-hour service. Additional information is available at www.wjo.com.