SCW Contracting Corp.

SCW Contracting Corp. (SCW) has become an industry leader as a general engineering contractor in the public sector since its inception. Based in Fallbrook, Calif., SCW has completed hundreds of major construction projects throughout the southern portion of the state.

Jeff Scrape, president and CEO of SCW, founded the company in 1980. SCW has since completed work on a number of water and wastewater pipelines pump stations, treatment plants, educational facilities, such as elementary school, high school and college projects, as well as on civic buildings throughout the region. With a team of approximately 25 employees, SCW is capable of tackling small $75,000 maintenance projects or new builds that can be valued at more than $15 million.

Peter Kogler, project manager at SCW, reports the company works mainly on jobs that include underground utilities, water, sewer, storm drain, joint trench utilities and renovation and new construction of pump stations, treatment plants and other specialty projects. SCW also has a division that specializes in full-service structural steel fabrication and erection, along with a miscellaneous metal division crafting handrails and other ornamental and specialty pieces.

The company takes pride in saying SCW’s team completes the majority of work on a job. Trades, which include electrical, masonry and roofing, are subcontracted; however, SCW boasts skilled employees to complete the rest. The remainder of SCW’s work includes site work, structural concrete, piping, as well as installation of filtration systems, pumps and motors. “We try to be in control of most of the project,” says Kogler.

Award-winning Work

SCW’s work has received recognition from local and national entities alike. One entity that has recognized SCW projects is the American Public Works Association, which helps develop and support the people, agencies and organizations that plan, build and maintain communities across the country.

In 2010 SCW was awarded a contract with the city of Del Mar to construct a new sewer pump station. The $4.2 million project was designed to replace an existing station, which was recognized by one of the American Public Works Association’s California chapters. “We finished the project in 2012,” says Kogler. “That project actually received project of the year.”

As plans for 2013 are laid out, the company is starting work on a filtration system near a local lake, which is intended to help the water district filter out Dreissena mussels. The project includes the installation of 48-inch diameter steel piping and self-cleaning filtration vessels. The lake serves as a storage reservoir for the district, and the mussels need to be removed prior to the lake water entering the treatment process.

Another project SCW is involved in is the University of California’s Ocean Science Education Building on the Santa Barbara campus. Construction began on the 15,000-square-foot building in January 2010, and when complete will serve as a connection between the university’s Marine Science Institute and NOAA’s Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, as well as office headquarters for the Outreach Center for Teaching Ocean Science. SCW is working on various aspects of the project, including structural steel work, stairs and handrails.

Looking to the Future

SCW is still bidding in a highly competitive market. Like most companies, SCW was impacted by the economic downturn, however managed to stay afloat. “It seems that a lot of competition over the last three to four years has died off in our particular area,” admits Kogler. “Unfortunately, a lot of companies didn’t make it through the recession.”

As the recession hit in full force, SCW had to assess its assets and cut back on staff and overhead. Now, according to Kogler, the firm is looking forward. “We’re focused on rebuilding the company,” he says. “We want to position ourselves to be a prime player.”

Of course, successful growth requires a healthy revenue flow. Things are picking up slowly in that department. The company already added a few new employees in 2013 and will continue to hire. More contracts will help the company add employees, which will feed SCW’s ability to take on more work.

With 33 years of experience, Scrape is able to handle the ebb and flow of work that may impact the bottom line at his company. However, SCW is in prime position to capitalize on a rebounding economy. Smart business decisions and faith in the company will help SCW Contracting Corp. remain an industry leader for years to come.