SHREVEPORT, LA — Richardson’s Plumbing and Heating, Inc., an HVACR contractor that has been doing business in the Shreveport-Bossier area for 86 years, has now completed its first international project. The Asset Management Services unit of Trane recently hired Richardson’s to retrofit the condenser water system for a 500-ton chilled water plant at the Misawa Air Force Base Clinic in Japan.

Richardson’s sent a six-person crew to Misawa to install the necessary condenser water piping, insulation, electrical service, and controls to replace the existing cooling towers and associated piping at the Air Base Clinic. The crew consisted of fitters, an electrician from Camus Electric Co., an insulator from C & J Insulators, and a field clerk. Chief operating officer and president Don Richardson attended the jobsite pre-construction conference in late April. Construction began on May 1, 2002 and was completed June 11, 2002.

Richardson’s is a third generation business in Shreveport and Bossier City. “We’ve been working in several states — Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Virginia, Georgia, Illinois — and now Japan,” said Richardson, who is project manager on this project. “The Misawa project allows Richardson’s to implement progressive ideas and quality processes not just in the job itself, but in how the job is managed long-distance. For example, we have had to use the latest in electronic communication, technology, and shipping methods to effectively and cost-consciously manage the project.”

“This project presented special challenges with logistics and client needs,” said Patt Patterson, director, contract solutions fulfillment for Trane. “[They’ve been] able to step in on short notice, assemble a great team, and deliver on time. As in past projects with them, they have consistently performed and provided a level of customer service not often seen in business today.”

Richardson’s was asked to do the hospital project in Misawa after successfully completing a project to replace 300 units with a 3,600-ton central chilled water plant and roof-mounted air handlers at Trane’s manufacturing facility in Tyler, TX.

Misawa Air Base is the only combined, joint service installation in the western Pacific, representing all four U.S. services as well as the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF). It is located on the northeastern shores of Honshu, Japan’s main island. The 35th Fighter Wing serves as the host unit and major associate units include the 301st Intelligence Squadron, Naval Air Facility, Naval Security Group Activity, JASDF Northern Air Defense Force Headquarters, and 3rd Air Wing.

Richardson’s was founded in 1915 to serve the air conditioning, heating, and plumbing needs of Shreveport, Bossier City, and the region. The company is a member of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC), and the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA). Richardson’s was recently named Contractor of the Year for the South Central Region by Excellence Alliance Inc. (EAI), a membership organization providing independent mechanical contracting and service companies with management and marketing programs and training.

Publication date: 07/29/2002