Last Updated:November 18. 2007 12:04AM
Published: November 18. 2007 3:30AM

Rail-car manufacturer National Alabama Corp. has already begun the process of shifting ground at its site in Barton Riverfront Industrial Park and will soon be hiring subcontractors, suppliers and vendors.

Project Director Paul Panelli, of Yates Construction, said there will be an estimated 40 bid packages that will be released for construction subcontractors at the plant. Also, 51 bid contracts will be advertised for equipment installation.

Panelli said interested groups can prequalify for work during facility construction, which begins before the end of 2008, and the process equipment installation, which will begin during the summer of 2008.

Processing engineering group CKGP/PW & Associates will be seeking subcontractors and suppliers to help with installation of equipment throughout the plant.

Rick Ketkl, director at CKGP/PW, said the goal is to have half of the plant's fabrication equipment installed and ready to launch by Nov. 1, 2008. The first rail car is projected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008.

Richard Mills, executive vice president of operations for National Alabama Corp., said the company hopes to do as much business as they can with local contractors.

"We want to drive as much investment back into this community as possible," Mills said.

During the bid process, interested subcontractors, suppliers and vendors will go through a prequalification process so the employer can better understand the applicant. The employer will request proposals from companies, bid forms, issue addendums and clarifications, conduct post-bid interviews, make recommendations of companies, and make sure companies have insurance.

Panelli said safety is an important requirement of every contracted employee on the site. Personal protection equipment, such as safety glasses, hard hats and high visibility vests, are required.

"We want to make sure we get the project executed properly and completed when it's supposed to get completed and do it safely," he said.

For more information about the bid process, or to learn how to prequalify for subcontracting, supplier or vender opportunities, visit the Yates Walbridge Web site at yateswalbridge.com. Paper registration forms are also available from the company.

Kenda Williams can be reached at 740-5720 or kenda.williams@timesdaily.com.