In a joint action with 18 other international engineering and construction firms, Skanska, a company with a large Texas division, has signed an initiative to fight corruption in the industry. The initiative is within the framework of the Engineering & Construction Task Force, a group affiliated with the World Economic Forum, an independent international organization that provides a collaborative framework
for the world's leaders, particularly its corporate members, to address global issues.

Other companies with Texas offices that have signed the initiative are the Turner Construction Co. and the Fluor Corp.

All the companies represent annual sales exceeding $70 billion and have committed to a zero-tolerance policy on bribery and to the development of a program of internal systems and controls to prevent corruption.

Skanska was one of the initiators behind the effort to develop the new principles. In practice, the initiative involves such elements as participating companies adopting distinct rules about what gifts may be given and received, how support to politicians and political parties may be carried out and how contacts with public authorities shall be conducted. Another important point is the requirement that employees must undergo ethics training.

LaBarge Pipe & Steel Opening Texas Plant

LaBarge Pipe & Steel Co. has announced the opening of a new steel pipe coating plant in Houston. LaBarge has partnered with L.B. Foster for the design and construction of the plant.

At the plant, LaBarge will apply external fusion-bond-epoxy coatings to steel pipe in a variety of sizes for a variety of applications. When fully operational, LaBarge will be the only major distributor of steel pipe with a full-service fusion-bond-epoxy coating plant in the Gulf Coast region.

"Having the ability to coat our own pipe will give us a decided edge over our competition," said Pierre L. LaBarge III, president and CEO. "In addition, our extensive inventory of both coated and uncoated steel pipe in our adjacent 35-acre storage facility will allow us to better service our customers' requirements."

Perkins & Will Expands Texas Operations, Acquires B2HK Architecture

Perkins & Will, the nation's largest designer of health-care facilities, recently announced that it is expanding its Texas-based operations by acquiring Houston-based B2HK Architecture, specialists in the design of complex research facilities.

Perkins & Will opened its first Texas office in Dallas in 2001. A year later, the firm acquired Dallas-based Collins/Reisenbichler Architects, boosting its Texas-based staff to 85. In December 2002, Perkins & Will opened a Houston office headed by health-care designer John Cooper.

The acquisition of B2HK makes Perkins & Will one of Texas' largest architecture firms with more than 120 employees.

"We see Texas as a major growth market for us," said Tom Reisenbichler, managing principal of the firm's Texas practice. "Our strategy is to identify outstanding talent in the market areas that are experiencing strong economic and population growth and bring this talent to the Perkins & Will team.

"B2HK is one of a handful of firms in the world with proven experience in designing highly complex science and technology centers containing Biological Safety Level 4 laboratories."

Intertech Flooring Receives Highest Industry Recognition

Intertech Flooring has been certified by the national Floor Covering Installation Board as one of the country's leading installers of floor covering for commercial buildings.
Intertech has locations in Austin and San Antonio.

The certification makes Intertech one of only four flooring companies in Texas that have achieved the certification. The FCIB designation is considered the industry's most prestigious recognition.

To achieve FCIB certification, flooring installation businesses must be rated superior in all areas of business operation and agree to a 10-point plan for installation excellence. The plan emphasizes fiduciary responsibility and continuing education and requires that flooring installation be backed by a two-year warranty. Certified contractors are re-evaluated every two years.

"The FCIB certification process is very rigorous, and less than 50 percent of the candidates for certification are successful," said Dave Stafford, FCIB chairman.

New Link-Belt Earthmoving Equipment Distributor Named in Texas

The LBX Co., makers of Link-Belt earthmoving, forestry and material handling equipment, recently announced the appointment of the Hoss Equipment Co. in Irving as an authorized distributor of Link-Belt excavators, articulated trucks, wheel loaders and material handlers.

Hoss Equipment is a global construction and mining equipment distributor. The company offers solutions in sales, rentals, parts and service to heavy highway construction, mass excavation, landfill, aggregate and other industry segments.