RWC Systems Awarded Contract For New St. Paul’s Hosptial East Tower
RWC Systems is excited to announce its recent success in securing the bid for the East Tower at the new St. Paul’s Hospital. This contract highlights our continued commitment to excellence in the construction industry, particularly in the healthcare sector.
The New St. Paul’s Hospital East Tower is part of the Jim Pattison Medical Campus. Located on 18 acres east of Vancouver’s downtown core, this campus is set to provide significantly improved healthcare to local residences with its 1.2 million square foot acute care hospital. It’s not just a hospital; it’s a hub for research, and compassionate care, aiming to transform the future of medicine, research, and seniors care in British Columbia.
RWC Systems’ Role
RWC Systems’ role in the East Tower at the New St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver will be 2.2 million square feet of drywall installation with a focus on levels 6 to 11 of the East Tower. This will mark our fourth collaboration at this landmark healthcare facility. This project is a testament to our expertise and commitment to quality in healthcare and hospital construction.
These projects showcase our ability to handle large-scale, complex projects in the healthcare sector, delivering quality and reliability every time.
RWC Systems Awarded Contract For UBC Applied Sciences Digital Design Studios
We are excited to announce that RWC Systems has been awarded the contract for the UBC Applied Sciences Digital Design Studio. This project aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in commercial wall and ceiling construction.
About UBC Applied Sciences Digital Design Studio
Nestled in the heart of UBC’s Vancouver campus, the Digital Design Studio is set to be one of the largest creative facilities for students and faculty in the applied sciences. Spanning 11,755 gross square feet and valued at $12.86 million, this project is a beacon of modern educational design and collaborative learning spaces. It represents a space where design thinking, materials, and fabrication technologies come together to inspire the next generation of designers and thinkers.
RWC Systems Role
RWC Systems will be spearheading the construction of steel studs, drywall, and acoustic baffles for this project. Our team is geared up to ensure that every aspect of our work reflects the quality and precision RWC Systems is known for.
A Year of Dynamic Growth and Bright Futures: RWC Systems’ 2023 in Review
Dear RWC Systems Family and Friends,
As we wrap up this incredible year, I’m thrilled to reflect on our journey filled with significant achievements and exciting growth. The vibrancy and dynamism at RWC Systems have been more palpable than ever!
New Projects and Achievements:
Cariboo Hospital Redevelopment: We’re not just building structures; we’re crafting a future of enhanced healthcare. This project is a beacon of our commitment to community health and well-being.
Cloverdale Sport and Ice Complex: Here’s to fostering community spirit and sportsmanship! This complex is a testament to our versatility and passion for bringing recreational dreams to life.
Kelowna Airport Terminal Building: As we expand this pivotal gateway, we’re not just constructing walls; we’re building connections that bring the world closer.
Canaccord Tenant Improvement Project: Transforming commercial spaces into vibrant, dynamic environments that inspire creativity and productivity.
The completion of 1133 Melville “The Stack”: One of Vancouver’s most uniquely designed skyscrapers that features 4 four stacked boxes throughout the building,
The Completion of ‘The Post’ base building and South Tower TI: This landmark project was the first of its kind and required RWC Systems to preserve the old heritage exterior while constructing two new independent highrises in this project.
Progress on Flagship Projects:
Royal Columbian Hospital: Each Steel Stud and every gypsum panel installed brings us closer to redefining healthcare infrastructure.
New St. Paul’s Hospital: A landmark in medical excellence, this project represents our dedication to creating spaces that heal and nurture. RWC has started to install the prefab exterior and started the interior framing.
Oakridge Redevelopment: We have now worked our way into the future retail areas of this project. Stay tuned for updates as we start on the finishing stage of this exciting project.
YVR 21 at The Post: We have now moved into the construction of the amenities areas Level 7 & 8.
Capstan Way Skytrain Station: A symbol of our commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.
Internal Growth and Celebrations:
We’ve grown to over 350 site workers. Our ability to execute large and complex projects rests on our site teams, and we’re proud to be able to grow at this rate.
Our Rebranding Journey: Transitioning to RWC Systems, we’ve embraced a new identity that mirrors our evolution and future aspirations.
45th Anniversary: This milestone is a tribute to our enduring commitment to excellence and innovation.
Leadership Evolution: Stepping in as CEO, I am honored to lead us into a future brimming with possibilities.
Here’s to a year filled with growth, success, and joy. We’re excited to carry this momentum into the coming year, building a brighter, more connected world!
Warmest regards,
Larry Robertson, CEO, RWC Systems
Meet The Team: Rod Robertson – Director of Operations
RWC Systems is pleased to work with a team with talented staff who are the reason to our success. We will be sharing the people ‘behind the projects’ we work on.
Rod Robertson has worked his way to the Director of Operations where he overlooks all the projects on the field. This includes managing and coaching the Project Managers and foremen and making sure that each project is run smoothly.
How did you initially get into construction?
I initially got into construction though my dad, Garth. In high school, I enrolled in an apprenticeship program where I received hands on work experience in the construction field. Through this experience, I developed a passion for construction work.
What do you find most exciting about the field?
I find that being a part of a project that enhances a community and benefits the public is most rewarding. In addition, I also find working on unique and innovative ceiling projects that RWC has completed exciting. Over the years there has been quite a bit of effort and time that has gone into these projects and the outcome have always been impressive.
What advice would you give to others interested in pursuing a career in construction?
Those who are interested in a career in construction should take note: they should be willing to do anything that is asked of them and they must show up on time.
What is your most memorable project so far at RWC & why?
I would say the most memorable project to date at RWC was Emily Carr University project, due to its complexity, size and project turnaround time.
What would you like to share about working at RWC?
Working at RWC is not like any other ordinary construction company. At RWC we have a great team with an amazing attitude. And we have developed an inviting culture here from weekly recognition meetings to Friday Bakers Box where team members bake goodies for the office, a fully stocked kitchen and a sports gym to blow off some steam. We care about the people that work here and we treat them like family.
What can you share about your experience in working in a family business?
Working in a family business allows us to challenge other family members (including the president) and it allows for a good debate… with no hard feelings.
What makes a successful operations team in your opinion?
The people who work as a team help make a successful operations team. Operation team members are solution driven and each member has field experience (first hand knowledge). This combination makes it easier for our clients to communicate their needs to us.
What does your typical work week look like as a Director of Operations?
My typical work week consists working with and coaching the project managers and foremen. I also work closely with the estimating, pre-construction and accounting teams.
Meet The Team: Desiree Helder – Project Coordinator
At RWC Systems, we encourage our team members to get involved in our apprenticeship program(s) to further aid in their skill set and to grow and thrive in this industry.
Desiree Helder is a perfect example of a team member who worked in the field and completed the apprenticeship program which enhanced her skills. This led to her being promoted to a Project Coordinator. As Project Coordinator, Desiree coordinates the logistics of several projects which includes, ordering supplies, submitting purchase orders, monitoring & reporting labour costs with the Foreman and much more!
How did you initially get into construction?
I initially got into construction because of my dad who has been a foreman for RWC for over 10 years. He was looking at hiring multiple labourers and asked if I was interested in this opportunity. Once I was hired as a labourer, I made sure to ask questions and ask if there was anything additional that I could do to assist in projects. After six months of showing perseverance and eagerness to learn, I was taught how to build components of walls & ceilings. After that, I was given the tools that allowed me to cut steel and drywall for my fellow colleagues. Once I become accustom with this new task, I started the RWC Training Academy apprenticeship program six months later.
What do you find most exciting about the field? Most Challenging?
I find that seeing the finished product at completion the most exciting part of working in the field. It is exhilarating seeing a beautiful building and knowing I helped build that!
The most challenging part of working in the field would be the tie between the physical labour required and having to keep up with the sometimes more physical men. There is also a stigma in this industry that women do not belong in construction. My personal approach is to remind myself that I can do it and that I do belong in this industry. In addition, the more effort I take to understand key aspects of this industry and equip myself with answers to questions, then the sky’s my limit!
What advice would you give to others interested in pursuing a career in construction?
Those who are interested in a career in construction should stick with it! It is hard but it is so worth it. Stick with it, and never ever be afraid to ask questions.
What is your most memorable project so far at RWC & why?
That’s an easy one for me, the Audi Dealership in Burnaby was by far my most memorable. The curved walls were so much fun to build and it was very interesting learning how to build a radial wall and a cone shaped bulkhead.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am most proud of how well I’ve done in the transition from field work to Project Coordinator in the RWC head office.
When I started in construction I was intimidated because I was so young and inexperienced in the field. However, with the support of my great colleagues I was able to pick up the tools of the trade and remain successful.
What can you share about working with RWC?
RWC is incredible and have supported me along my progression. RWC is always looking to further your skill in this industry by providing training opportunities to grow your career, this is because they want you to succeed!
What does your typical work week look like as a Project Coordinator?
Every week is different depending on the project we are working on. Mornings are for getting all your questions and information in order. In the Afternoon, I will connect with clients and field staff regarding key aspects of a project. At the end of the day, I send out documents that I have been pricing and I complete my product list of items that need to be ordered.
What differentiates the RWC Operations team in your opinion from other organizations?
The majority of the Operations team have come from the field which give us the ability to understand what is needed to complete the project tasks. In addition, we have a deeper knowledge of what is going on within the project; that being said we all have unique experiences in the field so we can talk openly and honestly to each other and we can pick each others brain when we get stuck on tasks or are looking for an alternative solution.
January 2019 GEM Award Recipient – Kevin R.
Congratulations to Kevin Robertson for winning the January GEM award at our head office location. Kevin continually supports his team and offers insight to complex issues that arise. Kevin is always willing to assist others by lending a supportive hand, answering questions and leading others to success in various types of projects and or difficult situations. Kevin
is dependable, focused and supportive to all that he interacts with.
At RWC Systems, we encourage our team members to get involved in our apprenticeship program(s) to further aid in their skill set and to grow and thrive in this industry.