FOR THE FUTURE OF YOUR BUILDING

MANKATO, MN; September 11, 2012 – Schwickert’s Tecta America, LLC., a leading mechanical and roofing contractor and service provider based in Mankato, MN, was the recent recipient of Carlisle SynTec Systems’ 2012 Perfection Award. Carlisle SynTec Systems is a leading manufacturer of single-ply roofing materials. The Perfection Award is a distinction that recognizes only the top five percent of Carlisle’s contractors annually. Honorees of the award are determined on the basis of a series of quality oriented metrics, including installation quality and warranty claim performance.

“Carlisle is pleased to recognize Schwickert’s Tecta America LLC’s commitment to quality with this Perfection Award,” said Nick Shears, Carlisle’s vice president of sales and marketing. “We greatly value those Carlisle contractors who pursue not only excellence, but perfection, on each and every job.”

About Carlisle SynTec: Carlisle SynTec Systems, headquartered in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, has been manufacturing single-ply membrane roofing systems for nearly half a century. Carlisle SynTec is a business segment of Carlisle Construction Materials and has manufacturing facilities in Carlisle, PA; Greenville, IL; Senatobia, MS.; and Tooele, UT. For more information, call 800-479-6832 or visit www.carlisle-syntec.com

About Schwickert’s Tecta America LLC.:   Schwickert’s Tecta America has been in business since 1906 and is a leading commercial and residential roofing and mechanical contractor based in Mankato, MN with branches in Rochester/Stewartville and New Hope, MN.  It is an operating division of Tecta America, America’s largest commercial roofing company with over 45 operating divisions located throughout the United States.

Schwickert’s Tecta America, LLC., a leading mechanical and roofing contractor and service provider based in Mankato, MN, announced today the opening of a new branch in New Hope, MN to serve its growing Minneapolis client base.  Schwickert’s currently has two offices located in Mankato and the Rochester/Stewartville, MN area.  The New Hope location will be their third location.

Management staff, technicians, and equipment are currently in place and serving its commercial clients.  Additional staff will be added as the business develops and expanded services are offered at this location.  Schwickert’s currently employs 200 people.

Kim Schwickert, company president, explained, “The Minneapolis market has been a growing market for us over the past couple of years.  It has come to a point that the volume and projected growth provides efficiencies to justify the new location.”

About Schwickerts Tecta America LLC.:Schwickert’s Tecta America has been in business since 1906 and is a leading commercial and residential roofing and mechanical contractor based in Mankato, MN with branches in Rochester/Stewartville and New Hope, MN.  It is an operating division of Tecta America, America’s largest commercial roofing company with over 45 operating divisions located throughout the United States. 

www.tectaamerica.com.

(Valley Forge, Pa.) – CertainTeed Corporation, which represents the largest brand of building products in North America, recently recognized Schwickert Co. of Mankato, Minn., with its Keys to Success award at their recent Roofers Advisory Council. Matt Peterson of Schwickert Co. joined CertainTeed representatives in Key West, Fla., April 24-28 to accept the honor.

“Schwickert Co. is on the cutting edge of the roofing industry — embracing industry-leading best practices and providing its customers with quality products, outstanding craftsmanship and long-lasting value,” said Jay Butch, director of contractor programs for CertainTeed Roofing. “We applaud them for their contributions to our advisory council and their continued partnership with us. ”

In addition to serving on the CertainTeed Roofers Advisory Council, Schwickert Co. is credentialed through the SELECT ShingleMaster^TM program, which was achieved through extensive training on enhanced roofing product information and superior standards of workmanship. As a SELECT ShingleMaster qualified company, Schwickert Co. can offer its customers SureStart Plus™ extended warranty coverage when an Integrity Roof System™ is installed on their home or commercial building.

www.certainteed.com

Schwickert’s Tecta America was recently recognized by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) by being awarded with its STEP—Platinum level award for achievements in safety.  This award is ABC’s highest safety award and is one of only three awarded in the Minnesota/North Dakota region.

Safety is paramount at Schwickert’s.  They recognize the importance of safety education, and designate hundreds of hours a year to worker safety training.  In May, more than 200 employees gathered at the company’s annual safety seminar at the Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato, and learned about topics such as fall protection, asbestos awareness, and general jobsite hazards.

The company recently created a state-of-the-art interactive computer training program for employee safety orientation, which was accomplished by working with South Central College to secure a $50,000 safety grant through the State of MN.  This continual dedication to safety has resulted in an exceptionally low accident and injury rate for the industry.

John Sullivan, roofing superintendent, says, “I have seen Schwickert’s safety attitude change over the years.  Everyone just gets it now, that safety isn’t going away.  It’s part of what we do and who we are.  Everyone just wants to go home safe at the end of the day.”

Schwickert’s Tecta  America realizes that safety and healthy employees go hand-in-hand.  Last year Schwickert’s partnered with the State Health Improvement Program (SHIP),  a coalition formed by the MN Department of Health, Blue Earth County, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN.  Schwickert’s worked with SHIP in developing a strategic wellness program, which is resulting in many positive changes throughout the workplace.

Amy Falink, HR and Safety Director for Schwickert’s, says, “Introducing wellness to the company wasn’t widely accepted at first, especially in the construction industry.  For many, wellness activities seem ‘fluffy’.  To be successful, wellness had to be strategically delivered with goals and timetables.  You have to get senior managers on board and show them the cost of unhealthy employee behaviors.  Truthfully, some of our wellness activities fell flat and weren’t successful.  But the wins are many; employees have come to love Free Fruit Fridays, there is no smoking on company grounds, and our vending machine choices are healthier.”

 Our five year, state-approved roofing and sheet metal apprenticeship educational programs would not have gotten started without the commitment and support of company leaders. Our management team implemented this initiative as they knew that despite the short-term costs, the long range return on investment would yield results ten-fold. The success of the program permeates throughout our company.  The program has lead to increased employee retention, a reduction in injuries due to safety training as a mandatory part of the curriculum, and more satisfied customers as our employees are enabled to perform at their maximum potential and produce exceptional work. The program is a ‘win-win’ because it benefits everyone involved.

“I am extremely excited to continue this education, and it’s not going to end here.” – Mike Johnson, Roofing Service    

“I am proud of the fact that I am in a state-approved program and am on my way to becoming a journeyman.” –  Troy Coyour, Roofing Production

At Schwickert’s, safety in the workplace is our priority. We take the safety of our employees and that of others working around us very seriously, which is why our policy is to provide our employees with a safe work environment through ongoing training and reinforced supervision.

Our EMR—how the construction and roofing industries measure safety—is 0.65, far outpacing our competitors. And it’s been proven that good safety reflects on the quality of the work performed. The same processes that make up a good safety program—training, planning and job site communication—are also critical factors in quality installation and repair.

For many years Schwickert’s has been recognized by its familiar red “Bowtie” logo.  Beginning in 2011 we have adopted a new logo and name to maintain brand familiarity with the market we have served for over 100 years while at the same time reflecting our national reach as part of Tecta America, the nation’s largest roofing company .

Today we are known as “Schwickert’s Tecta America” and are proud to display our new logo.