IEW Construction Plays a Key Role in Building and Repairing New Jersey’s Infrastructure

New Jersey, USA – In the bustling construction world, IEW Construction Group (IEW) stands as a symbol of enduring excellence. This heavy highway construction company has played a vital role in shaping New Jersey’s infrastructure for nearly a century.

With a history of remarkable achievements and an unwavering commitment to its employees and community, IEW Construction Group is synonymous with quality and dedication.

Building a Legacy: The Early Years

IEW Construction Group traces its roots back to 1925 when Vaughan S. Grundy founded it as an ornamental ironwork company. During its formative years, the company etched its name in New Jersey’s history by contributing to constructing iconic landmarks.

Notable projects included the New Jersey War Memorial, the State House Annex and State Museum, and the prestigious Rockefeller Institute in Princeton.

A Patriotic Duty: World War II and Beyond

During World War II, IEW Construction Group answered the call to duty. The company converted a General Motors plant into a facility for manufacturing military aircraft, aiding the nation’s war efforts.

After the war’s conclusion in 1945, IEW smoothly transitioned back to peacetime production, demonstrating its adaptability and foresight.

Expanding Horizons: Embracing New Challenges

Under the guidance of Vaughan S. Grundy Jr., the company ventured into major steel fabrication and construction. Beyond New Jersey’s borders, IEW undertook projects in Louisiana, Nebraska, and even overseas in Taiwan, making its mark in the global construction industry.

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A Third-Generation Legacy

Today, IEW Construction Group is led by Vaughan S. Grundy III, representing the third generation of the Grundy family’s dedication to excellence. The company has diversified its portfolio, engaging in heavy highway, bridge, concrete, marine construction, site work, emergency response, maintenance, and steel fabrication.

Joe Accurso, Vice President at IEW, emphasizes the company’s commitment to safety and professionalism: “Over the years, the Grundy family has created a premiere construction company in the state of New Jersey with a culture that places the safety and wellbeing of its employees at the forefront of every operation. Being a stable enterprise and maintaining high professionalism is key to our culture, which fosters pride in our employees and vendors – I believe this has been crucial to our continued success.”

Nurturing Talent: Joe Accurso’s Journey

Joe Accurso, a testament to IEW’s nurturing environment, joined the company in 2004 as a field engineer. He reflects on his Growth within the organization, stating,

“Being part of a small, family-owned business meant I had an opportunity to make an instant impact. I increased my involvement with the senior leadership and surrounded myself with those from whom I could learn as much as possible and who shared Mr. Grundy’s vision for Steady Growth.” Joe’s dedication and commitment led him to the position of Vice President in 2020.

Steady Growth Amid Challenges

With a career spanning 19 years at IEW, Joe Accurso has witnessed the company’s evolution through highs and lows.

He shares his perspective on the challenges of maintaining the company’s reputation and traditions while adapting to modern working methods: “Growth is an important balancing act, and we have to be careful not to overstep the mark as we prepare for our fourth generation of ownership. Maintaining the positive reputation established by the Grundys and 100 years of success certainly doesn’t come without some pressure.”

Diverse Projects: The IEW Portfolio

IEW Construction Group thrives on diversity in its projects. While they excel in maintenance programs, including concrete and steel repairs, stormwater runoff, and timber structures, they also handle complex bridge rehabilitation projects like the Rt: 280 Stickel Bridge and the 495 Viaduct Rehabilitation into New York City via the Lincoln Tunnel.

Joe Accurso quips, “We often joke that if a job is straightforward and vanilla, you generally won’t see us involved!”

A Swift Response: Emergency Services

One of IEW’s distinguishing features is its ability to respond swiftly to emergencies.

Whether natural disasters or vehicular damage to roads and bridges, IEW’s skilled team partners with others to identify and implement solutions promptly, often in the middle of the night.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Aspirations

Maintaining success comes with unique challenges, and as Joe Accurso points out, “Our greatest challenge moving into the latter half of 2023 is maximizing our potential for success while preparing ourselves for what’s in store for 2024.” The company has set internal goals to overcome these challenges and continue its legacy of excellence.

“Moving forward, to maintain steady growth, I’d like to see us provide our region with the necessary infrastructure to play a key role in the global transition to renewable energy,” Joe concludes. “We will continue to tackle challenging projects and provide exceptional emergency response, especially on some of our aging regional infrastructure.”

In the heart of New Jersey, IEW Construction Group stands as a testament to innovation, resilience, and unwavering dedication to excellence.

With a history dating back nearly a century, this construction powerhouse continues to shape the landscape of the Garden State and beyond, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Also Read, 7 Super Bowl Stadiums: A Guide to Their Construction and History

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Who founded IEW Construction Group? 

IEW Construction Group was founded by Vaughan S. Grundy in 1925 as an ornamental ironwork company.

How has IEW contributed to New Jersey’s landmarks?

IEW has been constructing iconic New Jersey landmarks such as the New Jersey War Memorial, the State House Annex and State Museum, and the Rockefeller Institute in Princeton.

What role did IEW play during World War II?

IEW converted a General Motors plant into a facility for manufacturing military aircraft during World War II to support the nation’s war efforts.

Who leads IEW Construction Group today?

The company is led by Vaughan S. Grundy III, representing the third generation of the Grundy family’s dedication to excellence.

What types of projects does IEW undertake?

IEW handles various projects, including heavy highway, bridge, concrete, marine construction, site work, emergency response, maintenance, and steel fabrication.

Hunt-Penta JV Begins $600M Las Vegas Convention Center Upgrade

In the wake of business travel taking off following the pandemic, Las Vegas wants to cement its position as a top trade show location.

A partnership between the Las Vegas-based general contractor Penta Building Group and the Indianapolis-based construction management business Hunt Construction Group, which control by the international contractor AECOM formed. The $600 million update to the Las Vegas Convention Center’s original property has just started construction.

The construction will continue until 2025. There will be a planning of construction to allow for minimal disruption during an event. More than 600 tradespeople expect to be part of the construction project. When completed, more than 15,000 sq. ft. of event and meeting space will be available in this new venue. This information has stated in the release.

The project will expand the 1.4 million square feet West Hall, which opened in 2021. The project teams will construct an outdoor plaza and an indoor lobby in the South Hall. This will allow direct access to the new function space. Additionally, there will be a second-floor boardroom and an extensive lobby connecting the North and Central halls.

Outside, the renovation plans include a brand-new parking lot. Additionally, a Vegas Loop station will establish to transport guests between the Wynn and Encore hotels, as stated in the press release.

Las Vegas’s Vegas Loop is about 2 miles long, with five stops along the center of conventions. However, The Boring Co. is an American tunnel and infrastructure company owned by billionaire Elon Musk. The company has recently announced plans to construct 65 miles of tunnels with 69 stations. These plans come after Clark County, Nevada, commissioners accepted the most recent expansion.

The year before, Las Vegas hosted nearly 5 million visitors to conventions. The cost of their visit directly generated an estimated 38,000 new employment opportunities. It also resulted in $2.1 million in wage income. Furthermore, according to a Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority report on the economic effects of the Southern Nevada tourist industry, it contributed $7.5 billion to the economy of the city.

The project was initially put to go into motion in the year 2016 but was subsequently halted due to an outbreak of COVID-19. The general fund of the LVCVA bonds is backed by the general revenue of the LVCVA. It is the 0.5 percent room tax. The proceeds of sales of the 10 acres Riviera parcel will use to fund the project, as per the press release.

7 Super Bowl Stadiums: A Guide to Their Construction and History

Explore the construction and history of the Iconic 7 Super Bowl stadiums. Learn when and how built, Know in detail here.

If you are a super fan of the Super Bowl or other leagues, we have brought vital information about your favorite stadiums across the U.S. This list includes brand-new billion-dollar venues to older, upgraded arenas.

The Super Bowl is the yearly final playoff game of the NFL or National Football League. It has a rich history of entertaining its fans with endless nerve-biting games. 

Take a Look at them and know How these Giant Stadiums are Massively Full of Amenities for their Audience

2022: SoFi Stadium

Opened: 2020

Location: Inglewood, California

Cost: $5.5 billion

SoFi Stadium, the home turf of the Los Angeles Rams got new construction as it defended it and won the franchise’s second Super Bowl in the most expensive stadium ever built.

The cost to construct the SoFi stadium was $5.5 billion and it took around four years to get constructed, first serving as the home for the Chargers and Los Angeles Rams in September 2020.

The joint venture construction between Turner Construction and AECOM Hunt, the stadium has a strength of 70,240 seats, and can also accommodate 100,240 for major events like the Super Bowl. The stadium also includes 260 executive suites and is designed to hold seismic activity. 

The field is plunged below ground to defend it from potential earthquake damage and to avoid interfering with planes nearing Los Angeles International Airport’s flight pattern. 

2020: Hard Rock Stadium

Opened: 1987

Location: Miami Gardens, Florida

Cost: $115 million

Also hosted in 1989, 1995, 1999, 2007, and 2010

The Miami Dolphins’ home stadium has gone through several name changes since it first launched in 1987 as Joe Robbie Stadium. Hard Rock Stadium, which was built for $115 million at the time, has also undergone a number of remodels throughout its history.

Most recently, a $400 million upgrade from 2015 to 2016 included the elimination and replacement of almost all of the seats, amenities that have been upgraded, and new video boards. The stadium can now occupy 65,000 people.

2023: State Farm Stadium

Opened: 2006

Location: Glendale, Arizona

Cost: $455 million

Also hosted in 2015, 2008

The Arizona Cardinals’ home got a new construction in three years with the efforts of Hunt Construction. Earlier it was named Cardinals Stadium and the construction finished in 2006, and at that, the overall cost went to $455 million. 

The stadium is able to accommodate 63,400 people as well as it can expand to 73,000 for Super Bowl-like mega-events. Premium seating comprises 88 lofts and 7,505 club-level seats. 

The repudiated natural grass playing field sits on a 40-inch-deep tray that goes 403 feet long and 234 feet wide. Approx 550 wheels on 13 railroad-like tracks can take the field tray 740 feet into or out of the stadium, a procedure that takes around 70 minutes.

This feature enables State Farm Stadium to host other tournaments and events such as the NCAA’s Final Four tournament or concerts, respectively. The roof of the stadium is also retractable, employing a 480-horsepower winch system that is able to slide two roof panels and make the dome open-air. 

2019: Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Opened: 2017

Location: Atlanta

Cost: $1.5 billion

Mercedes Benz stadium knows as the home ground of the Atlanta Falcons. The stadium first opened in August 2017, and due to delayed construction of the dome’s retractable roof, the start of the season was pushed.

Though the stadium was the first LEED Platinum-certified stadium and the first sports ground to get 100% of the U.S. Green Building Council’s water credits. The stadium was built with the association of H.J. Russell & Co., Moody Construction Co., Hunt Construction Group, and Holder Construction.

The football stadium can occupy 71,000 people and can expand to 75, 000 accommodations as per sources. The seating capacity includes 7,600 club seats and 190 suites. The roof is spread over 14.5 acres and the scoreboard is 63,800 square feet. The overall construction of the stadium took more than 3 years and used 27,000 tons of structural steel. 

2018: U.S. Bank Stadium

Opened: 2016

Location: Minneapolis

Cost: $1.2 billion

The Minnesota Vikings found huge funding of $975 million in May 2012 to build a new stadium, and the final cost went to about $1.2 billion to finish the project.

The project broke ground and took 30 months to complete as per sources. Over 8, 000 workers employed pouring in an estimated 3.8 million work hours. 

The stadium has a capacity of 67, 000 people and can expand to approx 73, 000. Mortenson Construction served as the general contractor.

2017: NRG Stadium

Opened: 2002

Location: Houston

Cost: $352 million

Also hosted in 2004

Skanska and Manhattan Construction Co. worked together for two years to finish this project, which knows today as NRG Stadium.

The stadium opened for the Houston Texans in 2002. The stadium has a capacity of 197 suites and 72, 200 seats spread over a total area of 1.9 million square feet. 

The 500-foot-by-385-foot retractable roof has been made with fabric-covered steel taking seven minutes to open. This roof is the first of its kind in the league. As per a source which said in September 2008, $ 10 million in remodeling were needed to repair what was then called Reliant Stadium.

2016: Levi’s Stadium

Opened: 2014

Location: Santa Clara, California

Cost: $1.43 billion

Levi’s Stadium broke ground in April 2012 and opened in 2014. The stadium has 9,000 club seats, 174 suites, and 11 premium clubs with an overall 68, 500 seating capacity.

In 2016, two years after launch, the stadium received LEED-Gold certifications for operations and maintenance of an existing building. 

Conclusion

Super Bowl stadiums take years of construction to relish Super Bowl fans their memorable moments. This list tells when, and who built these stadiums and at how much cost.

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Hyundai is planning to build its first EV factory

There was a time when Electric Vehicles existed in the imagination of human beings. Moreover they were attributed to the future imagined by people. But that future is here because Hyundai Motors is planning to build its first fully dedicated electric vehicle (EV) factory in South Korea, targeting production by 2025, the automaker’s union said on Tuesday, citing its leader. Hyundai Motor Group, in May, announced its plans to invest 63 trillion won ($48.07 billion) in South Korea through 2025. The company announced this after South Korea’s largest automaker said in May it planned to invest $5.5 billion to build full EV and battery manufacturing facilities in Georgia. Hyundai Motors said that The EV facility in Georgia is scheduled to break ground in early 2023 and begin commercial production in the first half of 2025. According to Business Standard, “Hyundai has seven domestic plants in Korea and 11 overseas plants — four in China, and one each in the U.S., the Czech Republic, Turkey, Russia, India, Brazil and Indonesia. Their combined capacity reaches 5.65 million vehicles.”

 

The agreement

 

A union spokesperson told Yonhap that news agency Hyundai and its union agreed to make a domestic EV plant in the carmaker’s main Ulsan plant, 414 kms southeast of Seoul. Early, from this month, they have plans to start the building but the agreement is subject to a vote by unionized workers.

 

Future plans

 

According to Automotive News, “Hyundai is currently expanding its EV lineup to include the Ioniq 6, which will debut in Europe in the second half, and the Ioniq 7, which is projected to hit the market in 2024.”

The company has plans to expand its EV facility around the globe. It will be very interesting to see how people accept this new technology where the fuel will be replaced by power and fuel pumps will be replaced by charging stations.