Recent Projects

The Boeing Company Recognizes JBH for Work on the Advanced Tactical Laser (ATL) Aircraft

Pipe fabrication at JBH has expanded from commercial construction to high-tech cleanroom innovations and now to providing mechanical integration support to The Boeing Company. On June 8, 2009 Boeing presented a plaque to JBH that read; “In recognition and appreciation for your dedicated performance and service on the Advanced Tactical Laser Project.” On June 13, 2009, Boeing and the U.S. Air Force successfully fired a sharp-shooting laser from the Advanced Tactical Laser (ATL) Aircraft while it flew over White Sands Missile Range in Alamogordo, New Mexico.

Boeing describes the ATL Aircraft as a C-130H aircraft equipped with a chemical laser, a beam control system, sensors and weapon-system consoles. According to Gary Fitzmire, VP and Program Director of Boeing Directed Energy Systems ATL’s ultra-precision engagement capability will dramatically reduce collateral damage when hitting a target.  Making this possible is a complex mechanical system facilitating the lasers release.

JBH has provided mechanical integration support to this system since 2005 through fabrication, installation and testing of the complex piping assemblies.  The JBH team also provided design feasibility checks to Boeing engineers ensuring that the new systems could realistically be built. Once designed, the specifications for the piping system were given to JBH to construct.

The fabrication, assembly and installation of pipes ranging from 1/8” to 6” was performed at our on-site Pipe Fab Shop or installed directly onto the aircraft housed at Kirtland Air Force Base. Exclusive weld procedures were developed by our fab shop to meet the strict needs of the chemical laser support system.

Quality needs were significant because of chemical toxicity; each weld went through rigorous tests to prove its integrity. Weld procedures for the systems installation met classes A, B, and C of Aircraft Welding Spec D17.1. Orbital, Tig and Stick welding was performed on Stainless Steel, Monel and Hastelloy pipes by specially certified JBH pipefitters. Welds were tested based on the required class with Class A being held to the highest quality requirements. Class A welds were X-Rayed to identify gaps and non-conformance with specs. Class B and C welds were tested either pneumatically or hydrostatically using air-pressures up to 9,000 psi. Every weld was certified by a 3rd party before being integrated into the system.

The complex piping design, developed by Boeing’s highly skilled engineers, was brought to life by an educated and experienced JBH team of welders, pipefitters and sheet metal workers.

LANL NSSB Phase II

The Associated General Contractors NM Building Branch named the Los Alamos Site Office (LASO) Building the Best Design/Build Project of 2009.

The NSSB is a single story, 25,000 square foot office building that includes offices, conference rooms, kitchenettes, storage space and was designed to earn 26 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) points from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). To meet budget and environmental requirements the project team used a combination of recycled Concrete Masonry Units (CMU) and new CMU’s as the skin for the building. The recycled tan CMU’s make up the majority of the building, with new white and maroon CMU’s used to supplement the recycled material.

To capitalize on funding, the architect used simplicity as the theme. The building was designed to minimize wasted floor area and maximize functionality. The design of the building includes several sustainable features. The construction team installed the following energy efficient materials; structural insulation, Solex glass, double glazed windows, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and an ambient lighting system. Also included were water efficient plumbing fixtures and a long-life cycle roof system.  Recycled steel, aluminum, gypsum board and carpet were also used in the building.

The design/build project delivery method allowed JBH to consult with the architects and engineers during the design phase assuring constructability of the specifications and drawings. During pre-construction, JBH helped identify several value-engineering ideas to accommodate the project budget mandated by the owner. 

Anderson School of Management

The latest addition to Anderson School of Management is the Student Services Center. This beautiful, multi-functional 4,500 square foot addition to the building is a welcoming place for students. The lack of common areas in the original building was seen as a hindrance to the students and faculty alike. Students were quick to vacate after class. The new addition encourages socializing to discuss such topics as daily stocks or the latest financial news. The original dark brown stucco circular element was rarely used in a building that is full of students daily. To transform the space into something functional the University created the Student Services Center addition project. JBH is proud to have been part of a project that will benefit the state for years to come as UNM students learn the ins and outs of financial management. Anderson was awarded the Best of 2007 award from SW Contractor Magazine in the Higher Education category and an Award of Merit in the Renovation/Remodel category from the National Association of Industrial and Office properties (NAIOP).

John Milne Community Board Room

APS's John Milne Board Room is a 3,500 square foot remodel at APS City Center. Originally the area was office space occupied by state employees. APS purchased the area and began plans for the new boardroom. Ten feet were added to the existing structure to enclose the reception area. Great care was taken by the designers to ensure that the boardroom fit seamlessly within the existing building. From the pattern of the tile to the color of the paint this task was accomplished. The room is a beautiful place for board members from the state's largest school district to meet.