Building Alaska from the inside out.

• Author: Backman, Harald
• Position: Superior Plumbing and Heating - Company Profile

Sometimes a building's brilliant facade can hide internal quirks. And too many internal quirks can make a building dysfunctional - especially when it comes to complex heating and plumbing systems. In the extreme climates of Alaska, Superior Plumbing & Heating has proven its staying power through teamwork and expertise since its inception in 1964.

Superior Plumbing & Heating began installing commercial and residential heating conversion systems with a crew of two. The opportunity arose when Anchorage switched from oil to natural gas in the mid-1960s. From such humble beginnings, the company has shown continous growth over the years - now boasting some 60 employees and gross revenues of $12.4 million in 1996. It also consistently ranks among Alaska's top five construction subcontractors.

Backed by the success of its initial operations, Superior moved into new construction in Anchorage and later expanded into the Bush. By the early 1970s the need for local sheetmetal fabrication grew so the company matte sheetmetal fabrication part of the business.

"In 1993 we acquired Alaska Sheetmetal Inc. in order to further expand our sheetmetal fabrication and installation capabilities," said Lisa Marrett Vandergriff, Superior's controller. "Also, at that time our in-house design department grew to better meet the demands of the growing construction industry," added Vandergriff.

The growth of its in-house design team led Superior to start a mechanical maintenance division. This furthered customer satisfaction and assured product reliability long after installation.

"It's important that the design fits the project, that it works, and that it lasts," said Jan Van Den Top, P.E., president of Superior. "If your work doesn't last, you won't be around long either."

Today Superior Plumbing and Heating Inc. serves general contractors and building owners as a full-service mechanical contractor whose work is backed by a long-standing record of quality and experience.

Applying the Philosophy

Superior has turned Van Den Top's philosophy into practice. The evidence endures behind structures all around the state.

Logistics and other factors vary widely from region to region and add significantly to the challenges of performing on schedule and within budget. But Superior has been so consistent that the company often finishes a project in the...