Press Releases

May 12, 2009

Contact: Rosa Rozek
773.374.1000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Teamsters 142 facility

Merrillville, IN — Honoring 55 years, Teamster Union Local 142 has helped thousands of workers achieve the American Dream. Their success is a testament to those who came before, who stood together to form a union and a labor movement. And now, with the construction of a new, state-of-the-art training facility for which the groundbreaking ceremony will take place on May 13, 2009 at 9090 Mississippi Street, Merrillville Indiana it will be able to expand its commitment to serving the Teamsters and communities throughout Northwest Indiana.

“Our new facility will ensure the future of our construction division. With all of the training we offer, CDL Class A, Forklift, Dump Truck, Semi & Tri-Axle, Truck-Mounted Crane/Boom, Water Truck, Flat Bed, Articulated Dump, Fuel Truck, Sweeper Truck, Equipment Transport Truck or Low Boy, and many others like Safe Operation, Haz-Mat, Public Passenger, and other endorsements, we can ensure the employers that they are going to get the very best qualified Teamsters for their trucks and/or other equipment” acknowledged Mitchell Sawochka, President, Teamsters Union Local No. 142.

Selected due to their vast experience in the design of similar workplace facilities, Design Organization Architects faced the task of incorporating a highly innovative building design that provided a flexible learning environment for the new apprentices who will be developing their skills there. The new training facility sits on 10 acres and offers both on-road and off-road training courses within their program. The building is 14,000 sq. ft. and will support the training program offices, classroom training and student lounge area. The balance of the space will provide for equipment storage and situational interior driver training. Established in 1971, DO has a reputation throughout the Chicago and Northwest Indiana region as a creative, client-focused architecture and design firm.

“We are excited to be a part of such an important project that not only honors a long legacy in Northwest Indiana, but also shows a long term investment in the advancement of the American workforce. This facility will allow the Teamsters to continue growth for many years to come” stated Jeffrey Lewis, AIA, LEED AP Associate and Project Manager for Design Organization.

Project construction will be managed by Berglund Construction, currently celebrating its 98th year doing business. Berglund's key role in Preconstruction played an essential part to ensure the project design stayed within budget and ensured its constructability. We are excited about beginning work on one of 6 Teamster’s training facilities in the nation. What a great asset to local 142. The team has been great to work with” noted Bill Gorski Jr. CPE, LEED AP Senior Vice President of Berglund Construction.

Berglund provides Construction Management and General Construction services to Healthcare, Institutional, Education, Government, and Commercial clients. The Construction Advancement Foundation of Northern Indiana has repeatedly recognized Berglund’s quality performance.

For more information please visit www.teamsters142.org.