Company Announces Passing of Chairman Thomas E. O'Brien

Dated: January 19, 2011

It is with great sadness that BMW Constructors, Inc. announced the passing of its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Brien, after a long illness.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA and a graduate of West Virginia University, Tom began his career as Project Engineer for the Dravo Corporation. In 1979, after being hired by BMW, Tom relocated to Indianapolis, IN and began working for company founder, Jack Baker, in various management roles. He continued progressing within BMW and was asked to move to Chicago/Northwest Indiana and become responsible for a new office that would eventually become BMW’s largest location. Through this and other successes, Tom continued to move up through the organization and returned to Indianapolis where he was elected President, CEO and subsequently, Chairman’s position. During Tom’s tenure, the company has experienced unprecedented growth and solidified its reputation in the industry for honesty, integrity and customer value. Through Tom’s leadership, the company has expanded into several new markets and regions, and today is commonly ranked as one of the largest construction companies in the nation.

Prior to his illness, Tom had put in place a succession plan for the company’s next generation of executive management. Pursuant to that plan, the company is also announcing the following at this time:

Jim Davis has been elected as the new Chairman of the Board, and Brian Acton will now also hold the position of Chief Executive Officer, in addition to his current role as President. Both individuals have a long history of success within the company and are committed to building upon the strong foundation that Tom laid out for the future. Additionally, Mike Keller has been named the Chief Financial Officer.

Tom’s passion for BMW was unparalleled. We will miss not only his steadfast leadership and direction, but most importantly, his presence as a colleague and friend to all of us.

BMW Constructors, Inc. elects Brian K. Acton President and Chief Operating Officer

Thomas E. O’Brien continues as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Indianapolis, IN, August 23, 2010 – BMW Constructors today announced that its Board of Directors has elected Brian K. Acton President and Chief Operating Officer of the company, reporting to Thomas E. O’Brien, who will continue as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. O’Brien noted that “Brian’s election is another step in the Company’s leadership succession plan. He has served our employees and customers across the company for over 25 years and is well prepared for this position of leadership.”

Mr. Acton joined the company in 1985 as a Project Engineer in its Munster, Indiana operations. He was promoted to Project Manager in 1990 and became responsible for supporting many of the company’s largest customers. In 1998, Mr. Acton and his family relocated to Seattle, Washington where he became President of the company’s sister company in the Pacific Northwest and launched the business’s entry into the semiconductor, biotechnology, and aerospace industries. In January 2009, he returned to Indianapolis as Executive Vice President, responsible for all construction operations across the company.

Mr. O’Brien continued, “Throughout Brian’s career he has demonstrated our corporate values and developed a full understanding of all aspects of our company. BMW Constructors has grown under his leadership, and I am confident that he will continue to strengthen our long tradition of excellence with our employees and customers as we continue the growth and success of our business model.”

Mr. Acton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Engineering Management from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. He currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Construction and Engineering Department at Purdue University, and is a member of Young President’s Organization (YPO). Mr. Acton and his family will continue to reside in Indianapolis, IN.

United Way contribution recognition

BMW and Judy Piercinski recognized for United Way campaign

BMW Constructors, Inc. was recognized for the company's United Way contribution at the annual United Way picnic. BMW is a member of Division I, which encompasses the construction industry. Judy Piercinski received the Employee Campaign Manager award for Division I. Paul Nicholls, who presented the award, spoke highly of BMW and its yearly contributions. He said the company contined to increase its donation despite the downturn of the economy. He acknowledged that BMW's previous Employee Campaign Manager also received the award and passing the award to Judy proves the company is continuing its generosity.

"Welding Journal" publishes article about BMW

Steven Disbrow and Chris Kramer write about BP's Modernization Project

The article highlights not only the modernization project taking place at the BP Whiting Refinery, but also what it takes for a company like BMW to do the work. Steven and Chris discuss the importance of safety, the demands of the work, quality considerations, and the benefits of modernizing the refinery. The article includes photos of the refinery and of the equipment that will be used to modernize the facility. For the complete article from the "Welding Journal" please click the link below.

BP Modernizes Whiting Refinery