HEATH CONSTRUCTION GROWS IN NORTHERN COLORADO WITH INVESTMENT FROM SAUNDERS CONSTRUCTION

FORT COLLINS, COLO. – A partnership and investment in Heath Construction by Denver-based Saunders Construction will allow Heath to build on its 37-year legacy of local work and acquire more complex and larger projects in Northern Colorado’s accelerating construction market.

“We’re a local construction company that now operates with the horsepower of a $400 million firm,” said Heath President Randy DeMario. “The investment has vastly increased our capabilities without compromising our local character and relationships with the local business community.  Northern Colorado always will be our home.”

“This is an investment where we share 50/50 ownership with Randy. It’s not a merger, acquisition or joint venture,” said Saunders Chairman and CEO John Beeble. “Heath’s excellent reputation, solid financial history and legacy of local work drove our investment decision.”  Financial details of the investment remain confidential.

The companies are separate, Heath’s name and location remain the same, DeMario continues as president and Heath’s company values are unchanged.

The resources available through Heath’s association with Saunders will far exceed the resources a mid-sized contractor could normally afford.  The result will be much faster growth for Heath and the ability to secure more complex and technically demanding projects as Northern Colorado continues to mature.

Saunders is providing Heath professional, administrative and field manpower to help the company staff new projects. Heath also is getting additional technology, including software that will streamline operations. In addition, Saunders is providing increased bonding capacity and access to its market knowledge, expertise and ongoing relationships with subcontractors, project owners and others.

“I approached John about the opportunity,” DeMario said. “Heath emerged from the recession financially strong.  But to grow fast enough to keep up with all the project opportunities emerging in the Northern Colorado market, I knew we’d need more horsepower.  It made sense to talk to John about Heath’s potential and the boost a Saunders investment could give us.”

As Heath president, DeMario will continue to run the company, making decisions related to day-to-day management and key customer relationships. DeMario and Beeble will collaborate on strategy and long-term planning for Heath.  Beeble also will serve on Heath’s board of directors.

Heath’s broad portfolio of work features many local projects for prominent customers, from Woodward Governor to Colorado State University, Avago and the City of Fort Collins, and national companies such as Walmart.

About Heath Construction

Heath Construction, founded in 1977, is one of Northern Colorado’s premier construction companies. Over the years, Heath has significantly contributed to the economic vitality of Fort Collins and the region, with its experienced staff completing virtually every project imaginable – from local restaurants and retail tenant improvements to manufacturing facilities, federal facilities, schools and university facilities, parks and streetscapes, assisted-living facilities and churches. Learn more about the company at www.heathconstruction.com , on Facebook and LinkedIn, or call 970-221-4195.

About Saunders Construction, Inc.

Saunders Construction, Inc. – one of the region’s largest general contractors – serves the commercial building industry as a full-service general contractor and construction manager. A leader in the Colorado construction industry since its inception in 1972, Saunders’ experience includes a range of project types. Notable projects include the Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center, CSU Student Recreation Center and Indoor Practice Facility, University of Denver Sturm College of Law, DaVita world headquarters, IKEA Centennial and the Lucent Technology Campus, among others. The company has received more than 100 industry awards for construction excellence, employee achievements and community contributions. Saunders is a member of the Citadel Group – an alliance of nine regional construction-related companies with operations in 19 cities. For additional information, visit www.saundersci.com.
Heath Construction Contacts:

Randy DeMario, President            
970-221-4195
randy@heathconstruction.com

Laura Dowling, Dowling Public Relations
970-218-6601
ldowling@dowlingpr.com
Saunders Construction Contact:

Marcy Loughran, Marketing & Communications Director
303-912-0881 cell
m.loughran@saundersci.com