As an arm of Kajima USA Group, KCS was involved with several landmark projects in California. These include:

• Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, Calif. – Completed 1998
• AT&T Park (formerly Pacific Bell Park), San Francisco – Home of the Giants baseball team, completed 2000
• World Trade Center, Long Beach – Completed 1989
• Cruise Terminal, Long Beach – Completed 2003

Global Strength
KCS West and its sister companies operate on the east and west coasts through several different entities, under parent company Kajima USA Group. Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. was founded approximately 130 years ago and was acquired by Kajima less than five years ago. The Austin Company joined Kajima USA Group two years ago after more than 100 years in business. It concentrates on high-tech aerospace projects.

This year, Kajima USA Group has already purchased another company – North Carolina-based Batson-Cook. This company has developed a strong presence in Atlanta, taking on hotel, commercial and industrial projects. “The strategy for Kajima USA Group is to purchase and allow management of each subsidiary to be independent in such a way that will provide quality service to the local client,” Wan says. “Set up in strategic geographic locations, we concentrate on providing geographic services and resources throughout the United States.”

Combined volume for the Kajima USA Group is approximately $2 billion.

Wan says KCS West’s ability to source high-quality cost effective materials from overseas sets it apart from competitors. “We work with material fabricators from all over the world and provide careful and thorough quality control,” he says. “We may be the first company in California exploring overseas fabrication of exterior walls. Ten to 15 years ago, that was not being considered.

“No western-based builder has more global resources, more technological know-how or greater financial strength,” he adds. “With the backing of our parent, Kajima, we are able to bring unmatched capabilities to our clients, and deliver the quality buildings for which Kajima is well known.”