Local Subcontractors Crucial to New Terminal Project: Spotlight on MFI

The construction of RDU’s new terminal is the biggest project of its kind in Wake County. Once Archer Western was selected as general contractor, the company looked to local firms to help complete the project. From plumbing experts to terrazzo flooring specialists, we will introduce you to some of the local companies that are instrumental to the construction of RDU’s newest terminal.

Local Plumbing Company Connects New Terminal

MFI Plumbing, Inc (formerly Ms. Fix-It), of Carrboro, NC, holds the plumbing contract for the new terminal.

As the plumbing contractor for the terminal project, MFI is responsible for installing all plumbing fixtures, floor drains and piping for sewage, waste water and water. The company is in charge of storm water drains, piping for elevator sump pumps and much more. MFI began work on the project in 2006 and will be on the job until 2010. Currently, they have a team of 15 people working onsite every day.

MFI, owned by Susan McDaniel and Pat Smith, is a registered Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE). The new terminal project is the company’s largest job to date, but it is used to being a part of history. They are proud to be the only company in the state with a licensed female plumber concentrating on commercial construction work.

McDaniel described the new terminal project as “both exciting and daunting at the same time.” She believes being a female plumber is many times like being a pioneer in the industry; plus, she has worked on the two tallest buildings erected in Denver, Colorado when she lived there.

MFI Plumbing began business in August 2001 as a commercial and residential remodeling and repair company. In January 2003, the company switched its focus to commercial plumbing contracts.

MFI is also proud to have its own in house, state-registered, apprentice program. For more information on MFI Plumbing, visit www.mfiplumbing.com or call (919) 928-9619.

Next summer, RDU’s new terminal will open and the Airport Authority is making it easy for you to see what the terminal will look like when it is completed and to follow the construction progress.

To provide a glimpse of the new terminal, the Airport Authority contracted with Richard Baehr, an architect who specializes in architectural rendering, to create four full color renderings.

The renderings take you from the curbside, to the central atrium and onto the concourse. An aerial view of the terminal let’s you see what the terminal will look like as you fly into RDU. Large format wall murals of the new renderings are installed throughout Terminal C for travelers to enjoy. You can also view the completed renderings online.

For a detailed update on the project, including current construction photos and a new brochure on the project, visit www.rdu.com. This section of the Web site is designed to educate the traveling public on the status of the new terminal and the benefits it will bring when it opens.

Also, next time you visit Terminal C, stop by the construction window on the departures level. You can watch as construction crews build RDU’s newest terminal.