News

Cochran, Inc., a $200 million electrical and technologies firm headquartered in Seattle, announces the acquisition of its Marine division by Vice President Mike Watts. The firm has housed Cochran Marine, under the leadership of Watts, for more than a decade; Watts Marine has been in the works since early 2019.

“Founding and leading Cochran Marine always felt like I was running my own business. As owner of Watts Marine, I truly get to live my dream of owning every aspect,” states Watts, who has perfected his vision for the Marine division over the years.

“We’re delighted to see Mike more fully assume this business he’s worked to grow for the past 16 years,” affirms CEO LeeAnn Cochran. “On behalf of the senior leadership team, we support this shift in ownership and are eager to focus on our core business as an electrical and technologies contracting firm.”

Cochran Marine has been the world’s leading provider of shore power systems for the ship industry since its founding in 2005 and has supplied its patented electrical power systems to more than half a dozen ports, ranging from San Diego, CA, to Brooklyn, NY, and into Nova Scotia.

Watts, together with the Cochran leadership, has planned a seamless transition for customers and vendors, who can expect the same high standard of quality service and product. Watts Marine will continue the renowned installation, management, and coordination that put Cochran Marine on the map as a leading shore power provider.

https://www.watts-marine.com/

We value the health and well-being of every employee and their families and we want to make sure our workplace is as safe as possible. The Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) published the following information, which we recommend:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Use social distancing to avoid people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wear a mask in public.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• If you are in a high risk group (over 60, or with underlying health conditions), refer to the CDC recommendations.

These are everyday habits that we can all do to help prevent the spread of not only COVID-19, but several other viruses as well. The CDC suggests keeping yourself informed as new information is released; Cochran will do the same.

The below links provide additional information regarding the coronavirus:

World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/
Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/
NECA: https://www.necanet.org/industry-priorities/safety-regulations/neca-coronavirus-resource-center

Cochran donated 50 laptops to the Computer Information Systems department at Edmonds Community College. Students will get hands-on experience repairing and upgrading the old laptops, which will then be sent to charitable organizations worldwide. Thanks to Edmonds Community College and the Computer Information Systems department for working with us on this great cause.

Cochran provided all feeder and branch circuits, retrofitted the existing systems to support emergency power for air conditioning and power systems, installed day tank fueling systems, and a pre-action sprinkler system throughout the 5th floor which is protected by a VESDA smoke detection system. Cochran also designed and installed the security systems for this data center.

Join us on Tues. Oct. 24th for the 2017 Technologies Showcase at the Embassy Suites in Portland Oregon. The Event will feature leading audio visual and other technology solutions with hands-on demonstrations from our manufacturer partners.

Cochran's Audio Visual work at the Daimler NOVA Headquarters in Portland is highlighted in a recent video Case Study produced by the largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in North America.

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Kelly Morgan to Project Manager for Oregon Technologies. After graduating from Western Oregon University, Kelly spent a year working as a field foreman in steel manufacturing. Kelly joined Cochran in 2014, and has shown he understands the importance of meeting and exceeding customer expectations. Kelly has consistently demonstrated his skills in project management including stepping in to help Oregon Technologies with projects in Western Oregon.
Congratulations Kelly!

Skanska awarded Cochran their 2015 Safety Subcontractor of the Year award. Cochran also received the Safety Award from the Puget Sound chapter of National Electrical Contractors Association for the second year on a row. In addition, in 2015, over 100 staff members received their OSHA 30 certification.

In a recent Job Preparedness Survey, we asked our field foremen, “How often do you feel you have everything you need before you start a new project?” The response: 63% of the time, they felt well prepared. Which means 37% of the time, we weren’t giving them what they needed.

In response, a team of Cochran field leaders, project managers, and managers developed a tool to get new projects started right. Based on Atul Gawande’s The Checklist Manifesto, the B4 Boots program revolves around a seven-question checklist covering critical items for proper job starts, such as permits, scope of work, relevant contacts, and PPE. It empowers field leaders to say, “I can’t start work, because I don’t have what I need to do it right.” And it gives project managers a guide for getting new jobs off on the right foot.

Cochran is proud to have been a part of the 47+7 Apartments project, winner of the Innovation Award at the 2015 NAIOP Night of the Stars for a new state-of-the-art prefabrication method. The event was hosted by the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, Washington State Chapter.

‎Cochran recently completed work on the Cirrus Apartments at 2030 8th Avenue in Seattle. The 41-story project is the first in a wave of high-rise apartments planned for the South Lake Union area. The 355 units, near the Amazon headquarters, cater to affluent professionals. The average one-bedroom rents for just over $2,900, while a three-bedroom, 1,675-square-foot penthouse goes for $7,525.

Cochran’s team is in place at The Mark (previously Fifth and Columbia Tower), a 660-foot skyscraper under construction in Seattle. It will consist of 44 floors and be completed in 2017. The tower will consist of 528,000 square feet of office space and a 184-room luxury hotel operated by SBE Entertainment Group. It was designed by Zimmer Gunsul Frasca and is being developed by Daniels Real Estate. When the building is completed, it will be the fifth tallest building in Seattle and the tallest building completed since 1990. To achieve LEED Gold standards, it will have a system to capture rainwater for reuse, a 35-foot-tall "living wall" where plants are grown in the façade, and rooftop solar energy equipment.