With 145 years of experience and a reputation for quality that spans Wisconsin and beyond, J.F. Ahern is a full-service mechanical contractor known for taking on some of the region’s most complex and high-stakes construction projects. From massive healthcare builds to intricate fire protection systems and cutting-edge fabrication work, J.F. Ahern’s expertise is matched by its commitment to safety, efficiency and union-trained talent.
A proud Steamfitters Local 601 signatory contractor, the contractor’s partnership with Local 601 provides an advantage when it comes to labor shortages and skills shortages facing the construction industry.
Trusted Across Industries
J.F. Ahern delivers full mechanical system installs on multimillion-dollar builds and partners with general contractors to provide turnkey mechanical and fire protection solutions. Their comprehensive mechanical services include HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, controls and custom fabrication.
They serve a wide range of industries including healthcare, food processing, hospitality and entertainment, government and wastewater treatment. Projects include:
- Froedtert Hospital’s Center for Advanced Care
- Saputo Cheese in Franklin, Wisconsin
- Columbia St Mary’s in Milwaukee
- Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells
- Potawatomi Casino in Milwaukee
- State & County Crime Lab in Wauwatosa
- Jones Island Wastewater Treatment Center and other Treatment Centers
While their project scale is large, their values remain local, as J.F. Ahern exclusively employs skilled tradespeople from Steamfitters Local 601 and other unions across the state.
Why Steamfitters Local 601?
J.F. Ahern’s partnership with Steamfitters Local 601 runs especially deep, with a belief that Local 601 turns out some of the best tradespeople around.
“Local 601 produces some of the best tradespeople in North America. Hands down. They have all of the skills that local contractors are looking for and then some,” said Superintendent Tony Glaser. “From day one, 601 apprentices come equipped with OSHA 30 certification, foundational safety knowledge and the drive to learn.”
J.F. Ahern builds on that foundation with tailored in-house training and hands-on mentorship. New hires go through a full orientation, are paired with experienced journeymen and participate in annual safety seminars covering fall protection, trench safety and more.
For J.F. Ahern, safety is more than compliance: it’s culture. Every day, they address safety issues that may arise on the job and problem-solve to find the right solution. “If that piece of pipe doesn’t get set today because of a safety issue, that’s okay. Safety is number one. Putting things together and making a profit is number two. That’s why it’s important we have the right people; to remain competitive in the market. We have to make sure we’re training our people to be effective and efficient, while still being safe,” said Glaser. He says 601 is J.F. Ahern’s frontline source for training.
Expertise and a Competitive Edge
J.F. Ahern doesn’t just install systems; they design and build them in-house for maximum precision and speed. One of their standout specialties includes multi-trade racking: prefabricated systems that combine ductwork, piping, electrical, and controls into pre-assembled racks built off-site. These racks can be up to 40 feet long and are flown directly into place, significantly reducing labor hours and margin for error on-site. Such fabrication capability allows J.F. Ahern to profitably complete large jobs within tight timelines.
Developing the Next Generation of Leaders
J.F. Ahern is always on the lookout for talent and is known for a career trajectory that delivers. When they employ apprentices and journeymen, the contractor is always taking into consideration developing future project managers, foremen, forewomen and superintendents. “When I look at a new apprentice, I’m asking: ‘Can this person replace me someday?’ That’s who we want,” said Glaser.
Thanks to training from Local 601 and the company’s mentorship-driven culture, many field workers go on to leadership roles in project management, 3D modeling, become foremen and more. The team encourages curiosity and drive, which are just as critical as technical knowledge in today’s evolving construction landscape.
Union Strong, Future Focused
Whether it’s a hospital tower or a cheese plant, J.F. Ahern has the expertise and talent to bring complex projects to life. Their partnership with Steamfitters Local 601 ensures a constant pipeline of highly trained, safety-conscious tradespeople ready to take on the industry’s biggest challenges. With offices in Milwaukee, Madison, Fond du Lac, Menomonee, and Minnesota, as well as fabrication shops in Appleton and Fond du Lac, J.F. Ahern continues to lead the way in union-built mechanical excellence.
