Bechtel Unveils Welding Technology and Training Hub

Bechtel, a global leader in engineering, procurement, and construction, announced today the opening of the company’s welding and applied technology center (WATC).  The facility, focused on industry welding innovation and training, represents a critical step forward in the company’s ongoing efforts to continuously improve cost and delivery value for customers.

“Through our efforts to incorporate leading-edge technologies, processes, and workforce development, Bechtel is now even better positioned to lead the industry in overall delivery of quality for our customers, but most importantly - at a better price,” said Doug Omichinski, Bechtel’s manager of construction.  

The full-scale testing and construction center houses Bechtel technical and subject matter experts all focused on accelerating technology advances in the construction industry, providing enhanced training for welding and construction colleagues as well as nurturing closer-collaboration between customers and partners.  The WATC also offers hands-on virtual training and augmented reality simulations, thus allowing Bechtel colleagues to perform on-the-job training in a safe and controlled environment as opposed to at a project site.  

Located in the Houston Energy Corridor, home to many of the largest energy companies in the world, the WATC is in close proximity to several of Bechtel’s energy partners.  Omichinski added that Bechtel “looks forward to seeing the talent and ideas developed in the WATC in partnership with our customers. At the end of the day, this center is focused on self-performing at the highest quality level. Given that few EPC leaders self-perform this scope, the WATC gives us the opportunity to save our customers money by accelerating innovation for better solutions."  Bechtel maintains a large workforce in Houston, primarily through the presence of its global Oil, Gas & Chemicals business, which is headquartered in the city.