News

Thoma Electric Wins Contract for Major Santa Maria Hospital Project

Press Release
May 26, 2009

SANTA MARIA – Marian Medical Center has awarded the electrical contract for a new 220,000-square-foot patient tower to San Luis Obispo-based Thoma Electric.

The contract for the multi-million dollar hospital project is the largest in Thoma Electric’s 50-year history. When completed, the tower will house 188 beds; a birthing center with labor, delivery and recovery rooms; critical care unit; neonatal intensive care unit; radiology department; cafeteria; and chapel – all in a four-story structure with a subterranean basement.

Thoma has about seven employees now on the job, which is expected to span nearly three years. At the peak of construction, Thoma expects upwards of 50 employees to be involved.

The company estimates it will use over 220 miles of wire – enough to stretch from Santa Maria to San Jose. They will install approximately 400,000 feet – or more than 75 miles – of metal conduit. Thoma will also furnish and install approximately 5,000 light fixtures and 7,000 switches and power outlets.

“As is to be expected, much of the electrical power and lighting systems are on a very sophisticated emergency standby power system to continue to operate the hospital during a power outage,” said Bill Thoma, company president.  “We are very pleased to be a part of this important community asset that will deliver the highest level of health care in the region.”

Although the actual construction of the patient tower is expected to be completed in 34 months, the entire project will total six years, from the early design-assist phase to the grand opening in October 2011.

“We used a lot of 3-D modeling during the planning stages,” Thoma said. “The goal is to minimize problems by making sure everything works and fits before we begin the job. We’ve lived and breathed this job for three years, so there shouldn’t be any surprises during construction.”