One of the Midwest's largest mechanical contractors, J.F. Ahern Co., Fond du Lac, Wis., will be celebrating 125 years in business with a number of anniversary events scheduled throughout the year.

Plans for the celebration include:

  • A 25-ft. company timeline, installed permanently in the main building of the company's Fond du Lac headquarters.

  • Charitable donations recognizing the anniversary.

  • A book covering Ahern's history will be given to customers and employees, as well as potential customers.

  • Clothing and other items featuring a specially designed 125th anniversary logo.

  • Anniversary flags, banners and decals will be displayed in Ahern buildings and jobsites.

    The company was founded by Irish immigrant David Ahern. Since then, four generations of the Ahern family have helped build the company to sales of $160 million in 2004, employing 1,000 people in operations located in five states. The company ranked No. 15 in our 2004 edition of the Pipe Trades Giants, our annual ranking of the largest plumbing and piping contractors in the country.