Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted HVAC & Plumbing Contractor in Mobile, AL
James B Donaghey, Inc. has been a trusted leader in mechanical contracting for over a century. Founded in 1921 as a plumbing business, we expanded into heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and piping services, evolving into a full-service self-performing contractor. Our expertise spans industrial, institutional, and commercial projects, supported by three regional offices and a fleet of specialized fabrication shops. With four generations of family ownership, we uphold a legacy of ingenuity, integrity, and customer satisfaction.Our team includes licensed professionals across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, delivering cost-effective solutions through advanced engineering and safety-focused practices. Recognized with multiple Safety Excellence Awards, we maintain an EMR below 0.80, reflecting our commitment to a secure work environment. From design-build projects to emergency repairs, we combine 104 years of experience with cutting-edge technology to meet client needs efficiently.
Services
HVAC Contracting
Plumbing Services
Sheet Metal Fabrication
Piping Systems
Design-Build Solutions
Prefabrication
Emergency Repairs
Energy Upgrades
Medical Gas Installation
Industrial Mechanical Systems
Details
- Year established: 1921
Highlights and features
- 104 years of experience in mechanical contracting across diverse industries
- Family-owned with four generations ensuring personalized service and accountability
- In-house fabrication shops enable faster project turnaround times
- Award-winning safety record with EMR below 0.80 for the past five years
- Licensed professionals operating across five Gulf Coast states
Associations and certifications
- Associated General Contractors
- Subcontractors Association of Alabama
- Associated Builders and Contractors
Services
HVAC Contracting
We design and install commercial HVAC systems for new construction and renovations. Our BIM-enabled prefabrication ensures precise installations that meet schedule demands. With specialized expertise in medical facilities and industrial applications, we deliver energy-efficient climate control solutions that comply with ASHRAE standards.
Plumbing Services
Our licensed plumbers handle complex commercial and industrial plumbing projects. From high-rise buildings to manufacturing plants, we install code-compliant water distribution and waste management systems. Our dedicated welding shop ensures quality pipe fabrication for critical process piping applications.
Sheet Metal Fabrication
Our 15,000 sq ft automated sheet metal shop produces precision ductwork using plasma cutters and TDF machines. This in-house capability reduces lead times by 30% while maintaining strict quality control for HVAC systems in healthcare and hospitality projects.
Design-Build Solutions
We offer collaborative design-build services that streamline project delivery. Our engineers work directly with architects and owners to optimize mechanical systems. This approach reduces costs by 15% on average while ensuring constructability and long-term system performance.
Industrial Mechanical
We install specialized mechanical systems for industrial facilities including process piping, exhaust systems, and climate control for manufacturing environments. Our team has completed projects at automotive plants, chemical facilities, and shipyards across the Gulf Coast region.
People
Judson Sanders
President
Third-generation leader with 30+ years in mechanical contracting. Oversees operations and strategic direction while maintaining hands-on involvement in major projects. Holds multiple industry certifications and serves on regional construction advisory boards.
Bob Clapper
Vice President
Vice President managing project execution and client relations. 25-year veteran with expertise in healthcare and industrial projects. Leads quality control initiatives and mentors junior staff through our internal training programs.
Joe Valle
Vice President
Vice President directing fabrication operations. Oversees three specialized shops including our automated ductwork facility. Implements lean manufacturing principles to optimize production efficiency while maintaining strict quality standards for all mechanical components.
Zach Valle
Project Manager
Fourth-generation project manager handling estimating and client coordination. Focuses on technology integration including BIM/VDC implementation. Graduated top of class from Auburn University's construction management program.
John King
Mississippi Regional Manager
Regional leader with 20 years' experience managing Gulf Coast projects. Specializes in military and government contracts. Maintains multiple state contractor licenses and serves as liaison with regulatory agencies for compliance matters.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We operate across Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas with offices in Mobile, Pensacola, and Gulfport.
How long have you been in business?
We've been serving clients since 1921, making us one of the oldest mechanical contractors in the Southeast.
What industries do you specialize in?
We focus on healthcare, industrial, military, education, and hospitality sectors with specialized expertise in complex mechanical systems.
Are you a family-owned business?
Yes, we're proudly family-owned across four generations since our founding in 1921.
What safety certifications do you hold?
We maintain OSHA 30-hour certifications for all supervisors and have received 20+ Safety Excellence Awards from industry groups.
Can you handle large-scale projects?
Our largest completed project was a $17.7M high school with full mechanical systems installation, demonstrating our capacity for complex large-scale work.
