Multiplex sues Raleigh school board, School Building Authority for breach of contract

CHARLESTON -- Multiplex Inc. is suing the Raleigh County Board of Education and the state School Building Authority for breach of contract.

On July 21, 2005, Multiplex and the Board entered into a contract for construction of an addition to Independent High School in Sophia, according to a complaint filed Nov. 4 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Multiplex claims the addition to the high school was to be funded by the School Building Authority.

According to the suit, Multiplex submitted a charge order for $11,326.66, which has not been paid. Delays in the project resulted in substantial economic harm to Multiplex. The company claims the Board and SBA owe them $173,898.18 for the delays with the roof top units.

The Board and SBA insisted that Multiplex use a certain subcontractor to install tile, who failed to complete the work in a timely manner Multiplex claims the contract amount for the tile work was $220,495, but that they incurred costs of $200,793.88. They claim they are owed the difference, which is $80,298.88.

Multiplex claims because of the delays with the Board and SBA, they were held up for 112 additional days, which cost them $140,560. They also claim to have suffered delays in the amount of $18,575.86.

Multiplex is suing for these amounts and declaratory judgment against the Board and SBA. Greg A. Hewitt and Anthony M. Salvatore are representing the company.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Paul Zakaib Jr.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 09-C-2075