FOND DU LAC, Wis. — Mechanical and fire protection contractor J.F. Ahern Co. marked 125 years of business in 2005 and has planned a number of goals for the year ahead.

The company will install a 25-foot company timeline display in its main building at the Fond du Lac campus, and will donate to charitable organizations. J.F. Ahern will also publish a book on its history, and will create a new logo for the anniversary, which will appear on clothing, flags, banner and decals.

“Reaching such a milestone is rare for any business, and the fact that we have grown and thrived in such a competitive industry is a testament to our dedicated employees and loyal customers,” said JFA President and CEO Tripp Ahern. “This anniversary provides us with a unique opportunity to thank everyone involved in our success.”

J.F. Ahern began as a small steam-heat and plumbing shop in 1880. Today, the company employs approximately 1,000 people in fives states, and sales for 2004 approached $160 million.