FASTEST GROWING COMPANIES | $75M and above | 5TH PLACE
Gilbane Co., the Providence-based global construction firm, has prospered because of qualities that reach into the past for generations: six, so far. The company was founded in 1873 by two sons of Irish immigrants. Family ownership still guides the company’s growth, from revenue of $3.8 billion in 2014 to $4.9 billion in 2016, a 28 percent increase.
Wes Cotter, director of communications, said recent growth can be attributed to faster, better, more-efficient construction techniques. A proprietary system called I Build places digital tablets in the hands of project managers in the field, so they can use real-time data.
Before a shovel or brick is moved, Gilbane creates its buildings virtually, in a 4-D environment, showing the design, materials and all systems. The design can be placed in a virtual-reality engine that allows a client to walk through the building and see it as if in real life. The savings in design changes, time and money are enormous, Cotter said.
Beyond technical know-how, the company’s 3,221 global and 281 Rhode Island employees can do their best work because they are constantly aware of Gilbane’s core values, including integrity, excellence and caring.
Cotter said the principles come down to one singularity: “If it’s not the right thing, we don’t do it.”
CEO (or equivalent): Thomas F. Gilbane, Jr.chairman and CEO
2016 Revenue: $4,874,000,000
2014 Revenue: $3,805,000,000
Revenue Growth: 28%