Dive Brief:
- Gilbane Building Co. has launched a new subsidiary, NextDirect, to enhance direct procurement of mechanical and electrical systems for complex construction projects, according to a June 12 news release.
- The Providence, Rhode Island-based builder hired Suzanne Bennett, former regional project manager at New York City-based Turner Construction, to lead the new unit as vice president and business leader, according to Bennett’s LinkedIn page.
- The division aims to cut project delays and increase pricing transparency, according to Gilbane. The company says NextDirect has already supported pilot projects and is working with clients in healthcare, higher education and advanced manufacturing construction.
Dive Insight:
The NextDirect tool is especially valuable for large-scale, high-tech projects where early engagement and supply chain certainty are critical, Bennett told Construction Dive.
“By managing procurement directly through our team, we reduce supply chain layers, improve pricing transparency and create schedule certainty,” said Bennett. “Our team oversees all aspects from early engagement through production to warranty, so clients benefit from fewer delays, better visibility and stronger outcomes.”
She added the initiative was already in motion, but that recent price volatility from tariffs reinforced the need for a smarter procurement strategy. Tariffs have added to supply uncertainty for contractors by pushing up material costs and limiting access to key materials.
“The platform was designed to address these challenges head-on, ensuring more predictable outcomes and streamlined delivery,” said Bennett. “This enhances our ability to support clients.”
Gilbane’s focus sectors, such as advanced manufacturing and technology markets, have posted strong construction spending numbers so far this year. Expenditures on manufacturing projects rank the highest among nonresidential categories, while data center activity continues to pile work onto contractors’ backlog.
The NextDirect platform emphasizes early collaboration with project teams, competitive manufacturer bidding, risk-managed contracting and full lifecycle oversight, according to the release.
The launch builds on Gilbane’s broader push toward innovation. For example, the company used Trunk Tools’ artificial intelligence program to help project teams prevent costly rework and save time and money on a recent project.
