Shawmut Design and Construction, the Boston-based contractor, has surpassed $1 billion in revenue for its New England operations in 2024, signaling continued strong demand for its services, particularly in the education sector and large-scale ground-up commercial projects. The company’s total revenue for 2023 reached approximately $1.67 billion, according to Engineering News-Record.

As part of its growth strategy, Shawmut made several key executive promotions to strengthen its leadership. These include the appointment of a new Chief Operating Officer, head of preconstruction, and two vice presidents within its Large Project Division.

Kevin Sullivan, Shawmut’s executive vice president for the New England region, highlighted the significance of the company’s revenue milestone. He noted, “The revenue achievement signals continued construction demand in Shawmut’s main areas of expertise, particularly education and large-scale ground-up commercial projects.”

Key Projects and Regional Expansion

Shawmut’s recent success can be attributed to its involvement in several high-profile projects throughout New England, including:

• The completion of UMass Chan Medical School’s new $350 million education and research building at the University of Massachusetts in Worcester.
• The commencement of the $550 million renovation of Boston University’s Warren Towers.
• Progress on FM Global’s new research and development campus in Norwood, Massachusetts.
• Ongoing redevelopment efforts at Harvard University’s 175 North Harvard St. in Allston.

In addition to these projects, Shawmut has expanded its physical presence in the region, opening a new office in Worcester and continuing to promote talent from within.

To further bolster its leadership team, Shawmut tapped Mike Kearns as the new COO for the New England region. Kearns, who has been with the company for 26 years, will play a critical role in overseeing the firm’s regional operations. Bob Wice and Mark Malmquist were also elevated to vice presidents within Shawmut’s Large Project Division, while Chris Maury, another veteran with 26 years at the company, was appointed head of preconstruction and Rhode Island operations.

Expansion Strategies and Broader Regional Growth

Shawmut’s recent growth efforts are part of a broader strategy to secure more large-scale, technically demanding projects in the Northeast. As Kevin Sullivan noted, “Shawmut’s latest milestone comes amid a broader push in securing large-scale, technically complex work across the Northeast.”

The company’s expansion strategy is also reflected in its actions in New York, where it focused on increasing preconstruction investments and large project staffing in December 2024. This shift aims to capitalize on the rising demand for construction in healthcare, life sciences, and education sectors.

Outlook for the Future

Looking ahead, Shawmut Design and Construction is positioning itself for further growth in the region, particularly in the education, healthcare, and commercial sectors. With strong leadership and a pipeline of major projects, the company appears set to continue its successful trajectory in the coming years.

The combination of strategic executive promotions, regional expansions, and high-profile projects has Shawmut well poised to build upon its $1 billion revenue milestone and further solidify its reputation as a leading contractor in New England.

Shawmut’s revenue surge and strategic growth initiatives are in line with broader trends in the construction industry across the Northeast. The demand for large-scale, specialized projects, particularly in education and commercial sectors, has been a consistent driver of success for firms like Shawmut. Moreover, the company’s focus on preconstruction and strong project leadership reflects an industry-wide emphasis on planning and precision as construction projects grow in size and complexity.

With a steady pipeline of projects and a strong management team, Shawmut appears well-positioned to navigate the dynamic construction market of the coming years.

Originally reported by Sebastian Obando in Construction Dive.