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Construction Business Review
GEMCO
Crafting Cold Storage Excellence
William Bates, Chief Executive Officer; Thomas Dakich, General Counsel; Andrew Toth, Chief Financial Officer; Jim Bates, Chief Operating Officer“We combine diligent construction practices with our expertise in designing and implementing capable temperature control systems,” says William Bates, chief executive officer of GEMCO.
GEMCO offers a comprehensive range of solutions, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, building automation systems, and service contracting, with a focus on cold storage construction services. Their temperature control system solutions include the installation of both direct digital control (DDC) and non-DDC systems, system design, application software creation, project management, graphics construction, system commissioning, and after-market service. Through their design/build approach, GEMCO optimizes the construction of cold storage infrastructure by streamlining procurement and construction timelines. This approach not only reduces the initial capital investment but also ensures the delivery of energy-efficient systems tailored to each project’s requirements.
In the competitive business landscape, clients aim to maximize revenue generation by making their buildings operational as quickly as possible. However, the procurement of essential electrical equipment, such as switchgear and generators, often causes significant delays, which can be especially challenging for cold storage projects. GEMCO takes a proactive approach by implementing strategies to expedite the acquisition of critical equipment and provide timely solutions for their clients in the cold storage sector. By establishing strong relationships with equipment vendors, GEMCO leverages these connections to overcome supply chain limitations and mitigate the impact of long lead times on project schedules.
A notable example of the company’s resourcefulness and dedication to finding solutions was a project where the client had a pressing deadline to complete their 750,000-square-foot facility. Based on the initial estimates provided by another contractor, the move-in date would have been delayed by six months.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, GEMCO stepped in and devised a unique approach.
One of the company’s core strengths lies in its close-knit workforce, with many team members having worked together for a considerable time. Fostering a safe and collaborative environment, GEMCO empowers its employees to achieve their goals, cultivate relationships, and experience personal and professional growth.
Instead of waiting for the long lead items to become available, GEMCO collaborated with a custom manufacturer to develop a solution. This innovative value engineering approach not only expedited the procurement process but also significantly reduced the project timeline from 52 weeks to 20 weeks, allowing the client to meet their desired move-in date. This accelerated timeline resulted in significant cost savings for the owner, demonstrating GEMCO’s commitment to customer service and their ability to deliver exceptional results while meeting strict deadlines.
The company’s status as a sought-after partner nationally stems from their ability to establish long-lasting relationships with contractors built upon a foundation of open communication and exceptional proficiency. Contractors value this approach as it eliminates the need for reteaching and minimizes the challenges associated with a steep learning curve. Collaborating with clients and ensuring their success is at the core of everything GEMCO does. Their dedicated team of engineers, estimators, project managers, and installers ensures timely and budget-conscious delivery of systems that align with client needs. Starting from a blank piece of paper or a simple building outline, GEMCO’s expertise shines as they meticulously fill in all the gaps for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and control systems, offering comprehensive design and build services for diverse structures such as cold storage facilities, dry goods warehousing, office spaces, and more. The company’s project managers possess a diverse skill set encompassing business development, design, engineering, estimation, project management, and field experience. This comprehensive expertise allows clients to have a single point of contact throughout the project, enhancing communication and streamlining the process.
What we’ve tried to do is build a construction company that is the easiest and best for a traveling workforce to be a team member of. We get the best talent because of that
“What we’ve tried to do is build a construction company that is the easiest and best for a traveling workforce to be a team member of. We get the best talent because of that,” says Bates.
GEMCO’s focus on specializing in cold storage construction demonstrates a strategic approach to target their strengths and ensure a sustainable future for the company and their customers. Needless to say, the company has a national presence today, with registrations in over 30 states. By consistently delivering high-quality results and providing comprehensive services from design to project management, GEMCO Constructors establishes itself as a trusted partner in the cold storage construction industry.
