Same companies, same people, same values.

Don Wells, president of D.E.W. Construction Corp., is pleased to announce the merger of the MacMillin Company of Keene, NH, with D.E.W. The merger is a strategic step that unites the strengths of both businesses, resulting in a winning situation for their present and future clients as well as their employees.

“I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to work with MacMillin’s owner Bill Walker and his staff to integrate our services to better serve the market,” says Wells. “Our business philosophies are in alignment: people come first. We both look out and advocate for our clients, and now we can offer them enhanced services. It also provides opportunities for our staffs and employees to grow.”

D.E.W., a 15-year-old company, brings to the table a solid business development plan, progressive marketing strategies, and Building Information Modeling, a technology method of managing models, processes, and communication across a large team. MacMillin, a 66-year-old company, brings a rich history of service and customer satisfaction in a region where D.E.W. previously planned to expand operations.

Bill Walker, who has been with MacMillin for 42 years and President for the last 25 years, says the merger will yield an entity that is stronger than what each independent company now offers. “Our companies have a great synergy. They are alike in management practices and philosophies and it’s a great fit for the employees. The result of the merger will be companies that are stronger and more competitive in the construction marketplace.”

D.E.W.’s corporate headquarters will remain in Williston, VT, and the MacMillin Company will retain its Keene offices and New Hampshire corporation status, with Walker continuing as CEO.

Recently, MacMillin’s work volume has been approximately $40 million annually. Completed projects within the past year include Keene Family YMCA, Keene Middle School, Marlborough Elementary School, and Kilton Public Library.

D.E.W.’s recent projects include Jay Peak’s Hotel Jay and Pump House Waterpark, James M. Jeffords Hall at University of Vermont, Community College of Vermont Rutland Academic Center, Putney School Field House, and the Waterbury Fire Stations. Their current annual sales for 2011 were in the $150 million range.

It is the goal of both companies to grow the New Hampshire operation to a similar size of D.E.W.’s Vermont operations. “It will be business as usual for everyone involved,” says Wells. “The merger will be a seamless transition to ensure integrity throughout the process.”

Recently, the D.E.W. staff popped a cork and toasted their 15-year anniversary as well as the merging of the two companies. “This is a positive move for everyone,” says Wells. “I look forward to an exciting and productive future for D.E.W. and MacMillin.”

-End-

Pumps inside the WWTP

MacMillin is in the final stages of construction at the Peterborough Waste Water Treatment Plant. The project, designed by Woodard & Curran, will replace the Town’s aging infrastructure.

The new structure has been completed, and by-pass pumping of the old plant is about to begin.  During this period, MacMillin will be intercepting the Town’s septic stream before arrival at the old facility.   The sewage will be rerouted and pumped to the existing lagoons.  While this occurs, work crews will decommission the old facility and convert it into a pump station.  The by-pass process is expected to take 3 weeks.  At the conclusion of by-pass pumping, the sewage will be pumped from the converted pump station to the new Treatment Facility.

MacMillin’s Project Manager, Mike Farhm, Superintendent, Peter Maki, and Foreman, Nate Madden, have truly enjoyed working with the Town of Peterborough and appreciate the hard work by their talented crew of specialty subcontractors including PRB Construction for Process Mechanical, Lonchamps Electric for Electrical and Electrical Installations, SCADA System for networking, and Godwin Pumps for By-Pass pumping.

View project details in our Portfolio.

6-Lane Competition Pool in the YMCA's Aquatics Center

The Keene YMCA Facility, designed by ARC Inc, is approximately 65,000 square feet of new construction consisting of a child care facility; exercise studios; gymnasium with basketball and gymnastics; an indoor elevated running track; entrance and lobby with rock-climbing wall, seating area, fireplace and snack bar; two wellness centers, one for youth fitness and one for adults; locker room facilities for men, women, and family; and an aquatics center with a 6-lane competition indoor swimming pool, therapy pool, whirlpool, sauna,  and steam room.

The project had phased completion dates to accommodate programming.  The Child Care Wing needed to be completed first to coincide with the beginning of the school year.  The phased completion approach held some challenges because the mechanical and electrical systems were fed by mechanical rooms and electrical rooms that were part of the Phase Two completion.  Contractor trades had to manage long lead mechanical and electrical components as well as the actual construction to contain the equipment.

One of the biggest challenges on the project was a late delivery of structural steel.  The delay was a result of additional engineering that was required in order to begin the steel fabrication.  Approximately 3 months were lost at the front end of the project, a loss that was nearly impossible to recapture.

The mechanical systems are cutting-edge and are tied to a centralized building management system which allows for control of all spaces with respect to heating, air-conditioning and, in the case of the pool wing, humidity and air exchanges.

The YMCA hosted a Grand Opening Gala and has been operating at full capacity while work crews remain in the building completing final tasks.  MacMillin has been retained to work on additional scope items such as the installation of the sauna, steam room and kitchen equipment.  Crews will return in the spring to complete landscaping tasks.

Everyone at The MacMillin is extremely proud to be a part of this landmark community project.  The YMCA Board and Building Committee have shown tireless dedication to the project, matched by MacMillin’s indefatigable Project Manager, Darryl Howe, and Superintendent, Jim Crowley. View the project details in our Portfolio.

Solatubes bring natural daylighting into the Showroom at Keene Chrysler Jeep Dodge

MacMillin was the design/build contractor for the complete new facelift of the showroom, waiting area and office space at Keene Chrysler Jeep Dodge.  One of the most prominent elements was the construction of a new arched entrance into the showroom.

The old showroom had acoustical ceilings with standard fluorescent lighting and a concealed mechanical system with ductwork and diffusers.  Over time, these ceilings turn from a brilliant white to a faded white and the light fixtures and mechanical system become inefficient.  The renovation brought natural day lighting into the space through the use of solatubes.  Solatubes penetrate through the roof with prismatic lenses which pull day light in and disperse it evenly through the interior.  The new lighting system works on sensors in conjunction with the day lighting to achieve the optimum lighting effect.  Not only is the system energy efficient, but the full spectrum day lighting allows patrons to view the true paint colors of displayed vehicles.

A new roof was installed and all flashings were removed, replaced and upgraded.  The existing mechanical system was retrofitted with new spiral ductwork and diffusers.  A new 2’ x 2’ ceramic tile floor replaced the laminated gravel floor.  The existing building was cleaned and painted to reveal a bright attractive environment.

As is the case with any renovation, the need for a safe working environment, not only for construction workers, but for the general public and Keene Chrysler personnel were paramount.  Mark MacKenzie, Project Superintendent, conducted a neat, clean and thorough project from start to finish.  The project was managed by Darryl Howe and estimated by Bruce Lyman. Design was completed by BRH Architects of New Ipswich, NH.

View the project details in our Portfolio.

PJ Noyes Pellet Silo, Mechanical Building and Warehouse

MacMillin has completed the deep energy retrofit of a PJ Noyes warehouse in Lancaster, NH.  The project goal was to reduce the consumption of #2 fuel oil, saving PJ Noyes money, through a 10 year payback period.

Flexibility and owner responsiveness were the keys to the success of this project.  During preconstruction, the team identified a number of possible solutions to analyze. Many were quickly recognized as unrealistic or outside the payback period.  The team was able to make effective decisions, and ultimately chose to focus on the walls and integrating a wood pellet boiler for heat.

During construction, the same attitude of flexibility prevailed.  As the team found items that could be done differently, information was presented and PJ Noyes made quick decisions without affecting the overall budget and schedule.

Vertical walls were wrapped with spray foam insulation and then covered with sheet metal siding.  Some walls were decently insulated except for some interior structural beams, so to save money; spray foam was only applied to the beams.  A wood pellet fired boiler was added outside the building.  It is a stand-alone system that will heat the building, leaving oil as a supplemental heat source.  MacMillin also completed the installation of an existing partially completed heat pump system for heating and cooling the office space.

The MacMillin Company’s design team included Daniel V. Scully Architects, GWR Engineering, and S.E.E.D.S. The Jordan Institute served as the Owner’s Representative.  We hope to see more deep energy retrofit projects and look forward to talking with anyone interested in saving money through this common sense construction. View the project details in our Portfolio.

“…any such accolade was not possible without the extraordinary attentiveness, and continued sensitivity to the architectural design issues that your team of Peter Bonneau and Mark Mackenzie brought to the project. Their oversight was invaluable – sometimes saving us from ourselves.” – Daniel V. Scully, AIA, Scully/Architects

The project involved the historic preservation of a 12,000 SF, circa 1881 Peabody and Stearns house, while simultaneously developing a Net-Zero Energy strategy. The preservation and energy efficiency efforts started with the removal of the exterior clap boards, cedar shakes and trim. The trim included 20+ shapes and molding assemblies. Spray foam, rigid and air barrier insulation were applied, preceding re-installation of the siding and trim, to historically match the original.   There is a 50 KW solar array  that powers a geothermal heating system.  An indoor pool and spa are heated primarily with a solar hot water system.

View the project details in our Portfolio.

Peter Tremblay receives the gavel from outgoing President Michael Reilly of Brox Industries

On December 8th, 2011 Peter M. Tremblay  was inducted as the 62nd President of the Associated General Contractors of New Hampshire (AGC of NH).  Peter’s dedication to the organization and to the commerical construction industry are evident in his long standing commitment to the Board.

During his acceptance speech Peter discussed his introduction to the organization as the recipient of several scholarships while he was attending Northeastern University. He continued to discuss the challenges faced by the industry in teh year ahead and encouraged members to participate on committees.

Tremblay currently serves as Executive Vice President of MacMillin and has been a member of the AGC of NH Board of Directors for 7 years.