The 2026 Book of Giants highlights the challenges and successes of two of the nation’s largest mechanical contractors, Andy J. Egan Co. and McKinstry, as they adapt to a turbulent market. Andy J. Egan Co. has been leveraging technology, including AI and BIM, to enhance project delivery and employee engagement, while maintaining a focus on long-term stability.
Technology-Driven Approach
Chris Weaver, the new President of Andy J. Egan Co., emphasizes the importance of technology in driving the company’s success. “We want all employees to work in roles that they are passionate about,” Weaver says. The company has been using technology to remove low-value, repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on more meaningful work.
Egan has been a leader in BIM implementation for over two decades and is now taking a similar approach to AI. The company’s philosophy is to prioritize people and processes over software, ensuring that technology serves the needs of the workforce.
Workforce Development
Both Andy J. Egan Co. and McKinstry recognize the critical role of workforce development in the industry. Egan has implemented programs to attract, train, and retain diverse talent, including competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities for development. The company has also developed company-wide training programs available to all generations of employees.
McKinstry has been focusing on diversity and inclusion, with a goal of attracting talent from underrepresented communities. The company is working to address the labor crunch by casting a wide net to find skilled workers.
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Prefab and Modular Construction
McKinstry has been investing heavily in prefab and modular construction, expanding its industrialized building capabilities to meet rising demand in data centers and other sectors. The company is working to leverage its diversity to ensure it’s not overly wedded to one vertical market, while also focusing on sustainability in its data center construction projects.
McKinstry is exploring ways to build data centers using closed-loop systems that don’t use as much water, and its expertise extends to commercial, education, healthcare, industrial, life sciences, and more. As the construction industry continues to evolve, McKinstry is positioning itself for growth and stability in an uncertain market, where construction jobs are declining.
In the midst of this change, it’s clear that companies like Andy J. Egan Co. and McKinstry are prioritizing their employees and the communities they serve. By investing in workforce development, leveraging technology, and focusing on sustainability, these companies are building a stronger foundation for the future of the construction industry.
They are taking a proactive approach.
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