N.B. Kenney Company, Inc. proudly celebrated its 40th anniversary in November. The company, founded by Norman B. Kenney, began working exclusively in the public sector but by the 1990’s expanded into the private market, specializing in challenging and complex projects. Steve Kenney, the company’s President, has worked at the firm in some capacity since the age of 14.
“I am oftentimes asked how does the company weather the tough economic times and my answer is always the same – being a responsible contractor,” Kenney states, “We are, and have always been, committed to performing work which meets the highest quality and safety standards. This has made it possible for N.B. Kenney to stay strong in the market. We don’t cut corners and we don’t take projects for below cost, which is an absolute recipe for disaster. This core principle has meant turning down some projects, but we have built long-term relationships with owners, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, labor and vendors which has made us stronger as we slowly head out of this recession.”
N.B. Kenney began as an open-shop mechanical contractor but in 1993 became signatory to the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters. Kenney explains, “We needed to tap into a pool of highly skilled, qualified, experienced and trained crafts people for a number of demanding and complicated projects. Union construction provides training unmatched in the industry to the tune of over $28 million annually in Massachusetts.”
N.B. Kenney’s work can be found in leading schools, universities, government and municipal buildings, hospitals, manufacturing and pharmaceutical facilities, and housing projects in the Northeast region. A sample of some of N.B. Kenney’s current and completed projects include the following: Newton North High School; John W McCormack Federal Courthouse; MIT’s New Graduate Student Dormitory; Suffolk County Courthouse historic renovation; The Liberty Hotel; The Boston Westin Hotel; UMass Lakeside Hospital Addition; Bristol Meyers Squibb – Devens Manufacturing Facility; Evergreen Solar; Fall River, Plymouth and Taunton Trial Court Facilities; Weston High School; and the CVS Caremark Office Complex.
Robert Nims, Executive Vice President, says, “We give every owner and general contractor our personal attention. We always want to be part of the solution and that means stressing the importance of value over price.” N.B. Kenney offers a wide range of plumbing and HVAC services in a variety of areas in construction including: conceptual budgeting, pre-construction services, design build / design assist, plan and spec, troubleshooting and retrofit. N.B. Kenney also offers full, in-house BIM coordination services utilizing the latest in three-dimensional building modeling. Its state of the art fabrication facility is ready to provide “Just in Time” delivery to ensure timely completion on even the most challenging of project schedules.
Kenney, “Because profit margins are thin these days it’s paramount that we’re in a partnership with everyone involved in the project or it will not be successful. In these challenging economic times, where everyone is looking at the bottom line, project planning and execution must be flawless to be able to satisfy your client and still turn a profit. This is how N.B. Kenney has been able to survive and succeed for the last 40 years, and hopefully 40 more to come.”
Steven P. Kenney, President, LEED AP, N.B. Kenney Company, Inc., Devens is the president elect of New England Mechanical Contractors Association and serves on the Board of Directors of Associated Subcontractors of Massachusetts and Children’s Investment Fund. Steve is also a member of Mechanical Contractors Association of America , and Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Contractors of Greater Boston .