Gilbane Building Co. has announced the launch of a new subsidiary, NextDirect, aimed at transforming procurement practices for complex construction projects. The Providence, Rhode Island-based builder says the initiative is designed to reduce project delays and improve pricing transparency, particularly for mechanical and electrical systems, according to a June 12 press release.

To lead this new division, Gilbane tapped Suzanne Bennett, a seasoned construction professional who formerly served as a regional project manager for Turner Construction in New York City. Bennett has taken on the role of vice president and business leader for NextDirect, per her LinkedIn profile.

NextDirect is already active on several pilot projects and is collaborating with clients in healthcare, higher education, and the advanced manufacturing sectors. The new platform focuses on full lifecycle procurement, competitive bidding among manufacturers, early project team collaboration, and risk-managed contracting.

In an interview with Construction Dive, Bennett emphasized the value of the platform for large-scale and high-tech developments.

“By managing procurement directly through our team, we reduce supply chain layers, improve pricing transparency and create schedule certainty,” said Bennett. “Our team oversees all aspects from early engagement through production to warranty, so clients benefit from fewer delays, better visibility and stronger outcomes.”

She noted that although development of the platform was already underway, market disruptions, including tariffs and material shortages, accelerated its rollout.

“The platform was designed to address these challenges head-on, ensuring more predictable outcomes and streamlined delivery,” Bennett said. “This enhances our ability to support clients.”

Gilbane’s move comes as the construction industry continues to grapple with global supply chain volatility and inflationary pressures. Tariffs in particular have driven up costs and created access barriers to essential materials. By internalizing procurement processes, Gilbane aims to secure better control over cost and timeline risks.

The firm has seen strong activity across its target sectors. According to the company, advanced manufacturing construction has posted especially high levels of spending in 2025, with data center work also contributing significantly to its backlog.

The launch of NextDirect aligns with Gilbane’s broader innovation strategy. In recent months, the company has experimented with tools such as Trunk Tools’ artificial intelligence platform, which helps project teams minimize rework and avoid cost overruns.

With Bennett at the helm, Gilbane anticipates that NextDirect will become a critical differentiator in delivering complex construction projects on time and within budget.

Originally reported by Sebastian Obando in Construction Dive.