Good Times Kept Rolling in 2007, But for How Much Longer?

Top Contractors of the Southwest

By Tom McClure & Scott Blair

General contractors enjoyed another year of growing revenues in 2007, as Southwest Contractor’s Top GC list grows to 170 contractors.

Without a hint of a falling sky in sight, contractors confidently reported $19.32 billion of revenue in our annual ranking. Now in its 12th year, Southwest Contractor’s survey of general contractors and construction management firms doing work in Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico features 170 firms who shared their 2007 revenue totals with us.

In comparing just the top 125 firms with those from last year, revenue was up 26.6% to $18.74 billion. Five years ago, the top 125 only mustered $7.64 billion, meaning revenues have climbed 145% since then.

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Perini Building Co. remains at the top spot, reporting $2.15 billion in 2007.

Several companies moved up the charts. Sparks, Nev.-based Clark & Sullivan Constructors moved up from 39th to 25th place in our overall list.

Escondido, Calif.-based J.R. Filanc Construction Co. reported $42 million in 2007, up dramatically from $10.2 million in 2006. The firm specializes in water and wastewater treatment facilities. “We feel very strongly about the Southwest and we are optimistic for future opportunities in year's to come,” says Gary Warner, senior executive.

Companies who performed work in Arizona reported $9.78 billion of revenue in 2007, up from $8 billion the year before. Nevada saw a huge jump of 47.2% to just over $8 billion in revenue.

Likewise, New Mexico revenue rose 11.2% to $1.48 billion.

In the category breakdowns, water supply had the highest gains at 108.3% over last year, totaling $526 million. Contractors reported nearly $2 billion in transportation work and $711 million in interior projects and tenant improvements.

Unsurprisingly, land development/master-planned project revenue was down 23.7% from the previous year, due in part to the declining residential construction market.

Our ranking is comprised of data that was voluntarily submitted by 170 firms, both online and via faxed surveys. While every effort was made to verify the accuracy of the information, each firm is responsible for the data they submitted.

If you would like to participate in future rankings, please contact Tom McClure
at (602) 631-3080.

As part of this year’s Top GC section, we selected 10 General Contractors to Watch: Gerald Martin, PCL, Stevens-Leinweber, RMCI, PENTA, Tishman, Sundt, DPR, Perini and FNF. These companies were noteworthy for a variety of reasons. One firm topped our hazardous waste ranking, while another firm recently opened an office in the region and is working on two of the largest projects in Nevada’s history.

Top 170 Contractors >>

Top Contractors by State >>

Top Contractors by Category >>

10 GC’s to Watch >>

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