We catch up with leading engineering, procurement, and construction contractor Saulsbury, who in the last 12 months has continued to help clients overcome industry adversity with ease. Dennis Chismar, Chief Business Development Officer, details the company’s ongoing expansion into renewable energy production and the burgeoning data center market.
SCALING INNOVATION ACROSS CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Over the last year, Saulsbury has expanded its position as one of North America’s leading engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors, growing its presence across traditional energy, utility infrastructure, renewable energy, carbon capture, and the rapidly emerging artificial intelligence (AI)-driven data center market.
As capital investment accelerates across these sectors, the company continues to differentiate itself through self-perform execution, schedule certainty, and integrated project delivery.
On one hand, the industry is experiencing strong, sustained demand for traditional oil and gas infrastructure, particularly in gas processing and other midstream projects.
On the other, there is a clear acceleration in capital deployment toward energy transition projects – power infrastructure, grid modernization, and increasing demand driven by data center development.
The latter has been fueled by unprecedented growth in AI, driving demand for new power architectures, advanced cooling systems, and large-scale infrastructure investments across North America.
Since last speaking to Saulsbury in May 2025, the company has proactively responded to this environment by supporting its clients’ execution certainty across numerous areas, including scheduling, cost control, and constructability, which are impacting customers more than ever before.
Indeed, the leading EPC contractor continues to help customers overcome difficulties such as labor availability, regulatory complexity, and evolving supply chain dynamics, which persist in shaping project delivery.
“Companies that can self-perform, adapt quickly, and bring integrated solutions to the table are the ones best positioned to succeed in today’s demanding EPC environment,” opens Dennis Chismar, Chief Business Development Officer at Saulsbury.
With this in mind, Chismar recognizes the importance of adaptability in today’s market.
“As the energy industry continues to evolve, our ability to stay flexible while maintaining a strong foundation in our core values is what sets us apart. We remain focused on building long-term partnerships and delivering with certainty, regardless of project type or market conditions,” he confirms.
EXECUTION CONSISTENCY
Since its founding in 1967, Saulsbury’s approach has centered around being a trusted partner that can deliver across the full project lifecycle.
“We continue to meet the needs of both heavy industrial and renewable clients by combining our EPC capabilities with a strong self-performing model.
“What differentiates us is our ability to execute complex projects with consistency – whether that’s a cryogenic processing facility, utility-scale infrastructure project, or newly emerging energy-intensive projects,” Chismar outlines.
The company also places heavy emphasis on early engagement, constructability input, and maintaining flexibility to align with clients’ evolving goals. Moreover, Saulsbury continues to expand its fabrication and modularization capabilities, helping clients improve schedule certainty, reduce field labor requirements, and enhance overall project efficiency.
This adaptability can be witnessed in its recent diversification, which continues to be a deliberate and strategic priority.
While oil and gas remains a foundational part of the business, Saulsbury has expanded into power delivery, renewable energy, and other emerging infrastructure markets.
“This evolution mirrors what we’re seeing across the broader industry. Clients are investing in a more balanced energy portfolio, and EPC providers need to be able to support that transition.
“For Saulsbury, it’s about leveraging the expertise we’ve built over six decades and applying it to new opportunities where we can continue to add value as a trusted, solutions-minded partner across the evolving energy landscape,” Chismar tells us.
“As the energy industry continues to evolve, our ability to stay flexible while maintaining a strong foundation in our core values is what sets us apart. We remain focused on building long-term partnerships and delivering with certainty, regardless of project type or market conditions”
Dennis Chismar, Chief Business Development Officer, Saulsbury
DRIVING ENERGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE GROWTH
Saulsbury has made notable strides in the renewable and energy transition space, with the company’s success in project execution for large-scale hydrogen production, helium, and carbon capture, and utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) highlighting its ability to execute in technically complex and emerging markets.
Among Saulsbury’s most notable accomplishments was the successful delivery of the largest carbon capture project ever constructed in the US, a landmark achievement that underscores the company’s ability to execute complex, first-of-a-kind infrastructure projects.
The company partnered with a world leader in carbon capture technology to offer a fully integrated EPC and technology solution. This facility is now able to capture an additional one million tons of carbon dioxide per year.
“This was a three-year project that endured many supply chain challenges and remote construction difficulties. It showcases our ability to deliver safe and predictable outcomes for some of the most challenging projects in the industry,” Chismar highlights.
Growing demand for electrification and grid modernization has fueled significant growth in Saulsbury’s Utilities and Infrastructure business, which supports projects involving electrical transmission, substations, and grid reliability.
The company is also delivering full EPC services on several major power generation and grid infrastructure projects that support grid reliability and modernization efforts, positioning Saulsbury to play an increasingly important role in the evolving energy landscape.
“Cryogenic processing has been a core competency of the company for many years, and reaching a major milestone for our 75th cryogenic gas plant demonstrates both the trust our clients place in us and the depth of our technical expertise,” acclaims Chismar.
Offering standard capacities, including its newer 300 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) design, allows the company to deliver faster schedules with a high level of cost certainty for its customers.
“Many of these projects share common capacities and standardized equipment, allowing us to continuously refine our processes, improve efficiency, and deliver greater value. It also strengthens our ability to take on increasingly complex projects as the market evolves,” he affirms.
One of Saulsbury’s most significant strategic growth areas is the rapidly expanding data center market. Driven by unprecedented AI investment and increasing demand for digital infrastructure, hyperscale, and mission-critical facilities are creating some of the largest construction opportunities in North America.
As such, the company is rapidly establishing itself as a key EPC partner for mission-critical AI and hyperscale data center developments, delivering major power, utility, and infrastructure scopes on some of North America’s most significant digital infrastructure projects.
Several confidential projects have already been awarded, with additional opportunities anticipated throughout 2026.
“One of the key differentiators for the company is our ability to deliver fast-tracked results with a commercial offering that supports large equity-backed investments,” Chismar states.
“Our long-term strategy is to continue to grow our market share for data center work for many years to come. The US market outlook is strong and the company’s role continues to evolve.
“The key to our continued success is to ensure Saulsbury stays true to its core values. We will continue our focus on retaining and supporting our key project leaders and providing our craft workers with a safe and rewarding work culture,” he assures.
“For Saulsbury, it’s about leveraging the expertise we’ve built over six decades and applying it to new opportunities where we can continue to add value as a trusted, solutions-minded partner across the evolving energy landscape”
Dennis Chismar, Chief Business Development Officer, Saulsbury
SCALABLE, EFFICIENT, AND HIGH-QUALITY
Interestingly, the same AI revolution driving demand for new data centers is also helping improve how Saulsbury plans, executes, and manages projects.
In line with the industry’s evolution, Saulsbury has taken a more intentional approach to integrating AI and advanced data analytics into its operations over the last 18 months.
The company places particular focus on practical applications – tools to improve planning, enhance safety, and support decision-making both in the office and the field.
Saulsbury is seeing value in areas such as predictive analytics, scheduling optimization, complex welding applications, and data-driven insights that help proactively manage risk.
“While our use of AI is still evolving, we view it as an important enabler that will continue to enhance how we deliver projects moving forward and improve overall outcomes,” Chismar sets out.
Going hand-in-hand with this development, Saulsbury’s expansion into the data center market is a natural extension of its core capabilities.
Each facility requires significant power infrastructure, complex construction execution, advanced cooling systems, and other infrastructure-related scopes, as well as a high degree of reliability – areas where Saulsbury has a strong track record.
“As demand for data centers continues to grow, driven in part by AI and digital infrastructure needs, we see a strong opportunity to support clients with scalable, efficient, and high-quality, schedule-driven project delivery,” elaborates Chismar.
MORE THAN A TICKBOX
When we last spoke to Saulsbury, the company was keen to highlight its stellar safety culture, achieved through a comprehensive approach to training, technology use, and organizational structure.
Today, safety remains at the core of everything the company does.
“It’s not just a priority – it’s a value that’s embedded in our culture. We continue to invest in training, leadership engagement, and technology to ensure every employee goes home safely,” Chismar assures.
Saulsbury has built its strategic safety priorities around a greater emphasis on proactive safety measures, including behavior-based programs and real-time data insights to identify and mitigate risks before they become incidents.
“A key part of our success is ensuring many of our programs are implemented at the craft level using practical, hands-on participatory components to promote active safety involvement,” he reveals.
Saulsbury’s cutting-edge SiteCast platform is a valuable example of this and remains an important part of its safety and communication strategy.
SiteCast encourages streamlined communication and employee engagement by sharing critical health and safety information across the workforce and their families.
“By aligning with broader industry safety initiatives, SiteCast allows us to continuously improve our performance and ensure that best practices are consistently applied across our projects,” Chismar explains.
Centrally utilized across its EPC services, SiteCast is also used to broadcast company news and achievements to staff. Keeping employees informed and valued remains a key focus for Saulsbury, whose people are viewed as its greatest asset.
“We’re committed to supporting them at every stage of their careers. That includes competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a culture that values recognition and engagement.
“We work hard to create an environment where employees feel supported, challenged, and empowered to succeed,” Chismar asserts.
Indeed, the company culture remains a key reason why people find great enjoyment in their jobs, fostered by a strong sense of teamwork, accountability, and pride in what they do.
To this end, Saulsbury provides ample growth opportunities, recognizes contributions, promotes leadership, and creates an environment where employees can build meaningful, long-term careers.
HOW SAULSBURY DOES BUSINESS
Since its establishment nearly six decades ago, Saulsbury has maintained a deep commitment to local community development.
This is demonstrated by its ongoing participation and annual donations to Sky High for Kids, which reflects the company’s passion for making a positive impact beyond its projects.
In this case, Saulsbury supports the families of children with pediatric cancer – a cause that resonates deeply within the business.
“We believe it’s important to use our platform to give back and support organizations that are doing meaningful work in the communities we serve,” emphasizes Chismar.
In a similar vein, Saulsbury takes deep pride in being part of a united community. Through charitable giving, volunteer efforts, and local partnerships, the company strives to make a difference.
“These initiatives are an extension of our culture and reflect the core values that guide how we do business,” he smiles.
Saulsbury likewise supports staff members and their families through the Dick & Amelia Saulsbury Scholarship Program.
By helping to fund higher education opportunities, the company is investing in the next generation and reinforcing its commitment to employees.
“It’s a program that has had a meaningful impact over the years and continues to grow, guided by the principles established by our Founder, Dick Saulsbury,” Chismar notes.
FORWARD-LOOKING OUTSET
Testament to Saulsbury’s continued success and industry-leading position, the company takes great pride in reaching an important milestone next year.
“Approaching our 60-year milestone in 2027 is something we’re incredibly proud of. It speaks to the strength of our culture, quality of our people, and our ability to evolve alongside the industry over six decades,” Chismar reflects.
The company’s reputable history has seen it navigate and overcome many challenges across multiple market cycles, including technological shifts and changing client demands.
Saulsbury has done so by staying grounded in its core values of safety, integrity, excellence, relationships, and community.
“As we approach our 60th anniversary, we’re focused not only on celebrating our history but on positioning Saulsbury for the future.
“Whether supporting traditional energy infrastructure, advancing the energy transition, strengthening the grid, or enabling the next generation of AI-driven data centers, our commitment remains the same: deliver safely, execute with certainty, and help clients achieve their most ambitious infrastructure goals,” he concludes.
This company profile was produced by the editorial team at North America Outlook, a publication within the Outlook Publishing global network of B2B industry magazines.
Outlook Publishing showcases organisations and leadership teams shaping sectors including manufacturing, mining, construction, healthcare, supply chains, food production, and sustainability.
North America Outlook highlights organisations driving innovation and industry leadership across North America.
