As E.M. Duggan celebrates 135 years, the company finds itself at a rare intersection of history and innovation. For more than a century, it has built a reputation on craftsmanship, integrity and service. Today, it is balancing that legacy with a strategic embrace of technology, reshaping how mechanical, electrical and plumbing contracting is executed.

In 2024, the company launched Duggan Innovative Solutions (DIS), a division focused on developing and deploying practical technology tools tailored to the needs of MEP contractors. The group brings software development, automation and field experience under one umbrella, with an emphasis on real-world application and integration across project workflows. 

“Duggan Innovative Solutions is designed to help construction companies move faster, work smarter and stay connected,” says Jeff Elwell, chief technology officer at E.M. Duggan. “We are combining decades of field knowledge with technology expertise to create solutions that solve problems our industry faces every day.”

Model-based workflow

The need for a specialized technology division became clear as Duggan’s leadership observed the limitations of existing systems and the evolving construction landscape. Off-the-shelf software often failed to meet the unique needs of MEP contractors, while general contractors operated with different requirements. The result was the creation of a dedicated team focused on research and development, support and custom tool creation to ensure software performs effectively in real-world conditions.

As that vision evolved, Duggan expanded into connected software workflows and model-based fabrication. The company began hiring technology specialists for roles not traditionally found in the trades, with development, support and research becoming core functions. By 2021, E.M. Duggan transitioned to a fully model-based workflow, using the model as the single source of truth throughout the construction process. This shift enabled the technology team to build automations and custom tools that strengthened project execution.

Now, with a growing staff, E.M. Duggan’s technology division has emerged as a competitive differentiator — and an opportunity to support the broader trades. Its processes and technologies have been tested in both shop and field environments for more than a decade, informed by hands-on experience across multiple sectors.

Data center growth

With the rise of data center construction worldwide, demand for automated workflows that drive efficiency and improve outcomes continues to accelerate. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global data center construction market — valued at $275.16 billion in 2025 — is projected to reach $761.19 billion by 2034, nearly tripling in less than a decade. Artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure and high-density computing are reshaping the built environment and redefining how projects are delivered.

In this increasingly competitive market, union trade contractors must refine processes, automate workflows and adapt quickly. Elwell says Duggan Innovative Solutions is well positioned to serve as a technology partner for the industry.

DIS takes a practical, hands-on approach, offering a full spectrum of services that connect technology with the trades. These include custom software development, API integrations, model design services, BIM-to-fabrication implementation and project rescue, as well as fabrication shop and field technology support.

“We stand out due to our unique capabilities, including direct experience implementing solutions in real-world construction projects and our ability to create field-tested tools that solve practical problems,” Elwell says. “We also have plans for future offerings that ensure long-term support and updates.”

He adds that DIS also provides cost-efficient back-end support for coordination and design.

More plans

Looking ahead, DIS plans to launch additional custom solutions, enabling clients to stay on the leading edge without disrupting ongoing operations.

“This keeps clients ahead in an industry that is rapidly adopting digital workflows,” Elwell says.

Innovation has long been part of E.M. Duggan’s DNA. Since introducing prefabrication practices in the 1960s, the company has consistently invested in methods that enhance quality, safety and speed. Today, those same principles are driving the integration of digital technologies, redefining what is possible in mechanical and plumbing contracting.

As E.M. Duggan marks its 135th anniversary, it remains grounded in the values that built its reputation while looking toward a future defined by data, collaboration and smarter construction through Duggan Innovative Solutions.

Laura Clarizio is the director of communications at E.M. Duggan. As a former broadcast journalist, she has appeared on The Today Show, Dateline, and MSNBC, and reported for outlets including HGTV, A&E, and ITN (England). She also worked as a local TV news reporter and radio anchor in Boston and Rhode Island and produced award-winning documentaries. In addition she was a producer for nationally syndicated programs such as American Journal and Inside Edition.