East Petersburg, the recent growth of the Pennsylvania contractor, the recent growth the list of main contractors in the country This year.
He landed at number 396 of the 400 main contractors, with $ 257.4 million in 2024, according to Engineering News-Record.
According to President Conlan Swope, the company’s success has been promoted by a commitment to create strong relationships with customers, commercial partners and team members. Customers of the 114 -year -old firm come from various industries in the Middle Atlantic region.
“We have also invested in strategic hiring, internal training and technology that helps us to offer smarter, faster and more efficient projects without losing the human touch that defines our approach,” he told Construction Dive.
Here, Swope talks to Construction Dive about the recent growth of the firm, as it encompasses artificial intelligence and the effect of rates on their business model.
This interview was published by brevity and clarity.
Construction division: Is the first time the firm appears in the list?
Conlan Swope
Courtesy of Warfel
Conlan Swope: No, Warfel also qualified in 2019 and 2020. We are proud to return to the list in 2025, as it reflects not only a constant growth, but also the confidence our customers place in us and the dedication of our team members who are presented every day to build spaces that serve our communities.
How has your combination of projects over the years evolved?
Historically, our work was very focused on the Senior Life Space. Over the years, our portfolio has diversified to include more healthcare projects, especially behavioral health facilities, which reflect the increasing demand for facilities such as emergency centers and psychiatric hospitals.
We are also seeing a growth in higher education, where campuses invest in spaces that support the welfare of students, accessibility and innovation.
How have the rates affected you?
The rates have increased the costs for materials such as steel, aluminum and mechanical equipment, and have made us adjust our hiring strategy. We will buy critical articles beforehand before, supporting more in domestic suppliers and perfecting our value management approach.
More than managing costs, this is to navigate the uncertainty and make smart and timely decisions that support the success of the long -term project.
How do you do the artificial intelligence factor in your business planning?
We are exploring the AI as a tool to improve our people and processes. It is helping us to streamline work flows, better use data and reduce repetitive tasks.
As we adopt the AI, we also rethink the way we form, ensuring that the new talent understands the “why” behind what we build. Above all, we remain focused on humans because judgment, confidence and communication are still in an industry based on relationships.
What keeps you at night in relation to construction?
The delays at the beginning of the projects are still a significant challenge, with development processes, land development and financing often slowing down the impulse before a spade even reaches the Earth.
The welfare of employees is another concern. Construction is still the leading industry for suicide rates, and this reality pushes us to find better ways to take care of our field teams, helping them not only to pass every day, but also to prosper both personally and professionally.
We are also closely seeing the increase in nuclear verdict, which are reforming the risk landscape of the industry. Keeping it proactive in managing responsibility and protecting our people and partners is more important than ever.
Is there any other trend that Warfel is attentive?
Yes, we are seeing two key trends closely: the holistic welfare of employees and training in the time of the AI. We are thinking beyond physical security and we ask ourselves how we can support our people as “occupational athletes” well rounded not only in the workplace, but in all areas of life, including their financial, emotional and relational health.
At the same time, when AI continues to automate routine tasks, we re -evaluate how the next generation comes in. We focus on preserving the fundamental knowledge and practical learning that are essential for truly understanding how buildings join
