IMC Construction

In 1976 the father and son team of Buck and Tom Williams founded IMC Construction (IMC). For more than 35 years, the business has grown and evolved into a leading construction management firm and general contractor. The company now employs 70 people working closely with owners and subcontractors to complete complex projects in a number of distinct markets.

IMC initially specialized in retail construction work; however, has since diversified. Today, the company has built up experience health care, education, multifamily, industrial and institutional work. The team places strong emphasis on building relationships, a commitment that has attracted long-term clients and strategic partners.

With a single location in Malvern, Pa., IMC offers services as diverse as its market share. Beyond acting as a management company or general contractor, the business also provides real estate development and construction consultation services. From start to finish, IMC offers a full-service alternative for major projects. With preconstruction, construction, design-build, building information modeling, program management and development consultation services, the company has established broad capabilities.

A Growing Portfolio

IMC has been busy in recent years, despite the economic downturn. In February 2014, the crew completed the headquarters of Vertical Screen, a major applicant-screening firm that works with businesses across the country to help managers choose potential hires. The LEED-certified structure sits of a former brownfield site. The 50,000-square foot building features a geothermal HVAC system, solar panels, a rain harvesting system for irrigating landscaping and flushing toilets, as well as efficient lighting with LED fixtures and daylight harvesting design features.

Less than a week before completing the Vertical Screen project, the team wrapped up work on the global headquarters of Endo Healthcare. The project includes two five-story buildings totaling 320,000 square feet. Conveniently, the site for this project is close to IMC’s office, nearly in the backyard. The buildings sit along the edge of a large quarry that has become a lake. The completed project features a two-story connecting link, a parking deck, executive offices, a full service kitchen and cafeteria, conference space and a fitness center. IMC utilized virtual design and modeling to fast-track the project. The team was able to complete the core, shell and tenant fit-out in 12 months.

Moving Beyond the Recession

IMC was fortunate to diversify before the recession hit. The move was strategic, as management foresaw shifts in the retail market. When the economic downturn caused problems for retail contractors, the team was already busy at work on corporate offices, industrial warehouses and other unique projects. To add a boost during the hardest years, the company picked up more public work. IMC worked on several public schools in order to stay busy. That has translated into more educational and institutional work as time has gone by.

Despite many other changes, partnerships continue to be a priority at IMC. Therefore, because the business does not self-perform any trades, the team relies heavily on subcontractors. Regionally, IMC has established longstanding relationships with a number of local subcontractors. On projects further away, the business works with local labor.

With the support of strategic partners, IMC is in major growth mode. The business is expanding its staff and seeking out potential acquisitions. As the business gains momentum, IMC is picking up larger and larger jobs. For the most part, this growth has been steady and positive, although management notes there have been some growing pains.

The largest issue now is finding the right team members. IMC requires staff that meets high standards in order to maintain the relationships that keep the gears turning. The business maintains a strong focus on clients and their goals. Open communication, a positive attitude and a proactive approach go a long way to keep customers happy and create successful projects.

As the company moves toward its 40-year anniversary, IMC is quite different from what it originated as. The growing business has adopted new markets and established a broad portfolio. At the end of the day, one thing remains constant; the priority is always success for customers. With that simple concept as the backbone of the company, the team has established an 80-percent rate of return for repeat business. IMC Construction continues to grow, while holding true to strong core values.