Consolidated Construction Co. boasts carpenter numbers after acquiring design-build firm

An Appleton-based contractor reported in October its carpentry workforce grew after acquiring another construction company in July. 

Consolidated Construction Co. acquired Kaukana-based James J. Calmes and Sons in July to expand its workforce capacity. Calmes, also a design-build firm, will still work from its hometown offices under the Consolidated name. 

The acquisition added 18 carpenters to Consolidated crews, a spokesperson for the company said. Consolidated chief operating officer Pamela Talavera, who was key in integrating the new company, said it was a great asset to have more skilled carpenters in their workforce. 

“Calmes is very versatile and works on a wide range of projects from small renovations to some of our most complex projects,” Talavera said in a statement. “Carpentry is a fundamental trade and can make or break the success of a project. It is a great asset to have carpenters of their caliber now on staff, and we want the new relationship to be mutually beneficial for them.” 

Integrating the companies created collaboration between mid-level managers that gather teams from separate areas, Talavera added. 

Calmes employees have the benefit of joining a larger company with additional benefits and a robust safety program, company human resources director Michelle Rueckl said. Calmes had to turn some jobs down because they didn’t have enough workers, but they can take on more jobs now after being folded into Consolidated. 

“We brought back a skillset we needed, and we’ve brought the business into the fold seamlessly,” Rueckl said. “Instead of building up our own carpentry unit, we were able to benefit from their people and talents.” 

Bringing Calmes into the Consolidated family expands the company’s service offering, Talavera said. 

“This will not only help us grow, but we’re able to manage availability, quality and price much more closely,” she said. “Our customers move to the head of the line in project delivery.”