As supply remains constrained and rates rise in commercial and industrial construction markets throughout New England, businesses increasingly seek turnkey solutions, streamlined coordination, and reduced construction risk. Clients in need of complex mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems—especially those operating in tight timelines or high‑spec industrial, medical, or logistics environments—are gravitating toward MEP/FP firms offering integrated design-build and prefabrication for faster delivery and quality assurance.

Enter Arden Engineering Constructors — one of New England’s largest mechanical and electrical contractors, as well as a leading provider of facilities service and maintenance. As part of Arden Building Companies—which employs over 150 office professionals and more than 650 union tradespeople across its footprint—Arden Engineering Constructors boasts a dedicated team of more than 65 office-based employees and over 230 skilled union tradespeople serving Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.

Originally founded in 1954, Arden Engineering Constructors has since grown into the region’s premier, sole-source MEP/FP contractor. Led by CEO Robert M. Bolton and President John Puniello, the company has evolved into a powerhouse of integrated solutions—offering design-build expertise, advanced fabrication capabilities, and a holistic approach to safety—while maintaining its family-owned structure and people-first culture.

With headquarters in Pawtucket, RI, Arden is defined by its core values: deep-rooted commitments to safety, innovation, dependability, optimism, and excellence. With over 75,000 square feet of fabrication space, cutting-edge technology, and a “Care First” safety culture that prioritizes both physical and mental well-being, Arden’s success is not just measured in projects completed—but in the trust earned across generations of clients and partners.

"Our growth over the years has been driven not just by what we build, but by how we build it—with integrity, care, and a deep commitment to our core values,” says Robert M. Bolton, CEO of Arden Building Companies. “As we expand our capabilities and reach, we remain grounded in the principles that define us. Remaining family-owned means every decision we make puts people first—our employees, our clients, and our communities. That’s not just our legacy—it’s our future."

Return to independent ownership

With a rich history in Rhode Island that has driven an ongoing commitment to community engagement, Arden’s history includes a unique ‘back to its roots’ story.

In the early 1960s, two pivotal figures—Robert H. Bolton, a union pipefitter, and Carmine J. Puniello, an engineer with specialized knowledge in power piping and process systems—joined the firm and helped shape its future. Over the next two decades, their leadership and vision drove Arden’s growth, championing initiatives in quality assurance and technological innovation while expanding the company’s market presence and reputation for excellence.

In 1987, Bolton and Puniello had the opportunity to acquire the company from the Arden family, establishing Arden Engineering Constructors, Inc. and laying the groundwork for a culture rooted in integrity, technical excellence, and reliable project delivery. Continuing the family tradition, Robert M. Bolton joined the firm after graduation, bringing a forward-thinking mindset that led to the successful launch of Arden’s service and maintenance division—now a cornerstone of the company’s offerings.

In 1999, Arden Engineering Constructors entered a new chapter when it was acquired by PSEG Energy Technologies, a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group of New Jersey. The move marked a shift toward corporate ownership under a larger energy services umbrella. However, just a few years later, PSEG decided to exit the mechanical construction sector, prompting a pivotal opportunity for the company’s leadership.

In 2003, Robert M. Bolton, son of longtime executive Robert H. Bolton, reacquired the business and returned it to independent, family-led ownership. The company was reestablished as Arden Engineering Constructors, LLC, reclaiming its identity as a locally based, technically driven contractor.

Over the past 22 years, Bolton has strategically expanded Arden’s capabilities and market share through acquisitions, geographic growth, and a commitment to ethical business practices. His leadership introduced new specialties—including plumbing, pipe fabrication, fire protection, design/engineering, and electrical—strengthening Arden’s technical depth and client loyalty.

John Puniello, who grew with the company, now serves as president, overseeing construction and service operations with a focus on continuous improvement, talent development, and long-term growth. In 2019, Bolton’s sons, Connor and Douglas, joined the firm, marking the beginning of Arden’s third generation of family leadership—ensuring the company’s values and legacy remain central as it evolves.

Large scale projects – a full-service approach

For the past 30 years, Arden Engineering Constructors has maintained strong market share in the industrial, environmental, healthcare and higher education markets throughout New England. “Although Rhode Island is small, there are 15-20 universities and colleges in the area and we have relationships with all of them, whether it be through providing design/engineering, construction, or service and maintenance,” says John Puniello, president.

Puniello adds that what keeps Arden ahead of the competition is its diversification both in terms of geography and services. “We do everything as it relates to the mechanical, plumbing, and electrical industries,” he says. “Our ability to cross-sell services and seamlessly transition a completed construction project to our service team ensures continuity for the client. It allows us to support the contractor not only during construction but also through ongoing maintenance—delivering long-term value and peace of mind.”

Arden Engineering Constructors’ expansion into the electrical and design markets marked a pivotal evolution in the company’s growth. This transformation was driven by the strategic acquisition of a respected electrical contracting firm and the addition of multiple in-house professional engineers. These moves significantly enhanced Arden’s technical capabilities and positioned the company as a true one-of-a-kind provider in the region.

“Offering a fully integrated design/build offering across all trades is virtually unheard of in this area,” notes Puniello. “Our decades-long partnership with Providence College is a true testament to this versatility. Whether we’re providing engineering services for one project or HVAC solutions and plumbing for another, we remain a consistent and reliable presence on campus. By delivering quality work across multiple disciplines, we’ve built a relationship that keeps us involved year after year—always maintaining a foot in the door and ready to support their evolving needs.”

Arden Engineering Constructors is part of Arden Building Companies, the parent company of five leading firms throughout the area, offering the full slate of mechanical and electrical contracting services– from engineering and building automation controls to sheet metal fabrication. This business structure and its location layout is part of a strategic approach to expand geographic reach; the company is situated perfectly between Providence, Hartford, and Boston.

“Our family of companies spans a broad geographic footprint, giving us the scale and technical depth to take on complex, large-scale projects across the region,” says Bolton. “What sets us apart is how we leverage that reach—our firms often partner to deliver integrated solutions, combining strengths while maintaining the agility and personal touch of a family-owned business.”

A recent example of this collaboration is the Holyoke Soldiers Home project in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Arden Engineering Constructors is currently partnering with sister company, MJ Daly of Waterbury, Connecticut, to deliver both the advanced fire protection systems for safety and compliance and state-of-the-art plumbing infrastructure to support healthcare-grade operations for this large-scale facility. “Our strength lies in shared resources and deep technical expertise,” continues Bolton. “Arden’s expanded fabrication facility helps to support MJ Daly’s fire protection efforts, and vis versa, allowing us to streamline delivery and enhance quality. With the project site located nearly equidistant between both firms, it’s a natural fit—one that adds value for the client and increases efficiency across the board.”

To that end, Arden has continuously invested and expanded its fabrication capabilities, adding state-of-the-art precision equipment, including a TigerSaw, spool-welding robot, and Watts CNC Pipe Cutting Table to dramatically increase production, minimize job-site disruption, and maximize efficiency.

Fabrication Highlights:

• Over 75,000 SF of fabrication space
• Optimizing output through prefabricating similar components at once
• Produce combined MEP modules/multi-trade racks: Integrated assemblies reduce the need for coordination between different trades on site
• Consistently seeking opportunity for innovative, prefabricated skids for efficient “plug and play” installation on site

Investment in workforce development

Like any well-oiled machine, Arden Engineering Constructors is fueled by a team of impressive individuals. Staffing such a large and diverse operation is no easy feat. in today’s tight labor market. For Arden, the secret sauce lies largely in its investment in strong internship program.

The company has a regimented internship program where they invest in up to 15 interns each year, challenging and teaching them via structured curriculum, a capstone project and deliverables that they must meet to finish. The program has paid off, as many interns go on to start full-time careers with Arden.

Ethan Leary, sales account manager, stared with Arden as an intern, and he says the internship was both educational and engaging, providing valuable insight into the construction industry that help develop skills that he will use throughout his career.

“One of the most impactful parts of the internship was a group project designed to simulate a real job previously completed by Arden. Each group was responsible for estimating costs and creating a project schedule. We compared our estimates and schedule to the actual documents used by the company. This taught me the importance of teamwork and strategic planning in a construction setting,” Leary explains. “One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship at Arden was its structured rotation program, which allowed us to gain hands-on experience across all key areas of the business. This exposure provided real-world experience to the concepts we studied in school.”

Attracting and developing talent is half the battle; retention in today’s market is key. Leary says he chose to stay on with Arden full time because of how welcoming the company is and how engaging the work is.

“Everyone at Arden, whether in the office or in the field, is willing to help any chance they get,” he says. “Through my experience at Arden, I discovered a strong interest in working with the sales team within our service department. The fast-paced environment, combined with the variety of projects and clients, keeps each day dynamic and engaging. I have been able to apply my mechanical engineering degree and background to help understand these systems and start to develop services that align with clients’ needs and budgets. The company also encourages us to form our own career paths through all the different opportunities at Arden.”

On the flipside, Arden is full of decades-long employees who stuck around because of the culture and exciting challenges at work. Al Moreau, a recent retiree, says he was constantly challenged and engaged by the work, and simply never felt the need to look elsewhere.

“I knew the grass wouldn’t be greener on the other side,” Moreau says. “As a welder and pipefitter committed to an honest day’s work, I consider myself blessed to have joined Arden Engineering Constructors. Over my 43-year career as a pipefitter, Arden was my eighth and final piping contractor. I worked for the rest, but I finished with the best!”

Employees agree that Arden fosters a culture of trust and empowerment. The company does not believe in micromanaging, rather it provides individuals in key roles with the tools, autonomy, and support they need to perform at their best.

“Arden prioritizes continuous education and equips its team with cutting-edge tools, including state-of-the-art computer software, advanced fabrication welding machines, and precision piping positioners,” Moreau says. “This commitment to innovation ensures that employees are always working with the best resources available.”

Arden emphasizes safety and professional development through its in-house training platform, ABC Academy, as well as by offering First Aid and CPR training and encouraging participation in annual industry conventions. These events not only keep the team informed about the latest products and technologies but also help strengthen relationships with vendors and trade partners.

Additionally, Arden’s active involvement with industry associations such as MCAA, NECA, and NEMSCA strengthens its commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. These affiliations provide valuable access to cutting-edge training, safety programs, industry best practices, and networking opportunities—benefiting both union tradespeople in the field and office-based employees. By staying connected to these organizations, Arden ensures its workforce remains skilled, informed, and at the forefront of industry innovation.

The emphasis on safety isn’t taken lightly: Arden strives for incident and injury-free job sites and offices. The companies “Care First” mentality takes on a holistic approach to safety.

“Cornerstone to this philosophy is our commitment to whole-person well being – we believe that a focus on physical and mental health are both critical in maintaining the safety of our team members and project partners,” says Ciara Fusaro, HR Manager, Arden Building Companies. “All members of our team, from office to field personnel, recognize that safety is all-encompassing and everyone’s responsibility. Our leadership team promotes accountability by prioritizing regular safety site visits where they proactively monitor for safety and cleanliness, while also advancing our Care First safety culture.”

Passing the torch & geo expansion

Arden Engineering Constructors is in a place that many construction industry businesses are – one centered around fostering the industry expertise of the seasoned team members while educating the newcomers. With a large pool of new employees under the age of 30, Arden is investing in the next generation through training, development, and mentorship – building confidence in the company’s long-term future.

Inspiring the next generation is a cornerstone of Arden’s mission. Through sponsorship of programs like Scouts of America and the Heavy Metal Summer Experience—a hands-on camp that gives students real-world exposure to the mechanical trades—Arden is actively investing in the future of the industry. “Supporting these initiatives isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s essential for the future of our workforce,” says Puniello, who also serves on the apprenticeship board for Local 51. “By showing young people that the trades offer rewarding, high-demand career paths outside of the traditional college route, we’re helping to build a stronger, more sustainable industry.”

From water treatment plants to oil and gas to higher education, there is nothing Arden Engineering Constructors doesn’t dabble in. This versatility allows the company to be nimble and react quickly to market changes, according to Puniello.

“Over the next 5 to 10 years, our goal is to replicate the success we’ve built here in Rhode Island by expanding our all-trade services across New England,” says Puniello. “What makes this vision achievable is our versatility and depth, but we’re growing with intention, making sure we continue to invest in our people, maintain strong client relationships, and uphold the values that have defined Arden for generations.”