Core Values & History

Building A Legacy

The BMWC Story

In 1955, Jack Baker founded a small piping company based in Indianapolis, IN, with the vision of building one of the most reliable, full-service mechanical contracting companies in North America. Jack soon renamed the company Baker Mechanical, Inc. and, with the help of two new partners, Pat McHenry and Bob Welch, incorporated the existing business into Baker, McHenry & Welch, Inc.

Today, 70 years later, BMWC has grown into a nationally recognized industrial construction contractor, with offices located throughout the country. The company has longstanding partnerships with some of the world’s largest, most innovative advanced and industrial manufacturing companies. What started as a small piping company in Indianapolis 70 years ago is now one of the largest mechanical contractors in the country, employing over 2,500 people and generating revenues of over $750M per year.

BMWC Milestones

Over the years, BMWC has achieved many milestones. The company’s success and growth would not have been possible without our founder’s vision, his ability to develop the next generation of leadership, and our employees’ relentless pursuit of excellence.

Our achievements enhance our industry status further as we hold the title of the first contractor in Indiana to receive OSHA VPP Status in 2004. BMWC has been ranked within the Top 400 Contractors by Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine and ENR’s #1 Midwest Contractor of the Year.

Under the leadership of Brian Acton and later Chris Buckman, BMWC continues to innovate, offering leading industrial construction services. Thanks to our commitment to excellence, our culture of safety, and our passion for our work, we’ve grown to become one of North America’s largest, most sophisticated industrial construction companies.

View Awards & Recognitions

Learn More About Our History

1955

Founded by Jack Baker

1958

Joined the Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA)

1982

Expanded operations with the opening of a Chicago office

1997

Expanded operations with the opening of a Seattle office

1998

Tom O’Brien becomes CEO of the company

2000

Expanded operations with the opening of a Portland, OR office

2004

BMWC becomes the 1st contractor in the state of Indiana to receive OSHA VPP Status

2011

Brian Acton becomes President & CEO

2012

Work volume exceeds $500 million

2013

Named ENR Contractor of the Year

2016

with the opening of an Toledo, OH office

2021

BMWC implements succession plan. Promoting Chris Buckman to President & CEO and Bart Maple to Vice President & COO

2021

Expanded operations expanded with the opening of an Evansville, IN office

2023

Expanded operations with the opening of a North Carolina office

2025

Celebrated 70 years of business

Experience the difference with BMWC

We're not just building structures; we're enhancing lives. Ready to elevate your project with our industrial strength construction? Contact us today!

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