Cianbro unit buys Orono tech firm Pittsfield company to retain Networks Northeast founders, 3 workers

PITTSFIELD – The technology division of Cianbro construction company has acquired an Orono firm, Networks Northeast, hiring two brothers who founded the firm and three key support people.

“This is a top-notch data cabling and services company and this acquisition is a great step forward for our data services department,” Michael Dow, Cianbro Data Services’ general manager, said Friday.

Cianbro Data Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cianbro, was launched just over a year ago.

The founders of Networks Northeast, brothers John and Ross Comstock, along with their employees Tom Allen, Ken Sibley and Jim Wadlinton, will join Cianbro’s team, said Dow. New products and services also will be part of the package.

“Our ability to install advanced copper and fiber-optic infrastructures, as well as networking and switching gear, has been greatly enhanced by bringing this team on board,” said Dow.

“We went after this team because they fit Cianbro’s philosophy and way of doing business. They have a strong work ethic, knowledge of the business and rave reviews from their customers,” he said.

Networks Northeast often supervised crews of 25 to 30 specialized workers, said Dow.

Some of the customers served by Networks and Cianbro Data Services include Dirigo Engineering, Maine Drilling and Blasting, Cianbro’s Amethyst Oil Rig Project, Jackson Laboratory, Boeing/Autometric, JSI Systems and Mount Desert Elementary School.

“This move will add new skills, new blood and new customers,” said Dow.