Who We Are

The Early Years

Gemma founders Bill Griffin and Joel Canino worked together for 12 years building the CNF Industries organization. During that period, Joel served as President and CEO, and Bill worked his way up from Project Manager to President. While working together alongside many others who ultimately formed the nucleus of Gemma Power Systems, the pair develop a successful model for building independent power generation facilities. CNF thrives during those years while Bill and Joel hone the key skills essential for the efficient design, procurement and construction of generation plants using such diverse energy sources as natural gas, oil biomass and wind.

Rejection And Rebirth

CNF’s parent company, Kenetech Corporation, is experiencing a challenging economic period. One of their subsidiaries enters Chapter 11. This disrupts the company, and Kenetech decides to sell CNF. After cooperating with the sales process for some time, the leadership team at CNF propose a management buyout. When that offer is rejected, Bill and Joel decide to start a new company, and the idea for Gemma Power Systems begins to take shape. The Gemma name stemmed from the fact that Bill and Joel were born on the same day in June, 15 years apart. They wanted to name their new venture ‘Gemini’ in honor of their shared astrological sign, but the name has already been registered by another company. They instead chose Gemma, which is defined as a bud that separates from the main plant and grows on its own.  The name seems appropriate for the new venture, and Gemma Power Systems is born.

Gemma Power Systems (GPS) Founded

With a modest investment and foregoing a salary, Bill and Joel hire a temporary employee to assist with administrative activities and begin to bid work. Because they believe there will be ample opportunities to replace aging power generation facilities in the Northeast, they focus first on this region.

The First Project

Beginning with the Dighton Power Project, a 160 MW single-shaft combined cycle power facility located in Dighton, Massachusetts, Gemma begins to build an impressive resume of projects.  As many opportunities arise throughout the country, the company quickly develops a national footprint. Today, Gemma is widely recognized as a national EPC firm with a strong reputation and an excellent track record of completed projects.

Early, Sustained Success

Within five years, Gemma Power Systems performs multiple combined cycle projects simultaneously with annual revenues nearing $250 million. The company employs 125 permanent staff and more than 700 craft personnel. Gemma expands its capabilities into biodiesel and ethanol production facilities.

Expanding Into Renewables

Gemma Power Systems diversifies into biodiesel and ethanol production facilities with the construction of Galena Park, Brayton Point, Green Earth Fuels Project, Carleton Ethanol and Port Neches facilities.

The Argan, Inc. Acquisition

Argan, Inc. acquires Gemma Power Systems and helps to enhance the company’s balance sheet and ability to execute projects at an even higher level. Gemma continues to function as Argan’s largest subsidiary and to performs well for investors.

Gemma Renewable Power (GRP) Formed

Gemma Renewable Power (GRP) is formed to meet our clients’ needs in the renewable energy sector of the power industry. The senior professionals’ 25 years of renewable energy project development and construction experience enables GRP to become a leading EPC firm for wind and solar projects across the country.

New Headquarters

Gemma moves into a modern new headquarters building on Hebron Avenue in Glastonbury, Connecticut, bringing employees from GPS and GRP together, under one roof.

Argan Listed On NYSE

Gemma’s parent company, Argan, Inc., is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the ticker symbol AGX. Our backlog grows to more than $800 million.

First US Single Shaft Installation

Gemma completes construction of the first two U.S. installations of Siemens “H” class single shaft gas turbines. The Panda Liberty and Panda Patriot power facilities in Pennsylvania are also the first gas turbine plants designed specifically to take advantage of the Marcellus Shale formation.

$1.4 Billion In New Business

Gemma Power Systems wins 3,000 MW of new projects and grows its backlog to $1.4 billion, the highest level in the company’s history.

Gemma 20th Anniversary

Gemma Power Systems celebrates the 20th anniversary of its founding. A limited-edition logo is designed to commemorate the milestone.

Gemma Ranked Top Contractor

Gemma’s reputation continues to grow as the company is ranked #5 on the Top Fossil Contractor list by ENR magazine.

Gemma Establishes “Office of the President” to Support Continued Growth

As part of its continued trajectory of growth and success, Gemma establishes the Office of the President—a strategic leadership structure led by Charles Collins and Colin Trebilcock, designed to further strengthen executive oversight and operational excellence.

The creation of this office marks a pivotal evolution in Gemma’s leadership approach—ensuring the organization remains agile, forward-looking, and well-equipped for long-term success.

Bill Griffin Steps Down as CEO

After more than two decades of visionary leadership, Bill Griffin, co-founder of Gemma, officially steps down from his role as Chief Executive Officer in November. Under his guidance, Gemma grew from a startup into one of the nation's leading EPC contractors, delivering more than 15 GW of power generation projects across the U.S.

Bill’s legacy is defined by a deep commitment to excellence, innovation, and a people-first culture that continues to shape Gemma’s identity.

Gemma Ranked #2 in Fossil Power Contractors

Gemma rises to #2 on the Top Fossil Contractor list by ENR magazine.

Focus on Utility-Scale Solar

Gemma wins EPC contract and notice-to-proceed for CPV’s 100 MW Maple Hill Solar facility in Pennsylvania, making it one of the state’s largest photovoltaic installations.

Charles Collins Appointed CEO

Charles Collins, previously serving as President, is promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Gemma Power Systems. The appointment comes after 21 years with the company—including three years as Co-President, alongside Colin Trebilcock.

Gemma 25th Anniversary

Gemma celebrates a quarter-century of innovation, leadership, and achievement in the energy sector while constructing the Guernsey Energy Center. 

The milestone is commemorated with a series of company-wide events honoring employees, clients, and partners who contributed to Gemma’s long-standing success.

The 25-year mark serves as both a celebration of the past and a commitment to continued excellence in clean, reliable energy solutions.

Gemma Collaborates with APC on Ireland Project

Gemma collaborates with sister company, Atlantic Project Company (APC) on 264 MW Shannonbridge Power Project in County Offaly, Ireland—demonstrating the strength and cohesion of a unified EPC team.

Chris Reamer named President of Gemma Renewable Power

With increased focus on renewable work, Chris Reamer re-joins Gemma as President of Gemma Renewable Power. In this leadership role, Chris is responsible for driving GRP’s strategic growth in renewable energy development, overseeing operations, and strengthening the company’s position in the clean energy sector.

Guernsey Energy Center Named POWER Magazine’s Top Plant

The Guernsey Energy Center, engineered and constructed by Gemma, is honored as one of POWER Magazine's prestigious 2024 Top Plant winners. Recognized in the Gas-Fired Plant category, this accolade highlights the facility’s excellence in implementing cutting-edge GE Vernova 7HA.02 gas turbines in a highly efficient single-shaft combined-cycle configuration as well as demonstrating exceptional operational performance with minimal environmental impact—providing critical, reliable energy to Ohio and the PJM Interconnection region. 

This award underscores Gemma’s leadership in delivering large-scale, high-performance power infrastructure with industry-leading operational standards.

Company Headquarters Renovation

Gemma embarks on a comprehensive renovation of its headquarters, transforming the interior into an open-concept workspace designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and well-being. Key improvements include installation of ergonomic desks with height-adjustable surfaces at every workstation, removal of fixed cubicles and construction of flexible, open-plan areas with breakout zones and collaborative hubs, along with adding multiple conference spaces and state of the art communications equipment.

Gemma Assumes Responsibility of Atlantic Projects Company

As part of strategic consolidation and enhanced global EPC capabilities, Gemma officially assumes full operational responsibility for its sister company, Atlantic Projects Company (APC), and all its entities. This strategic move positions Gemma to integrate APC’s international footprint—most notably in Ireland and the UK—with Gemma’s U.S. power project expertise, creating a seamless global delivery platform.

This integration reinforces Gemma’s leadership in delivering complex, high-impact energy infrastructure around the world under Argan, Inc.’s holistic power solutions umbrella.

Argan, Inc. Rings The Closing Bell

Joined by the team of Gemma Power Systems and Argan, Inc. executives; Argan, Inc. CEO, David Watson, has the honor of ringing the historic NYSE bell to close out the April 8th day of trading. The bell has been a tradition of the Stock Exchange for 122 years, and we are proud to be part of that history!

GRP Recognized with NEXUS Award

The renewable energy division of Gemma Power Systems—is recognized with Vistra’s prestigious 2025 Nexus Award for Partner of the Year. This accolade spotlights Gemma’s exceptional performance in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) and our dedication to inclusive and resilient supply chain practices.