This year marks a significant milestone for Sancon Commissioning, 20 years of
advancing how commissioning is planned, executed, and valued across complex capital
projects.
Established in 2006 by founders Dennis Killoran and Brian Douglas, Sancon
Commissioning was formed in response to a clear need for more comprehensive
solutions to project inefficiencies and cost overruns, most often due to ineffective
commissioning practices. Having worked on multiple major energy projects since the
early 1990s, the founders had seen firsthand how fragmented approaches to
commissioning could derail schedules, inflate costs, and introduce unnecessary risk.
They knew there was a better way.
Sancon, the commissioning solution
“From the beginning, we wholeheartedly believed commissioning had to be integrated
earlier, treated as a discipline; not an afterthought,” recalls Brian Douglas, CEO. “If you
could plan better, communicate better, and execute with across all disciplines, you could
fundamentally improve project outcomes.”
That belief became the foundation of Sancon Commissioning: a specialized, integrated
approach designed to improve reliability, efficiency, and predictability—delivering better
project outcomes while shifting the schedule to the left.
Sancon leading major capital projects
Sancon’s journey began with its first major project: a ConocoPhillips development in
Fort McMurray, Alberta. Working in one of the most demanding industrial environments
in the country, Sancon quickly demonstrated the value of structured commissioning,
clear accountability, and rigorous execution. That initial success set the tone for what
would follow.
As Sancon’s reputation grew, so did the organization. The company expanded its
technical expertise to encompass all disciplines and now employs more than 350
professionals. Sancon has also broadened its service offerings to include
commissionability reviews, project planning, and operations and maintenance
support—enabling coverage across the full project life cycle.
Today, Sancon’s geographic footprint spans both North and South America, supporting increasingly
complex projects across the energy and industrial sectors. Throughout this growth, one
principle has remained constant: quality without compromise.
ISO 9001 is critical for project success
In 2009, just three years after its founding, Sancon achieved ISO 9001 certification—a
milestone that underscored the organization’s commitment to formalized quality
management and continuous improvement.
“Achieving ISO 9001 so early was intentional,” Killoran says . “We wanted our clients to
know that our processes were as strong as our people. That certification reinforced our
credibility and helped set a standard we continue to build on today.”
Over two decades, Sancon has evolved alongside the industry—embracing new
technologies, adapting to changing regulatory environments, and responding to
increasing demands for safety, efficiency, and sustainability. What began as a focused
commissioning firm has grown into a trusted partner, known for technical excellence,
disciplined execution, and a deep understanding of how commissioning influences
overall project success.
The commissioning future is Sancon lead
Looking back, Sancon’s story is one of steady growth, deliberate decisions, and a
willingness to challenge the status quo. Looking ahead, the company remains
committed to the same goal that inspired its founding: improving how projects are
delivered by making commissioning smarter, earlier, and more effective.
“As proud as we are of the last 20 years, we’re even more excited about what’s next,”
Douglas reflects. “As the industry continues to evolve, so will Sancon.”
Twenty years on, Sancon Commissioning stands as a testament to what’s possible
when experience, innovation, and discipline come together.