Orlando-based engineering and consulting company UES, previously known as Universal Engineering Sciences, made its first acquisition of the year, though it is the 19th business it has bought over the past three years.
Lexington, Kentucky-based Consultant Solutions Inc. — better known as CSI Group — is now a part of UES, adding more than 60 employees to UES’ 4,000-plus team members.
The acquisition builds UES’ geotechnical engineering capabilities. Geotechnical engineers assess potential risks and design and construct infrastructure. Each acquisition has expanded UES service areas and accessibility to clients in more parts of the United States.
One of the most prominent CSI Group projects in recent years was the Cane Run Generating Station in Louisville, a type of power plant that leverages lower natural gas prices and advances in turbine design. The Louisville Gas & Electric Co. site previously was used for a coal-fired generating plant from 1954-2015. The new plant is the first of its kind in Kentucky.
Shayne Brashear, former president of CSI and new leader of UES Kentucky, said CSI saved its client "substantial resources and time” by using waste material removed during mining instead of more expensive rock.
“CSI’s contributions to Cane Run underscore the critical role of geotechnical engineering,” said UES CEO Dave Witsken.
Regarding his company’s acquisitions, Witsken told Orlando Business Journal, “We’re in the process of uniting these companies under the UES name and internal best practices. As newly acquired companies are integrated into the business, their relationships with their clients naturally transition to [us] over time ... but also [gives them] immediate access to additional experts, resources and accredited laboratories across the country.”
UES
- Year established: 1964
- Top executive: CEO Dave Witsken
- Employees: Over 4,000
- Headquarters: 4205 Vineland Road, Suite L1, Orlando 32811
- Contact: info@teamues.com; 888-824-7424
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