Firm defies the economic indicators and experiences 21% growth this past year
Aurora, Colorado – September 22, 2011 – Merrick continues, in spite of the economy, to experience strong growth. While recession dynamics have taken a toll on the engineering, architecture, and construction industries, as a whole, Merrick has kept its focus on its mission and vision which has made all the difference in the world.
The firm (with headquarters located in Aurora, CO) established in 1973, announced its fourth record year in April, when it posted a 21% increase in revenues over the previous year. Over the past four years, the company has grown revenues from $84 million to $127 million, quite an accomplishment given the economic conditions during that time period.
“Fortunately, Merrick has been able to grow significantly through this recession, and build market share in many of our target markets, “said Ralph W. Christie, Jr., PE, Chairman, President, and CEO of the firm. “Our firm’s success comes clearly from our market diversity, a focus on consistent strategic planning, and attention to our great clients and staff.”
“We strive to keep ourselves aligned with what’s happening in our world and deliver value. We’re continually monitoring each of our markets, understanding their challenges and delivering services to resolve those challenges,” Christie continued.
Merrick & Company established its 2020 vision in 2010 in order to have a long-term perspective of where it wanted to be in ten years. Merrick is currently investing in markets that will help the firm achieve this vision.
Preparing for the Future
Merrick is preparing for the future in many ways. The company retained Peter Binney, a nationally known water resource engineer, as Merrick’s National Sustainable Infrastructure Director. Binney is part of the founding board of directors of the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure and is expert in the recently released sustainable infrastructure standards which he helped to develop.
The firm has also added Leonard Wilson, PE, a well-known Colorado engineer, to the staff where he will play a key role in the western region of the firm’s civil engineering business unit. Scott Stone, PE, was retained last year to serve as Merrick’s National Infrastructure Director, giving Merrick a national presence in infrastructure.
Merrick expanded its geographic footprint this last year with the acquisition of a Charlotte, NC-based firm, Turnbull Metzler Design. Merrick is also continuing its reach around the globe and has completed projects in 19 countries in the last three years.
Challenges
One of the challenges in the growth of the firm is the ongoing shortage of qualified engineers and architects to work in the highly technical, complex markets Merrick works in. The firm currently has approximately 40 staff openings due to growth and client demands. Technical professionals can submit their resumes online at www.merrick.com.