Giving clients more for their money through innovative software

In our latest newsletter, we are highlighting the outstanding performance of Jonathan Bolbach and Mark LaBell, winners of SSOE’s Founder’s Award. Their accomplishment — developing the AutoNavis software application — met two of the award’s key criteria: delivering exceptional value to clients by saving them time, trouble, and money and implementing an innovation that leads to improved processes and quality. Read more

BD+C Magazine Article: “U.S. Engineering Firms Cash in on a Volatile, Expanding Market”

This Building Design+Construction article features some of the publication’s “Engineering Giants” who’ve entered new practices and markets that are driving significant growth—a list that includes SSOE Group. While we’ve been at the forefront of the transition to electric vehicles (thanks to our unique experience in the automotive, chemical, and semiconductor markets), we’ve been pursuing these types of projects more aggressively as of late. Today, we’re engaged in more than 20 EV projects across North America. Read more

Pulling back the curtain on VDC

In moving a project from statement of work to completion of construction, regular collaboration between owners, designers, and contractors is no longer a luxury. It is the managerial insurance the project must have in order to stay on schedule and budget. Much of the unbudgeted time and expense incurred by change orders can be attributed to a lack of integration between the players. It’s often because these parties failed to include the resources and intentional effort for collaboration. Read more

SSOE Group Acquires Integrated Engineering Services (IES)

TOLEDO, Ohio, October 16, 2023 – SSOE Group, an internationally ranked architecture and engineering firm, is delighted to announce the successful acquisition of Santa Clara, California-based Integrated Engineering Services (IES), effective October 13, 2023. This strategic move marks a significant step forward for both organizations, ushering in a new era of expanded capabilities and enhanced service offerings for our valued clients.

Read more

ENR Names SSOE Group #2 Manufacturing Design Firm in the U.S.

TOLEDO, Ohio, August 2, 2023 — SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), an internationally ranked architecture and engineering firm, is proud to announce its annual Engineering News-Record (ENR) rankings. ENR serves as one of the leading engineering and construction news publications and recently published this year’s Top 500 Design Firms Sourcebook providing market analysis and rankings of the largest U.S.-based AEC firms according to revenue for design services performed in 2022. Read more

There’s a lot at stake when selecting a site for a new facility

Choosing the wrong consultant and especially the wrong property could be detrimental to your project budget and schedule. SSOE provides an overview touching on the important aspects of site selection and the details that will help you make an informed choice on a firm to partner with. In our site selection presentation, we explain our step-by-step process of securing solid ground for your facility, and how our way of working helps save you time, trouble, and money on your project. Read more

Feeling squeezed by greenhouse gas regulations?

Set Up an Effective Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Plan

In this month’s issue of Chemical Processing, SSOE Group’s Anna Koperczak, Senior Environmental Specialist, discusses the upcoming deadline mandated by the U.S. EPA. In this article Koperczak also breaks down the components of a successful monitoring plan necessary to fulfill this federal regulation. Click the link below to read Anna’s article in Chemical Processing magazine. “Set Up An Effective Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Plan”

Our Senior Environmental Specialist, Anna Koperczak, gives expert advice on how to set up a GHG monitoring plan. Anna has more than 20 years experience preparing environmental permits and helping clients comply with environmental regulations for their facilities and processes. She has utilized her extensive knowledge of reporting and permitting requirements for a variety of clients, including those in the automotive, energy, food, chemical, steel, and refining industries.

View the Q&A below

Federal Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Tailoring Rule

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What is it? In May 2010, the EPA issued a final ruling to increase the major source thresholds for GHGs from
100/250 TPY to 25,000 TPY, effectively “tailoring” the PSD and Title V permit programs to target only “major” GHG sources and major modifications. GHG’s include CO2, N2O, CH4, HFCs, PFCs, and SF6.
Why does it exist? To phase in permitting requirements and reduce the number of applications submitted at one time.
Who does it affect? All facilities applying for, renewing, or revising an air quality permit; or facilities that increase their GHG emissions by 75,000 TPY.
What’s required? Phase 1:Permits Issued Jan. 2, 2011 – June 30, 2011

  • PSD permit: new construction projects or modifications that increase GHG to more than 75,000 TPY are required to conduct a Best Available Control Technology (BACT) analysis.
  • Title V permits: only when applying for a new, renewing, or revising a permit.

Phase 2: Permits Issued July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2013

  • PSD permit: new construction projects that emit GHG emissions of at least 100,000 TPY, and modifications to existing facilities that increase GHG emissions by at least 75,000 TPY.
  • Title V permit: facilities that emit at least 100,000 TPY
How does SSOE help?
  • Help clients understand the permit requirements and how they apply to them.
  • Complete / coordinate permit applications and help revise processes and/or building plans to meet guidelines.
How does SSOE add value? SSOE applies its broad knowledge of industrial processes and facilities and full range of services to identify emissions issues before permits are submitted for review.

Mandatory GHG Reporting Rule

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What is it? In October 2009, the EPA issued the “Mandatory Reporting of GHGs Rule” that requires industrial facilities to report their GHG data and other relevant information. The Rule is referred to as 40 CFR 98 (or Part 98 Rule).The gases reported include CO2, N2O,and CH4.
Why does it exist? To gain accurate and timely GHG data that will inform future decisions.
Who does it affect? Facilities that emit 25,000 TPY of GHGs, and any of the following facility types:

  • Adipic acid production
  • Aluminum production
  • Ammonia production
  • Certain electricity generation
  • Certain manure management systems
  • Certain municipal solid waste landfills
  • HCFC-22 production
  • Certain HFC-23 destruction processes
  • Lime manufacturing
  • Nitric acid production
  • Petrochemical production
  • Phosphoric acid production
  • Silicon carbide production
  • Soda ash production
  • Titanium dioxide production
What’s required? Facilities that exceed thresholds are required to submit annual reports to the EPA.
How does SSOE help?
  • Help clients understand and interpret industry-specific requirements.
  • Identify processes and sources that emit GHGs.
  • Help create and implement an effective GHG monitoring plan.
  • Identify areas and strategies to decrease GHG emissions and increase efficiency.
How does SSOE add value?
  • Alleviate the cost and time of internal resources.
  • Experienced specialists know what data needs to be collected and calculations performed, as well as how to organize the reports to meet the EPA’s criteria.
  • Full range of services allow us to help implement components of GHG monitoring plan (i.e. integrate meters and controls systems).

Boiler MACT Rule –Major Sources

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What is it? In February 2011, the EPA issued new regulations regarding the emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from industrial, commercial, and institutional boilers.
Why does it exist? To regulate the emissions of HAPs, such as HCl, particulate matter, CO, mercury, and dioxins/furans from major sources of HAPs.
Who does it affect? Facilities with boilers that emit at least 10 TPY of any single HAP and/or at least emit 25 TPY of all HAPs. The rule covers new, reconstructed, and existing boilers.
What’s required?
  • All units with heat inputs less than 10 MMBTU/H are required to have biennial tune-ups.
  • Natural gas fired units with heat input equal to or greater than 10 MMBTU/H are required to have annual tune-ups.
  • All facilities are required to have a one-time energy assessment.
  • All facilities are required to be in compliance within three years of publication of the rules (February 2014).
  • Emissions limits for coal, biogas, and other fuel burning equipment.
How does SSOE help?
  • Help clients understand and interpret specific requirements.
  • Perform required energy assessments / boiler studies.
  • Identify areas and strategies to increase efficiency.
  • Help create a plan to update equipment / processes, and provide engineering and design support.
How does SSOE add value? Experience with various industrial boilers and comprehensive services, qualifies SSOE to identify cause and effect of emissions throughout both facilities and processes and provide integrated solutions.

Question and Answer with Anna Koperczak

Q: We need to develop a reliable monitoring plan to measure the level of greenhouse gas emissions in our facility. How do we get started?

A: To begin, you’ll need to identify the sources of GHG emissions in your facility. The obvious places to consider are any combustion sources, boilers and heaters for example, or the actual production of GHGs. Also look at any chemical reactions that emit GHGs.

Q: Once I know all the sources of emissions, how do I measure them? Are meters the best way?

A: Not necessarily. There are various ways to measure GHGs and you’ll want to determine the most efficient and accurate way for your circumstances. Meters are a common solution. Make sure you use the appropriate meter for the equipment. Consider too that you may already have some metering in place that can be used to measure GHGs. You can use a PLC to gather the information from the meters. Make sure to include the calibration of equipment in your step by step monitoring plan.

Measuring the amount of fuel a piece of equipment uses is another way to calculate the amount of GHGs it emits. Also, the throughput of a piece of equipment can also help you calculate the GHG level.

Another viable option for gathering information is to examine past utility bills and use the reports to determine emission levels over a period of time.

Q: How often do I need to gather information to satisfy the reporting and permitting regulations?

A: You will want to collect your data at a minimum monthly. That way you can see trends in emissions if there are issues.

Q: How long does it typically take to develop and implement a monitoring plan?

A: That depends somewhat on the size of the facility(s). I estimate three to four months for identifying the sources, establishing the best monitoring approach, calibrating equipment, and collecting data.

Q: What are my options for reducing GHG emission levels?

A: You have many options for reducing levels. Among them are converting from coal-fired to natural gas boilers, configuring your process to use fewer, larger boilers (or more small ones), updating older equipment, upgrading processes, recovering waste heat, and installing various types of equipment that reduce emission levels.

We help clients compare these solutions, taking into account the cost of equipment, labor, and maintenance, as well as the results they generate.

Q: When does it make sense to use an outside resource to handle these activities?

A: I think you first have to consider if you have the internal resources to keep abreast of the changing regulations as opposed to an outside resource whose job it is to do so. It is valuable to have the person filing reports know how the EPA wants the information structured and how to compile it efficiently. That comes with experience.

Since understanding current regulations, reporting, monitoring, and permitting require special skills, many companies prefer to use an outside expert rather than increase headcount. Another approach is to use an outside resource to train your staff to do some of the activities—calibrating the monitors and collecting data for example.

Q: What can we expect as next steps from the EPA in regards to reporting and controlling GHG levels?

A: There is little doubt that the EPA intends to eventually mandate that companies reduce their emissions to meet certain levels, regardless of whether they are seeking permits. As part of this, the emission levels of companies will become public knowledge.

Q: How would you advise companies to prepare for public disclosure of their GHG levels?

A: I’m advising our clients to consider how public knowledge of their emissions levels will impact all aspects of their business, the public’s perception of their environmental policies, their relationships with partners and vendors, and perhaps sales. Companies should start now to reduce their levels and see this as an opportunity to gain recognition as an environmental leader.

Plant Engineering Article: “Three Strategy Tips for Optimizing your Next Energy Assessment”

Eric Hopkins, PE, Senior Chemical Process Engineer and Senior Associate at SSOE Group, recently authored an article in Plant Engineering where he explains how better energy assessments improve a plant’s overall optimization and provides better data insights. He provides an in-depth analysis of three energy assessment strategies that should be considered to unlock value to improve your organization’s next energy assessment. Read more

Are safety hazards hiding on you?

Any time a catastrophic event occurs that is related to an industrial or manufacturing process, there is speculation as to how it could have been prevented. Was it human error? Were the safety standards followed? Did the company know there was a potential hazard?

Many companies equate assuring worker safety with following OSHA mandates. Although OSHA’s regulations apply to a long list of situations, not all environments where hazardous materials are handled are covered. Despite the fact that OSHA has been in force since the early 70’s, there are many vulnerable areas in terms of safety they have yet to address. Then too, with new technologies and products come new hazards.

That leaves the onus to fully protect workers on the companies themselves. To make this easier, SSOE advises its clients to apply “ready-to-use” OSHA procedures voluntarily even to areas or industries that are exempted or are not yet covered. One method for identifying potential safety hazards is a Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) that OSHA requires of companies engaged in the processing or handling of hazardous chemicals.

The Three Ws of a Process Hazard Analysis
PHAs take place in a single meeting, or series of them, and have a prescribed format.

Read more

Chemical Processing Article: “Help Executives Make the Right Project Decisions”

Eric Hopkins, PE, Senior Chemical Process Engineer at SSOE Group, recently authored an article in Chemical Processing where he explains how sound decision making is the key to a successful business. He writes that fact-finding and extensive preplanning before the detailed project planning phase will assist in this process.

With over 25 years of experience leading and executing industrial process projects around the world, Eric’s broad technical background all Read more

Area Development Article: “Modular Construction Projects Cut Cost and Timelines”

Cliff Reese, PE, Business Leader and Senior Associate at SSOE, recently authored an article in Area Development explaining how obtaining early commitment from both buyers and stakeholders is imperative to a successful modular construction project, which can deliver on cost savings and shorten timeliness. He goes on to discuss how leaders could consider using Advanced Work Packaging (AWP), similar to Lean project delivery, as an option to significantly optimize the efficiency of site-labor costs as well as the project schedule. Read more

New Engineering News-Record Rankings Names SSOE Group a Top 2 Semiconductor Design Firm for the 6th Consecutive Year

TOLEDO, Ohio, August 2, 2022 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), an internationally ranked architecture and engineering firm, is proud to announce their annual Engineering News-Record (ENR) rankings, including the firm’s #2 spot as a top semiconductor design firm. Rankings were published in the 2022 ENR Top 500 Design Firms Sourcebook. ENR serves as one of the leading engineering and construction news publications. This list provides market analysis and rankings of the largest U.S.-based AEC firms according to revenue for design services performed in 2021. Read more

ENR Article: “The Top 500 Design Firms: Worry Despite Strong Markets”

Vince DiPofi, PE, Chief Operating Officer at SSOE, was featured in ENR’s May 2018 cover story, “The Top 500 Design Firms: Worry Despite Strong Markets”. From construction tariffs to talent acquisition, the article highlights some of the concerns surrounding the industry, despite its predicted continual growth. Vince’s commentary focuses on the impact of generative design and its ability to help architects and engineers deliver better solutions to clients. Read more

Chem.Info Magazine Article: “Increase Global Advantage With Energy Assessments: PART II”

Eric Hopkins, PE, Senior Chemical Process Engineer and Senior Associate at SSOE, continues his examination of the advantages of energy assessments in this Chem.Info Magazine article. In Part I of the article, he discusses the importance of planning and how to manage documentation and data disparities. In Part II, he focuses on strategy and involving key stakeholders to optimize the assessment process and qualify your data to achieve better results. Ultimately, a thoughtful, pragmatic approach to energy assessments will allow for continuous global competitive benefits long after the assessment is complete. Read more

Chem.Info Magazine Article: “Increase Global Advantage With Energy Assessments: PART I”

Eric Hopkins, PE, Senior Chemical Process Engineer and Senior Associate at SSOE, guides readers through the value of performing energy assessments to stay competitive despite the ever-changing market demands in this Chem.Info Magazine article. Although conducting an effective energy assessment can have its challenges and constraints, the in-depth data it provides often points plant owners to exactly where spending will be most lucrative for their specific operations. Eric shares his recommendations for navigating gaps in documentation and data and how careful planning upfront can make all the difference. Read more

Plant Engineering Magazine Article: “Planning for Expansion”

Corey Zachel, PE, LEED AP BD+C, Section Manager and Senior Associate at SSOE Group, recently discussed the topic of design-build expansion projects in this Plant Engineering Magazine article. Tight project deadlines combined with competitive, rapidly changing manufacturing environments can result in a myriad of challenges—most of which are avoidable with thoughtful planning. Choosing a plan-oriented approach that brings in all parties to participate early in the design phase can eliminate issues downstream, making costly schedule delays, unnecessary rework, and production shut downs a thing of the past. Read more

BD+C Magazine Article: “Laser Scanners Go Handheld”

Jason Christen, PMP, Senior Account Executive at SSOE, and Mark LaBell, Senior VDC Technical Leader, were both featured in a BD+C Magazine article that examines the rise of 3D laser scanners, which have recently evolved into handhelds. 3D laser scanning is the fastest, most efficient method to capture existing conditions. In addition to allowing us to scan harder-to-reach places, handheld scanners provide the ability to show clients results immediately after taking a scan with a workable model showing an accurate representation of the facility—a major benefit of the technology that often translates into cost savings for our clients. Read more

Area Development Magazine Article: “Scheduling, Planning, and Front-End Loading (FEL) Can Keep Projects Open During Construction”

Gavin Kaleta, PE, LEED AP BD+C, Mechanical Department Manager at SSOE, recently authored an article published in Area Development Magazine discussing the advantages of preliminary project planning, concise scheduling, and front-end loading (FEL) when renovating an existing manufacturing facility. Even experienced teams benefit from deliberate, phased steps early on in a project, which alleviate productivity issues and inefficiency later on. Gavin’s advice for creating significant savings: spend early. By creating room in the budget for early FEL, you’re investing in up-front engineering that consistently delivers long-term cost benefits, while avoiding unplanned downtime and the dreaded shut down. Read more

ENR Article: “The Top 500 Design Firms: Market Poised for Takeoff”

Vince DiPofi, PE, Chief Strategy Officer at SSOE Group, was featured in ENR’s May 2017 cover story, “The Top 500 Design Firms: Market Poised for Takeoff”. From healthcare reform and regulation changes to the race to rebuild U.S. infrastructure, the article highlights some of the questions and concerns surrounding the industry following the recent election. Although preliminary indicators point to a strong, healthy market and we’ve already seen an increase in private sector jobs, a theme of caution continues to persist.

Vince, who has experienced nine presidential elections during the course of his career, comments on the buzz surrounding the election and its effect on the industry. He also discusses how potential changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) have already impacted the automotive market, as seen in postponed spending. Read more

Product Design and Development Magazine Article: “How to Reduce Cleanroom Costs by Using Less Energy”

Alan Liddy, AIA, NCARB, Senior Project Manager at SSOE, was recently published in Product Design and Development Magazine on the topic of cleanrooms. Alan explains that keeping cleanrooms clean can come at a lower cost, depending on the cleanroom’s classification, while offering strategies to cut costs without cutting corners. Clean standards continue to climb, but with a few operational enhancements, you can avoid contamination economically. Read more

INFORM Magazine Article: “Front-End Loading for a Successful Capital Project”

Jens Ebert, PE, PMP, Senior Project Manager at SSOE, recently authored this article, which examines the phased approach to project execution referred to as front-end loading (FEL) and its many advantages. Also known as pre-project planning (PPP) and front-end engineering and design (FEED), the FEL approach to project delivery involves early project planning and engineering, so that design changes are easier and cheaper to accommodate, comparatively. FEL is very structured and can require more cost upfront, but projects are less likely to have issues or costly changes, and gives stakeholders an opportunity to make more informed decisions along the way. Read more

SSOE’s Matthew Oberts and Jennifer Breault Present on Sustainability at Volkswagen Group of America’s Leadership Exchange

ATLANTA, Georgia, July 26, 2021 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, is excited to announce that Matthew Oberts, PE, LEED AP, Senior Vice President and Strategic Business Unit (SBU) Manager, and Jennifer Breault, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, Senior Architect and Sustainability Committee Chair, were selected to present at Volkswagen Group of America’s Leadership Exchange hosted by Porsche Consulting in Atlanta, Georgia on July 15-16, 2021. Both Matthew and Jennifer directly support the firm’s automotive and manufacturing clients in their respective roles. Read more

SSOE Announces New Rankings from Engineering News-Record Magazine

Firm Named to Five Top 10 Spots

TOLEDO, Ohio, July 6, 2021 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, is proud to announce their annual Engineering News-Record (ENR) rankings, which were published in the 2021 ENR Top 500 Design Firms Sourcebook. ENR serves as one of the leading engineering and construction news publications. This list provides market analysis and rankings of the largest U.S.-based AEC firms according to revenue for design services performed in 2020.

Read more

SSOE Group Receives High Praise from Dow for Quality on Multi-Year Program Services

MIDLAND, Michigan, June 22, 2021 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, has received high praise from Dow (NYSE: Dow) in regards to services provided on the Lab / Office Multi-Year Program at their Michigan Corporate Facilities for the Dow Project Management Organization (PMO).

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BOSS Magazine Article: “Facilitating a Culture of Global Collaboration with Technology”

SSOE Group is a leader in leveraging the latest technology to enable integrated and collaborative project delivery. SSOE Group was featured in BOSS Magazine, in an article highlighting the company’s technology strategy and culture — both of which are helping provide better solutions to clients. Driven by collaboration, SSOE is using innovative tools and customized applications to deliver high quality projects more efficiently, while working to maintain employee engagement along the way. Read more

HPAC Engineering Magazine Article: “A New Way to Analyze Fan Systems for Optimal Performance, Cost Savings”

Gavin Kaleta, PE, LEED AP, Mechanical and Process Department Manager at SSOE Group, co-authored an article published in HPAC Engineering Magazine that focuses on high-performance fan systems, which are critical to industrial processes. From air flow to duct leaks, the article digs deep into ANSI/AMCA Standard 210/ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 51, sharing real-world applications to optimize fan performance. Read more

ENR Magazine Article: “A Healthy Market Spurs Investment in Plants”

Firms being asked to play a bigger role in providing expertise

Dave Sipes, Chief Operating Officer at SSOE Group, was featured in this article recently published in Engineering News-Record (ENR). The article highlights manufacturing, a particularly robust market currently, and the need within this market to improve processes — with an emphasis on output. Popular among manufacturers is integrated project delivery, a concept that focuses on collaboration and commitment among all parties, which is successfully executed with the help of highly evolved technologies like 3D modeling and laser scanning. Read more

ENR Article: “Design Professionals Must Embrace VDC to Improve Their Profession and Projects”

John Gill, PE, PMP, LEED AP, SSOE’s Director of VDC, was recently published in Engineering News-Record (ENR) discussing the topic of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). Gill has over 20 years of industry experience and was responsible for the implementation of SSOE’s VDC program. He writes on the many strengths the VDC framework has to offer our industry, and offers some tips for implementing a solid foundation on your next project. Read more

SSOE Group Awarded Multi-Year Master Services Agreement to Provide Engineering Services to Corteva Agriscience™

TOLEDO, Ohio, December 17, 2020 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, is proud to announce they have been awarded a multi-year Master Services Agreement (MSA) to provide engineering services to Corteva Agriscience. Read more

Chemical Processing Magazine Article: “Begin a Project Right”

A thorough process definition lays the foundation for a successful greenfield project

Dale Feldhaus, department manager in Industrial Process Controls at SSOE Group, was recently published in Chemical Processing Magazine. In his article, he discusses the importance of the preliminary phase of a greenfield project, which Feldhaus refers to as the “process definition phase.” Feldhaus has nearly 30 years of experience, specializing in the design, specification, and coordination of controls and instrumentation for projects within the industrial industry. Read more

Power Engineering Magazine Article: “Projects Illustrate Strategies for Comprehensive Design Tools”

Tom Fitzpatrick, Power Department Manager at SSOE Group, co-authored this content-rich article, published in Power Engineering Magazine, that explores the cost benefits of conducting a feasibility study during the planning phase of a project. The article highlights project examples where SSOE’s engineers were able to add even more value to a feasibility study with their ability to quickly and easily assess, and point decision-makers in the right direction.

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Area Development Magazine Article: “The United States: A Growing Competitor for New Manufacturing Plants”

Foreign companies are trending in the direction of the U.S. as they review global site selection options, with suppliers following.

Alexandra Segers, International Senior Account Executive / Program Manager at SSOE Group, shares her insight in this article published in Area Development Magazine. Within, Segers discusses some of the important items — including incentives and cost offsets, utility factors, and workforce availability — that are making the U.S. an advantageous area to consider development, with the Southeast U.S. leading the pack.
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SSOE Announces New Rankings from Engineering News-Record (ENR) Magazine

TOLEDO, Ohio, July 29, 2020 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management is proud to announce their annual Engineering News-Record (ENR) rankings which were published in the 2020 Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firms Sourcebook. ENR serves as one of the leading engineering and construction news publications. This list provides market analysis and rankings of the largest U.S.-based AEC firms according to revenue for design services performed in 2019. Read more

SSOE Group Welcomes Ryan Pruett as Engineering Project Director in Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama, February 13, 2020 — SSOE Group, a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, is excited to welcome Ryan Pruett to their Birmingham office as Engineering Project Director for SSOE Systems, the firm’s construction management business. Ryan’s addition further solidifies SSOE’s strategic commitment to expanding the firm’s Southeast presence and depth of resources in the region to deliver great client service. Read more

ChemInfo Magazine Article: “The Right Tools for the Job – Front-End Loading Part I and Part II”

Senior Project Manager Jens Ebert is featured in a two-part article series on front-end loading (FEL) in a recent edition of ChemInfo Magazine. Part I of Jens’ article examines the process of FEL that involves developing sufficient project definition so that owners can make investment decisions, minimize risk and maximize the potential for success, and how to begin the process. Part II continues the discussion of FEL II and III as well as a cost-benefit analysis for this project management process. Read more

SSOE Group Announces Appointment of New Principals and Promotions for Planning Year 2020

TOLEDO, Ohio, October 29, 2019 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, announced today the appointment of new Principals and organization promotions for their planning year (PY) 2020. Read more

SSOE Ranked #1 Semiconductor Design Firm in 2019 ENR Sourcebook

TOLEDO, Ohio, July 12, 2019 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, is proud to announce their annual Engineering News Record (ENR) rankings, including the firm’s first #1 spot as the Top Semiconductor Design Firm. The rankings were published in the 2019 Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firms Sourcebook. ENR serves as one of the leading engineering and construction news publications. This list provides market analysis and rankings of the largest U.S.-based AEC firms according to revenue for design services performed in 2018. Read more

Chemical Processing Magazine Article: Streamline Your Chemical Process

Three of SSOE’s chemical experts, Rick Beaman, Eric Hopkins, and Cliff Reese are featured in the June 2013 issue of Chemical Processing Magazine. Within, they discuss effective measures to remove complexities Read more

Chemical Engineering Magazine Article: “Coal Gasification for Chemicals”

SSOE’s Rick Beaman, PE and Cliff Reese, PE are featured in Chemical Engineering magazine’s December 2012 issue. Numerous cost and processing challenges surround coal gasification, but the technology is becoming more prevalent in petroleum-poor areas. Read more

Hydrocarbon Processing Magazine Article: “Surviving and Thriving in Era of Enhanced OSHA PSM Audits”

SSOE’s Cliff Reese, PE and Bruce Taylor of Midland Engineering are featured in Hydrocarbon Processing magazine’s November 2012 issue. The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is implementing special initiative programs that target companies in the petroleum and chemical industries Read more

The Economist: “Working Partners”

Tony Damon, CEO of SSOE Group, was interviewed for the August 25, 2012 edition of The Economist. Damon provides insight on questions surrounding the increasing presence of work available in China and the effects this may have on jobs locally. In response, Damon states, “global growth is a question of survival, not choice, and that profitable work in China keeps jobs in Ohio”.

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SSOE’s Adrienne Taylor Receives 2018 Women of Distinction Award

Award Recognizes Taylor’s Contributions in the Key Focus Areas for Success in STEM

TOLEDO, Ohio, November 6, 2018 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, is proud to announce that the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio honored Adrienne Taylor, PE, as a leader, role model, and mentor in the arts and sciences field who promotes and advocates for the advancement and recognition of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers. Adrienne received the award in a ceremony at the Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion on October 25, 2018. Read more

Chemical Processing Magazine: “Set Up an Effective Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Plan”

SSOE Group’s Anna Koperczak, Senior Environmental Specialist in SSOE’s Industrial Process division, discusses the upcoming deadline for facilities to report on GHG emissions as mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Kopercazk breaks down the components of a successful monitoring plan in order to fulfill this federal regulation.

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Control Engineering Magazine: “Measure Twice, Cut Once”

SSOE Group’s Tim Michalski, Senior Electrical Engineer in SSOE’s industrial process division discusses the front-end loading (FEL) process and how it can be applied to automation projects to ensure that the human, financial, and physical tools are in place to get the job done right the first time.

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SSOE Group Recognized as 2018 MEP Giant

CHICAGO, Illinois October 09, 2018 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, is proud to announce it has been named one of Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s 2018 MEP Giants. The MEP Giants program ranks the top 100 mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and fire protection engineering firms in the United States based on total MEP design revenue. SSOE ranked 45th this year, holding steady at the same spot as their 2017 ranking. In 2016, SSOE jumped 37 spots. Read more

Chemical Engineering Magazine Article: “Energy Optimization Using Pinch Analysis”

SSOE’s Rick Beaman and Cliff Reese discuss practical considerations on choosing the pinch temperature, utility temperatures, and more for energy optimization.  Read more

Reliable Plant Magazine Article: “Industrial Facilities and Processes: Are You Winning on Both Fronts?”

SSOE Group’s Louise Schlatter, NCARB, LEED AP, and IET’s Tim Stansfield, PE, Ph.D, discuss how strategic master planning can yield capital investment decisions that optimize facilities and process. Read more

SSOE Group Launches New Website to Commemorate Upcoming 70th Anniversary

TOLEDO, Ohio, August 7, 2018 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management launched a newly redesigned website today. This week, the firm is celebrating 70 years of making clients successful.

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SSOE Group Celebrates 70-Year Legacy on August 8th

TOLEDO, Ohio, August 6, 2018 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global architecture, engineering, and construction management firm, is proud to celebrate 70 years in business this coming Wednesday, August 8, 2018.

SSOE was founded in 1948 when structural engineer Al Samborn returned to his hometown of Toledo after completing his military service to start his own engineering firm. Today, the firm has grown into a Top 10 Engineering / Architecture firm (BD+C) with 1,100 employees in 30 global offices across six countries and is one of Ohio’s largest engineering firms.

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For Third Consecutive Year, SSOE Group Named a “Great Workplace” by Great Place to Work®

TOLEDO, Ohio, August 3, 2018 – SSOE Group (www.www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management is proud to announce their re-certification as a “Great Workplace” by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work®. SSOE earned this credential based on exemplary ratings provided by their employees in an anonymous survey.

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SSOE Announces New Rankings from Engineering News-Record Magazine

Firm Named to Four Top 10 Spots

TOLEDO, Ohio, July 11, 2018 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management is proud to announce their annual Engineering News-Record (ENR) rankings.

The rankings were published in the 2018 ENR Top 500 Design Firms Sourcebook. ENR serves as one of the leading engineering and construction news publications. This list provides market analysis and rankings of the largest U.S.-based AEC firms according to revenue for design services performed in 2017.

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SSOE Group Completes Site Selection and Due Diligence for Czech-Based Silon’s First U.S. Location

ATLANTA, Georgia, April 19, 2018 – Alexandra Segers, International Senior Account Executive and Program Manager at SSOE Group, recently attended the grand opening of Silon’s new manufacturing facility located in Peachtree City, Georgia—the leading polymer compound and polyester fiber manufacturer’s first facility in the U.S.

SSOE was responsible for the site selection and site due diligence for Silon’s first U.S. location, supporting project efforts from its nearby Atlanta, Georgia office. Alexandra specializes in assisting clients with site selection outside their country of origin and was the perfect fit to help Silon find the right site for their needs. Read more

SSOE Group Expands in China with Chengdu Office

SHANGHAI, China, February 20, 2018 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, is proud to announce the opening of their new office in Chengdu, Sichuan province China.

In 2005, SSOE opened its first international office in Shanghai to support a variety of automotive and manufacturing plant-development projects for multinational corporations in and around China. Today it has grown to be one of the firm’s largest offices and experienced its best year on record in the past 5 years in 2017. SSOE’s new Chengdu office will be staffed with local resources and will enhance SSOE’s presence within the Asia-Pacific region. Read more

SSOE Group Named a “Great Workplace” by Great Place to Work® for Second Consecutive Year

 

TOLEDO, Ohio, August 18, 2017 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management is proud to announce their re-certification as a “Great Workplace” by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work®. SSOE earned this credential based on exemplary ratings provided by their employees in an anonymous survey. Read more

SSOE Hires New Senior Account Executive

TOLEDO, Ohio, May 18, 2017 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, announced the appointment of Brian Lloyd as Senior Account Executive. He is responsible for the growth of SSOE’s industrial process business with a main focus on services to chemical manufacturing clients.

Prior to joining SSOE, Brian was a director of sales and marketing in the Cincinnati area covering the Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana territory. Additionally, Brian spent 9 years of his career working in a technical services consultant role, serving clientele in a wide range of industries including healthcare, higher education, utilities, and manufacturing. In total, he has 14 years of professional experience providing architectural and engineering services to commercial and industrial clients. Read more

SSOE Group Named a “Great Workplace” by Great Place to Work®

TOLEDO, Ohio, June 7, 2016 – SSOE Group, (www.ssoe.com) a global project delivery firm, specializing in engineering, architecture, and construction management is proud to announce their certification as a “Great Workplace” by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work®. SSOE earned this credential based on exemplary ratings provided by their employees in an anonymous survey. Read more

SSOE Group Expands Southeast U.S. Operations with New Atlanta, Georgia, Office

ATLANTA, Georgia, May 05, 2015 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm ranked 4th among Automotive Plant Design Firms (Engineering News-Record, 2014), is proud to announce the opening of a new office in Atlanta, Georgia. The office will serve as the hub for the firm’s Southeast U.S. operations, currently anchored by four existing SSOE regional offices in Birmingham, Alabama; Huntsville, Alabama; Nashville, Tennessee; and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.

“SSOE’s expansion into the Southeast U.S.,” comments CEO Bob Howell, “dovetails with the area’s projected growth and will enhance the firm’s expansive portfolio in the region.”

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SSOE Group Announces Bob Howell as the Next President and CEO

Toledo, Ohio – June 3, 2014-— SSOE’s Board of Directors announced today that it has selected Bob Howell to be the next President and CEO of SSOE Group—a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm . Effective December 3, 2014, Bob Howell will assume the reins from current CEO, Tony Damon, who announced his plans to retire late last year.

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Internationally Ranked Design Firm, SSOE Group, Opens León, Mexico Office

LEÓN, Mexico February 14, 2014 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), ranked 10th internationally among Manufacturing Design Firms (ENR, 2013), announced today that they have opened operations in León, Guanajuato, Mexico—their first office in the country. SSOE now has operations in eight countries. Over the next three years, SSOE plans to hire 25-30 individuals to support the León office. SSOE’s expansion into Mexico continues the company’s trajectory of international growth; the firm has added nine offices in new geographic markets in the last three years through both acquisition and organic expansion.

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SSOE Named to 7 Top 10 Spots in ENR’s 2013 Rankings

TOLEDO, Ohio, August 19, 2013 SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm announced today it has been named to 7 Top 10 spots in the recently released, revenue-based ENR rankings, the premier publication covering the AEC industry.

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Adrienne Taylor of SSOE Group Named Ohio’s 2013 Young Engineer of the Year

TOLEDO, Ohio, August 5, 2013 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, announced today that Adrienne Taylor, PE, has been named “Young Engineer of the Year” by the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE). Adrienne was presented this honor in recognition of her exemplary community, civic, and professional undertakings as well as enthusiasm for the engineering profession and dedicated efforts to support activities of OSPE and the Toledo Chapter.

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SSOE Group’s Portland, Oregon Office Helps Revive Local AIChE Chapter

PORTLAND, Oregon, July 2, 2013 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, is proud to announce the election of three and the appointment of two of its employees to the newly revived Columbia Pacific Oregon Chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). The Columbia Pacific Chapter of AIChE has been an officially recognized chapter since the late 1960’s, but had fallen dormant the past several years. Interest in having a local active section for professional development in the area prompted the re-organization of the Columbia Pacific Chapter by a group of chemical engineers at SSOE, many of which were formerly involved with other AIChE sections.

The first meeting of the newly reformed chapter was held on Wednesday, June 19th at SSOE’s Portland, Oregon office. During this meeting, topics of interest to the group for future meetings were discussed and elections for available chair positions were held. In total, a group of fourteen enthusiastic chemical engineers were present.

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SSOE Group to Sponsor Energy Seminar at Maumee Bay State Park

Energy-SeminarTOLEDO, Ohio, May 20, 2013 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, announces its sponsorship of the first annual “Evolving Energy Landscape” seminar July 15-16, 2013 at Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon, Ohio. The one and a half day seminar will deliver expert information and insights about the energy industry’s complex and changing issues to arm energy users with useful knowledge to be better equipped to reach short-term energy goals and set a smart course for the future. Attendees will earn .7 continuing education hours for attending.

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Andrew Mekus Named 2013 Young Engineer of the Year

TOLEDO, Ohio, February 19, 2013 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, announced today that Andrew Mekus, PE, has been named “Young Engineer of the Year” by The Toledo Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE). Andrew is a chemical engineer in SSOE’s Toledo, Ohio office and has been with the firm since 2005.

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SSOE Ranks Second in ENR’s Top International Design Firm Rankings for Auto Assembly

TOLEDO, Ohio, January 31, 2013SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, is proud to announce that it has been ranked second by Engineering News Record (ENR) in their 2012 Top International Design Firm Rankings survey results for Auto Assembly. The rankings were released in December and are based on revenue.

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SSOE Group and Evergreen EDC Announce Merger

TOLEDO, Ohio, January 14, 2013 – SSOE Group, a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, and Evergreen EDC, a multidiscipline engineering, design, and construction management firm, today announced a merger of the firms. The merger will expand both firms’ geographic reach as well as provide their clients access to enhanced services and resources. The merged entity will operate under the SSOE Group name after a brief transition period.

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SSOE Again Recognized as a Top Supplier in its Core Industries

Toledo, Ohio, August 20, 2012 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm announced today it has been named to 4 Top 10 spots in the recently released, revenue-based ENR rankings, the premier publication covering the A/E/C industry.

SSOE was ranked in the number two spot nationally for Green Industrial and Manufacturing Design Firms. SSOE also ranked in the Top 10 in Solar Generation (7th), Chemical Plants (8th), and Manufacturing (9th). In addition, the firm was ranked 11th in Industrial Process, among the Top 50 Power Generation Firms, and the 77th Top 500 Design Firm, up 7 spots from 2011. Read more

SSOE Group Expands Southeast U.S. Presence with Second Acquisition in 2012

TOLEDO, Ohio, April 2, 2012 – SSOE Group, an international EPCM firm, announces the acquisition of CRS Engineering & Design Consultants, a 50-person mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering firm with offices in Birmingham and Huntsville, Alabama. The acquisition will expand SSOE’s Southeastern U.S. presence, broaden CRS’s reach to international markets, and provide both firms’ clients access to enhanced services and resources.

CRS has been in business for over 36 years and is a multi-discipline engineering and design-consulting firm specializing in healthcare, government, higher education, and other institutional facilities. CRS offers services in electrical engineering, plumbing engineering, fire protection engineering, mechanical and HVAC engineering, lighting design, telecommunication design, and security system design.

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U.S.- based EPCM Firm SSOE Group Acquires India Firm During its Most Successful Year Ever

Toledo, Ohio, January 23, 2012 – As economists debate the state of the economy and where it’s headed— SSOE Group, a U.S. – based engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm is thriving. In recent years, in the heart of what some are calling a mild depression, SSOE maintained profitability and earned its highest revenue numbers ever. In fact, in its 2011 fiscal year, it posted its largest revenue in the company’s 64-year history. This is proof that SSOE is demonstrating some of the growth strategies and simple shifts in mindset that other businesses will likely embrace in order to succeed in today’s economy. For SSOE, a priority in recent years is a shift in international growth, as indicated by the recent acquisition of NKS Design Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (also known as d-Tech) in Mumbai, India.

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SSOE’s Chemical Experts Present on Energy Optimization using Pinch Analysis at ChemInnovations 2011 Conference and Expo

Houston, Texas, August 22, 2011 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), an international engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, announced today that two of its chemical process experts have been selected to present at the second annual ChemInnovations Conference and Expo on September 13-15, 2011 in Houston, Texas.

Cliff Reese, PE, Business Leader and Rick Beaman, PE, Senior Chemical Process Engineer will present on September 14th during the conference’s Energy Efficiencies Session. In their presentation, “Energy Optimization Using Pinch Analysis,” the two will explain the systematic method of pinch analysis and how it can maximize energy recovery from chemical processes. Reese and Beaman are fluent in design and development of chemical processes, and combined have more than 50 years of experience in the chemical industry.

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SSOE Takes Top Spot among Green Design Firms in Industrial Manufacturing by Engineering News Record

TOLEDO, Ohio, August 10, 2011 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), an international engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, has been recognized in several sustainable design rankings recently released from Engineering News Record (ENR). SSOE ranked 1st nationally among the Top Green Design Firms in Industrial Manufacturing. In addition, ENR also named SSOE 10th among the Top Solar Power Design Firms. Rankings are based on project revenue.

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SSOE Receives Contractor Safety & Environmental Excellence Award from Marathon Petroleum LP Marketing & Transportation Engineering

Findlay, Ohio, June 29, 2011 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), an international engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, announced today that it was recently awarded the 2011 Contractor Safety & Environmental Excellence Award from Marathon Petroleum LP Marketing & Transportation Engineering. The award recognizes SSOE as a top safety performer for their facility located in Findlay, Ohio. Read more

SSOE Group Ranked 1st among Top Green Design Firms in South Central Construction’s 2010 Rankings

Nashville, TN, November 4, 2010 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), an international engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm announces it has been named to the number one spot for Top Green Design Firms in the recently released, revenue-based South Central Construction’s 2010 Top Design Firms rankings. Read more

Impressive Results for SSOE Group in ENR’s 2010 Rankings

July 28, 2010, TOLEDO, OHIO – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), an international engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, announced today it has been named to 6 Top 10 spots in the recently released, revenue-based ENR rankings, the premier publication covering the A/E/C industry. Read more

Berner and Thekdi of SSOE Earn Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Toledo, OH, April 27, 2009 – SSOE, Inc., one of the nation’s largest architecture and engineering firms, is proud to announce that Doug Berner and Ashok Thekdi have earned their certifications as Project Management Professionals (PMP). This certification, awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI), signifies that Berner and Thekdi possess the knowledge and skill necessary to lead and direct project teams, and deliver project results within the constraints of schedule, budget, and resources. Read more