SSOE Group Awarded Chinese Design License; License Enables SSOE to Expand Scope of Services within China

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TOLEDO, Ohio, JUNE 26, 2009-SSOE Group took a significant step forward when the EPCM firm was awarded its Chinese design license from the Chinese government. The license allows SSOEto directly perform architectural and engineering detailed design services for its clients within China.

Until the license was issued, SSOE was required to direct all of its architectural and engineering design efforts through one of the Chinese design institutes. “We’re ecstatic to have this design license because it allows us to work more extensively for companies with major projects in China,” said Bob Howell, Executive Vice President and Chairman of the Board at SSOE. Howell also oversees the direction of SSOE’s China office, located in Shanghai.

SSOE China’s General Manager, Andrew Kwok attributed the award of the license, in part, to strategic efforts aimed at growing the reputation of SSOE’s Shanghai office. “The design license, which requires meeting a number of stringent Chinese statutory requirements, is a culmination of SSOE’s established reputation for successfully meeting the needs of our clients in China,” Kwok said. The Shanghai office, SSOE Group China , opened in January, 2005. Currently, it is the second largest office in SSOE’s operations, with 106 employees.

According to Kwok, between 40 and 50 more people are projected to be added to the office by 2010. Prior to the licensure, SSOE Chinawas managing 60 to 80 people operating in China’s design institutes. The new employees will work directly for SSOE.

About SSOE Group

As an internationally ranked architecture and engineering firm, SSOE is known for delivering unparalleled client value that advances the AEC industry. They have been named a “Great Workplace” (Great Place to Work®) and one of the “Best AEC Firms to Work For” (BD+C).

Over the company’s 75-year history, it has earned a reputation for providing quality project solutions to high-tech and general manufacturing clients in the semiconductor, automotive, battery, food, chemical, and glass industries. SSOE also provides forward-thinking design across healthcare and general building sectors such as corporate workplace, education, and judicial—with projects completed in 40 countries. Visit www.ssoe.com for additional information and career opportunities.

Media Contact:
Jenni Roder
(419) 469-1918
(419) 351-6480 cell
jroder@ssoe.com