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
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
On December 23, 2011, U.S. EPA promulgated proposed amendments and changes to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for industrial, commercial, and institutional boilers and process heaters at both major and area sources of hazardous air pollutants (HAP) emissions. A major source is a facility that has the potential to emit greater than 10 tons per year [tpy] of any single HAP and/or greater than 25 tpy of total HAPs. An area source has the potential to emit less than 10 tpy/25 tpy).
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
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
SSOE announced recently that it has acquired EOM Ltd., a 60 year old multi-disciplined engineering firm that provides a broad range of technical services to the glass, power generation, and manufacturing industries. EOM has become part of SSOE’s Industrial Process strategic business unit. The acquisition will result in increased technical resources and services, and will allow the newly expanded team to provide more robust in-house expertise to current glass and power industry clients such as Owens Corning, St. Gobain Containers, Johns Manville, Pilkington, American Electric Power, Consumers Energy, and First Energy.
Tony Damon, CEO of SSOE stated, “In January, SSOE acquired Orbital Technical Solutions (OTS), a firm widely known for its work in the power industry. That acquisition expanded our capabilities in the power market. The EOM acquisition will not only bring additional expertise to that market, but our glass industry clients will also benefit from the increased furnace design capabilities that EOM brings to the table.” Damon describes both acquisitions as further evidence of SSOE’s growth and commitment to the glass and power industries as well as to the State of Ohio. EOM’s two Ohio locations will bring SSOE’s total number of offices in its home state to six.
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
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
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
Thomas Nestor, PE, responds to some common electrical challenges faced on projects, and guides readers through examples of careful pre-planning strategies in this article recently published in Plant Engineering Magazine. Thorough research combined with a unified, “holistic” approach can help meet invariable objectives such as budget adherence, plant safety, reliability, and productivity. Capturing accurate, comprehensive information and fully understanding existing conditions, although laborious and often difficult, is critical as it directly correlates to the success of a project. Read more
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
Economic analysis and design strategies for cogeneration increase industrial competitiveness.
Tom Fitzpatrick, PE, Power Department Manager at SSOE, co-authored this illuminating article that highlights the benefits of combined heat and power (CHP). CHP — or cogeneration — is a sustainable energy alternative offering better efficiency and increased reliability at a lower cost. These benefits and other potential advantages offered by CHP can give an industrial company the advantage over competitors. Read more
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.
The article, “Energy Efficiency Delivers Powerful Savings” in Food Engineering Magazine’s June 2014 issue examines options for facilitating energy efficiency as a means to boost the bottom line. Tom Fitzpatrick, PE, Power Department Manager at SSOE is featured in a sidebar Q&A to the article where he shares his insights on energy-saving technologies from an engineering firm’s perspective.
Tom Fitzpatrick, Power Department Manager, provides tips and recommendations for meeting national pollutant-emission standards published by the EPA in early 2013 in an article featured in HPAC Engineering Magazine.
The deadlines are approaching for compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new national standards governing the emission of hazardous air pollutants (HAP) from industrial, commercial, and institutional boilers. Since most major source facilities whose emissions exceed the standard will need to make significant capital improvements or operational changes, decision makers need to weigh the “what ifs” that can impact their compliance strategy. Among these are the future cost of natural gas; the likelihood of new and/or more stringent emission limits; and the potential for increased operating costs associated with the use of coal and biomass.
Corey Zachel, Senior Electrical Engineer, is featured in the September issue of Consulting-Specifying Magazine and Plant Engineering Magazine for his article on emergency power solutions. Generators can provide emergency power to a facility’s electrical power system—in this article, Zachel discusses how to select the appropriate generator for your facility and steps to perform a load study, address code compliance, determine a fuel source, and ensure safety during installation.
In the October 2012 issue of Utility Products magazine SSOE’s Ed McConnell, PE, discusses how communication, training, and culture changes within an organization can be the solution to minimizing arc flash injuries Read more
SSOE’s Rick Beaman and Cliff Reese discuss practical considerations on choosing the pinch temperature, utility temperatures, and more for energy optimization. 
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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
In this article learn 10 signs of impending failure and 7 ways system integrators say you can keep your automation projects on track. SSOE’s Dale Feldhaus, Industrial Process controls department manager and senior associate, is interviewed for this article. Read more
TOLEDO, Ohio, October 6, 2015 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, announced the appointment of Joseph Hulderman as Senior Electrical Engineer. He is responsible for the design and coordination of high voltage substations, transmission circuits, and distribution circuits for municipal, industrial, and investor owned utility clients. Joe specializes in substation design up to 345 kV, transmission and distribution line design, short circuit, load flow, and relay coordination systems. He also has extensive expertise with SCADA systems and PLC and DCS based control systems. Read more
GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan, October 1, 2015 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, announced today that Joe Couturier from the company’s Toledo, Ohio, office will present at the Michigan Municipal Electric Association’s (MMEA) Fall 2015 Conference. The conference will be held at the Crowne Plaza, Grand Rapids Airport in Michigan from Wednesday, October 7 through Friday, October 9, 2015. Read more
COLUMBUS, Ohio, February 10, 2015 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, announced today that Tom Fitzpatrick, PE, Power Department Manager at SSOE, has been selected to present at the 19th Annual Ohio Energy Management Conference taking place February 25-26, 2015 at the Columbus Renaissance Hotel in Ohio.
TOLEDO, Ohio, February 10, 2015 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm is proud to announce that Ed McConnell, PE, Master Engineer and Senior Associate was named Engineer of the Year by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Toledo Section.
COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 24, 2014 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, announced today its power industry experts will attend and exhibit at the 2014 American Electric Power (AEP) BRO Forum. The event is being held August 4 — 7, 2014 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio.
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.
COLUMBUS, Ohio, January 6, 2014 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, announced today that Tom Fitzpatrick, PE, Power Department Manager at SSOE, has been selected to present at the 18th Annual Ohio Energy Management Conference taking place February 18-19, 2013 at the Columbus Renaissance Hotel in Ohio.
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.
TOLEDO, 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.
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.
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
Columbus, Ohio, July 12, 2012 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, will have power industry experts on hand at American Electrical Power’s (AEP) BRO Forum on August 6-9, 2012. This event is scheduled to take place at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Ohio. Celebrating its 11th year, the forum is an annual invitation-only event that brings together AEP employees, utility company guests, and the top industry suppliers to network and learn about new technologies and process improvements for Boiler Reliability Optimization (BRO).
Columbus, Ohio, July 18, 2011 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), an international engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, will have experts on hand at the American Electrical Power’s BRO Forum on August 8-11, 2011. This event will take place at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. Celebrating its 10th year, the forum brings AEP employees and vendors together to discuss new boiler technologies and process improvements.
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
TOLEDO, Ohio, August 26, 2010 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), an international engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, announced today it has been ranked the second largest solar generation design firm in the United States by Engineering News Record (ENR), the industry’s premier news publication. The ranking took into account revenue generated from the design and construction of facilities related to solar power. This ranking validates author Judy Keen’s recent article in USA Today titled “Toledo reinvents itself as a solar-power innovator”.
TOLEDO,Ohio, April 26, 2010 – SSOE Group, a global EPCM firm, has acquired EOM Ltd., a 60 year old multi-disciplined engineering firm that provides a broad range of technical services to the glass, power generation, and manufacturing industries. EOM will become part of SSOE’s Industrial Process strategic business unit. The acquisition will result in increased technical resources and services, and will allow the newly expanded team to provide more robust in-house expertise to current glass and power industry clients such as Owens Corning, St. Gobain Containers, Johns Manville, Pilkington, American Electric Power, Consumers Energy, and First Energy. Read more
TOLEDO, Ohio, January 06, 2010 – SSOE Group, a global EPCM firm, has acquired Orbital Technical Solutions (OTS). OTS is widely known for its work in the power industry, with expertise in biomass, landfill gas, and waste energy projects. Tony Damon, CEO of SSOE, describes the acquisition as further evidence of the company’s growth in the power industry. “OTS will help us to expand our capabilities in the power market. We are confident that the synergy this acquisition brings to SSOE will reap great benefits for SSOE’s and OTS’s clients.