ENGINEERING-led construction firm Burns & McDonnell has expanded its UK footprint with the opening of an office and team in Scotland.
The firm, which has operated in the USA for over 120 years, will provide engineering and construction services to electricity network operators and renewable energy developers. Through delivering substation projects and supporting the modernisation of the power grid, Burns & McDonnell said it will help ensure that energy generated by new renewable sources in Scotland reliably powers homes and businesses.
The office in Motherwell is the company’s third in the UK. Burns & McDonnell opened its first European office in Birmingham in 2017 and another in London earlier this year. The firm has over 50 UK employees and is continuing to hire as it grows its team in Scotland.
Jonathan Chapman, UK MD at Burns & McDonnell, said, “This is another exciting and important step for our company as we set up another new office and welcome additional talented engineers to our team. Scotland’s global leadership in renewable energy is a perfect match for our firm’s global experience in designing and upgrading onshore network infrastructure.”
Michael Benson, inward investment specialist at Scottish Development International, added, “Burns & McDonnell is a long-established, global engineering firm, so it is excellent news that the company has chosen Scotland to expand its UK presence. When our country’s unparalleled reputation for excellence in engineering is combined with our internationally acknowledged efforts to achieve net zero and deliver a green economy, it is clear Scotland was an ideal location for Burns & McDonnell.
“The SDI team in London has been pleased to support Burns & McDonnell in its decision to choose Scotland, and we look forward to working with the company as it establishes its presence here.”
Burns & McDonnell also announced two initial hires, who will be based in the Motherwell office. Ryan Carroll has been appointed senior design manager, helping to lead engineering design projects. The firm has also hired Stephen Docherty, a senior civil engineer, who is helping to lead civil and structural engineering projects.
Scott Bryce will lead construction operations in the new office and help to expand the team in Scotland.
Ryan Carroll, senior design manager, said, “This is a fantastic time to be joining Burns & McDonnell in Scotland. The opportunity to work at the forefront of some of the UK’s most pressing challenges, including how to secure access to clean and reliable energy for future generations, is what makes working as an engineer in Scotland so exciting.”
Stephen Docherty, senior civil engineer, added, “As the UK energy sector undergoes transition and integrates new forms of power generation, I’m looking forward to working with a firm enabling transmission and distribution network operators to prepare and adapt. I’m excited to combine my own experience in these areas with the global Burns & McDonnell team as we devise and implement creative solutions to support grid modernisation in Scotland.”
