Columbia Celebrates Major Acquisition as CECS Joins CHA to Enhance Engineering Services

Columbia Welcomes Big Changes in the Engineering Scene!

Exciting news is buzzing around Columbia! Our very own Civil Engineering Consulting Services Inc. (CECS) has just been snagged up by the national powerhouse, CHA. This comes as a huge leap not only for the local firm but also for the entire engineering community in South Carolina!

A Little Background

For those who may not know, CECS has been a staple in our area since 1993, bringing a wealth of expertise in transportation engineering. With a dedicated team of 85 employees, they have done incredible work ranging from project management to traffic engineering, and even delving into environmental studies. These folks have been responsible for a variety of important projects, helping to shape our roads and infrastructure for decades.

What Does This Mean?

So, why is this acquisition a big deal? Well, for CHA, it marks their second acquisition this year, highlighting their keen interest in expanding their footprint in the southeast. Jim Stephenson, CEO of CHA Holdings Inc., expressed his excitement in a recent announcement, stating, “The acquisition of CECS is a complementary addition to CHA’s rapidly expanding southeast transportation services.”

That’s right, folks! With federal and state investments pouring in to fix our aging infrastructure, both CHA and CECS are well-positioned to tackle these growing needs. It seems like they are gearing up for some exciting times ahead!

CECS is Ready for a Makeover

Starting immediately, CECS will be donning a new hat and rebranding to go by CHA. This means they will be operating under a bigger umbrella, leveraging the resources and technology of a much larger organization. Talk about teamwork!

A Warm Welcome

CECS President, Cathy Raad, has shared her enthusiasm about this new chapter. “We are thrilled to be joining CHA, a like-minded firm that invests in its employees and is committed to the highest quality client outcomes,” she said. This synergy could bolster their operations and means even better service for clients across South Carolina. Who wouldn’t want that?

What’s Next for CHA?

The integration of CECS will raise CHA’s workforce to an impressive over 2,000 employees across more than 45 offices stretching from Canada down to Florida! That’s quite a family! With this widening of their reach, clients can expect a richer selection of technology-enhanced services, as CHA continues to push the boundaries of engineering and consulting.

Looking Ahead

While the financial details of this acquisition remain under wraps, the excitement is palpable in the local community. Columbia is not only becoming a hub for talented engineers but is also showing signs of growth and innovation. As more companies take notice of our region, we’re bound to see continued advancements that will benefit both residents and businesses alike.

So, what’s in store for CHA and the CECS team as they embark on this new journey together? Well, for starters, we can expect a stronger focus on meeting the needs of clients and addressing the challenges posed by our aging roads and bridges. Here’s to hoping for smoother travels ahead!

Keep your eyes peeled for further developments as this partnership unfolds. With both companies prioritizing employee wellness and client satisfaction, Columbia is bracing for some wonderful changes ahead!