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MWH Global Inc. was a global water and natural resources firm providing technical engineering, construction services and consulting services. In 2016, MWH was acquired by Stantec Consulting Inc. The firm provided planning, design and construction management for water and natural resources projects around the world.[3] The firm was headquartered in Broomfield, a suburb of the Denver metropolitan area in the state of Colorado of the United States, with operations in 35 countries. As of May 2015, MWH Global had a global staff of approximately 7,000 employees[2] including builders, engineers, architects, geologists, operators, project managers, business consultants, scientists, technologists, and regulatory experts. MWH was listed as the 15th-largest employee-owned company in the United States.[4]

Key Information


The MWH name is carried forward today at MWH Constructors, the water and wastewater construction branch of the former MWH Global.

History

[edit]

MWH Global is the unification of three major engineering firms: James M. Montgomery Consulting Engineers (JMM), Watson Hawksley, Ltd., and Harza Engineering Company.[5] JMM was founded in Pasadena, California, in 1945 by James M. Montgomery[6] following his work on the design (1936) and commencement (1941) of the 100-million gallon per day F. E. Weymouth Memorial Water Softening and Filtration Plant at La Verne, California for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California while with the firm Hoover and Montgomery.[7] JMM merged with Watson Hawksley, Ltd., of High Wycombe, United Kingdom, in 1990, combining JMM's specialization in water and wastewater engineering with Watson Hawksley's international operation, to become the global firm of Montgomery Watson.[8]

In 2001, Montgomery Watson merged with Harza Engineering Company, of Chicago, Illinois, best known for its work in the energy and environmental sectors and hydroelectric power development[9] including the El Cajón Dam in Honduras (officially known as Central Hidroeléctrica Francisco Morazán), and operated under the new name of Montgomery Watson Harza.

In 2003, the firm name was shortened to MWH.[8]

In 2010, MWH acquired Biwater Services Ltd., a water construction and engineering firm. With the acquisition, the firm's history can now be traced to 1820, when Ames Crosta Babcock (an acquisition of Biwater Services) was created.[10]


References

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MWH Global

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MWH Global, Inc. was a multinational and consulting firm specializing in , , and natural resources , offering services in technical , , construction oversight, and . With historical roots tracing back to 1820 through predecessor companies such as Ames Crosta and James M. Montgomery Consulting Engineers, MWH Global emerged as a unified entity in 2001 following the merger of Montgomery Watson and Harza . Headquartered in , the firm grew to employ around 6,800 professionals across more than 100 offices worldwide, delivering projects for utilities, governments, and industries focused on sustainable solutions. In 2016, Inc. acquired MWH Global for approximately US$793 million in its largest-ever deal, integrating the firm's expertise to strengthen global services and expanding Stantec's workforce to over 22,000 employees. In 2018, divested MWH's construction division, now operating independently as MWH Constructors, while retaining and incorporating the core and consulting operations into its broader portfolio.

Overview

Corporate Profile

MWH Global, Inc. was a global , consulting, and firm specializing in end-to-end solutions for municipal, commercial, and industrial clients in the , , , and environmental sectors. The company delivered technical , construction services, and consulting expertise to address complex challenges, with a focus on innovative , design, and implementation across diverse natural resources projects. The firm's founding roots trace back to 1820 with the establishment of Moss Foundry and Engineering Works in , evolving through subsequent entities such as Ames Crosta Mills (formed in 1926) and Ames Crosta Babcock (renamed in 1975 following absorption by Babcock and Wilcox), before its formal establishment in 2001 through the merger of Montgomery Watson and Harza Engineering. Prior to its 2016 acquisition by , MWH Global maintained its headquarters in , USA, which served as the central hub for global operations and strategic oversight. Classified as a firm within the sector, MWH Global emphasized sustainable water solutions, integrating and into its engineering and consulting practices to support long-term resilience in water management and natural resources development.

Ownership and Financials

Prior to its acquisition in 2016, MWH Global operated as a private, majority employee-owned company, ranking as the 15th largest such firm in the United States according to the National Center for Employee Ownership. This structure fostered a collaborative environment among its workforce, with shares held primarily by employees and a significant portion by those over age 60, contributing to the company's stability and expertise in water . The firm demonstrated robust financial growth in the years leading up to the acquisition, driven by strategic mergers that broadened its global reach and diversified revenue streams in engineering and consulting services. For instance, its worldwide revenue reached $1.6 billion, marking its strongest year to date and reflecting expansion through prior integrations like the merger of Montgomery Watson and Harza Engineering, which established MWH Global as a unified entity with enhanced capabilities in energy, utilities, and environmental sectors. By 2015, annual gross revenue had stabilized at approximately $1.32 billion, underscoring sustained financial health amid a competitive industry landscape. At that time, MWH Global employed around 6,800 professionals across 187 offices in 26 countries, supporting its position as a leading player in . This workforce scale, combined with consistent revenue growth, positioned the company for its transition to full ownership under Inc., which acquired all issued and outstanding shares for $793 million in cash on May 6, 2016. The deal, approved by 99.7% of voting shareholders, valued MWH's established operations and employee-driven model at a premium, reflecting its pre-acquisition economic strength.

History

Origins and Early Development

The foundational roots of MWH Global trace back to several pioneering firms in water engineering, beginning with Ames Crosta Babcock in the . The company's heritage dates to the late , with James Mills & Co. founded in 1897 for patented machinery in sewage purification and Ames Crosta established around 1898. Ames Crosta Mills emerged in 1926 to commercialize processes for . Briefly absorbed by Babcock and Wilcox Ltd. (established 1867), it was renamed Ames Crosta Babcock Ltd., becoming a leader in modular water and equipment, including systems and sludge handling technologies supplied to UK water authorities. In the United States, James M. Montgomery Consulting Engineers marked another key origin, founded in in , by James McKee Montgomery as an consultancy. The firm initially concentrated on , , and management, offering design and advisory services for municipal infrastructure. Early projects included the engineering of water reclamation systems and treatment plants, such as the development of advanced facilities for cities, emphasizing sustainable reuse to address growing urban demands. The UK-based Watson Hawksley, Ltd., drew from 19th-century advancements in water engineering pioneered by Thomas Hawksley, who established his independent practice in 1852 after early work on pressurized systems. Hawksley, regarded as one of the era's foremost water engineers, designed landmark projects like Nottingham's constant-pressure in 1832, which provided 24-hour access and reduced disease through improved distribution via reservoirs and mains. His firm, evolving into T&C Hawksley, specialized in urban waterworks, sewers, and filtration systems across , with early independent operations including the Vyrnwy Aqueduct for in the 1880s. JD & DM Watson, formed in 1934 for municipal , later merged with T&C Hawksley in 1978 to create Watson Hawksley, Ltd., which continued standalone consulting on water infrastructure until the late . Harza Engineering Company represented a significant American predecessor, founded in 1920 in by Leroy Harza, with an emphasis on and . The firm initially focused on hydraulic and development, conducting pioneering studies in for efficient energy generation. Key early projects encompassed the modeling and oversight for hydroelectric , such as contributions to Midwest systems and the initial phases of international initiatives in the and , establishing Harza's reputation for innovative, large-scale control structures. These independent entities collectively advanced infrastructure through specialized equipment, consulting, and project execution, setting the stage for later industry consolidation.

Mergers, Acquisitions, and Rebranding

In 1990, James M. Montgomery Consulting Engineers merged with Watson Hawksley, Ltd., a UK-based firm with roots in 19th-century , to form Montgomery Watson. This merger combined Montgomery's expertise in and wastewater in the United States with Watson Hawksley's international experience in civil and environmental projects, enabling expanded geographic reach across and while enhancing technical capabilities in infrastructure. In 2001, Montgomery Watson merged with Harza Engineering Company, a Chicago-based firm renowned for hydroelectric power and projects, to create Montgomery Watson Harza (MWH). The strategic rationale focused on broadening service offerings into and environmental sectors, including and power generation, while leveraging Harza's global presence to strengthen MWH's position in water-related infrastructure and increase overall firm scale to over 6,000 employees worldwide. By 2003, the firm rebranded to MWH Global, Inc., shortening its name to emphasize a unified, international identity and global scope in services. This reflected the integration of prior mergers and aimed to streamline branding for a workforce operating in more than 80 offices across multiple continents, prioritizing conceptual cohesion in water, energy, and . In 2010, MWH Global acquired Biwater Services Ltd., a UK-based water construction and engineering subsidiary of Biwater Holdings. The acquisition strategically added specialized expertise in technologies and , bolstering MWH's capabilities in the UK market and facilitating growth in solutions while integrating complementary operations in .

Integration into Stantec

In March 2016, announced its intent to acquire MWH Global for a total purchase price of $793 million, a deal that positioned MWH as a wholly-owned upon completion. The acquisition was finalized on May 6, 2016, following shareholder approval and regulatory clearances, integrating MWH's operations into 's broader portfolio. The strategic rationale centered on strengthening Stantec's expertise in , a critical sector for global engineering services, while expanding its international presence in key markets such as the and . By acquiring MWH, Stantec aimed to enhance opportunities across its disciplines and achieve synergies estimated at US$33 million, primarily through operational efficiencies and shared resources. Immediately following the acquisition, MWH's approximately 6,800 employees were absorbed into 's workforce, bringing the combined company's total to around 22,000 professionals worldwide. Leadership integration included key MWH executives joining in senior roles; notably, Alan Krause, MWH's former CEO, was appointed executive vice president and president of MWH's global operations, tasked with overseeing the integration process. MWH's branding was retained initially to preserve its established reputation in engineering, though certain operations began aligning under 's corporate umbrella to facilitate unified project delivery and client services. In 2018, divested its construction division, MWH Constructors (including Slayden Constructors), to funds managed by for an undisclosed amount. This sale allowed to refocus on its core engineering and consulting services while MWH Constructors continued operating independently.

Services and Operations

Core Engineering and Consulting Services

MWH Global specialized in planning and design services for systems, focusing on ensuring reliable access to clean water through assessments of source development, treatment processes, and distribution infrastructure. These services encompassed feasibility studies, conceptual designs, and detailed engineering to optimize water quality and quantity while addressing urban growth and scarcity challenges. For , the firm provided comprehensive design solutions that integrated advanced treatment technologies, such as biological nutrient removal and membrane filtration, to meet regulatory standards and promote from streams. In stormwater management, MWH Global offered engineering services centered on sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), including hydrologic analysis and low-impact development designs to mitigate flooding and improve in urban environments. The firm's consulting expertise extended to environmental compliance, where it conducted permitting support, impact assessments, and regulatory strategy development to ensure adherence to local and international standards like the Clean Water Act. consulting emphasized holistic approaches to natural resources optimization, incorporating life-cycle analysis and principles to minimize environmental footprints in water-intensive sectors. This included specialized support for minerals recovery through process engineering that extracts valuable byproducts from , enhancing economic viability while reducing waste. MWH Global's energy sector support involved advisory services for water management in power generation, particularly and thermal plants, with designs that integrate measures to lower operational costs and emissions. In specialized areas, the firm delivered digital enterprise solutions for water utilities, leveraging proprietary software for , , and real-time monitoring to enhance operational resilience. Program management services provided structured oversight for large-scale initiatives, employing standardized methodologies to align scope, , and budget from inception through completion. Technical methodologies such as hydraulic modeling, developed through MWH Soft (later Innovyze, acquired by in 2021), utilized advanced simulation tools like InfoWorks and H2OMap to predict flow dynamics in water distribution and collection systems. for incorporated probabilistic modeling and scenario analysis to evaluate vulnerabilities from variability and , informing resilient strategies.

Construction and Project Management

MWH Global's construction and project management services emphasized the execution phase of water infrastructure projects, encompassing procurement, on-site oversight, and delivery for critical assets such as water treatment plants, pipelines, and dams. These capabilities, integrated into Stantec following the 2016 acquisition, support clients in achieving efficient build-out while minimizing risks and costs. Following the integration, Stantec's Water sector, incorporating MWH's legacy expertise, employs over 5,800 specialists globally as of 2024. Prior to the 2018 divestiture of its direct construction subsidiary, MWH Constructors, to Oaktree Capital Management, MWH handled end-to-end construction execution, including sourcing materials and labor for large-scale water conveyance systems and dam rehabilitation projects. Post-divestiture, the focus shifted to advisory and management roles, leveraging Stantec's broader resources for procurement strategies and on-site coordination in water treatment expansions and pipeline installations. In project management, MWH Global employed structured frameworks aligned with standards from the (PMI) and the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), tailored for complex municipal and industrial water initiatives. These frameworks facilitated program delivery for multi-billion-dollar programs, incorporating , scheduling, and stakeholder coordination to ensure timely completion of like regional networks. For instance, MWH managed program delivery for large-scale water resource programs, integrating cost controls and to handle the intricacies of urban water system upgrades. This approach has been applied in diverse settings, from municipal expansions to industrial dam constructions, emphasizing scalable methodologies that adapt to project scale and regulatory demands. Operations and maintenance support formed a key extension of MWH's services, providing finance and operational expertise for assets after . Through programs, MWH assisted utilities in optimizing long-term performance, including planning and for asset lifecycles. A notable example is MWH's role in the Asset Management Programme 6 (AMP6) in the , where it delivered strategies for operational efficiency and capital investment in and . Similarly, in , MWH implemented a comprehensive drainage system in partnership with , establishing sustainable protocols for road and maintenance to enhance reliability and reduce downtime. These initiatives often incorporated early-adopted practices in wet , bolstered by MWH's 2012 acquisition of Stepwise Utility Advisors, which expanded capabilities in inventory tracking and maintenance optimization. Post-2016 integration with has enabled advanced integrated delivery models that combine MWH's water-specific expertise with Stantec's multidisciplinary strengths, fostering collaborative approaches like progressive design-build for projects. This model allows for and construction phases, reducing uncertainties in and treatment developments while aligning with client budgets and timelines. For , these models support seamless transitions from underlying engineering designs to execution, as seen in Stantec-led initiatives for facilities and conveyance systems that incorporate MWH's legacy tools. Overall, this synergy has enhanced delivery efficiency, with Stantec's team managing over $195 billion in programs globally, many centered on sustainable solutions.

Global Presence and Impact

International Operations

MWH Global established a robust international presence, operating in 26 countries across with 187 offices and a workforce of 6,800 employees. Key regional hubs included , with major operations in the United States and ; , encompassing the , , , and the ; the , featuring offices in the and ; , with locations in and ; and , including . This decentralized structure enabled localized delivery of and services while leveraging global expertise. The expansion of MWH's international operations stemmed from a combination of strategic mergers and . A pivotal merger occurred in with the UK-based firm Watson Hawksley, which originated in the and brought deep-rooted European capabilities, transforming MWH into a truly global entity focused on environmental infrastructure. Subsequent organic developments extended the firm's footprint into emerging markets in the , Asia-Pacific, and , allowing it to address diverse geopolitical and environmental contexts through tailored consulting and . To meet varying regional demands, MWH customized its core engineering and consulting services, prioritizing solutions aligned with local water challenges. In the arid , the firm developed water reuse and conservation strategies to combat scarcity, such as advanced for in water-stressed urban areas. In densely populated regions, operations emphasized urban systems to manage rapid growth and , incorporating efficient treatment technologies for sustainable . Similar adaptations in focused on resilient for variable climates, while European efforts integrated with innovative management. These region-specific approaches ensured effective service delivery without compromising global standards. The 2016 acquisition by significantly amplified MWH's global reach, integrating its network into Stantec's expansive infrastructure of more than 400 offices worldwide. This synergy enhanced cross-regional collaboration, resource sharing, and access to broader markets, positioning the combined entity as a top-tier global design firm in . Post-acquisition, MWH's operations benefited from Stantec's established presence in additional countries, fostering accelerated international growth and innovation in service adaptation. As of 2025, Stantec continues to leverage former MWH expertise in water projects worldwide.

Notable Projects and Contributions

MWH Global was instrumental in designing and managing several landmark water infrastructure projects, particularly in and supply systems. One prominent example was the seismic and hydraulic rehabilitation of the Big Tujunga Dam for the Department of Water and Power (LADWP), which enhanced seismic safety and capacity in a seismically active region. The firm also led the engineering design for the $5.25 billion expansion of the , including the third set of locks, which significantly increased the canal's capacity for global waterborne trade. Additionally, MWH contributed to the in , the world's largest hydroelectric project, providing key engineering services that supported its 22,500 MW capacity for power generation and flood control. Drawing from its Harza Engineering legacy, MWH Global advanced and initiatives in developing regions. The in , commissioned in 1967, exemplified this heritage, irrigating nearly 3 million acres (12,000 km²) of farmland while generating 1,000 MW of electricity through river management on the . In , MWH provided engineering services for the Tekeze Hydropower Project in , Africa's tallest dam at 188 meters, which added 300 MW to the national grid and supported regional energy needs. Similarly, the firm served as owner's engineer for the Genale-Dawa III Multipurpose Project in , a 254 MW facility that aided and in the . In , contributions to the in further demonstrated MWH's role in large-scale run-of-river developments with 1,450 MW capacity. The company's work emphasized , particularly in water reuse and resource management. In the , MWH designed the Sewage Treatment Plant in , UAE, an innovative facility that treated for reuse in industrial and applications, reducing freshwater demand in an arid environment. This project earned the firm the Global Water Distinction Award in 2011 for advancing water recycling technologies. In the United States, MWH planned and designed a new water recycling facility for the City of Anaheim, incorporating low-impact development to reclaim and reuse urban stormwater for non-potable needs. MWH Global's contributions were recognized through numerous industry awards, underscoring its influence on water engineering standards. In 2013, the firm was named ENR Design Firm of the Year for its innovative portfolio. It received four Outstanding Awards from the () in 2012 for excellence across water-related initiatives. Following its 2016 acquisition by , MWH's expertise continued to drive global water resilience efforts, such as the Intake No. 3 in , which secured a deep-water intake system to ensure supply for over 2 million people amid conditions.

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