Engineering and construction firm Burns & McDonnell celebrated its 125th anniversary last week, hosting a reception on the rooftop of the firm’s Birmingham office. 

Burns & McDonnell leaders and employees were joined by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham Councillor Chaman Lal and Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, alongside U.S. colleagues, clients and friends of the company. 

Speakers reflected on the achievements of the U.K. office during the past six years, and the organisation as a whole in engineering and construction over the last 125 years, and discussed the importance of the sector for the energy transition and economic growth. 

Having launched its U.K. business in Birmingham in 2017, Burns & McDonnell now also operates in London and Glasgow, and has five business groups in the U.K. including: Transmission & Distribution, Construction, Environmental Services, Mission Critical Projects, and Consulting.

Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Chaman Lal, said: “It was a great evening, spent celebrating 125 years of Burns & McDonnell. Having myself qualified as an engineer early in my career, I recognise Burns & McDonnell’s significant contribution to the industry, which has enriched Birmingham’s impressive skills sector and economy. They are developing vital innovations and encouraging investment, and I am excited for the future of Burns & McDonnell.”

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “I was delighted to celebrate this impressive milestone with Burns & McDonnell and see how much they’ve grown since I celebrated their office opening in Birmingham.  Over the last few years, the West Midlands have been focused on sustainable economic growth, and I really welcome Burns & McDonnell’s contribution to this, especially as we look to our 2041 net zero targets.

Their investment in our people has contributed to our crucial goal of skills development, and the power of the West Midlands’ expertise in engineering and clean energy development is a huge cause for celebration.”

Jonathan Chapman, Managing Director at Burns & McDonnell UK, said: “I was delighted to welcome colleagues, clients and our distinguished guests to celebrate 125 years of Burns & McDonnell and reflect on the fantastic progress that has been made over just six short years in the U.K. 

Having opened three offices and five general practices nationwide, we cannot overlook the advantage that a century and a quarter’s experience has given us. The industry has entered a critical period, working towards the transition to net zero, and we should be proud of what we have achieved so far, whilst continuing to use our collective knowledge and experience to innovate for the future.”