News
DULUTH, Minnesota — After a century of service and commitment in Minnesota, Burns & McDonnell is expanding its footprint in Duluth — the second office location in the state — to better serve the influx of critical infrastructure project execution and improvements for local communities. The more than 120-year-old engineering, construction and architecture firm first opened a Minnesota-based office in Minneapolis in 2007.
“After many years of service to Duluth and surrounding communities, we are doubling down on our commitment to this region and its growing needs,” says Gene Sieve, vice president and Minnesota offices manager at Burns & McDonnell. “More than a century ago, our design professionals developed municipal water infrastructure solutions for the cities of Virginia and Hibbing as they prepared for the boom of the mining industry. Later, in the 1920s, engineers who would become part of our Transportation Group helped convert the bridge in the Duluth Harbor from its former trolley configuration to the iconic lift bridge that exists today. We will carry that same steadfast commitment to customer, community and civil service for decades to come.”With a plan to quadruple its workforce within the next five years, the Duluth team provides engineering, construction, consulting and environmental services as well as design-build and engineer-procure-construct (EPC) project execution. Prioritizing safety, reliability and efficiency within the project delivery process, employee-owners in Duluth serve a wide range of markets:- Aviation facilities and infrastructure
- Electrical transmission and distribution
- Environmental
- Federal facilities and infrastructure
- Mining
- Oil and gas pipelines and terminals
- Ports and maritime facilities
- Power generation
- Manufacturing
- Transportation
- Water and wastewater
Located among the top floors of the historic Alworth Building, the firm’s Duluth office continues to support key regional customers, including Minnesota Power, Cenovus Energy, the City of Duluth, Cirrus Aircraft, ALLETE Clean Energy, Enbridge and the Minnesota Air National Guard's 148th Fighter Wing, as well as many others.
“Burns & McDonnell has a long-standing history in the Twin Ports, Iron Range and Arrowhead regions,” says Hans Wronka, environmental department manager and Duluth office lead at Burns & McDonnell. “The team we are building here in Duluth delivers leadership prowess, innovative concepts and a passion for community involvement and development. It is exciting to be the only true vertically integrated self-perform design and construction firm in the region. From designing ports and maritime infrastructure to building and modernizing energy, transmission and distribution systems, we’re proud to work and live here — helping support and enhance the diverse communities and economies we call home.”
The Twin Ports of Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, are located at the western part of Lake Superior and together are considered the largest freshwater port in the U.S. The office expansion in Northeast Minnesota allows Burns & McDonnell to continue its commitment to helping clients navigate evolving markets and implement innovative solutions.Burns & McDonnell is ranked as the top design firm in the Midwest, No. 1 in Power and No. 6 in the Top 100 Design-Build firms, according to Engineering News-Record. The 100% employee-owned company has been recognized by more than 35 publications worldwide as a top workplace.
About Burns & McDonnell
Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 7,600 engineers, construction professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities with more than 60 offices globally. Founded in 1898, Burns & McDonnell is a 100% employee-owned company. Learn how we are designed to build.
