MWH Global: A Legacy of Water and Natural Resource Engineering
MWH Global Inc. was a preeminent global firm specializing in water and natural resources. By integrating technical engineering, construction services, and strategic consulting, the company provided comprehensive planning, design, and construction management for critical infrastructure projects across the globe. Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, MWH Global operated in 35 countries, employing a diverse workforce of 7,000 professionals—including engineers, geologists, architects, and regulatory experts—as of May 2015.
The firm's influence was significant enough to be ranked as the 15th-largest employee-owned company in the United States. In 2016, MWH Global was acquired by Stantec Consulting Inc., though its legacy continues through MWH Constructors, the specialized water and wastewater construction branch of the original organization.
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Key Facts
- Industry Focus: Consulting, engineering, construction, operations, and finance for water and natural resources.
- Acquisition: Acquired by Stantec Consulting Inc. in 2016.
- Global Reach: Operations spanning 35 countries.
- Financial Scale: Reported revenue of $1.3 billion USD in 2013.
- Workforce: Approximately 7,000 employees as of 2015.
- Historical Roots: Lineage traces back to 1820 via the acquisition of Ames Crosta Babcock.
The Evolution of MWH Global
MWH Global was not founded as a single entity but was the result of the unification of three major engineering powerhouses: James M. Montgomery Consulting Engineers (JMM), Watson Hawksley, Ltd., and Harza Engineering Company.
The Foundation: JMM and Watson Hawksley
The journey began with James M. Montgomery, who founded JMM in Pasadena, California, in 1945. Montgomery's expertise was established early through his work on the F. E. Weymouth Memorial Water Softening and Filtration Plant in La Verne, California—a facility designed to handle 100 million gallons per day for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
In 1990, JMM merged with the United Kingdom-based Watson Hawksley, Ltd. This merger combined JMM's specialized water and wastewater engineering capabilities with Watson Hawksley's extensive international operational reach, creating the firm known as Montgomery Watson.
Expansion into Montgomery Watson Harza
The firm expanded further in 2001 by merging with the Harza Engineering Company of Chicago, Illinois. Harza brought renowned expertise in the energy and environmental sectors, particularly in hydroelectric power development. One of their most notable achievements was the El Cajón Dam (officially the Central Hidroeléctrica Francisco Morazán) in Honduras.
Following this merger, the company operated as Montgomery Watson Harza before shortening its name to MWH in 2003.
Final Growth and Integration
In 2010, MWH acquired Biwater Services Ltd., a firm specializing in water construction and engineering. This acquisition included Ames Crosta Babcock, which allowed MWH to trace its historical origins back to 1820 in Heywood, Lancashire, United Kingdom.
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Company Overview Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1820 (via Ames Crosta Babcock) |
| Headquarters | Broomfield, Colorado, USA |
| Parent Company | Stantec Inc. (since 2016) |
| 2013 Revenue | $1.3 Billion USD |
| Employee Count | 7,000 (as of 2015) |
| Global Presence | 35 Countries |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to MWH Global?
MWH Global was acquired by Stantec Consulting Inc. in 2016. Its water and wastewater construction operations continue to operate under the name MWH Constructors.
Which companies merged to form MWH?
The firm was formed through the unification of James M. Montgomery Consulting Engineers (JMM), Watson Hawksley, Ltd., and Harza Engineering Company.
What were some of the firm's major projects?
Notable projects include the F. E. Weymouth Memorial Water Softening and Filtration Plant in California and the El Cajón Dam (Central Hidroeléctrica Francisco Morazán) in Honduras.
How far back does the company's history go?
While the modern mergers happened later, the acquisition of Biwater Services Ltd. (and subsequently Ames Crosta Babcock) allows the firm's history to be traced back to 1820 in the United Kingdom.
What services did MWH Global provide?
The firm provided a full suite of services for water and natural resources, including technical engineering, planning, design, construction management, and financial consulting.