To accommodate the increase in work, Reid Middleton hired 20 employees since last fall, bringing staff size up to nearly 100.

Business is excellent, according to chairman Paul Masten. In 1999, revenues and new contracts grew markedly, exceeding the 1998 total by over 10 percent, with contracts totaling over $11 million.

Reid Middleton is a civil and structural engineering, planning and surveying firm. Primary practice areas include design of airport facilities, streets and highways, waterfront facilities, utilities and site development. The firm, which was founded in 1953, is headquartered in Everett and has branch offices in Anchorage and Portland.

Growth has occurred in several areas: peak-load plan review services for municipalities; industrial and business park master planning; general civil engineering, and site design for industrial and institutional clients; and all areas of structural engineering.

"Our most significant challenges probably parallel those faced by many firms in the current business climate: availability of skilled employees; ability to provide high-quality, responsive service while growing; and staying up-to-date on changes in environmental regulations,"said Masten.