Berger/ABAM

This year, Berger/ABAM Engineers, based in Federal Way, has continued a steady growth pattern it has maintained for the past 10 years. The firm currently employs 117 people. Last year, the firm had 112 employees. Sales for fiscal year 2000 were $12 million, and for fiscal year 2001 the firm is projecting sales of $13.5 million. There is a branch office in Portland, and the firm recently opened another in Seattle.

“Business is currently steady,” said Robert Wallace, president. “With the passage of 695 last fall, we were not sure what 2000 was going to hold. However, we refocused our marketing strategy and reallocated staff with the end result being we met our revenue goals for the year.”

The firm specializes in planning, environmental services, civil and structural engineering and seismic analysis and design. Typical projects include piers and wharves, buildings and industrial facilities, bridges and roadways, transit structures, parking garages, containment structures, interchanges, offshore and floating structures and specialty structures.

Berger/ABAM provides technical services to federal, state and local governmental agencies, including the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Port of Seattle, Port of Tacoma, Army Corps of Engineers, Washington State Department of Transportation, city of Kent, Pierce County and city of Tukwila. The firm also works with architects and private clients.

“For the coming year, we expect only slight improvements in state-funded transportation projects. The effects of 695 will be with us for a couple more years, but we see significant volume of work from our other public and federal agencies, such as port authorities, municipalities, U.S. Navy and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,” he said.

“There are two things we are seeing in the A/E industry,” added Wallace. “First, there are more strategic teaming arrangements between competitors. This is in an effort to truly respond to the technical needs and manpower requirements of specific clients. Secondly, there is a high demand for good employees, both on the technical side and administration. So, you are seeing more creative efforts in retaining staff members, as well as recruiting new ones.”