Burns & McDonnell Bundle
How did a small engineering firm in Kansas City become a global powerhouse?
Uncover the remarkable Burns & McDonnell SWOT Analysis and its incredible journey. From its inception in 1898, this Burns & McDonnell company has shaped infrastructure worldwide. Learn how two engineers' vision transformed into a leading engineering company.
The Burns McDonnell history is a testament to the power of innovation and strategic growth. This Burns & McDonnell company's story reveals how adapting to evolving market needs and consistently delivering exceptional results has solidified its place in the industry. Explore the key milestones and projects that have defined this influential firm and its impact on global infrastructure projects.
What is the Burns & McDonnell Founding Story?
The story of the Burns & McDonnell company began in 1898, a partnership forged by two Stanford University graduates. Clinton Sumner Burns and Robert Emmett McDonnell joined forces, marking the inception of what would become a significant player in the engineering sector. Their initial collaboration in Palo Alto set the stage for a journey that would eventually lead them to establish a lasting legacy in the industry.
Choosing Kansas City, Missouri, as their base was a strategic decision. Its central location offered easy access to surrounding communities, particularly crucial for the early focus on water and sewer systems. This strategic positioning allowed them to efficiently serve municipalities, setting the foundation for their future growth. Robert E. McDonnell took on the role of promoting the firm to municipalities, while Clinton S. Burns focused on the technical side of projects.
The early days were a testament to the challenges of building an engineering firm. The company's initial business model was centered around providing solutions for waterworks and sewer systems. Their first clients were small towns in Kansas. The firm's focus on water and sewer systems was a response to the growing infrastructure needs of these communities. A notable aspect of their early history is that the firm earned a mere 13 cents in its first three years, highlighting the challenging environment of a nascent engineering venture.
Burns & McDonnell Founding and Early Years
The company's founding was a pivotal moment in the Burns & McDonnell history, setting the stage for its evolution into a leading engineering company. The choice of Kansas City as a base was strategic, offering access to communities in need of infrastructure solutions. The early focus on water and sewer systems addressed critical needs in the growing communities.
- Founded in 1898 by Clinton Sumner Burns and Robert Emmett McDonnell.
- Initially based in Palo Alto, California, before moving to Kansas City, Missouri.
- Focused on providing solutions for waterworks and sewer systems.
- Early clients included small towns in Kansas, such as Iola, Kansas.
The company's transition to employee ownership in 1985, through a buyout from Armco Steel, marked a significant turning point. This move, a key element of the Burns & McDonnell company overview, has been credited with fostering a strong sense of ownership and dedication among employees. This unique structure has contributed to the company's success and its distinctive culture. This employee-ownership model is a key factor in the company's higher workforce efficiency.
Today, Burns & McDonnell's commitment to its core values and mission is evident in its approach to projects and its internal culture. Read more about their Mission, Vision & Core Values of Burns & McDonnell.
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What Drove the Early Growth of Burns & McDonnell?
The early growth of Burns & McDonnell, an established engineering company, marked a significant expansion from its initial focus. This Burns McDonnell history showcases a strategic diversification into various sectors. The firm broadened its services to accommodate evolving market needs, securing a wide array of infrastructure projects.
Geographical Expansion
Burns & McDonnell significantly expanded its geographical footprint. By 2022, the company had grown to 60 global offices. As of 2025, the company operates in over 75 offices worldwide, demonstrating its global reach.
Strategic Acquisitions
Strategic acquisitions played a crucial role in bolstering Burns & McDonnell's capabilities. In 1983, the acquisition of C.W. Nofsinger Company expanded its presence in the chemical industry. The purchase of Harrington & Cortelyou in 2010 enhanced its bridge construction expertise. In 2016, the acquisition of AZCO improved its engineer-procure-construction (EPC) capabilities.
Leadership and Financial Performance
Leadership transitions have shaped the company's growth. Leslie Duke succeeded Ray Kowalik as Chair & CEO in April 2023, effective at the end of 2023. The company's revenue reached $7.4 billion in 2024, up from $6.9 billion in 2023, reflecting a strong upward trend. For more insights, consider reading about the Competitors Landscape of Burns & McDonnell.
Employee Growth and Technological Integration
The company's workforce has expanded to over 14,000 professionals as of May 2025. Burns & McDonnell has integrated new technologies, such as using Microsoft Azure for data management and analytics since October 2024. This has been crucial in maintaining its competitive edge.
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What are the key Milestones in Burns & McDonnell history?
The Burns & McDonnell company has achieved significant milestones in its history, reflecting its growth and impact in the engineering and construction sectors. These achievements showcase the firm's ability to deliver complex infrastructure projects and adapt to changing market demands. The Burns & McDonnell company overview includes a wide range of projects, from energy storage facilities to solar arrays, demonstrating its diverse capabilities.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Completed a 1,000MWh energy storage facility in Arizona for Plus Power and Salt River Project (SRP). |
| 2024 | Served as the EPC contractor for the Moss Landing Phase III project in California, a 350-megawatt (MW)/1,400-megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage project. |
| 2024 | Added 664 megawatts (MWac) of solar generation in Wisconsin as part of Alliant Energy's efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. |
| 2025 | Opened a Construction Academy in Houston to address the construction industry's workforce shortage. |
Burns & McDonnell consistently prioritizes technological innovation to improve efficiency and client engagement. The company's commitment to integrating new technologies is evident in its recent initiatives.
Innovation Center Opening
In December 2024, Burns & McDonnell opened an Innovation Center in Houston, featuring virtual reality (VR) stations and advanced 3D printing capabilities.
360 LED Video Wall Room
The Innovation Center includes the world's first 360 LED video wall room, designed to enhance collaboration and client engagement.
Assisted Reality Technology
Burns & McDonnell has integrated assisted reality technology using RealWear headsets to streamline utilities testing and maintenance.
Data Management Solutions
The company implemented a Data Mesh Pattern using Microsoft Azure and LTIMindtree's expertise to standardize enterprise data and minimize data duplication.
Despite its successes, Burns & McDonnell has faced various challenges, including workforce shortages and market downturns. The company's ability to adapt and innovate has been crucial in overcoming these obstacles.
Workforce Shortage
The construction industry faces a projected shortage of nearly half a million workers in 2025. To address this, Burns & McDonnell opened a Construction Academy.
Data Management Challenges
Project data housed in multiple locations led to delays and inefficiencies. The implementation of a Data Mesh Pattern aimed to standardize enterprise data.
Market Downturns
The postponement of oil and gas projects in 2020 tested the company's resilience. The employee-ownership model helped the company navigate these challenges.
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What is the Timeline of Key Events for Burns & McDonnell?
The Burns & McDonnell company has a rich history marked by significant milestones. Founded in 1898 by Clinton Sumner Burns and Robert Emmett McDonnell in Kansas City, Missouri, the company has evolved through various phases, including acquisitions, employee ownership, and strategic expansions into diverse sectors. Key events include the acquisition by Armco Steel in 1971 and the subsequent employee buyout in 1985, establishing its employee-owned structure. Further growth came through acquisitions like C.W. Nofsinger Company in 1983, Harrington & Cortelyou in 2010, AZCO Inc. in 2016, and Ref-Chem in 2018. Leslie Duke's appointment as CEO, effective at the end of 2023, and the successful execution of a 1,000 MWh energy storage facility in Arizona in 2024 highlight the company's recent achievements. By April 2025, the company had filed 8 permits, with 15 filed in 2024, indicating ongoing project activity.
| Year | Key Event |
|---|---|
| 1898 | Clinton Sumner Burns and Robert Emmett McDonnell founded the company in Kansas City, Missouri. |
| 1971 | The company was acquired by Armco Steel. |
| 1983 | C.W. Nofsinger Company was acquired, expanding into the chemical industry. |
| 1985 | Employees bought out the company from Armco Steel, establishing 100% employee ownership. |
| 2010 | Harrington & Cortelyou, a bridge construction specialist, was acquired. |
| 2016 | AZCO Inc., an industrial contracting firm, was acquired. |
| 2018 | Ref-Chem was acquired. |
| 2023 | Leslie Duke was announced as the successor to CEO Ray Kowalik, effective at the end of the year. |
| 2024 | Successfully executed a 1,000 MWh energy storage facility in Arizona. |
| 2024 | Became EPC contractor for Moss Landing Phase III battery energy storage project. |
| October 2024 | Leveraged Microsoft Azure for data management and analytics. |
| December 2024 | Opened Innovation Center in Houston with advanced VR and 3D printing capabilities. |
| February 2025 | Opened Construction Academy in Houston to address workforce shortages. |
| April 2025 | Filed 8 permits in 2025 and 15 in 2024, indicating ongoing project activity. |
Solar-Plus-Storage Growth
The company anticipates continued growth in solar-plus-storage projects in 2025. This focus emphasizes integrating battery energy storage systems (BESS) with solar to enhance grid resilience and optimize power dispatch. This strategy is driven by the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions.
Behind-the-Meter Applications
Expectations include increased behind-the-meter applications with data companies. This is fueled by the significant power demands of data centers. The company is well-positioned to support the growing needs of data centers through its expertise in power infrastructure.
Construction Innovation
Innovation in construction is a priority, with a focus on using customized construction equipment. The company is also leveraging technology for safer and more efficient processes. This approach aims to improve project outcomes and enhance safety.
Workforce Development
The company is actively addressing the projected shortage of nearly half a million construction workers in 2025. It is investing in workforce development through its Construction Academy. This initiative helps create a skilled workforce for various projects.
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