The company has leased and is upfitting 5,000 square feet of office space at 128 Millport Circle in Mauldin, and expects to be fully operational in July 2008. The company intends to add 25-35 full-time employees at the Greenville County location over the next three to five years.

Jobs will include the addition of 10-15 professional engineers with salaries ranging from the low $40,000s to $90,000 and up based on experience. Additional support staff will also be recruited with pay based upon the specific needs and roles. The company currently has in excess of 200 employees across its six-office network.

BP Barber offers a broad range of engineering services, primarily focused in the water services, environmental, urban development, and surveying/GIS arenas. Founded in 1916, the firm provides civil and environmental engineering services to counties, municipalities, special purpose districts, industry, and private developers across its service area footprint. In addition to the new Greenville-based Upstate operations, BP Barber operates regional offices in Charleston, Florence, and Columbia, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; and Charlotte, North Carolina.

The firm was recently ranked number 469 among the Top 500 engineering firms nationwide, based on total revenue for design services performed in 2007, by Engineering News-Record (ENR), a weekly trade newspaper for the engineering industry. BP Barber joins an array of leading engineering firms with significant presences or headquarters operations in Greenville County.

"This decision to expand our Upstate operations in Greenville County is all about being able to better serve our client base in the region, and to help position our firm for future growth," said Keith McLeod, President and Chairman of BP Barber. "This commitment is indicative of the robust business opportunity we see in the Upstate, and the quality of life which we think will be helpful in recruiting and retaining top talent. We're very excited to become part of Greenville."

Ms. Huggins, who joined the firm in 1997, relocates from BP Barber's Columbia office to head the new Upstate operations. A civil engineer with particular expertise in the water services sector � encompassing wastewater, stormwater and drinking water � she holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Engineering from the University of South Carolina. She is active in the American Water Works Association (AWWA), South Carolina Association of Stormwater Managers (SCASM), Water Environment Federation (WEF), and the Water Environment Association of South Carolina (WEASC). The firm's market leader for stormwater services, she envisions tremendous growth for BP Barber across all of the company's service areas in the Upstate.

"With the help of a talented team which we will recruit to our Upstate operation, we anticipate rapid growth for all service areas � including water services, environmental, urban development and surveying/GIS," noted Ms. Huggins. "We expect a positive reception in the market since we already have numerous well-established client relationships across the region, and because there appears to be no shortage of demand and opportunity for high-quality, high-value engineering services providers."

She pointed to the firm's recent appointment to handle due diligence and environmental services for Jafza's $600 million logistics and distribution park in Orangeburg County as indicative of the firm's growing reputation for engineering and service excellence.

"That project is a cornerstone of Jafza's venture into the United States," said Huggins. "Preserving and protecting the environment will be a top priority for the project, and of all the firms in the world Jafza could have contracted with, they selected BP Barber. We believe that speaks volumes for the wide-ranging engineering capabilities we provide clients, and the emphasis on quality service which is our hallmark and point of pride."

"Greenville County is an ideal and strategic location for BP Barber to expand into," stated McLeod. "This area is booming, and is flush with engineering and architectural talent. It also is a highly attractive destination to entice engineers to relocate to, offers a moderate cost of living, and is accessible to the Southeastern growth corridor. I'd like to extend my sincere thanks to the Greenville Area Development Corporation and the City of Mauldin for their assistance in making this announcement a reality."

"BP Barber will only strengthen the Upstate's renowned design and engineering capabilities," added H.G. "Butch" Kirven, chairman of Greenville County Council. "Their decision to locate a regional headquarters in Greenville is testament to our strong Upstate economy and the bright future for our citizens."

"We're pleased that the leadership of BP Barber recognized the opportunity and advantages that Greenville County offers their growing organization," said Jay Rogers, Chairman of the Greenville Area Development Corporation Board. "The company's relationships with blue-chip clients and their commitment to providing high quality, environmentally sensitive engineering services that benefit clients, employees and communities makes them a welcome addition to Greenville County's growing business community

The Greenville Area Development Corporation is a non-profit organization established by Greenville County Council to promote and enhance the economic growth and development of Greenville County. For additional information, call (864) 235-2008.

(Image provided by Activate Greenville.)

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