San Francisco-based engineering and consulting firm Jacobs Associates and Boise-based engineering and construction firm McMillen LLC have merged, to form McMillen Jacobs Associates, Inc.

In a statement the firms said the merger comes as a natural progression of a relationship established in 2011, when they first worked together on the Lower Baker Dam Powerhouse in Concrete, Washington.

"McMillen and Jacobs Associates are both specialty firms, grounded in technical excellence," commented Dan Adams, Jacobs Associates President. "McMillen staff, particularly the construction group, is focused on quality as the highest priority, in the same way Jacobs Associates has always been. This cultural alignment will make the merger implementation straightforward. "

Adams said that both firms’ clients will benefit greatly from the merger – with expanded capacity allowing for a better response to customer needs, either in permitting, design, or construction.

"We have always believed it’s about putting our clients first, not about getting bigger," added McMillen President Mara McMillen. "By merging with Jacobs Associates, we can now offer expanded technical capabilities from diverse staff who are highly respected in the industry. The merger also enables us to geographically expand our water resource licensing, engineering, and self-performing construction group. One integrated company increases our employees’ opportunities to build their careers in a broader range of disciplines and to become stockholders in the company."

In the new company – which has been formed as an employee owned holding company – Dan Adams will serve as President/CEO and Mara McMillen as Chief Operating Officer. Rafael Castro, Mort McMillen, and John Kaplin will round out the corporate leadership team serving as Vice Presidents for Corporate Development, Water Resources, and Construction Management, respectively.

Jacobs Associates and McMillen will both continue as wholly owned subsidiaries of McMillen Jacobs Associates, with Dan Adams and Mara McMillen leading each.

The combined resources of the merger provide clients access to 380 staff located in 19 offices across North America, New Zealand, and Australia.