Jacobs buys China chemical engineer Suzhou Han

Jacobs Engineering Group has acquired a controlling interest in Suzhou Han’s Chemical Engineering Co. (SHCE) in China, Jacobs announced on Wednesday.

The company is now named Jacobs Engineering (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.

SHCE has two specialty Class A design licenses in China’s chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical (CPP) industry, which allow the firm to provide engineering design for all types of chemical projects in China irrespective of project size; plus procurement and project management services for various projects in China. 

“This acquisition represents a significant milestone for Jacobs’ growth strategy in China," said Jacobs vice president Kevin McMahon. "Since it was founded in 2006, SHCE has completed more than 200 projects with an exemplary safety record. The acquisition of SHCE greatly enhances our service offerings to clients, strengthens our ability to compete for projects, and provides more opportunities for our employees.”

Jacobs’ Shanghai operation currently has an industry Class B design license for the CPP industry in China, and has successfully executed a substantial number of EPCM projects for global clients investing in China.

In addition to enhancing Jacobs’ capabilities in China by bringing the Class A design licenses, the acquisition adds an engineering office in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, and brings Jacobs’ personnel count in China to more than 500. 

These combined resources enable Jacobs to offer customers in China a complete spectrum of services for all types of chemical and petrochemical projects.

“We welcome this acquisition by Jacobs and look forward to our integration with Jacobs operations, which we expect to be completed in the coming months," said SHCE chairman Mr. James Han. "SHCE has a strong track record of servicing many chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical clients in China, and we look forward to expanding our service offering with the addition of Jacobs’ global reach and extensive experience.”

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.