TROY, MI G2 Consulting Group announces it has acquired Schleede-Hampton Associates, a Birmingham, Michigan-based firm providing similar geotechnical engineering services to the construction industry.

Founded in 1983, Schleede-Hampton will provide G2 Consulting with increased capability to meet its growing book of business while at the same time providing access to important new clients in the automotive and municipal engineering markets. The eight-member Schleede-Hampton team will be integrated into G2's Troy, Michigan, offices by the end of the year.

G2 and Schleede-Hampton have been friendly competitors for years and have considered joining forces for some time. When founder Steve Schleede decided to retire from the business, the acquisition by G2 became more likely. James Berry, who has managed the Birmingham office for more than 25 years, will remain with G2 and continue to manage and provide engineering services for municipal and private infrastructure projects.

"This acquisition fits perfectly into our planned growth strategy and will help us immediately with work already on hand," said Mark Smolinski, PE, President of G2. "Plus that it will provide us access to markets that are strategically important for our future. In fact, we've already picked up an assignment on a major automotive facility in the south."

Smolinski said Schleede-Hampton has an outstanding track record and reputation in the construction industry, including a number of long time clients who consistently entrust the firm with repeat assignments. "That's the best testimonial any business can have, and it's another reason we're so excited to have them as part of our team," said Smolinski.

G2 currently has a backlog of private and public jobs based on pent-up demand for new development and deferred maintenance. G2 is licensed to work in about 35 U.S. states where it has completed work in public infrastructure, health care, telecommunications, alternative energy, wastewater and educational facilities industries. The acquisition of Schleede-Hampton is also expected to bring new international opportunities to the growing firm.