OVERLAND PARK, KS  Black & Veatch marks 100 years of providing critical infrastructure solutions for clients around the world. Founded in 1915 by Ernest Bateman Black and Nathan Thomas Veatch with 12 employees, the company now provides energy, telecommunications and water solutions in more than 100 countries.

"For a century, Black & Veatch has provided the building blocks for business, technology and communities to grow and prosper around the world. We carry our history of innovation and putting clients first in everything we do today," said Steve Edwards, Chairman and CEO. "This approach has helped us grow to more than 10,000 professionals working on more than 6,000 projects across the globe. While we celebrate our 100th year, we also believe our most exciting opportunities are yet to come."

The company is commemorating its centennial with celebrations at locations around the globe - with events taking place across 16 time zones. The celebrations honor the founders of the company and thousands of professionals who fueled business growth throughout the decades

"The opportunities for our professionals are very strong in both traditional infrastructure projects and emerging markets," said Edwards. "As we look back at the past century we see that technology continues to revolutionize the industries we serve. We look forward to helping our clients navigate this period of change."

Edwards also cited some key growth areas for the company as it enters its second century. These areas include engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), and design-build projects, as well as significant growth in professional services for engineering, design, and consulting. EPC projects provide value for clients in the energy, water and telecommunications sectors. The EPC approach reduces project risks for the client and delivers predictable results. It also increases the effectiveness of capital planning.

In addition, the evolving implementation of Smart Integrated Infrastructure and Smart City projects will benefit communities and business. The sensors and data analytics being applied add efficiency to power, water and communications networks.