WGI acquires Carl Walker, Inc.

West Palm Beach, Fla. — Design, planning, and surveying firm WGI joined forces with award-winning parking consulting and structural engineering provider Carl Walker, Inc. The move creates a twelfth business division for WGI, now a national consulting firm with offices in Florida, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, and Texas.

The transaction closes on June 30, 2017, according to David Wantman, PE, president and CEO of WGI.

Gary Cudney, PE, president and CEO, and all Carl Walker principals, executives, and associates, will continue in their current roles, ensuring a smooth transition for both Carl Walker clients and staff. The firm was founded in 1983 in Kalamazoo, Mich., by H. Carl Walker, PE, considered one of the originators in the design of long-span, prestressed modern-day parking garages, and is now a highly esteemed leader in delivering superior value parking solutions. Carl Walker specializes in the creative planning and design of sustainable parking structures, supported by the rapidly changing automation technology transforming its marketplace. The firm’s diverse portfolio of work includes international airports, universities, municipalities, hospitals, sporting arenas, shopping and urban plazas, mixed-use developments, and cultural centers.

In welcoming Carl Walker to the WGI team, David Wantman said, “We are excited about the expanded national presence and capabilities that Carl Walker brings to our firm and our diverse infrastructure team. Its 34 years of innovative designs and solutions will provide a wonderful complement to the innovative and collaborative team at WGI. We’re thrilled at the synergy and opportunities that await.”

“WGI’s client-centered approach, strong work ethic, values, and expertise in transportation and planning, along with the compelling opportunity for growth, were significant factors for the move to WGI,” said Gary Cudney. “Joining WGI expands our professional services, footprint, and ability to develop sustainable, engaging, and adaptable parking solutions for clients nationwide.”  The highly recognized Carl Walker name will continue and be integrated with WGI, operating as “Carl Walker, a division of WGI.”

Combined, the national firm will operate from 13 offices in six states, and serve an active client base in over 30 states. With this third acquisition in three years, WGI expands to nearly 400 associates, further signaling its plans for strong and steady growth. Earlier this year, WGI completed an 18,000-square-foot expansion to its 14,000-square-foot national headquarters in West Palm Beach, with expansion plans underway or recently completed for its offices in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Tallahassee, and Jacksonville.