The fastest-growing AEC firm in the country is strengthening its national—and Texas—presence in acquiring a Dallas-based professional geotechnical engineering firm.

Universal Engineering Sciences, a leading engineering and consulting company that recently was No. 1 on the Zweig Group Hot Firm List, has purchased Alpha Testing, a locally based firm that provides geotechnical, construction materials, and environmental testing.

The Zweig Group Hot Firm List honors burgeoning firms in the architecture, engineering, planning, environmental and construction (AEC) industry.

With the deal, Orlando-based Universal Engineering Sciences (UES) will be able to establish a stronger footprint in Texas. Alpha Testing, in addition to its Dallas HQ, has offices in Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. Its 400-person team offers services throughout the Lone Star State, along with Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

Alpha Testing plans to retain, and expand, its presence in Dallas-Fort Worth with the acquisition. Its leadership team will also stay on to launch a new “Texas division” for Universal Engineering Sciences’ national offerings, the company told Dallas Innovates.

Alpha Testing’s Brian Powell will remain in his current position of president, but will also be appointed to the new role of Texas division president of UES. The 28-year industry veteran says the deal represents a significant milestone in the Dallas company’s growth and development.

“This partnership enables us to serve more clients by increasing our reach, offering a broader range of services, and allowing us to capitalize on a diverse range of expertise,” Powell said in a statement. “Not only will we be able to provide enhanced services to our clients, but this partnership provides greater opportunities for our team members as well.”

Alpha Testing has been part of numerous local projects

Founded in 1983, Alpha Testing’s specialties include geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, environmental engineering, and drilling services consulting to commercial, institutional, residential, and municipal market clients.

It’s both a registered Texas Engineering Firm and Texas Geoscience Firm, and is ranked No. 288 on the Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms.

Alpha Testing’s major North Texas projects it’s been apart of include Fort Worth’s West 7th Bridge, DFW Airport, and The Richards Group office building. Most recently, it worked on the Cypress Waters mixed-use development and the new Clements Tower expansion at the UT Southwestern Medical Center.

It also helped with the Bois d’Arc Reservoir Dam at Bois d’Arc Lake, the first new major reservoir in Texas in some three decades.

Universal Engineering Sciences continues to grow

In the past 24 months, UES has completed 10 acquisitions to continue its rapid growth pace. The company, which is around six decades old, has expertise in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, building code compliance, threshold inspections, and environmental consulting.

UES says its acquisition plan has allowed it to become a family of companies that represents “one of the largest, most resource-rich organizations of its kind nationwide.” It currently serves both public and private clients in transportation, healthcare, commercial, education, and more.

“Alpha Testing perfectly exemplifies our approach of partnering with best-in-class engineering firms in key markets, positioning us to grow the business nationally and capitalize on the current and anticipated infrastructure spend,” UES Chairman Michael Burke said in a statement. “Alpha Testing’s top-notch leadership team, excellent client relationships and dedicated team members are a great fit for our culture and our vision moving forward.”

The team—comprised of engineers, geologists, certified inspectors, and scientists—is 3,000 professionals strong across 64 branches. They aim to be a pioneer of the industry, standing at the forefront of emerging technology and influential legislature. 

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