Two of the South's leading structural engineering firms are combining forces and merging. Together, Bennett & Pless and Hees and Associates, will have the capacity to provide high-level structural engineering services throughout Florida and the southeast.

"Bennett & Pless focuses solely on the professional discipline we love, structural engineering. The merger allows our team to better serve our clients, providing a larger structural consulting strength with broader experience in complex structures. Culturally, Bennett & Pless is a match. Like Hees, the client experience is vital to the success of each project. We found a group of professionals whose values, culture, professional ethics, and work quality matched ours."

-Karl Hees, PE, President of Hees and Associate

"Bennett & Pless and Hees & Associates have worked together on projects for a variety of clients over the past 7 years. Through time we learned we share a culture that focuses on creating an exceptional client experience, making this merger a natural fit. Hees has a cohesive team of "A" players who started their careers with the firm, value the client experience, and remain with the firm today."

-Ed Gazzola, PE, CEO of Bennett & Pless

The merger of Hees and Associates and Bennett & Pless creates regional structural engineering expertise in Florida. Specifically in expanding specialty engineering capabilities in the light industrial and heavy manufacturing marketplace. Both firms boast dedicated, long-term team members and recognition as a "Best Place to Work." The combined firms will create a technical environment to learn and grow.

In a joint statement, Hees and Gazzola said, "as strong as we are individually, we're stronger as one and with an extremely experienced staff, we're set to make a big change in the Florida market."