MAU Workforce Solutions has acquired 3Ci -- extending its global reach by adding the Atlanta-based company’s expertise in the fast-growing technology sector.

Randall W. Hatcher, President of MAU Workforce Solutions, said, “The acquisition of 3Ci opens up new avenues of growth for both companies to leverage our combined 85 years in business. MAU broadens its current service offering to include expertise in technology staffing and consulting at a time when Georgia has staked its claim as the technology hub of the Southeast. 3Ci expands its base of services to include MAU’s suite of staffing and outsourcing solutions in manufacturing, finance, accounting, administrative, engineering and supply chain segments.”

Leaders at MAU, which has been an Augusta-headquartered company since 1973, and 3Ci see numerous alignment opportunities because both companies have similar cultures of faith, volunteerism, community, innovation and making the lives better of everyone they serve. The uniting of the companies affirms MAU as a premier workforce supplier in the Southeast, and strengthens the strategic foundation for MAU’s continued expansion across the U.S. and in markets worldwide.

“The vision of MAU Workforce Solutions is to make lives better by delivering workforce solutions globally. Today, we continue to deliver on this vision by expanding our expertise in the technology services sector working with a group of amazing clients, employees and consultants at 3Ci,” Hatcher said

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, IT employment is projected to increase by a staggering 13 percent between 2016 and 2026. It is one of the two fastest growing industries in the staffing world. As the fifth largest IT employment cluster in the country, Georgia is a leader in high-tech talent and competition amongst potential employers is high.

The deal gives MAU 10 company-owned offices in three states from the east coast to Utah with employees and consultants working across the world.

Rob MacLane, president of 3Ci, said his team is excited about the possibilities this partnership presents as it opens up new geographic markets in the tech sector. 

“We have focused heavily on tech in the Atlanta area, and this new venture allows 3Ci to grow quickly into booming tech markets where MAU is currently located and in targeted IT markets across the world,” he said. “In addition, MAU is a certified diversity owned business, which will help us create new opportunities and better serve our clients.”

Hatcher said acquiring 3Ci is part of a larger picture to create a company that will continue to get stronger globally, while maintaining its family owned business values. MAU leadership began creating a list of potential staffing and recruiting firms to consider for purchase about three years ago in order to further this expansion.

After creating a list of more than 1,000 businesses, the MAU team narrowed it down to about 20 based on criteria such as company culture, market strength, certifications and awards and profitable history. Those names came across Hatcher’s desk and he began to further look at which might be a good fit.

Hatcher said 3Ci caught his eye -- not just because of its work in the technology sector, but because it was bringing fresh ideas to its approach while having a company ethos that correlated well with the MAU culture.

“There is a synergy between two Georgia- based companies coming together,” Hatcher said. “This is almost a perfect alignment of work, values and culture.”