Black & Veatch was founded in 1915 by Ernest Bateman Black and Nathan Thomas Veatch, two University of Kansas graduates who began the company with 12 employees in a single office. Over more than a century, the firm has expanded its footprint globally and now employs over 12,000 people worldwide.
Originally established in Kansas City, Missouri, Black & Veatch moved its headquarters to Overland Park, Kansas, reflecting its growth and evolution as a major engineering, consulting, and construction company. Throughout the years, the company has diversified its expertise, tackling infrastructure projects in energy, water, telecommunications, and government sectors, including notable work during World War II and for the Atomic Energy Commission.
Black & Veatch has been a pioneer in adapting to technological advancements, staying at the forefront of the computer age since the 1980s. The company has executed large-scale projects internationally, such as power generation in Thailand and extensive water treatment facilities in the United States.
The firm is characterized by its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and creating lasting societal impact through infrastructure development. Its leadership has evolved through the decades, maintaining a partnership model and expanding its consulting and management services to become an industry leader in global infrastructure solutions.
Black & Veatch’s mission centers on “Building a World of Difference,” focusing on improving communities and advancing sustainable infrastructure worldwide. Its history reflects resilience through economic downturns and a commitment to adapting solutions to meet emergent client and global needs.