Somerset Engineering
Somerset Engineering is a Burnaby, BC-based construction engineering firm founded in 1981 that designs erection schemes, purpose-built lifting equipment, falsework, and shoring for general contractors and infrastructure owners on complex bridges, buildings, and specialty structures across North America and select international markets.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1981
- HeadquartersBurnaby, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Somerset Engineering does
Somerset Engineering is a Burnaby, BC-based construction engineering firm founded in 1981 by Peter Saunderson that operates as a specialized "contractor's engineer" for complex structural projects including bridges, buildings, and specialty structures. Rather than acting as a primary design firm, Somerset focuses on the construction phase — designing erection schemes, purpose-built falsework and shoring, engineered lifting and jacking systems, structural steel connections, and on-site technical supervision for general contractors and infrastructure owners. Since 1989 it has operated as a subsidiary of KWH Constructors Ltd., a parent that performs the actual field erection work, creating a vertical integration that produces practical, field-validated engineering solutions.
The firm's technology base centers on proprietary purpose-built construction equipment. Notable systems include custom gantry cranes with longitudinal trolley and lateral roller alignment (used on the Dollarton Bridge), hydraulic-powered "Texas Lifter" segment lifters capable of unloading 65-tonne segments, stiffleg crane travelers that can lift 70-tonne pieces at 34-metre radius, PLC-controlled incremental launching systems with four 55-tonne rams, and twin 762-metre 45-tonne-capacity luffing cableways deployed on the Hoover Dam Bypass. These have produced a track record of first-of-kind methods, including the first curved plate girder bridge erected by incremental launch in North America and the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world at the time of completion (Alex Fraser Bridge, 1986, 465 meters).
Somerset generates revenue through project-based professional services contracts with general contractors, energy sector clients, and government infrastructure owners, with contract values ranging from under $1M to over $220M. Go-to-market is direct enterprise engagement during project planning and bid stages, supplemented by a detailed project portfolio website, industry association memberships (AISC, CWB, DBIA, CISC, AWS, AGC), and repeat relationships with major North American general contractors such as PCL Construction, Kiewit, and Bechtel. Geographic scope spans Canada and the United States (with an Issaquah, WA office) alongside selective international engagements in Bahrain and Equatorial Guinea.
Somerset Engineering firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Somerset Engineering
- Legal name
- Somerset Engineering Ltd.
- Website
- https://somerseteng.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1981
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Somerset Engineering is a Burnaby, BC-based construction engineering firm founded in 1981 that designs erection schemes, purpose-built lifting equipment, falsework, and shoring for general contractors and infrastructure owners on complex bridges, buildings, and specialty structures across North America and select international markets.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Somerset Engineering industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Construction Engineering Services
- NAICS
- Engineering Services (54133), Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction (2379)
- SIC
- Services-Engineering Services (8711), Heavy Construction Other Than Bldg Const - Contractors (1600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Construction Engineering & Constructability Consulting (BPAHAIAN)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Civil & Structural Engineering Consulting (BPAHAIAA)
Keywords
Where Somerset Engineering is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Burnaby
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Somerset Engineering business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Construction Engineering Services: Professional engineering services provided to general contractors including construction methods analysis, erection scheme design, equipment specifications, engineering drawings, and on-site engineering support. Revenue is project-based and varies significantly by contract value.
- Erection Services: Through subsidiary KWH Constructors, the company also performs actual erection services including structural steel erection, field welding, and construction execution.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Project-based professional services with varying contract values |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels3 records
Somerset Engineering product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Somerset Engineering is a specialized construction engineering firm that provides construction-phase technical assistance, equipment specifications, and erection schemes for bridges, buildings, and unique structures. The company serves as the 'contractor's engineer,' developing practical construction methods, falsework, shoring, custom erection equipment, and on-site engineering support for complex structural projects. Through its subsidiary relationship with KWH Constructors, Somerset delivers vertically integrated engineering and field execution services.
Product overview
Somerset Engineering is a construction engineering firm that operates as a services-based company rather than a software product company. The company offers a unified set of engineering services centered on construction phase technical assistance for bridges, buildings, and specialty structures. The core offering is Construction Engineering Services, which encompasses detailed construction methods, connection designs, sequence analysis, and on-site support. This is supported by specialized service modules including Customized Falsework & Shoring (pier brackets, launching trusses, temporary supports), Specialized Erection Equipment (cableways, derricks, segment lifters, gantries), Engineered Lifting and Jacking (rigging procedures, lift layouts, special lifting devices), Structural Steel Connections Design, Heavy Moving Engineering, Deep Excavation Shoring Design, Heritage Facade Shoring Design, and Retractable Roofs Engineering. The company does not offer a software platform or AI-powered tools.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Construction Engineering Services Comprehensive construction engineering services specializing in technical assistance, equipment specifications, and erection schemes for bridges, buildings, and unique structures. Services include detailed construction methods, bolted and welded connection designs, construction sequence analysis, engineering fabrication and layout drawings, and on-site engineering support for general contractors and project owners.
- Customized Falsework & Shoring Design of purpose-built falsework, shoring, trestle, and traveling access platforms including pier brackets and launching trusses for temporary structural support during construction. Targets general contractors needing custom temporary structural support systems for complex bridge and building projects.
- Specialized Erection Equipment Design and engineering of construction-specific equipment including cableways, stiffleg derricks, segment lifters, incremental launching systems, derricks and cranes, and erection gantries. For general contractors executing complex bridge and structural projects requiring purpose-built lifting and erection equipment.
- Engineered Lifting and Jacking Rigging procedures and lift layouts, special lifting devices, and special lifting and jacking solutions for heavy load handling using various crane types, derricks, barges, hoists and jacking systems. Serves general contractors and project owners needing engineering for heavy lifts and complex rigging scenarios.
- Structural Steel Connections Design
Quantifiable outcome
- Longest cable-stayed bridge in the world (Alex Fraser Bridge, 1986) - 465 meters, completed in 10.5 months of single shift work
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Somerset Engineering
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Somerset Engineering technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Somerset Engineering partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- KWH Constructors LtdcoreKWH Constructors Ltd is the parent company of Somerset Engineering, forming a subsidiary relationship. Somerset is a subsidiary to the field services company, enhancing problem-solving and practical knowledge. KWH performs the actual erection services while Somerset provides construction engineering. This vertical integration distinguishes Somerset from other construction engineering companies by enabling practical, proven solutions.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves4 records
Expansion highlights3 records
Somerset Engineering competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Hardesty & Hanover: US-based engineering firm specializing in bridge design, movable bridges, and transportation structures. Comparable to Somerset as a specialist structural/civil engineering consultancy serving bridge owners and contractors on complex structural projects.
- Modjeski and Masters: Long-established US bridge engineering consultancy with deep experience in movable, long-span, and complex bridges. Comparable to Somerset as a specialist bridge engineering firm working on technically demanding infrastructure projects.
- T.Y. Lin International: Global engineering firm recognized for bridge design and structural engineering on major infrastructure. Comparable to Somerset in its focus on bridge and structural work, though much larger and broader in scope.
- Finley Engineering Group: US engineering firm specializing in bridge design, segmental construction, and complex structural engineering. Comparable to Somerset in serving bridge contractors and owners with deep construction-phase engineering expertise.
Others
- KWH Constructors: Somerset's parent company and field services subsidiary performing the actual erection work Somerset engineers. Sister-company relationship means highly comparable scope on shared projects but operating as a contractor rather than an engineering consultant.
Broad incumbents
- COWI (formerly Buckland & Taylor): Global engineering consultancy with a major bridge and marine structures practice (formerly Buckland & Taylor in North America). Comparable to Somerset as a bridge engineering specialist but operating at much larger scale and broader geographic reach.
- AECOM: Global infrastructure consulting firm with a large bridges and structures practice. Overlaps with Somerset on major bridge and infrastructure projects but offers a far broader portfolio of design, program management, and construction services.
- WSP Global: Global professional services firm with substantial bridge, structural, and transportation engineering capabilities. Comparable to Somerset on bridge engineering scope but at dramatically larger scale and broader service mix.
- Stantec: Major North American engineering consultancy with a transportation structures practice. Overlaps with Somerset on bridge and structural engineering but competes from a broader, multidisciplinary platform.
- Parsons Corporation: Large engineering and infrastructure firm with deep bridge and transportation credentials. Comparable to Somerset on complex bridge projects but operating as a full-service provider from design through program management.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Somerset Engineering social profiles
Digital presenceSomerset Engineering financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Somerset Engineering leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Somerset Engineering funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Somerset Engineering M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Somerset Engineering
What does Somerset Engineering do?
Somerset Engineering is a specialized construction engineering firm that provides construction-phase technical assistance, equipment specifications, and erection schemes for bridges, buildings, and unique structures. The company serves as the 'contractor's engineer,' developing practical construction methods, falsework, shoring, custom erection equipment, and on-site engineering support for complex structural projects. Through its subsidiary relationship with KWH Constructors, Somerset delivers vertically integrated engineering and field execution services.
Is Somerset Engineering a public or private company?
Somerset Engineering is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Somerset Engineering founded?
Somerset Engineering was founded in 1981. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Somerset Engineering based?
Somerset Engineering is headquartered in Burnaby, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Somerset Engineering make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Construction Engineering Services are the primary driver. The others are erection Services.
Who are Somerset Engineering's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Hardesty & Hanover, Modjeski and Masters, T.Y. Lin International and Finley Engineering Group. KWH Constructors is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are COWI (formerly Buckland & Taylor), AECOM, WSP Global, Stantec and Parsons Corporation.
Does Somerset Engineering have an API?
No public API is recorded for Somerset Engineering.
What industry is Somerset Engineering in?
Somerset Engineering's product category is Construction Engineering Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAHAIAN, Construction Engineering & Constructability Consulting, with a secondary code of BPAHAIAA, Civil & Structural Engineering Consulting. Its NAICS code is 54133 and its SIC code is 8711.