ConDig (06-Sept-17). Global engineering firm Jacobs Engineering Group Inc has been appointed by German-based specialty chemicals company Evonik to provide engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) services for its new precipitated silica production plant near Charleston, South Carolina.
Construction of the plant is targeted for completion in 2018, Dallas, Texas-based Jacobs said. The value of the contract was not revealed.
The plant is set to be built close to several large tire manufacturers and comes amid increased global demand for safer, more energy-efficient tires that have better wet grip properties for motor vehicle roll reduction and higher fuel efficiency.
Jacobs said it was selected as the EPCM contractor for its application of inherent safety in facility design, safety leadership during field execution and knowledge of Evonik’s facility standards and requirements.
It comes as Jacobs also announced that it is part of a joint venture that has landed a $5 billion contract over 10 years to manage and operate a Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) site near Las Vegas.
The Mission Support and Test Services LLC (MSTS) is a joint venture led by Honeywell International Inc and includes equity partners Jacobs and Stoller Newport News Nuclear, Inc.
Phase-in of the contract began August 1 and is on track to be completed in November, according to Jacobs.
The NNSS testing facility and training ground supports a variety of national security experiments that promote the security of the US and its allies through the development of nuclear deterrent and critical emergency response capabilities.
A former nuclear test site, the 1,360-square mile NNSS serves as a major center for research and development advancing international nuclear monitoring and verification capabilities, as well as radiological and nuclear emergency response capabilities and training.
Last month, Jacobs posted a 29% rise in its fiscal third quarter as lower restructuring costs and improved margins offset a dip in revenue.
The company booked net income of $89 million in the quarter ended June 30 compared with $69.1 million in the same period last year.