Keller is integrating all its foundation businesses in North America into one unified company, and rebranding to Keller, effective 1 January, 2020.
“We have a very proud history of success and market leadership in North America,” explains James Hind, President, North America. “Combining our capabilities will strengthen our position and give us the platform for further growth and success into the next decade.”
One North American foundation company branded Keller
Specifically, our current North American companies Bencor, Case, Hayward Baker, HJ Foundation, Keller Canada, McKinney and Moretrench will be integrated into one company and rebranded to Keller.
The new company will be managed as eight business units. Seven will be geographically based, each with similar revenue and offering all relevant products. The eighth will offer specialty services including diaphragm-walls, instrumentation and monitoring, specialty grouting, ground freezing and dewatering, that we currently only offer from a limited number of offices. We will bring this expertise together with dedicated teams providing these services across North America.
Moretrench Industrial, Suncoast, and Cyntech will stay as separate businesses within the Keller North American organisation and retain their brands.
The benefits
The new foundation company will bring benefits to both customers and Keller.
“Primarily we are making this change for our customers. Operating as one Keller in each local market, offering all products and services, we’ll be easier to understand and engage with,” explains James. “And being more customer versus product focused, customers can be confident they’re getting the best, most competitive solutions, especially when these involve multiple techniques.
“Combining all our geotechnical strengths will therefore help Keller compete and win in North America. It will also be easier for teams to work together and realise best in class systems and processes, removing duplication and improving efficiency.”
Time to transition
The new structure will go into effect on 1 January, 2020.
“We are making this announcement well in advance to ensure that the transition is planned and executed smoothly and January is a logical starting point,” says James. “In the meantime, everyone remains firmly focused on continuing to win and execute work safely and successfully day to day.”
Alain Michaelis, Chief Executive of Keller concludes: “This is a significant step forward for Keller Group’s largest division. The team have done a great job in assessing and planning for a successful implementation. We are confident that these actions will further differentiate Keller as the leading geotechnical specialist contractor in North America.”