Woolpert Expands Architectural Capabilities in the UK with UMC Architects Acquisition
Woolpert has taken a significant step by acquiring UMC Architects, a well-known architecture firm based in the UK, specializing in industrial and logistics design. This acquisition is in response to the increasing demand for the revitalization of industrial sites for the next generation of infrastructure, including data centers and advanced manufacturing facilities across Europe.
Founded in 2012, UMC Architects has rapidly grown to employ over 90 design personnel across its offices in Newark, Manchester, and London. Their full-service offerings include architecture, master planning, BIM, urban planning, feasibility studies, and refurbishment services for prestigious clients such as Amazon, DHL, Ikea, Coca-Cola, and the BBC. UMC is recognized for its exceptional expertise in logistics, broadcasting, and entertainment design, making them a perfect match for Woolpert’s expanded service in the data center sector.
The acquisition coincides with the ongoing growth within the European data center market, significantly fueled by the rise of cloud computing, artificial intelligence workloads, and an increase in investments towards digital infrastructures. Property and energy constraints have accelerated the redevelopment of industrial and logistics sites across the region, allowing Woolpert and UMC to uniquely support clients in transforming underutilized facilities into modern, efficient spaces, including logistics, advanced manufacturing, and cutting-edge data centers.
Matthew Duffin, director of UMC Architects, emphasized the benefits of combining their strengths, stating, "Joining forces with Woolpert allows us to build on our strengths, while significantly increasing the scope and impact of our services." With this collaboration, the aim is to assist clients in navigating increasingly complex redevelopment projects in the UK and across Europe.
Matthew Salanyk, another director at UMC, highlighted the momentous nature of this transition, indicating it as a natural progression in their growth history. He expressed excitement about the opportunity to tackle more ambitious projects and further invest in the team's talent and culture due to the resources and global network of Woolpert.
Neil Churman, President and CEO of Woolpert, added to the sentiment, stating that the integration of UMC would contribute local insights, technical depth, and hands-on experience that would enhance Woolpert's integrated service offerings throughout the region.
"We look forward to welcoming the talented professionals from UMC to the Woolpert team and expanding our presence in the UK," Churman said. "This is more than just an acquisition; it’s a partnership based on shared values and complementary strengths, focused on achieving remarkable results for our clients in an increasingly complex built environment."
Woolpert, a leading global provider of architecture, engineering, and geospatial services (AEG) with over a century of expertise, takes pride in solving complex challenges across public, private, and governmental sectors. With numerous accolades, including being certified as a Great Place to Work and ranking among top design firms in the world, Woolpert operates from over 75 offices across five continents, building smarter and more resilient communities on a global scale. For more information, visit woolpert.com.
UMC Architects, on the other hand, focuses on delivering comprehensive architectural services in the realms of distribution and logistics, television and entertainment, transportation, and production design. Their office teams have been successful in planning thousands of acres and millions of square feet for well-known organizations across the UK. To know more about UMC, visit umcarchitects.com.
As Woolpert embarks on this new venture, the emphasis remains on growth, job creation, and community responsibility in both the UK and globally.
Founded in 2012, UMC Architects has rapidly grown to employ over 90 design personnel across its offices in Newark, Manchester, and London. Their full-service offerings include architecture, master planning, BIM, urban planning, feasibility studies, and refurbishment services for prestigious clients such as Amazon, DHL, Ikea, Coca-Cola, and the BBC. UMC is recognized for its exceptional expertise in logistics, broadcasting, and entertainment design, making them a perfect match for Woolpert’s expanded service in the data center sector.
The acquisition coincides with the ongoing growth within the European data center market, significantly fueled by the rise of cloud computing, artificial intelligence workloads, and an increase in investments towards digital infrastructures. Property and energy constraints have accelerated the redevelopment of industrial and logistics sites across the region, allowing Woolpert and UMC to uniquely support clients in transforming underutilized facilities into modern, efficient spaces, including logistics, advanced manufacturing, and cutting-edge data centers.
Matthew Duffin, director of UMC Architects, emphasized the benefits of combining their strengths, stating, "Joining forces with Woolpert allows us to build on our strengths, while significantly increasing the scope and impact of our services." With this collaboration, the aim is to assist clients in navigating increasingly complex redevelopment projects in the UK and across Europe.
Matthew Salanyk, another director at UMC, highlighted the momentous nature of this transition, indicating it as a natural progression in their growth history. He expressed excitement about the opportunity to tackle more ambitious projects and further invest in the team's talent and culture due to the resources and global network of Woolpert.
Neil Churman, President and CEO of Woolpert, added to the sentiment, stating that the integration of UMC would contribute local insights, technical depth, and hands-on experience that would enhance Woolpert's integrated service offerings throughout the region.
"We look forward to welcoming the talented professionals from UMC to the Woolpert team and expanding our presence in the UK," Churman said. "This is more than just an acquisition; it’s a partnership based on shared values and complementary strengths, focused on achieving remarkable results for our clients in an increasingly complex built environment."
Woolpert, a leading global provider of architecture, engineering, and geospatial services (AEG) with over a century of expertise, takes pride in solving complex challenges across public, private, and governmental sectors. With numerous accolades, including being certified as a Great Place to Work and ranking among top design firms in the world, Woolpert operates from over 75 offices across five continents, building smarter and more resilient communities on a global scale. For more information, visit woolpert.com.
UMC Architects, on the other hand, focuses on delivering comprehensive architectural services in the realms of distribution and logistics, television and entertainment, transportation, and production design. Their office teams have been successful in planning thousands of acres and millions of square feet for well-known organizations across the UK. To know more about UMC, visit umcarchitects.com.
As Woolpert embarks on this new venture, the emphasis remains on growth, job creation, and community responsibility in both the UK and globally.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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