Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Structural Engineering Solutions for Industrial Projects
Founded in 1965, FHCE has built a legacy of delivering innovative structural design solutions for industrial projects nationwide. Our approach combines creative framing and foundation design with strict adherence to safety codes, ensuring structures meet both client needs and community standards. With expertise in fast-track design-build projects, 3D Revit modeling, and hands-on construction assistance, we maintain engagement from initial design through project turnover. Our team of seasoned engineers specializes in complex industrial applications, including seismic-resistant structures, heavy crane systems, and temperature-sensitive facilities.We prioritize collaboration with design and construction partners to optimize project outcomes. Recognized for award-winning work with industry leaders like Siemens and Caterpillar, we extend our expertise through nationwide professional networks. Our commitment to quality remains unchanged since Freeland Harris established the firm, blending decades of experience with modern engineering practices.
Services
Manufacturing Facilities
Automotive Plants
Food & Beverage Facilities
Distribution Centers
Structural Steel Design
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- We have 58 years of specialized experience in industrial structural engineering
- Our team utilizes 3D Revit modeling for design coordination
- We provide hands-on construction assistance through project completion
- We've completed award-winning projects for Fortune 500 companies nationwide
- Our engineers hold professional licenses in 35 states
Services
Structural Design
Our structural design services create safe, code-compliant solutions for industrial buildings using advanced 3D modeling techniques. We specialize in complex projects requiring seismic-resistant designs, heavy crane systems, and temperature-controlled environments. Our engineers deliver optimized framing and foundation solutions that enhance project value while meeting aggressive timelines.
Construction Assistance
We provide comprehensive construction assistance through project completion, including fabrication drawing reviews and site inspections. Our team attends critical contractor meetings and ensures proper field execution of designs. This hands-on approach maintains design integrity while addressing real-time construction challenges in industrial settings.
Industrial Facilities
We specialize in industrial facility design for manufacturing, automotive, and food processing sectors. Our expertise includes tilt-up concrete walls, deep foundation systems, and automated storage structures. We address unique requirements like seismic loading, temperature variations, and heavy equipment integration across facilities ranging from 85,000 to 1.6 million square feet.
Fast-Track Projects
Our fast-track design services deliver industrial projects on compressed schedules without compromising quality. We coordinate with design-build teams to streamline documentation and construction phases simultaneously. This approach has successfully supported ten-month facility completions with complex structural requirements for energy and manufacturing clients.
3D Modeling
We utilize 3D Revit modeling to enhance design coordination and visualization for industrial projects. This technology enables early conflict detection and optimized system integration across steel, concrete, and hybrid structures. Our modeling capabilities support complex geometries and multi-discipline coordination for facilities requiring precise construction documentation.
People
Jim Johnson
Senior Principal Engineer
With 28 years at FHCE, Jim leads structural design for industrial projects including seismic-resistant structures and multi-story process facilities. He manages firm operations and coordinates workload distribution across engineering teams.
Larry Antle
Senior Principal Engineer
Larry brings 29 years of experience in foundation design and industrial slab solutions. He specializes in crane building structures and existing facility evaluations, combining engineering expertise with business management insights from his MBA.
Eddie Alexander
Senior Principal Engineer
Eddie has 26 years designing industrial structures with expertise in tilt-up walls and seismic loading. He contributes to complex foundation systems and multi-story process structures while maintaining technical excellence in conventional steel applications.
Michael Baugh
Principal Engineer
Michael specializes in seismic zone design for manufacturing facilities and distribution centers. With 17 years at FHCE, he applies structural engineering expertise to challenging geographic conditions and complex industrial requirements.
Lauren Fryxell
Principal Engineer
Lauren focuses on steel and concrete structural systems for industrial buildings. His technical expertise includes analysis of complex load conditions and integration of structural solutions with manufacturing process requirements across diverse projects.
Questions
What industries does FHCE specialize in?
We specialize in structural engineering for industrial sectors including manufacturing, automotive production, food and beverage processing, and distribution centers nationwide.
How does FHCE handle fast-track projects?
Our team coordinates concurrent design and construction phases using 3D modeling and experienced project management to meet aggressive timelines without compromising quality.
What construction assistance services do you provide?
We offer fabrication drawing reviews, critical meeting attendance, and site inspections to ensure proper field execution of structural designs during construction.
Can FHCE handle seismic design requirements?
Yes, we have extensive experience designing structures to meet seismic design category D provisions for facilities in high-risk areas.
How do you coordinate with other design professionals?
We maintain open communication with architects, contractors, and specialty engineers through regular coordination meetings and shared digital modeling platforms.
What locations do you serve?
While based in Kentucky, we provide structural engineering services for industrial projects across the United States, with licensed professionals in 35 states.
