Surviving in Alberta’s notoriously volatile energy industry takes determination and dedication to keep a company top of mind for clients. To not only survive but thrive for 30 years in this challenging environment takes something else entirely. Millenia Engineering is one of these enduring companies that has established itself as an immovable pillar in the industry since it opened its doors in 1995. Millenia has earned its reputation for delivering top-tier solutions tailored to meet the ever-evolving needs of the energy and petrochemicals industries, all the while leading the way through innovation. This dynamic Calgary firm continues to redefine what engineering can be as it grows, adapts and pivots to today’s marketplace.
“Who we are today is way different than who we were even five or 10 years ago. We’re transitioning to an augmented version of ourselves, and we’re probably the most mature version of Millenia that I’ve seen,” says Travis Wolfe, President and managing partner at Millenia Engineering.
That best version has grown into a trusted partner for clients operating in Canada and the United States, offering turn-key service from conceptual design and feasibility studies, pre/FEED estimates, detailed engineering and EPCM solutions through to production optimization, start-up and operational support.
On top of the growing services Millenia offers, the company has also evolved how it delivers them. Always known for their process and operations expertise, this enhanced version also excels at project execution, entwining document control, estimating, scheduling, reporting and other project management staples into the overall delivery. It has become a hybrid of hunter and farmer engineering approaches; hunters focus on a few people responsible for customers that require minimalist project execution systems, while farmers focus on customers that require more complete delivery systems and collaboration. Millenia uses components of both approaches to drive business, merging the flexibility of hunters with the structured systems of farmers to provide quality services in either environment.
With the addition of the Wyoming location in 2021 led by Joe Ruder, VP of U.S. Operations, Millenia solidified its commitment to the ammonia/hydrogen/urea industry to help flatten the peaks and valleys inherent in the oil and gas industry. This multidiscipline facility engineering firm is a small company that brings big-company depth and results, and no matter if it’s a $5,000 job or a $100+ million mega-project, the team has the expertise to exceed expectations.
“With over 130 years of experience in its leadership, coupled with the diverse backgrounds of all our careers, Millenia has that holistic edge over its competition that sets us up for continued growth and success,” says Adam McColm, project engineer and new partner at Millenia.
Millenia has enjoyed many successes since COVID, with the firm continuing to attract top-tier talent from companies that pared down during the pandemic and the best new graduates. Seasoned engineers are eager to pass along their knowledge to the next generation to ensure clients will continue to receive incredible value and service from Millenia for years to come. The diverse team is driven to solve problems quickly together by thinking outside the box, and they pride themselves on being leaders in what they call “grey-zone engineering.”
“We’re not afraid to think of different ways to be more productive and fiscally responsible, and to do it with more environmental stewardship. We’re not afraid to challenge the normal way of doing things,” says Wolfe.
Those new ways are often found in innovation and automation, and Millenia is on the leading edge of technology to ensure the team operates with the highest levels of accuracy, efficiency and quality. Unlike many long-standing companies, Millenia is not content to rest on its laurels. Instead, the leadership team has its gaze fixed on the future, implementing the latest technology and software and incorporating AI to stay firmly in the “grey zone.” As a result, the company’s solid 30-year foundation acts as a springboard into larger, more complex and challenging projects while still providing the personalized service for which Millenia is known.
“Every day offers new experiences and challenges, and this makes me excited for what the future holds. The partnership is committed to working together to find new ways to be better for our people, our clients and the communities we serve,” says James Mattie, project manager and new partner at Millenia.
Millenia has consistently contributed to the community by integrating ESG principles into its core operations and by generously donating both funds and time to various charities over the years. The company recently focused its giving power on the Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency (URSA), a local non-profit that strives to provide opportunities for brain injury survivors and people with developmental disabilities. This community focus has long been a part of the culture at Millenia and the entire team gets behind these causes to help make a difference.
Within the Millenia community itself, the partners have built a positive corporate culture. The staff feel supported and valued while enjoying work alongside their colleagues. The leadership team has been part of many employees’ lives for decades and feels honoured to watch them mature on the job, get married, start families and accomplish personal goals. After all, these people are more than an employee number at Millenia; they are family. Millenia’s partners get to know their people well so they can strengthen personal relationships while at the same time ensuring employees are given opportunities that align with their aptitudes, ultimately contributing to the company’s overall strength. The culture is inclusive and supportive, and whether they are working closely on major projects or taking part in golf events, BBQ competitions or Corporate Challenge events, the team works seamlessly together. Even with all the success it has enjoyed, the best is yet to come at Millenia Engineering.
“I’ve been fortunate to see Millenia’s growth from the beginning of my career and now as an owner. Our principle ‘Excellence through Innovation’ has always spoken to me and allowed me to foster my passion,” says Jonathan Estor, piping/design manager and partner. “Thirty years of engineering in the Alberta energy industry is just the beginning. The future is bright, and Millenia is ready. We weren’t just built to last – we were built to lead!”
600, 540 12th Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2R 0H4
403-571-0510
