Harrison Western and Underground Infrastructure Technologies Announce Partnership

Harrison Western has announced that it has acquired a majority interest in Underground Infrastructure Technologies (UIT).

Founded in 2009 by Jeff Rumer, UIT is a utility contractor specializing in trenchless technologies. UIT has extensive technical expertise and a reputation in the marketplace for providing innovative and solid trenchless solutions. The partnership is a strong strategic fit, leveraging the two company’s respective strengths. The companies plan to bring together certain assets and resources that will provide a powerful opportunity for UIT to significantly expand its presence and services in the construction and repair of core infrastructure systems.

In addition to further developing the trenchless application of UIT Harrison Western intends to pursue more open-cut utility work, as well as other civil construction disciplines. Although the mining sector remains the central focus of Harrison Western Construction, Harrison Western will grow its presence in the civil construction space with UIT.

UIT continues to be led by Rumer, who has been a leader in the underground utility construction and excavation industry. He was named the 2013 National Utility Contractor Association (NUCA) National Ditchdigger of the Year Award. The award is NUCA’s most prestigious award and is given to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the betterment of NUCA and the industry as a whole. Rumer was selected based on his many years of service in NUCA, as well as expertise in the industry and involvement in support and development of legislation for the betterment of the industry.

When founded in 1968, Harrison Western brought design and construction expertise to the mining industry. A few years later, the firm expanded to offer civil and aboveground construction services. The company has set North American shaft sinking records through major aquifers and was the first contractor to introduce earth pressure balance technology to the tunneling industry.

Today, with more than 45 years and more than $2 billion in construction, mine development, engineering and process development, Harrison Western leads the industry in safety and performance. The geographic range of projects ranges from the Arctic to the Andes. Harrison Western combines the expertise of an experienced staff with hands-on management to ensure that projects run smoothly and cost-efficiently.