Wood celebrates its expansion into Edmonton, marking a significant milestone in its global leadership in consulting and engineering services across energy and materials markets. With a mission driven by remarkable people, this new office is the next step forward in Wood’s 160-year legacy.
Led by Jason Westrup, Vice President, Oil, Gas and New Energies Canada, and Ray Scriven, Operations Manager, the recent opening of the Edmonton office in February 2024 reflects Wood’s commitment to growth and expansion in dynamic markets. Despite being a newcomer to the city, the office has already garnered over 50 employees, mirroring the company’s rapid growth trajectory into other regions.
Wood’s expansion and success can be attributed to the delivery methods and team they have cultivated. “The pure depth and breadth of Wood services is staggering,” says Westrup. “We have the ability to seamlessly leverage experts in all technical fields around the world to help progress Alberta and Canada’s economy through innovation, project development, sustainability and decarbonization.”
Wood’s value proposition to Edmonton and Industrial Heartland-area businesses is robust, applying core skills as engineers and consultants. In the energy market, their focus on oil and gas, hydrogen and carbon capture speak to a commitment to energy security, energy transition and sustainable practices.
The growth of oil and gas, hydrogen and carbon capture showcase Wood’s dedication to staying ahead in critical sectors. With differentiators such as trusted client relationships, expert consulting and innovative solutions, the new office can handle projects of any scale.
Ray Scriven says, “Wood’s expertise is particularly vital in Alberta’s natural resource-heavy landscape, where it provides essential solutions to address changing demands while promoting productivity and sustainability. The company’s focus on the energy transition and sustainable solutions, including carbon capture project and studies, further demonstrates its commitment to addressing global challenges.”
With the expertise and ability to turn project ideas into reality, Wood’s specialists develop practical and actionable solutions grounded in local knowledge and experience. Ram Bharadwaj, Program Manager, Shell Scotford Alliance Projects, notes, “Our values set the tone for what is important in our business; they are the essence of our identity and fortify everything we do.”
He continues, “Wood’s differentiator is a combination of our people and our progressive, results-driven execution. Our differentiators also include the quality of our delivery, the passion of our people and our unique culture. True to our values, we work openly and transparently as a committed partner to our customers, supply chain and the communities in which we operate.”
Eric Christian, Senior Project Manager, highlights Edmonton’s thriving economy and supportive business environment, citing it as an ideal location for Wood’s operations, noting that the city’s affordability and sense of community contribute to its appeal as a hub for business and innovation.
“Edmonton’s economy is doing well and there is a lot of excitement around the Heartland area for potential growth in the region,” says Christian. “As a city, it is an affordable place compared to some of the other major cities. Edmonton fosters a supportive environment for all types of businesses and people. The city is a tight-knit community where inclusion and respect are felt wherever you go.”
The new office was built to support employee satisfaction and culture through the building design and amenities. The open concept floor plans and large windows support bright, comfortable days on site, accented by a variety of multifunctional spaces that can be adjusted to suit project requirements and client needs and preferences.
Westrup emphasizes the importance of connecting the business with the communities they serve and the staff that bring their valuable expertise to each project, “We will become the employer of choice within our markets, providing opportunity for career progression and professional development for our staff, while providing innovative cost-effective solutions to our clients.”
With a strong emphasis on employee satisfaction and a culture of excellence, Wood continues to garner accolades and recognition for its contributions to
the industry. Leaders like Jason Westrup and Ray Scriven, along with both the Calgary and Edmonton offices, play instrumental roles in driving the company’s success through their dedication to fostering innovation and empowering their teams.
Looking ahead, Wood is poised for continued growth and innovation, with plans to deepen client relations, especially in the Edmonton region. The company aims to be at the forefront of the energy transition, supporting clients in their journey towards net-zero goals while championing sustainable and scalable development.
Westrup discusses what is next for the business. “We see great opportunity for growth in Canada over the next decade. We will grow in our Canadian geographies, expanding our client base while continuing to diversify our portfolio of projects and markets.”
Through its multifaceted approach, encompassing forward-thinking projects, leadership in energy transition initiatives and active engagement with communities, Wood remains committed to making a positive impact on society while driving industry innovation.
