((L-R) Jesse Fortune, P.E., Director of Structural Engineering (formerly CEO of Eclipse Engineering), and Greg Matthews, A.I.A., CEO of Cushing Terrell | Photo courtesy of Eclipse Engineering)
Eclipse Engineering, originally founded in Missoula, Montana, and with an office in Bend, has officially merged with Cushing Terrell, marking a significant milestone for both companies. This merger, finalized on June 30, 2024, brings together two well-established firms with complementary strengths and a shared vision for the future.
The discussions leading to this merger spanned over a year, driven by mutual goals and growth strategies. Eclipse Engineering, having doubled its staff in recent years, sought opportunities to expand its project portfolio and take on larger, more complex projects. Cushing Terrell, known for its multidisciplinary services and impressive international projects, aimed to bolster its structural engineering capabilities.
“We’ve grown quite a bit in the last couple of years,” said Kate Whittle, marketing coordinator for Eclipse Engineering. “Merging with Cushing Terrell, which handles significant projects internationally, seemed like a fantastic opportunity to broaden our horizons.”
From Cushing Terrell’s perspective, the merger offered a chance to establish a stronger presence in Oregon and integrate the expertise of Eclipse Engineering into its multidisciplinary service offerings. Amanda Herzberg, Director of Communications and Marketing and Associate at Cushing Terrell, highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two firms, fostering a natural and seamless integration.
For the Central Oregon community, this merger signifies continuity and enhanced services. The local Eclipse team, now operating as Eclipse Engineering: A Cushing Terrell Company will continue working on existing projects and maintaining client relationships. The primary changes will be in branding, with new logos and eventually new email addresses, but the day-to-day operations and client interactions will remain largely unaffected.
“The Central Oregon community will still interact with the same Eclipse team they’ve known,” Whittle assured. “Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition without disrupting ongoing projects or client timelines.”
The Bend office of Eclipse Engineering is home to 13 of the 60+ existing staff members and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. They offer a diverse range of services, with a strong focus on both residential and commercial projects. Notable projects in the Bend area include the Kendall Auto Porsche, the Giving Plate Community Store and Distribution Center, and the innovative Octothorpe House, one of the first all-CLT residences in Oregon.
The merger brings several benefits for clients and the staff of the newly combined entity. Clients can look forward to a more comprehensive range of services thanks to the multidisciplinary approach that Cushing Terrell brings. This one-stop-shop model simplifies project management and enhances the overall client experience.
“We have specific teams in Oregon that excel in areas like mass timber and CLT (cross-laminated timber),” Whittle explained. “Combining our expertise means we can offer even more innovative solutions to our clients.”
For the staff, the merger opens up opportunities for professional growth and development. Employees can expand their skills and expertise with access to larger and more diverse projects. Additionally, support from a larger organization like Cushing Terrell means better resources and educational opportunities for team members.
As with any merger, integrating two companies comes with its share of challenges. Both firms are working diligently to ensure a smooth transition, particularly in integrating over 60 staff members into a new corporate structure. This involves extensive coordination, particularly from HR and IT departments, to minimize disruptions.
“Our priority is to stay on track with projects and ensure clients don’t experience any delays or issues,” Whittle emphasized. “Shout out to our HR and IT teams, who are working overtime to make this happen.”
Both Eclipse Engineering and Cushing Terrell have a strong commitment to community engagement. The Bend office of Eclipse Engineering regularly participates in volunteering events, including a recent day with the local chapter of Sleep In Heavenly Peace, building bunk beds for children in need. This culture of giving back will continue under the new merger, with a more structured pro bono process in place to support nonprofit organizations needing design and engineering services.
Looking ahead, the combined company aims to enhance its multidisciplinary capabilities and take on larger, more prominent projects. The merger not only expands their project portfolio but also opens doors for international opportunities, particularly in sectors like federal projects and retail.
“We’re excited about the future and the potential for growth this merger brings,” said Herzberg. “Our shared culture, values, and collaborative history make this a seamless transition, and we’re looking forward to what we can achieve together.”
The merger between Eclipse Engineering and Cushing Terrell marks a new chapter for both companies, filled with opportunities for growth, innovation, and community impact. As they navigate this transition, their commitment to excellence and client satisfaction remains unwavering, ensuring that Central Oregon continues to benefit from their combined expertise and services.
