E.L. Robinson leasing about 1,500 square feet; 2 employees to start working at location next week
The Exponent Telegram
August 17, 2013
By Adam Tobias
STAFF WRITER
BRIDGEPORT – E.L. Robinson, a full-service civil engineering firm based in Charleston, is opening an office in Bridgeport’s Charles Pointe development.
According to E.L. Robinson Vice President Randall Lewis, about two employees will start working out of the company’s new location early next week.
Rob Stuart, director of planning and engineering for Genesis Partners, the developer of Charles Pointe, said E.L. Robinson is leasing approximately 1,500 square feet in the building at 600 Marketplace Ave.
Terms of the contract are not being released at this time.
Lewis said the company’s goal is eventually to increase the number of workers at the local office to about 12.
According to Lewis, E.L. Robinson decided to expand in Bridgeport because of the potential of the North Central West Virginia corridor, which has experienced tremendous growth lately due to the boom of the natural gas industry.
E.L. Robinson also specializes in infrastructure work, including sewer and water systems, roadways, natural gas pads and lines and industrial park development.
‘We thought we’d be able to offer a better service if we had engineers in the area so we can have more interaction with our clients, but at the same time, have people in Charleston to help get through the regulatory and financial aspects of doing a project.’ Lewis said.
Bridgeport Mayor Mario Blount believes the firm will be a great asset to the city and the entire region.
But he says the effect E.L. Robinson will have on the economy cannot be measured solely on business and occupation tax revenues.
“What it does, is it shows Bridgeport that our strategic business recruitment is working and that we’re bringing companies from outside into Bridgeport to have an impact on the other businesses that will make an impact on our B&O tax,” Blount added.
“They kind of work hand-in-hand with that.”
Stuart also is pleased that E.L. Robinson is coming to Bridgeport.
“We’re certainly glad to have them here,” Stuart said.
“They’re a very reputable firm in the state and surrounding states. It’s good to see them here and growing here.”
The company will celebrate the opening of its new office with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Thursday.
An open house will be held from noon to 1 p.m.
E.L. Robinson also has seven other facilities, including ones in Charleston, Beckley, Chapmanville, Ohio and Kentucky.
