Business
Jacobs sees robust infrastructure pipeline after posting strong FY25 earnings
Jacobs closed fiscal 2025 with strong revenue growth, rising margins, and a record $23.1 billion backlog driven by demand across water, energy, transportation and advanced facilities markets. The company expects continued infrastructure momentum into 2026, with higher earnings and free cash flow on the horizon.
Metro Communications to acquire Clearwave Fiber’s Southern Illinois network
Metro Communications has agreed to acquire Clearwave Fiber’s Southern Illinois network, expanding its regional footprint with more than 250,000 locations as part of a growing fiber-to-the-home and enterprise broadband portfolio.
Private equity backs trenchless rehabilitation firm in major infrastructure move
HCAP Partners has invested in Georgia-based Federal EC to expand its trenchless rehabilitation and underground utility services, supporting Crescent Peak and FVLCRUM’s acquisition and growth plans.
UIC 2026 to feature new technical sessions, awards and HDD reunion in San Antonio
The event features new educational sessions, hands-on exhibits, the combined MVP + UI Honors Awards, and the annual HDD Reunion, bringing together industry leaders, engineers, and contractors for two focused days of learning and networking. Registration is open now at UI-Conference.com.
Azuria expands rehab services with Atlantic Coast Contractors acquisition
Azuria Water Solutions has acquired North Carolina-based Atlantic Coast Contractors, a trenchless pipeline rehabilitation firm specializing in CIPP, slip lining, and water main replacement. The deal expands Azuria’s Southeast presence and strengthens its rehab service network.
Underground Infrastructure unveils 2026 MVP and UI Awards finalists
Underground Infrastructure magazine has announced finalists for the 2026 MVP and UI Awards, including the 30th anniversary of the Most Valuable Professional Award. Winners will be honored at the Underground Infrastructure Conference in San Antonio.
Underground infrastructure leaders take on new roles across the industry
The latest Underground Infrastructure business people roundup highlights key leadership appointments, promotions, and achievements across the underground construction and water sectors, including Carollo Engineers, McElroy, PipeSense, Primoris, Fortiline, and DP Nicoli.
Infrastructure business roundup: New deals, leadership changes and technology updates
The latest Underground Infrastructure business roundup features major acquisitions, leadership transitions, and new initiatives from companies including Ditch Witch, VisuSewer, ADS and others shaping the underground construction industry.
Primoris names Koti Vadlamudi as President and CEO to lead next phase of infrastructure growth
Primoris Services Corporation has appointed industry veteran Koti Vadlamudi as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective November 10, 2025. Vadlamudi brings over 30 years of global experience from Jacobs, where he led operations across energy, infrastructure, and mission-critical markets. He succeeds Interim CEO David King, who will continue as Chairman of the Board.
CenterPoint reaches $2.62 billion deal to sell Ohio natural gas distribution system
CenterPoint Energy has announced the $2.62 billion sale of its Ohio natural gas distribution business to National Fuel Gas Company. The deal includes 5,900 miles of transmission and distribution pipelines serving 335,000 customers and is expected to close in 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
Zachry expands into water infrastructure with acquisition of Crescent Constructors
Zachry Construction Corporation has agreed to acquire Plano-based Crescent Constructors, expanding its footprint in the water and wastewater infrastructure sector and strengthening its presence in one of the industry’s fastest-growing markets.
Centuri names Ryan Palazzo president of U.S. gas division
Centuri Holdings, Inc. has appointed Ryan Palazzo as President of U.S. Gas, where he will oversee the company’s gas infrastructure operations. The U.S. Gas segment represents roughly half of Centuri’s total revenue and plays a key role in supporting the nation’s expanding energy infrastructure.
Vortex expands pipeline rehab capabilities with PrimeLine acquisition
Vortex Companies has acquired PrimeLine Products to expand its small-diameter trenchless pipe rehabilitation solutions and strengthen customer support nationwide.
Ditch Witch expands vac excavation portfolio with Tornado Infrastructure acquisition
Ditch Witch parent company Toro will acquire Tornado Infrastructure Equipment, expanding its hydrovac and vacuum excavation offerings for underground projects.
VisuSewer expands into Mid-Atlantic with MOR Construction acquisition
VisuSewer has acquired MOR Construction Services, expanding its wastewater and utility infrastructure presence into Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. The deal strengthens VisuSewer’s Mid-Atlantic footprint and adds regional expertise to its growing national network.
Comcast expands fiber broadband rollout with Harmonic technology
Comcast is expanding its fiber broadband network with Harmonic’s cOS platform, enabling multi-gigabit speeds, low latency, and cost-effective rollouts, including in rural communities through BEAD projects.
Denver to host 26th Utility Investigation School in December
The 26th Utility Investigation School will take place Dec. 8–12, 2025, in Denver, offering subsurface utility engineering training with hands-on fieldwork and professional development credits.
Excavation industry mourns loss of NAXSA founder and trench safety pioneer Dave Nicoli
The excavation industry is mourning the loss of Dave Nicoli, CEO of DP Nicoli and founding member of NAXSA, who passed away at age 70. Remembered as a pioneer in trench safety and shoring, Nicoli leaves behind a legacy of leadership, innovation, and a commitment to saving lives through safer excavation practices.
Blue Owl takes majority stake in Dallas-based Gigabit Fiber to fuel network expansion
Blue Owl Capital has taken a majority stake in Dallas-based Gigabit Fiber to accelerate its fiber network expansion across Texas and New Mexico, targeting data center and AI-driven demand.
Shenandoah acquires Nu-Pipe, expanding trenchless expertise across Southeast U.S.
Shenandoah, a leading provider of underground infrastructure services and a portfolio company of GenNx360 Capital Partners, has acquired Nu-Pipe LLC, strengthening its trenchless pipe rehabilitation capabilities across the Southeast.
Vannguard teams up with Trivest as part of growth strategy
“We are excited by the Trivest partnership and their experience in essential services and underground infrastructure, as well as their reputation for supporting founder-owned businesses,” said Vannguard CEO Randy Bern.
UIC 2026 set for San Antonio with revamped schedule, awards and expo
UIC 2026 will return to San Antonio, Texas, on Jan. 27–28, reimagined as a two-day event with expanded education, technical theaters, and networking opportunities. The Underground Infrastructure Awards will also debut alongside the UCTA MVP luncheon.
Black Hills, NorthWestern merge to form $15.4 billion multi-state electric, gas utility
Black Hills Corp. and NorthWestern Energy will merge in a $15.4 billion all-stock deal, creating a regulated utility serving 2.1 million customers across eight states with expanded electric and natural gas infrastructure.
Business people: Leadership moves at Bobcat, DEVELON and more
This edition of Business People highlights key executive appointments and promotions across the underground infrastructure and equipment sectors, including new leadership roles at Bobcat and DEVELON.
Western Midstream to acquire Aris Water Solutions in $1.5 billion deal
Western Midstream Partners will acquire Aris Water Solutions in a $1.5 billion cash-and-equity deal, expanding its Delaware basin produced-water network with additional pipelines, recycling capacity, and New Mexico operations. The merger is expected to close in late 2025.
Ditch Witch sells Trencor, American Augers product line to refocus on HDD growth
Ditch Witch has sold its Trencor and American Augers auger boring businesses, reinforcing its focus on horizontal directional drilling. The auger segment was acquired by Michael Byrne Manufacturing, while the Trencor buyer remains undisclosed.
Hultec expands U.S. footprint with new Houston facility
Hultec, a global manufacturer of engineered sealing solutions for water infrastructure, today announced the opening of its new U.S. manufacturing and distribution center in Spring, Texas.
Business news: Vermeer alliance, NAXSA safety push, PODS data upgrade, Hultec expansion
This month’s Business news highlights key industry moves, including Vermeer’s new alliance with Sharewell HDD, NAXSA’s nationwide Shore Up for Safety Week, PODS’ SCADA Link module release, Hultec’s new Texas facility, AWWA’s updated C901 standard, Hyundai’s equipment merger plans, McElroy’s congressional visit, and Bobcat’s workplace recognition.
Vortex promotes Chuck Parsons and Ryan Helmuth to key leadership positions
The Vortex Companies, a leading provider of trenchless water and sewer rehabilitation solutions, has promoted Chuck Parsons to Senior Vice President of Strategy and Operations, and Ryan Helmuth to Regional Vice President of its West Coast affiliate, Sancon Technologies.
30th CIGMAT conference focuses on flooding, energy and infrastructure resilience
Industry leaders, engineers and researchers gathered in Houston for the 30th CIGMAT Conference to confront challenges in energy, flooding and urban infrastructure. Key sessions spotlighted innovative solutions — from smart cement to large-scale water treatment projects — shaping the future of resilient cities.
- TxDOT advances massive drainage tunnel beneath I-35 in Austin
- Glenfarne Alaska LNG targets late-2026 construction start for 807-mile pipeline project
- U.S. water reuse boom to fuel $47 billion in infrastructure spending through 2035
- $2.3 billion approved to construct 236-mile Texas-to-Gulf gas pipeline
- Major water pipe break in Puerto Rico hits over 165,000 customers
- Pennsylvania American Water launches interactive map to identify, replace lead water service lines
- Trump's tariffs drive $33 million cost increase for Cincinnati sewer project
- Utah city launches historic $70 million tunnel project using box jacking under active rail line
- Tulsa residents warned after sewer lines damaged by boring work
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized