BPR-Bechtel to have HQ in Montreal

U.S. engineering giant Bechtel Group will form a joint venture with Quebec-based BPR and relocate its North American mining and metals headquarters to Montreal from Denver.

The new company, BPR-Bechtel, is expected to focus on the aluminum and heavy-industry sectors.

“Quebec is a world centre for aluminum production and metal manufacturing, and Montreal’s international focus offers the potential for export business that can benefit the local engineering firms, suppliers and manufacturers,” says Riley Bechtel, chief executive officer of Bechtel Group.

Bechtel Group has about 50,000 employees. It built various aluminum smelters, as well as the massive James Bay hydroelectric project.

BPR employs more than 1,000 people in 12 local offices, and one each in France and the U.S.