History - STS Timeline

Today

With more than 100,000 combined projects in more than 35 countries worldwide, STS attracts Fortune 500 clients in the commercial, energy, government, industrial and transportation sectors. Business trends of globalization and lean workforces continue to influence our emphasis on precise design and engineering methodologies, leading to unrivaled delivery capabilities in the engineering and environmental consulting arena.

1990s

STS successfully negotiated the growing pains of an ownership change. As the founding fathers of STS passed the baton to a new group of stakeholders, the company reasserted its mission of delivering design, underground engineering, environmental consulting and site development services.

1980s

STS’ entrepreneurial spirit leads to service and geographic expansion. In Bristol, Virginia, STS managed the award-winning conversion of an aggregate mine to a giant municipal solid waste facility. In addition to developing an 11-plant hydropower subsidiary, STS acted as Wisconsin Energy’s preferred environmental provider, managing dozens of projects annually. Internationally, STS provided underground engineering for a new power plant in Puerto Rico, saving the owner $12 million in foundation costs.

1970s

No longer just a soil testing firm, STS formally adopts the name STS Consultants, Ltd. to reflect its diverse service offerings and client base. During this decade of rapid urban development and technological advances, STS developed an international reputation for deep foundation work for the world’s tallest buildings

1960s

Building off expertise in soil dynamics and subsurface exploration, STS transitioned into geo-environmental consulting for design and construction of landfills, lagoons and impoundments around the world. The booming forest products industry drove significant environmental work, engaging STS with industry leaders like Georgia-Pacific and Weyerhaeuser – relationships that remain today.

1950s

STS played an instrumental role in the emerging science of Midwest soil studies.  Innovations in exploration techniques, data analysis and design established STS as a leader in underground engineering.

1948

Company founded in Illinois by John P. Gnaedinger and Ted Van Zelst as Soil Testing Services, Inc.