Rochester–based LaBella Associates, P.C., an architectural and engineering firm, on June 1 launched a new division that focuses on power systems.

LaBella operates local offices in the Syracuse Tech Garden and at 202 The Commons in Ithaca. It also has upstate offices in Buffalo, Hornell, Corning, with additional out-of-state locations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and North Carolina. The firm also has an office in Madrid, Spain.

LaBella Associates employs 340 people and specializes in architecture, engineering, environmental consulting, surveying, planning, and grant writing.

The newest division will help service the electrical-supply industry from substation automation to infrastructure-upgrade projects.

LaBella Associates has provided this service for utility companies since 1984, a spokesperson for LaBella Associates said in response to an email inquiry from CNYBJ.

Citing workload and staffing needs, LaBella Associates decided to create the power-systems division in order to “focus more” on the electrical-utility work. 

“Providing this service better aligns the experience and abilities of personnel and other resources with the needs of our clients in this highly specialized field,” the spokesperson said. 

LaBella during the last two years has made “substantial” investments of about $1.2 million in personnel, software, and other technology to develop its ability to serve the power-system market.

Catalyst for growth

Over the past few years, power-system distribution has been a “catalyst for growth” throughout the company, according to a company news release. 

When asked to elaborate, the spokeswoman said the growth occurred in its employee count, client roster, and in sales.

LaBella generated $40 million in revenue during 2014, up 27 percent from the prior year, she said.

That growth resulted from LaBella employees, directors, and marketing staff working across divisional lines as the firm developed the new service area. 

Sean Evans, who has more than 14 years of power-systems experience, will serve as the new division director. LaBella hired Evans to “oversee all electrical work in the division,” the spokeswoman said.

His team includes Fernando Sanchez, power-systems engineering manager, who oversees LaBella’s office in Madrid, Spain. 

Additionally, LaBella has hired 20 engineers and technicians, according to Robert Pepe, CFO of LaBella. Depending on workload, the company could be hiring more people in the near future, he added.

“This unique evolution has provided LaBella the opportunity to seek out new clients and new geographies,” Robert Healy, company president, said in the news release.

When asked to elaborate on the meaning of new geographies, the spokeswoman wrote in the email response, “LaBella explores opportunities locally and globally.”

When asked to name any clients that the firm is servicing with the new division, the LaBella spokeswoman would only say that its clients include “several large local utility companies.” The firm can also offer the services in this division to additional market sectors such as municipalities, industrial, renewable, and higher education.

“LaBella looks forward to exploring new options with different utility companies locally and globally to increase revenue and employee growth,” the company said.