NEWS
Blattner Takes Second Spot On 2022 Top Solar Contractors List
Avon, Minnesota — The U.S. solar industry saw record solar and energy storage demand in 2021, despite concerns over supply chain interruptions and tariff investigations. In response to this demand, Blattner Company had one of its busiest years yet.
Solar Power World noticed the company’s installation success and ranked Blattner No. 2 out of 411 companies on the 2022 Top Solar Contractors list.
Solar Power World, an industry magazine, compiles the Top Solar Contractors list each year to honor the work of solar installers throughout the United States. Solar firms in the utility, commercial and residential markets are ranked by the number of kilowatts that were installed in the previous year. Companies are grouped and listed by specific services, markets and states.
“Blattner is a big presence every year on the Top Solar Contractors list and within the solar industry in general,” said Kelly Pickerel, Solar Power World editor-in-chief. “Consistently installing over one gigawatts of utility-scale solar each year, Blattner plays a significant role in greening our grid. The company also employs thousands in the clean energy sector and is investing in diversity and inclusion to ensure more Americans have an opportunity to build renewable energy projects that will impact the lives of future generations.”
The utility-scale solar market puts up impressive installation numbers each year, but most workers in the industry are constructing projects in the commercial and residential markets, which continue to break records. More than 85 percent of the companies on the list primarily work in the residential and commercial sectors, and they all reported closing out the last year in a positive light.
“It’s always exciting to be recognized by Solar Power World as a Top Solar Contractor,” Blattner’s Vice President of Business Development Matt Dankers said. “To achieve this honor, it starts with the hard work of our team members in the field and those directly supporting their daily efforts in the corporate office. They are passionate and work tirelessly to deliver for our customers. We also want to recognize our industry partners for their patience and resilience in the past year. Our customers and industry partners help bring utility-scale solar and storage projects to life.”
According to data released by energy research firm Wood Mackenzie — before recent federal decisions to prevent additional tariffs on imported solar panels — the United States is expected to install 11 gigawatts less than originally predicted in 2022. This is due to continued supply chain constraints, price increases and interconnection challenges.
Blattner, which began solar services in 2009, worked on 29 renewable projects in 11 states in 2021. Blattner team members installed 4,532,150 solar panels in 2021 that supported 6,664 megawatts of clean energy projects delivered. In terms of just solar, those panels supported 1,633 megawatts of clean energy projects delivered.
“We are humbled and honored to be recognized as a top solar contractor by Solar Power World, and we congratulate all the other top contractors who made the list this year,” Blattner Vice President of Solar Construction Nik Maeder said. “The industry is on the verge of monumental growth. We thank our clients for partnering with us, and we applaud their resilience during this challenging year. We are so proud of all the men and women at Blattner who are part of this important industry that provides clean, safe, reliable energy for our future. We’re building a strong solar industry to power the United States while building a more sustainable future.”
About Blattner Company
Blattner Company is a diversified renewable energy contractor providing leading expertise and collaborative construction solutions nationwide. Blattner Company is the parent company of Blattner Energy and D.H. Blattner & Sons, of which all are members of the Quanta Services family of companies and are industry-leading renewable energy contractors in their respective markets. Building on more than a century of innovation, the Blattner Family of Companies provides complete engineering, procurement and construction services for utility-scale solar, wind, energy storage and power delivery projects with proven project management and self-performance of all major work activities. Learn more at https://www.blattnercompany.com/.
Media Inquiries
Email: marketing@blattnercompany.com
About Solar Power World
Solar Power World is the leading online and print resource for news and information regarding solar installation, development and technology. Since 2011, SPW has helped U.S. solar contractors — including installers, developers and EPCs in all markets — grow their businesses and do their jobs better.
Solar Power World Media Inquiries
Kelly Pickerel, editor in chief
216-860-5259
kpickerel@wtwhmedia.com
Celebrating Women In Construction Week 2022
You won’t get anywhere unless you make the effort to move.
Milena Manus started college in her native Brazil with little idea of what her future truly had in store. She was introduced to sustainability and renewable energy in college as solar and wind energy were integrated with agriculture for irrigation and to help keep the cost of electricity low.
“But I never thought about working in North America. That’s why I’m so proud of where I am today. I’m glad Blattner gave me an opportunity three years ago,” Manus said.
Blattner Company, a Quanta Services company, and the parent company of DH Blattner & Sons, is celebrating Women In Construction Week by highlighting the work of our employees in the field like Milena who are on the front lines of the energy revolution.
March is also Women’s History Month, and Blattner has announced its Women’s Employee Resource Group. So, it’s just another reason to help raise awareness about the importance of women in the renewable energy industry while emphasizing the growing role that they play.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women comprise nearly 11 percent of all construction professionals and account for only one out of every 100 employees in the field. That’s why this year’s Women In Construction Week is such an important time to attract more women to the industry.
Let’s get to know some of the women at DH Blattner & Sons who are changing the mindset that construction and renewable energy construction are a male-dominated industry.
Milena Manus
Manus is looking forward to becoming a project coordinator soon. She will have to get to know more about contract laws, county requirements and project scheduling.
But she’s more than up to the task. At her current site in California with DH Blattner & Sons, she starts her day at the management pod and then joins a daily meeting with the civil engineers, foreman and general foreman. The team always prioritizes safety, and they go over the goals for the day.
Milena Manus, Field Construction Coordinator
Right after that, it’s off to the field to meet with the crew about safety and quality and to ensure they have the tools and materials available to them for the day. Then, it’s back to the office for her daily office work. When she’s done there, it’s back to the field to check on the production for the day.
“The feeling of pride that I get working in renewable energy construction is exciting,” Manus said. “We’re building a sustainable future not only for the communities we’re in, but for the planet.”
Chanda Lytton
No matter if you’re a man or a woman in construction, you must be prepared for challenges, hard work and being able to sit at the table with your peers and co-workers.
But Chanda Lytton would like to clear up one common misconception about construction jobs.
“You have don’t have to be ‘one of the guys,” she said. “Be yourself. That’s how you’ll be a successful woman in this industry. You bring valuable perspective and expertise, so don’t change who you are to mold to a male-dominated industry.”
Chanda Lytton, Senior Project Manager
Lytton is a senior project manager in operations for Blattner. She’s been with the company since 2001, when she started as a field construction coordinator for the reconstruction of the Cody, Wyoming, airport runway.
Lytton’s roles have progressed from there to superintendent, site manager, project manager, manager of construction – solar and now senior project manager. No matter where she’s been, she’s just excited to work with her colleagues every day.
“Working and helping develop a talented group of employees that want to consistently improve and build a successful project is truly satisfying,” Lytton said. “Their professional and personal growth over a project is a very fulfilling part of my role at Blattner.”
Lytton wants to continue to grow her knowledge in battery energy storage while continuing to develop her skillset as a successful project manager and leader.
“This is a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry,” Lytton said. “Yes, it poses challenges, but it has offered me immense growth opportunity. The growth of my career at Blattner has been truly satisfying.”
Blattner To Be Acquired By Quanta Services.
Planned Transformation to Strengthen Company’s Position to Take Advantage of Next-Generation Opportunities and Drive Future Success
Avon, Minnesota (Sept. 2, 2021) — Blattner Company the leading renewable energy provider in North America, and parent company of Blattner Energy, Inc. and D.H. Blattner & Sons, Inc., announced that it has it has identified a strategic partner and entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Quanta Services, Inc. Houston-based Quanta is a leading specialized contracting services company, delivering comprehensive infrastructure solutions for the utility, communications, pipeline and energy industries with operations throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and select other international markets.
“Today’s announcement marks the exciting culmination of a process that we began in January 2021,” said Scott Blattner, President of Blattner. “Our goal was to find a transformational partner to further strengthen our market leadership position, provide additional support to take advantage of next-generation opportunities emerging in the renewable energy market and contribute to added, long-term success for employees and customers. We’ve found that in Quanta a Fortune 300 company with a proven track record of acquiring businesses like ours with great success. Quanta is committed to their operating units’ leadership, locations and communities that aligns with their company culture and approach to business. We look forward to joining their family of companies and adding the additional scale and support needed for our organization to continue leading and delivering certainty to our renewable energy customers.”
Duke Austin, Quanta’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are excited to announce our intention to acquire Blattner and we look forward to welcoming their employees to the Quanta family of companies. Both Blattner and Quanta are rooted in entrepreneurial, family-operated businesses that are focused on safety and care deeply about their employees. We believe what Quanta is to the electric power solutions industry, Blattner is to the utility-scale renewable energy solutions industry. Together, we will be focused on what we believe are the most attractive areas of the electric infrastructure complex. Blattner will bring an exceptional management team that we believe will enhance our ability to collaborate with our customers to shape North America’s energy transition to a carbon-neutral economy.”
The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of both Blattner and Quanta and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021, subject to receiving required regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
Following transaction close, Blattner’s office locations and management team will remain in place, with Scott Blattner continuing in his leadership role as President. Blattner will serve as a platform operating unit of Quanta.
Culturally, Quanta and Blattner share similar values and business models that met Blattner’s key partner criteria. Both organizations are aligned in their focus on employees, customers and communities, with a safety-first approach. Additionally, Blattner and Quanta have collaborative approaches to long-term, trusted relationships with partners with specialized capabilities that will advance North America’s renewable energy transition.
Concluded Blattner, “Our industry is on the cusp of rapid change and evolution – with the potential for a transformative worldwide energy revolution. We seek to remain a leader and entrepreneur by transforming our organization with additional scale and support. Our employees, customers, partners and communities deserve the best in this evolving industry as Blattner also continues to evolve. Joining together with Quanta will create an even brighter future for Blattner and provide more opportunities for long-term success.”
Investment banking firm J.P. Morgan is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Blattner for this transaction.
About Blattner Company
Blattner Company, an industry leading renewable energy provider, is the parent company of Blattner Energy, Inc. and D.H. Blattner & Sons, Inc. that delivers expertise and collaborative renewable energy solutions for developers and utilities throughout North America. The Blattner Family of Companies provides complete engineering, procurement, project management and construction services for wind, solar and energy storage solutions. Powering forward, Blattner builds certainty through relationships, proven project management and self-performance of major work activities, ensuring safety, quality, efficiency and customer satisfaction. For more information, visit: www.blattnercompany.com.
About Quanta Services
Quanta Services is a leading specialized contracting services company, delivering comprehensive infrastructure solutions for the utility, communications, pipeline and energy industries. Quanta’s comprehensive services include designing, installing, repairing and maintaining energy and communications infrastructure. With operations throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and select other international markets, Quanta has the manpower, resources and expertise to safely complete projects that are local, regional, national or international in scope. For more information, visit www.quantaservices.com.
Solar Power World Honors Blattner.
Blattner Company Named Top Solar Contractor By Solar Power World
Avon, Minnesota – Blattner Company, an industry-leading utility-scale service provider and installer of renewable energy, and the parent company of Blattner Energy and D.H. Blattner & Sons, has been recognized as a 2021 Top Solar Contractor by Solar Power World. Blattner is ranked No. 2 out of over 400 companies on the 2021 Top Solar Contractors list.
Blattner employs 4,300 workers who installed 1,358 megawatts of solar power in 2020 and has installed a total of 5,424 megawatts of solar since 2010. The U.S. solar industry grew 43% in 2020, installing more solar panels across the country than any other year on record. The U.S. solar market is expected to quadruple by 2030.
“It’s exciting to be part of the innovation and growth happening in the solar industry,” said Nik Maeder, vice president of solar operations of Blattner. “We’re thankful to our clients who have partnered with us year after year on each project as we advance this industry together. The growth and megawatts built across the industry are impressive and we extend our congratulations to the other top contractors who made the list this year.”
The Top Solar Contractors list is developed each year by Solar Power World to honor the work of solar installers in the United States. Solar firms in the utility, commercial and residential markets are ranked by number of kilowatts installed in the previous year. Companies are grouped and listed by specific service, markets and states.
For more information about the Top Solar Contractor process and full list, visit solarpowerworldonline.com/2021-top-solar-contractors.
About Solar Power World
Solar Power World is the leading online and print resource for news and information regarding solar installation, development and technology. Since 2011, SPW has helped U.S. solar contractors — including installers, developers and EPCs in all markets — grow their businesses and do their jobs better.
About Blattner Company
Blattner Company is a diversified renewable energy contractor providing leading expertise and collaborative construction solutions nationwide. Blattner Company is the parent company of Blattner Energy and D.H. Blattner & Sons of which both are industry-leading renewable energy contractors in their respective markets throughout the United States. Building on more than a century of innovation, the Blattner Family of Companies provides complete engineering, procurement and construction services for utility-scale solar, wind, energy storage and power delivery projects with proven project management skills and self-performance of all major work activities. Learn more at BlattnerCompany.com.
Blattner Part Of Best Places to Work.
Blattner Company is one of Minnesota’s Best Places To Work in 2021.
Avon, Minnesota — Our parent company, Blattner Company creates environments where people love to work. So much so that the company was recently selected as one of the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal’s 2021 Best Places to Work in Minnesota.
Blattner, the leading installer of utility-scale wind and solar renewable energy in North America, is a people-driven business with their headquarters located in the heart of Minnesota. They’ve been an innovator and leader in the industry for over a century. In that time, the business has advanced major infrastructure throughout the United States from constructing dams, mines, bridges and roads to becoming one of the most formidable and respected wind and solar contractors in the world, installing more than 50,000 megawatts of renewable energy nationwide.
Blattner Company was chosen as a Best Places to Work finalist by the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal based on several factors: proximity, external evaluation and employee survey results. Culture is cultivated at Blattner by embodying and reflecting great values and common purpose. Each employee has a copy of the “Blattner Purpose, Basics and Values” at their desk as their reference of how they are empowered to act and which they are encouraged to uphold.
“When our people are at their best, we are at our best,” is a phrase commonly heard at Blattner. This championing of outstanding character shines through in how teams collaborate, innovate and work together for the greater good. As a company in the business of renewable energy, Blattner believes in their ability and opportunity to make the world a better place.
“Ultimately, it comes down to the people,” said Nik Maeder, Vice President of Solar. “We can’t do great things without great people, and we have bunch of great people who work for Blattner.”
This year marks the 23rd annual Best Places to Work awards for the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. It’s the Twin Cities’ longest-running awards program recognizing great workplaces. The 2021 honorees will be featured in the Business Journal’s August 13 Best Places to Work special edition, as well as online.
To read more about the Best Places to Work process and see all the companies who were nominated, visit https://bizj.us/1qal5t.
About Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal is a multi-platform media company providing in-depth coverage of local business communities and breaking news reaching more than 491,000 readers each week. Through print, digital products such as its twice-a-day emailed news digests and face-to-face events, the Business Journal offers business leaders many avenues for making connections and gives them a competitive edge locally, regionally and nationally. Visit us at mspbj.com to learn more.
Topics: Insider
About Blattner Company
Blattner Company is a diversified renewable energy contractor providing leading expertise and collaborative construction solutions nationwide. Blattner Company is the parent company of Blattner Energy and D.H. Blattner & Sons of which both are industry-leading renewable energy contractors in their respective markets throughout the United States. Building on more than a century of innovation, the Blattner Family of Companies provides complete engineering, procurement and construction services for utility-scale solar, wind, energy storage and power delivery projects with proven project management skills and self-performance of all major work activities. Learn more at BlattnerCompany.com.
Blattner Reaches 50,000 Megawatts
Avon, Minnesota — Blattner, the leading installer and contractor of utility-scale renewable energy in North America, announced that it has reached an industry milestone of 50,000 renewable energy megawatts. A pioneer in the industry, Blattner has advanced renewable energy with its innovation, collaborative approach and delivery of certainty.
Blattner Explores Strategic Options.
Leader in Renewable Energy Installation Seeks Transformational Transaction to Strengthen Position, Take Advantage of Next-Generation Opportunities and Ensure Future Success
Blattner, the market-leading installer and contractor of utility-scale renewable energy in North America, today announced that it has embarked on a process to explore strategic options. The company seeks a transformational transaction, which could take the form of a sale or merger, that will further strengthen the organization’s market leadership position, provide additional resources to take advantage of next-generation opportunities emerging in the renewable energy market and contribute to added, long-term success for employees and customers.
“Blattner is in a very strong position today, as we have been throughout our history. We seek to further that momentum,” said Scott Blattner, company president. “Our industry is on the cusp of significant evolution and this is an opportunity to accelerate our organization with additional scale and resources to continue leading and delivering certainty to our renewable energy customers.”
Founded in 1907, Blattner is the North American leader in renewable energy installations – solar, wind and energy storage. The company has:
- Created 50,000 megawatts of renewable energy;
- Installed more than 400 utility scale wind and solar systems across the United States and Canada; and
- Secured nearly 9,800 megawatts of wind, solar and storage to be built.
“As the North American renewable energy leader, we’re seeking a partner that appreciates and values our business model, culture and the success that our teams have built. Equally important, we want an organization that’s a leader in their respective market and can provide the support and resources that will allow us to continue expanding and improving with new technology and innovation,” said Blattner.
The company will be exploring a range of potential partnerships within and outside of the renewable energy industry and has engaged investment banking firm J.P. Morgan as its exclusive financial advisor.
“Blattner has long set the standard in performance of renewable energy construction, customer service and employee culture. This journey is to elevate a pathway to an even brighter future and provide opportunities for long-term success. I’m confident that we can achieve our goal,” concluded Blattner.
Safety Efforts During COVID-19.
At Blattner, we understand and share the concern surrounding COVID-19. To protect our crews and the communities that we are privileged to work and live in throughout the country, Blattner has implemented protective measures as precautionary and proactive efforts. We have a dedicated task force that is closely monitoring the fluid COVID-19 situation and we are following recommendations from the CDC, as well as state and local health authorities.
We are in daily communications with our project teams and we are collaborating with clients and vendors to continue providing the highest level of service and experience. For more than a century, the Blattner family of companies has been committed to our clients, communities and employees and in this 113th year that commitment will carry on strong.
Our top priority is the safety and health of our employees and their families, our clients and vendors. We will continue to monitor this and will take additional action as any new information arises. We wish everyone safety and good health as we navigate this unprecedented time together.
About Blattner Company
Blattner Company is a diversified renewable energy contractor providing leading expertise and collaborative construction solutions nationwide. Blattner Company is the parent company of Blattner Energy and D.H. Blattner & Sons, of which all are members of the Quanta Services family of companies and are industry-leading renewable energy contractors in their respective markets throughout the United States. Building on more than a century of innovation, the Blattner Family of Companies provides complete engineering, procurement and construction services for utility-scale solar, wind, energy storage and power delivery projects with proven project management skills and self-performance of all major work activities. Learn more at https://www.blattnercompany.com/.
Media Inquiries
Email: marketing@blattnercompany.com
About Quanta Services
Quanta Services is a leading specialized contracting services company, delivering comprehensive infrastructure solutions for the utility, communications, pipeline and energy industries. Quanta’s comprehensive services include designing, installing, repairing and maintaining energy and communications infrastructure. With operations throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and select other international markets, Quanta has the manpower, resources and expertise to safely complete projects that are local, regional, national or international in scope. For more information, visit www.quantaservices.com.
D.H. Blattner & Sons Contributes To California Food Shelf.
Photo courtesy of the Hanford Sentinel: Representatives with D.H. Blattner & Sons and Solar Frontier present checks totaling more than $10,000 to God’s Bread Box and Lemoore Christian Aid on Tuesday morning in Lemoore.
Blattner is proud to do “good work” in the communities near our job sites, including this one in sunny Lemoore, California where we were happy to contribute to the local food shelf as part of our nationwide Hunger Heroes.
Excerpt from Hanford Sentinel story:
Two local nonprofit groups received a pleasant surprise Tuesday morning in the form of a large donation.
While working on a project in Lemoore, workers with Minnesota-based renewable energy contracting company D.H. Blattner & Sons and Reno-based Solar Frontier donated more than $10,000 to split between two local food pantries.
“The old mentality is, as construction workers, we’re here today and gone tomorrow. So this is our way of giving back to the community,” said Blattner site manager Brian Cooper.
The funds were given to God’s Bread Box and Lemoore Christian Aid, two local organizations that provide food to locals who need it.
“It caught us off guard, it was a pleasant surprise,” said Lemoore Christian Aid Director Nick Francu.
The nonprofit, located at 224 N. Lemoore Ave., provides food and clothing to those who need it. Once every 45 days, individuals can claim essentials from the establishment. Founded in 1985, the nonprofit helps, on average, about 600 a month, Francu estimated.
Funded primarily through ReNewed, a thrift store on W.D St., any other source of financial assistance is much appreciated, Francu said. The non-profit relies on purchases made at ReNewed and community assistance to stay afloat.
“The reason we’re so successful, in my opinion, is because of the community and the people who donate clothing and food. I’ve had some people come in here and say, ‘I used to have to come in here when I was down on my luck and now I want to give back.’ That, to me, is a great reward,” he said.
He also credits the nonprofit’s diligent and hard-working volunteers.
God’s Bread Box distributes food on the fourth Saturday of each month at First Methodist Church, 500 E. Bush Street, Lemoore. The community outreach program was named the 2018 Organization of the Year by the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce.
“Any help is wonderful,” said chairman Valerie Phelps about the donation.
Phelps said that the organization gives out care packages to those in need, which generally consist of essentials that can create 3-4 meals.
Blattner Gifts $140K To Food Shelves
Blattner, a nationwide leading renewable energy company based in Central Minnesota announced that its employees raised nearly $140,000 for food shelves during its annual food drive.
Approximately 70 percent of the funds were raised at the corporate office and donated to seven food shelves in the Central Minnesota region as part of the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign. The remaining contributions were raised at the project sites located throughout the United States and donated to those local food shelves in 13 states.
Over the course of the two-week food drive challenge, employees donated, raised funds and participated in activities to give back and make a difference. This year, Blattner’s food drive challenge had teams vying for the honor of the winning team. Each team hosted a variety of fundraising events including a bake sale, silent auction, pizza sale, donut day, taco-in-a-bag lunch and raffles. The teams took the competition to a new level this year by adding a chili cookoff, Wii bowling tournament, bean bag tournament and even a boot hockey competition on the frozen lake at the corporate office. Many partners and vendors also contributed to the success of the food drive this year, too.
Blattner has hosted the annual February food drive since 1998. In that time, 1.4 million food and household items and more than $379,000 have been donated nationwide.
About Blattner Company
Blattner Company, an industry leading renewable energy provider, is the parent company of Blattner Energy, Inc. and D.H. Blattner & Sons, Inc. that delivers expertise and collaborative renewable energy solutions for developers and utilities throughout North America. The Blattner Family of Companies provides complete engineering, procurement, project management and construction services for wind, solar and energy storage solutions. Powering forward, Blattner builds certainty through relationships, proven project management and self-performance of major work activities, ensuring safety, quality, efficiency and customer satisfaction. For more information, visit: www.blattnercompany.com.
About Quanta Services
Quanta Services is a leading specialized contracting services company, delivering comprehensive infrastructure solutions for the utility, communications, pipeline and energy industries. Quanta’s comprehensive services include designing, installing, repairing and maintaining energy and communications infrastructure. With operations throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and select other international markets, Quanta has the manpower, resources and expertise to safely complete projects that are local, regional, national or international in scope. For more information, visit www.quantaservices.com.
D.H. Blattner & Sons has earned a reputation for superior client satisfaction by building ROCK SOLID RELATIONSHIPS™ with our clients. Contact us to learn more.