The Wooten Company

Even as engineers contribute to expanding and evolving North Carolina’s economy, we’re often reminded not only of the state’s rich agricultural roots, but of the sector’s enduring influence in shaping the future. That heritage and future are in sharp focus with Randolph County’s new $37 million agricultural center, now ready to host an array of activities from Cooperative Extension programs and training workshops to career fairs and community celebrations. “This is a big deal for Randolph County,” said N.C. Rep. David Craven of the 104-acre complex east of Asheboro. Agriculture remains the county’s leading industry, generating $236 million in annual product sales alone. Wooten contributed site development on the front end as well as construction administration services to see the project through to completion. We appreciate our partners at HH Architecture having us on the team to cultivate this community asset that will serve generations to come. Asheboro Courier-Tribune: https://bit.ly/48de6WT

With the assistance and guidance of Raleigh Stormwater – and perfect fall weather – a group of eight Wooten volunteers went out to a section of Walnut Creek just outside of downtown, near the greenway. The gameplan: split into two groups, branch out, and meet back in the middle. "Given our long history of water management and treatment, it's rewarding to get out and get our hands dirty to help take care of this precious resource," said Thomas Madre, who leads Wooten's Community Involvement Committee. "Also, building internal relationships and friendships across departments helps us grow and improve as a team." The high traffic location lent itself to a large haul of trash. Aside from the bicycle and satellite dish, the group hauled at least a dozen large trash bags full out of the one mile section. #Engineering #Community #Sustainability

Where do data racks come from? Once fully upfit, many will originate at the McKinley Server Manufacturing facility in Whitsett. Lenovo experts will meticulously assemble and test the components in a clean manufacturing space to create the finished product that their customers count on. As part of the team, Wooten is providing the mechanical, electrical & plumbing design, as well as site improvements and implementation-phase services. The location – just off I-40 and equidistant between Greensboro and Burlington – is optimal for getting the ingredients in and ready-to-ship inventory out. Redline Design Group Bobbitt Construction Taylor Wiseman & Taylor

By itself, a drop of water may have little impact. Multiplied, over time, water transforms the landscape. It is the same concept – that many volunteers coming together can make a massive difference – that has propelled Engineers Without Borders USA (EWB-USA) to improve the lives of more than 5.2 million people around the world. As a firm with a long history of public infrastructure projects, The Wooten Company shares EWB-USA’s vision of ensuring access to clean water. And, thanks to an aspiring engineer’s experience volunteering with Engineers Without Borders - NC State University Chapter, Wooten leadership saw fit to contribute $1,000 to support a sanitation project currently underway in Guatemala. In her four years at NC State – when Emma Hester, E.I. wasn’t hitting the books – she was often giving her time to the school’s EWB-USA team. Their cohort helped deliver a rainwater harvesting system that now supplies rural Guatemalan families with enough water for drinking and cooking year-round. “It was a one-of-a-kind experience, something I’ll never forget,” Hester explains, now in her first year with Wooten. “Knowing that our combined efforts will have a lasting effect is what drives me, what motivates so many engineers, to go into this field.” As CEO of EWB-USA, one of Boris Martin's areas of focus is establishing meaningful partnerships that ultimately help communities develop vital infrastructure such as schools and healthcare facilities. “Our work here in the U.S. and around the world is fueled by support from companies that are aligned with our values and expertise," Martin says. "Contributions like Wooten’s at the local level help our volunteers get these meaningful projects across the finish line.” The Wooten Company was founded in 1936 by State College alumnus L.E. Wooten, Sr. The firm helped advance rural electrification efforts and implement the requirements of the 1972 Clean Water Act. He was posthumously inducted into the NC State College of Engineering Hall of Fame in October 2023. “I know Mr. Wooten would be pleased to see his life’s work continue here in our communities as well as those served by EWB-USA around the globe,” says Gary Hartong, PE, FACEC, Wooten President. “It all comes back to applying what we know so that communities have what they need to be healthy and thrive.”

We appreciate the ongoing partnership with the City of Newton – more than 100 projects in 17 years – and much more to come! Thanks for the shout-out, Brandon Holland.

Continuing a tasty tradition at Wooten: our Greenville office's fall client reception, on beautiful Friday afternoon – and our company's 89th birthday, no less. Folks are gathered here at Uptown Brewery at the corner of 5th & Evans. Over the summer, our team moved into new digs just upstairs. If you find yourself in Downtown Greenville during the week, be sure to stop by sometime.

In 1936 – the same year civil engineers established a new standard with completion of the Hoover Dam – another enduring institution was established. L.E. Wooten, born on a farm in Eastern North Carolina, founded our firm on October 3, 1936. We are fortunate to be able to say that it too has stood the test of time. Wooten studied his craft at what was then known as State College in Raleigh. It is fitting that his most high-profile contribution was to his alma mater in the design and construction administration of Carter-Finley Stadium, where the unmistakable roar of college football fans has been heard on Saturdays since 1966. As we mark the anniversary of our founding, we thank local leaders for their continued partnership. From improving water systems and outdoor amenities to powering energy-efficient schools and data centers, we carry forward L.E. Wooten’s tradition of designing the future for generations to come.

A special day in Apex, with Mayor Jacques Gilbert and others on hand to celebrate Wake County Public School System’s largest-ever place of learning: Felton Grove High School. Our Building Systems Division — led by Scott Ennis, PE — is proud to have been part of RATIO Design's team to bring this project to life. Even more than big, it’s design maximizes efficiencies to minimize environmental impacts and costs alike to serve students, their families, and the community for generations to come. The school site, situated north of Holly Springs, is named for the historic community of Feltonville, located just two miles west.

We are excited to be back again this year at the ECU College of Engineering and Technology career fair! Be sure to stop by our booth to speak with Will Larsen and myself about opportunities at The Wooten Company

To address challenges facing many water and wastewater utilities across North Carolina, the UNC Environmental Finance Center is launching a fall series of live sessions online to provide new staff and board members with practical, accessible training on utility management, helping maintain stability and informed decision-making during transitions. Each Monday, a one-hour virtual session will introduce core responsibilities of management: budgets, audits, rate setting, asset management, communication, workforce development, procurement, and partnerships. Guest experts will bring real-world insight, helping connect theory and practice. Later in the week, an office hours session provides space for follow-up discussion, clarifications, and questions. The series is free to attend. You can drop in for the topics that are most relevant to you. Participants who attend will receive the slides to refer back to later. https://unc.live/46sITy1 #Community #Infrastructure #Sustainability