As 2015 nears to a close, M. Neils Engineering, Inc. is celebrating another milestone. December 28 of this year marks our 25th year in business, and we’re taking time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished. Though we’ve grown over the past two and a half decades, we remain true to the principles that have guided us since our inception: to design high-quality, efficient and reliable electrical and lighting systems that add value to projects in our region.

Here’s a look back at 25 years of service:

1990 – Michael Neils co-founds MacRostie Neils Engineering, Inc., a six-person mechanical and electrical consulting firm, in an office on Folsom Boulevard, following a position as principal of the multidisciplinary engineering firm C.G. MacNS.

1991 – Michael Neils helps to establish the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions, and serves as the organization’s first president. He also assists in the development of a new lighting curriculum at Cosumnes River College.

1992 – The firm moves to a new office on Business Park Drive in Carmichael. A year later, it begins operating as an electrical engineering and lighting design firm only, with five employees. A notable early project is design of the highly efficient office lighting system for the landmark SMUD Customer Service Center, which later helps the building earn LEED Platinum certification over a decade after it is constructed.

1994 – The office moves again to Fullerton Court near the California State University, Sacramento campus.

1995 – The name of the firm officially changes to M. Neils Engineering, Inc. The firm’s projects include work in the healthcare, K-12 and industrial markets.

1996 – M. Neils expands its market focus to include work at the University of California, Davis, and the Sacramento International Airport. Over the next few years, the firm develops its capabilities in design for transportation projects, including the South Line expansion for the Sacramento Regional Transit light rail system.

1999 – The firm provides consulting services for the Outdoor Lighting Baseline Assessment sponsored by the California Energy Commission, a study which lays the foundation for development of outdoor lighting energy efficiency standards in California.

2000 – With seven employees, M. Neils is now actively working in the civic, transportation, healthcare, K-12 and public safety markets. The firm provides exterior lighting design, site electrical infrastructure design, and peer review services for the new U.C. Davis Medical Center M.I.N.D. Institute.

2003 – M. Neils begins providing telecommunications infrastructure design services for the new HealthConnect system at Kaiser Sacramento Medical Center.

2004 – Michael Neils provides consulting services for the Sign Lighting Codes and Standards Enhancement effort sponsored by the California Energy Commission, which leads to development of new Title 24 energy requirements for outdoor signs. Also this year, the Woodland Police Department project earns LEED certification.

2005 – M. Neils begins design for the master fire alarm and smoke barrier replacement projects at Kaiser Sacramento Medical Center. The firm grows to 11 employees and continues to provide services for higher education projects, lighting retrofits and transit centers.

2008 – Michael Neils and Juan Jose Villatoro, in collaboration with Jim Benya of Benya Lighting Design and James Christensen of the City of Sacramento, win the Edison Award for the exterior lighting renovation of the historic Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. Additionally, in the midst of the Great Recession, M. Neils adds two more personnel and continues to expand its telecommunications infrastructure design services in the healthcare sector.

2010 – M. Neils continues its strong focus on healthcare projects, maintaining a steady flow of activity through the economic downturn.

2012 – The Yocha Dehe Facilities Building project earns LEED Platinum certification. M. Neils begins providing services for fire alarm system replacement in six buildings at Napa State Hospital, totaling 675,000 square feet. In October of this year, the firm moves to a new, larger office at University Park on Howe Avenue in Sacramento.

2014 – M. Neils continues to build its portfolio of K-12 projects as public funding for school modernizations becomes available. The firm begins work on the historic SMUD Headquarters Building site renovation, with the goal of extending the building’s functionality for another 50 years.

2015 – Construction completes on the new Kaiser Sacramento Medical Center Central Utility Plant. The firm begins providing services for solar shade structure installation at six schools in Washington Unified School District in West Sacramento.

As the construction industry continues to reinvigorate, we’re excited about the possibilities unfolding over the next few years. Looking forward, M. Neils is committed to delivering the responsive service our clients appreciate and the project performance they require. We remain invested in our Sacramento community and strive to build a great company that provides rewarding and challenging opportunities for professionals who join our team. At this significant milestone, we want to express our sincere thanks for all of our clients, partners, employees and friends who have helped us get to where we are today.