Mike Fabrizi, left, Ken Mackenzie, center, and Walt Williams.
Southport Engineering Associates PC, an engineering company at 11 Bailey Avenue, is marking two decades in business this month.
“We’re 20 years old, with 19 of those years in Ridgefield,” said Ken Mackenzie, 60, the company’s owner and president.
The firm specializes in mechanical engineering for large buildings — plumbing systems, energy systems and fire protection.
The company does the design work and troubleshooting for the electrical and plumbing systems for large buildings, in New York City and all over the world. It has done work for the Waldorf Astoria in New York City and the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev.
It has a staff of 20, mostly engineers, with support staff like computer-assisted drafting operators.
“Our niche is being hands-on, problem-solving, troubleshooting, in addition to the standard engineering design services,” Mackenzie said.
“We are just thankful we’ve been able to survive several recessions and maintain a steady staff without having to lay anybody off. Our staff has been here a long time,” he said. “We are very thankful. A lot of stars have fallen into alignment for us to do that. We have a good, dedicated staff.”
Mackenzie founded Southport Engineering in 1996 in Southport. Ken enlisted part-time help of colleagues he knew and trusted to help tackle some large projects during that first year, including MEP services for a large Health Spa at the Drake Swiss Hotel in New York.
As the work volume grew, Ken brought in Walt Williams as the firm’s second employee and partner in 1997. Soon after this, the office was moved to its current address on Bailey Avenue in Ridgefield, where they both lived. The “Southport” name had taken hold and was recognized by that time, so it was not changed.
Mike Fabrizi became the company’s third employee and partner in 1998. Mike rounded out the team with his electrical engineering background, since Walt and Ken are mechanical engineers. With this foundation, the company’s reputation for quality work and its focus on customer satisfaction led to a rapid demand for services. The company grew steadily over the next 10 years, with a major part of its business in the hospitality and commercial office building sectors.
The staff has remained steady at about 20 employees over the last five years.
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