Bechtel Celebrates 125 Years, Releases Updated Vision Statement

Bechtel

Bechtel debuted its updated Vision, Values, and Commitments on Feb. 2, marking a significant milestone as the company celebrates its 125th anniversary.

Bechtel takes pride in the company’s megaprojects “that transformed industries, fueled economies, linked communities, protected national security, and supplied commodities critical to growth and progress,” a release said.

As the company prepares for the future, Bechtel said the refresh to its VV&Cs reflects the company’s commitment to evolve and continue meeting the needs of customers facing global challenges now and in the years to come. 

“Our VV&Cs represent the company that Bechtel is today,” said Brendan Bechtel, Chairman and CEO. “We continue to adapt and innovate to deliver a brighter future. We’re investing in our people, growing our capabilities, working with new partners, hiring next-generation talent, and we’re focused on working with our customers to develop solutions that meet the world’s most pressing needs.”  

The updated VV&Cs, created with direct input from thousands of colleagues, are meant to unite a global workforce around the vision “Extraordinary people building inspiring projects.” The vision includes five core values: we live for a challenge; do the right thing; take care of each other; succeed together; and build trust, a release said.

“Global companies operate in a world that’s never been more complex, which makes it even more critical that we’re able to state our values clearly and simply,” said Brendan Bechtel.

In a new video available on the company’s website, seven Bechtel colleagues discussed the importance of the company’s VV&Cs. 

Along with the VV&Cs, Bechtel launched a new visual identity, including a new logo—the company’s first substantive update to its logo since 1947. “Sharper, modern, and more dynamic, it reflects who the company has become. At the same time, its shape, color, and profile are familiar, honoring the company’s legacy,” Bechtel said in a release. 

In a letter released Feb. 2, Brendan Bechtel said, “No one working with my great-great-grandfather in 1898 could have possibly imagined what Bechtel would become over these past 125 years, nor can we predict the next 125 years. But this we can say with confidence: We’ve been making history for 125 years, and we’re just getting started.”

The year-long celebration began Feb. 1 with an event at which company leaders shared the VV&Cs and branding with colleagues from around the world, Bechtel said. 

The fall will see the relocation and re-opening of the historic “WaaTeeKaa” rail car at Bechtel’s Reston headquarters. Following the company’s founding in 1898, WaaTeeKaa was a traveling home for the Bechtel family, a release said. The full-size rail car replica will house an exhibit on Bechtel’s history spanning to the present.

Bechtel serves as an engineering, construction and project management partner to industry and government.