Engineering Scope

Electrical Engineering

LV/MV power distribution, substation, and arc-flash studies for Columbus's diversified manufacturing base, from food and beverage processing along the I-70/I-71 corridor to automotive and consumer-goods plants. PE-stamped designs sized for the higher loads of expanding production lines and added process equipment.

Controls & Automation Engineering

PLC programming and integration, HMI and SCADA, ISA-88 batch control, and UL508A/NEC control panel design, with deep Allen-Bradley/Rockwell experience. We also handle IT/OT network design so high-volume Columbus production and packaging lines run reliably and stay connected to plant systems. For new or expanded lines, we can assemble and install UL 508A panels and configure segmented plant networks under full-scope delivery, a fixed-fee package, or T&M with project management.

Process Engineering

Process design, P&IDs, and mechanical/utilities engineering for food, beverage, and chemical processors across central Ohio, backed by GAMP5 validation for regulated work and on-site startup, commissioning, and operator training. We close the loop from process intent through a running line.

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Plant and Facility Work near Columbus, OH

Pharmaceutical Food & Beverage Biotech Chemical Processing Consumer Products Pet Food

Local and Project Context near Columbus, OH

Ohio PE Licensing
LAPORTE employs Professional Engineers licensed in Ohio, meeting all state board requirements for engineering design and construction administration.
Central Ohio Manufacturing Corridor
Columbus and surrounding central Ohio host a significant concentration of pharmaceutical, food processing, and advanced manufacturing facilities along the I-270 corridor.
Columbus Office
LAPORTE operates from a Columbus, OH office, providing local engineering support with reduced mobilization time.
Multi-State Capability
LAPORTE is licensed in 21 US states including Ohio, enabling coordinated project execution across state lines.
25+ Years Regulated Industries
LAPORTE has provided E&A engineering to regulated manufacturers for over 25 years.

Engineering Leadership

Photo of Nate Kocher, P.E.
Nate Kocher, P.E.
Partner, Director of Electrical and Automation Engineering
LAPORTE • West Chester, PA

Engineering and management consultant with 15+ years of work in control systems, power distribution and systems integration for food, beverage and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

  • P.E. Licensed in 21 States
  • Penn State, B.S. Electrical Engineering
  • West Chester University, MBA
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Photo of Keith Morgart, P.E.
Keith Morgart, P.E.
Electrical and Automation Engineer
LAPORTE • Greater Pittsburgh, PA

Electrical power and controls engineer whose work includes power distribution, motor controls and code compliance for industrial and commercial facilities.

  • P.E. Licensed Professional Engineer
  • University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, B.S. Electrical Engineering
  • NEC, NFPA and IEEE standards
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Representative Project Work

pet food • multidiscipline
Project need: A pet food manufacturer required engineering design for a new 370,000 sq ft greenfield production facility ($315M total constructed cost).
LAPORTE scope: LAPORTE provided preliminary and detailed engineering for MEP, automation, instrumentation, and process. Scope included 45 HVAC units, ammonia refrigeration with micro-charging, air compressors, boilers, 40 MBTU cooling tower, chiller skids (2,300 TR), and wastewater treatment. Services included procurement, construction administration, startup, and commissioning with a team of 35.
Outcome: The greenfield facility was designed and constructed as a fully integrated production plant.
food & beverage • automation
Project need: A nutrition company required engineering for a greenfield whey protein plant ($800M total constructed cost) including receiving, heat treatment, filtration, and drying systems.
LAPORTE scope: LAPORTE provided project management, preliminary and detailed engineering design for process and automation, design of automation architecture (50+ control panels, networks, operator stations, control room), procurement support, and commissioning (IQ/OQ/PQ). Scope included HTST heat treatment, disc stack centrifuges, membrane filtration (UF/NF/RO), crystallization, evaporation, spray drying, and CIP.
Outcome: The greenfield whey protein plant was designed and commissioned.
pharmaceutical • multidiscipline
Project need: A national research organization required a new Biologics Manufacturing Centre with biological containment level CL2 for vaccine candidate production (5,000 m², $126M total constructed cost).
LAPORTE scope: LAPORTE provided engineering and construction supervision for the new facility including two cell culture suites (500L and 2,000L), purification by chromatography, vial filling, secondary packaging, warehouse, offices, mechanical/electrical rooms, and QC laboratory. The facility was designed in accordance with GMP requirements.
Outcome: The Biologics Manufacturing Centre was completed and designed for vaccine production.

Client Comments

Project Questions

Does LAPORTE have engineers licensed in Ohio?
Yes. LAPORTE employs Professional Engineers licensed by the Ohio State Board. Our team can stamp drawings and provide full engineering services throughout Ohio.
What industries does LAPORTE serve in Columbus?
Pharmaceutical, food and beverage, biotech, chemical, consumer products, and pet food manufacturers across central Ohio.
How quickly can LAPORTE respond to Columbus projects?
LAPORTE has a Columbus office with local staff. We can begin preliminary work within one to two weeks.
Does LAPORTE perform construction?
LAPORTE is an engineering consulting firm. We produce engineering deliverables and provide construction administration, commissioning, and startup support.
Can LAPORTE support FDA-regulated projects in Ohio?
Yes. We have extensive experience with cGMP compliance, GAMP5 validation, and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.

Engineering support in nearby areas

Engineering support for Columbus, OH

Serving Columbus, OH from West Chester, PA
Suite 200, 158 West Gay Street
West Chester, PA 19382
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