MERRILLVILLE, IND. — F.H. Paschen, a nationally recognized leader in heavy civil construction and infrastructure, has officially opened a new office in Merrillville, Indiana, further cementing its commitment to Northwest Indiana communities.
The 5,000-square-foot facility at 708 E. 80th Place, Suite 100, Merrillville, adds to the company’s existing Indiana footprint in Lafayette, strengthening regional operations under the company’s enhanced Civil Group, which covers a service area from Lake County to South Bend and down to Tippecanoe County.
For the Merrillville office leadership, the opening represents a meaningful homecoming. Jim Reitz, a seven-year F.H. Paschen veteran and Merrillville High School alum (Class of 2005), will lead the office as Vice President. Dave Beale, Operations Manager, also hails from Merrillville (Class of 2001), bringing deep local knowledge to the team.
“Coming back to open an office in the community I grew up in is an incredible opportunity,” Reitz said. “We have the team, the know-how and a deep commitment to deliver the kind of work Indiana leaders can count on for decades to come.”
The office also features a highly skilled in-house estimating team, led by local talent including Chief Estimator Eric Wasko (Hobart High School alum) and Senior Estimator Jonathan Siminski (Hebron High School alum).
F.H. Paschen’s Civil Group specializes in self-perform work, including foundations, earth retention, bridge construction, concrete pouring and paving, flatwork, and underground utilities such as sewer, sanitary systems, and water main installation. The group’s ability to manage complex projects entirely in-house sets it apart in the civil infrastructure space.
Major projects currently underway in Indiana include:
Additionally, F.H. Paschen is nationally recognized for its Job Order Contracting (JOC) expertise, delivering fast, high-quality construction services for public agencies, further highlighting its broad portfolio of capabilities.
“Our new office in Merrillville reflects both the demand for quality infrastructure and our commitment to being a long-term partner in Northwest Indiana in building it,” said F.H. Paschen CEO Jim Blair. “Jim and Dave exemplify our mission of delivering exceptional work while staying connected to the communities we serve.”
F.H. Paschen has more than 115 years of experience, serving sectors that include transportation, water, education, aviation, healthcare, and public safety. In 2025, the company was ranked among the top 50 largest contractors in the U.S. by Engineering News-Record, including:
The Merrillville office positions F.H. Paschen to accelerate regional infrastructure projects, deliver high-quality, community-focused construction, and maintain its role as a national leader in civil engineering and construction services.
“We are excited to continue growing in Indiana and leverage local talent to deliver projects that improve lives, connect communities, and drive economic growth,” Blair added.
Originally reported by Building Indiana Business.