F.H. Paschen, a nationally recognized leader in heavy civil construction and infrastructure, has opened a new office in Merrillville. The new 5,000 square foot facility, located at 708 E. 80th Place, Suite 100, Merrillville, IN 46410 expands the company’s local presence in the State of Indiana and reaffirms its commitment to serving local NWI communities.
The Merrillville office now adds to the company’s existing presence in Lafayette, Indiana, and strengthens its regional operations as part of their newly enhanced Civil Group. The focus area for F.H. Paschen Civil Group in Indiana stretches from Lake County in Northwest Indiana across to South Bend and down to Tippecanoe County and Lafayette.
The office opening serves as a special homecoming for the office leadership, as F.H. Paschen’s Merrillville office will be led by Jim Reitz, a seven-year F.H. Paschen veteran and proud native of Merrillville. Reitz graduated from Merrillville High School in 2005 and brings deep knowledge of the area and its infrastructure needs. Joining him is Operations Manager Dave Beale, another Merrillville native and Merrillville High School Class of 2001.
“Coming back to open an office in the community I grew up in is an incredible opportunity,” said Jim Reitz, Vice President and Merrillville Office Lead. “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.”
Additionally, the new FHP Merrillville office features a best-in-class in-house estimating team that is also led by NWI Natives: Chief Estimator Eric Wasko, a Hobart High School Alum and Senior Estimator Jonathan Siminski, a Hebron High School Alum.
F.H. Paschen’s Civil Group in Indiana is unique in that it specializes in self-perform work including foundations, earth retention, bridge construction, concrete pouring and paving, flat work (such as sidewalks and curbs), and underground utilities like sewer, sanitary systems, and water main installation.
As a site civil contractor and bridge builder, the group brings a comprehensive approach to civil infrastructure with the ability to manage complex projects in-house.
Major projects currently being led by F.H. Paschen in Indiana include a multi-year reconstruction of a portion of US-35 in LaPorte, Indiana, scheduled for completion in 2026 and the complete demolition and reconstruction of Ripley Street over 80/94 in Lake Station, Indiana.
In addition to its civil capabilities, F.H. Paschen is recognized as a national leader in Job Order Contracting (JOC), delivering fast, high-quality construction services for public agencies. More about their JOC capabilities can be found at https://www.fhpaschen.com/premier-joc-contractor/.
F.H. Paschen is a national General Contractor, Construction Manager and Design-Builder with over 115 years of experience and a legacy for delivering complex projects across transportation, water, education, aviation, healthcare, and public safety sectors.
For 2025, F.H. Paschen was recently ranked in the top 50 largest contractors in America by Engineering News-Record (ENR) across key categories including:
“Our new office in Merriville 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.”
