Process Engineering
Hixson develops manufacturing processes, mass and energy balances, PFDs, equipment layouts, P&IDs, utility requirements, specifications, and commissioning support for complex food, beverage, pharma, biotech, and GMP projects.
Hixson delivers GMP process engineering for regulated manufacturing environments where performance, compliance, cleanability, and speed-to-market all matter. From process flow diagrams and utility requirements to automation integration, HAZOP reviews, FAT/SAT support, and startup, our integrated teams help food, beverage, pharma, biotech, and nutraceutical clients move complex projects from definition to dependable operation.

Integrated engineering support for compliant, efficient, and scalable GMP manufacturing operations.
Hixson develops manufacturing processes, mass and energy balances, PFDs, equipment layouts, P&IDs, utility requirements, specifications, and commissioning support for complex food, beverage, pharma, biotech, and GMP projects.
Multidisciplinary teams design cGMP spaces for oral solid dose, biologics, vaccines, clean utilities, controlled environments, HVAC pressurization, compliant finishes, and documentation supporting validation activities.
Hixson supports sterile fill/finish, aseptic vialing, prefilled syringes, ophthalmics, RABS, isolators, ISO Class 5 critical zones, environmental monitoring, and FDA, Annex 1, and PIC/S alignment.
Clean-in-Place and sanitation engineering includes CIP skid sizing, chemical storage, hot water and steam integration, sanitary spray devices, drain design, controls integration, and validation documentation.
Controls teams define URS and FDS requirements, design networks and panels, program PLCs and HMIs, integrate batching, thermal, CIP, packaging, and utility systems, and support FAT/SAT.
Process safety support includes HAZOP, PHA, LOPA, What-If/Checklist reviews, OSHA PSM program development, EPA RMP support, and integration with P&ID and process engineering deliverables.

Hixson begins by aligning stakeholders around production goals, regulatory expectations, capacity needs, product characteristics, utility demands, and project constraints. This early definition helps create a practical business case and a clear technical foundation.
Hixson supports leading manufacturers with complex regulated facility and process engineering projects.
Hixson brings integrated engineering depth to complex GMP manufacturing challenges.
Twenty in-house technical disciplines coordinate architecture, engineering, controls, utilities, and process design.
Founded in 1948, Hixson brings decades of specialized manufacturing and regulated facility experience.
Teams specialize in Food & Beverage, Science & Technology, Pharma & Biotech, Laboratory, and Workplace.
Hixson builds strategic partnerships designed to function as an extension of each client’s team.
Experienced leaders supporting complex GMP process projects.

Manager, Plumbing Systems & Fire Protection Engineering
John oversees the department responsible for the design and engineering of plumbing systems and fire protection engineering for a variety of project types, including new construction, building utility upgrades, utility capacity analyses, and process line additions. John and his team work with a range of systems, including domestic water, process water, hot water production, direct contact water heaters, high pressure/rinse water, compressed air, natural gas, sanitary drainage, process drainage, central sanitation systems, fire pumps, and fire sprinkler systems.

Manager, Controls & Automation Engineering
As the Manager of Hixson's Controls & Automation department, Craig guides the team responsible for designing, implementing, and commissioning advanced control systems and automation solutions. His responsibilities include overseeing the development of automation strategies that streamline manufacturing processes, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure seamless integration of new and existing systems.

Manager, Process Engineering
Warren leads the team providing processing design services, process optimization studies, and process commissioning and FAT, SAT, and IQ activities. He advises on waste, energy, and GHG emissions reductions, and conducts safety and dust evaluations, including PSM/HAZOP. His expertise spans all food and beverage sectors including fluid, dried and cultured dairy products, processed meat, flavors, and prepared foods. Warren is also on the IDFA Food Safety Committee and actively participates in the 3A, SSI steering committee, and work groups.

Manager, Civil Engineering
In his role as Manager of Civil Engineering, Steve leads the team responsible for the planning, design, and engineering of roads, stormwater hydraulics and modeling, and onsite utilities. On project work, Steve is responsible for civil site project design, specifications, technical design, and project coordination with the client, government regulatory bodies, outside consultants, and contractors. As a senior staff member with our firm, Steve also serves as a mentor to newer associates.

Vice President & Director, Project Management Services
Chris, a Hixson officer and member of the Board of Directors, oversees Hixson’s Project Management, Cost Estimating, and Construction Administration departments. Chris also serves in a project management role, leading teams consisting of representatives from the client, Hixson, contractors, and vendors to effective project completion. Chris assumes overall responsibility for development of project delivery strategies, coordination of all Hixson disciplines, and facilitating effective communication and management to focus resources on delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget.

Manager, Mechanical Engineering
Dave brings more than three decades of experience to his role as the Manager of Hixson’s Mechanical Engineering Department. His work has included the design and project management of new facilities, as well as modification of existing facilities for high technology and food processing industries. At a corporate level, Dave is a member of Hixson’s Dairy and Beverage Industry team, which works to continuously improve the value Hixson offers to the dairy industry through development of our knowledge base, services and capabilities.

Manager, Electrical Engineering
Kyle serves as the Manager of Hixson’s Electrical Engineering department. In this role, he oversees the team responsible for the creation and delivery of electrical designs. This includes the design of high, medium, and low voltage power distribution, lighting, telecommunications, and fire alarm systems. Kyle brings more than 15 years of experience in electrical consulting and design to his role. Areas in which Kyle specializes include electrically hazardous area classification, high- and medium-voltage power distribution, protective relaying, arc flash studies, harmonics analysis, cogeneration design, emergency systems design, and complex laboratory designs.

Senior Vice President, and Director, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
Scott, an officer of the firm, leads the teams responsible for mechanical and electrical project tasks and design, specifications, technical content, consultation during equipment selection and installation and systems start-up assistance. In addition, Scott also serves as the Quality Assurance Manager, overseeing the firm’s commitment to quality. Over Scott’s more than three decades of experience, he has worked on greenfield, brownfield, and renovation projects for food & beverage plants in all sectors, labs, pharma & biotech facilities, and workplace projects.

Manager, Manufacturing Engineering
In his role as Manager of Hixson’s Manufacturing Engineering department, Scott leads the team responsible for project consulting and coordination between client, vendor, and internal disciplines within Hixson for overall manufacturing processes, functionality, equipment, and layouts. These team members develop process flow diagrams, equipment lists, and preliminary utility requirements, as well as develop equipment layouts that range from high level master planning to detailed construction documents. In addition to this role, Scott is a member of Hixson’s Meat Industry advisory team, focusing on technologies related to the meat and plant protein industry.

Director of Architecture
Derek is the Director of Hixson’s Architecture department. In this role, Derek leads the teams who design projects for our Food & Beverage, Pharma & Biotech, Laboratory, and Workplace clients. Previously, Derek served as the Manager of Hixson’s Process Layout department, where he directed the team that plays a critical coordination role in the overall development of process models and the 3D equipment model management process. Prior to these management roles, Derek, who began his career with Hixson in 2008, served as a Project Architect.
GMP engineering applies process, facility, utility, automation, safety, and documentation practices to regulated manufacturing environments. For Hixson, that can include process flow diagrams, equipment layouts, P&IDs, clean utility coordination, sanitary or hygienic design, controls integration, HAZOP support, FAT/SAT, commissioning, and documentation that supports validation and compliant operation.
Talk with Hixson’s process engineering team about your facility needs.
Hixson supports regulated manufacturing and facility projects for clients throughout North America.
North America
Service Area
75+ Years
Experience
20 In-House
Disciplines
Ask whether Hixson can support your location and scope.
Certified workplace supporting long-term technical talent.
Ranked No. 178 by Interior Design magazine.
Recognized in core architecture and engineering sectors.
Share your project goals, facility type, production requirements, and compliance priorities. Hixson’s team will help identify the right next steps for planning, design, engineering, and execution.
For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at +1 513-241-1230. You can also send us a quick email at info@hixson-inc.com.
For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at +1 513-241-1230. You can also send us a quick email at info@hixson-inc.com.