Cooper Tacia General Contracting Company is expanding its footprint in specialized construction with the acquisition of Atlantis Marine Contractors, a project management consulting firm focused on marine, environmental and civil work. The move establishes a new Civil & Marine Division and strengthens the company’s ability to take on complex infrastructure projects across the Southeast.
The division will be led by Atlantis Marine founder Luis Bellón, who brings decades of experience managing technically demanding marine and civil projects. In his new role, Bellón will oversee technical direction, project execution and client relationships as Cooper Tacia builds out its capabilities in this sector.
“Adding Atlantis Marine to our team allows us to take on projects that require specialized marine construction, from diver-led inspection and hydroelectric dam modifications to marine-based steel fabrication and environmental remediation,” says John Cooper, CEO of Cooper Tacia. “Luis has led these kinds of technically demanding projects for decades, and his leadership will strengthen how we execute work under this new division.”
The newly formed Civil & Marine Division will focus on municipal water infrastructure and marine construction, expanding Cooper Tacia’s ability to support projects that modernize and strengthen water and wastewater systems. This includes plant modifications, expansions and new construction, along with related civil utility work.
Beyond inland infrastructure, the division will also support coastal and waterfront initiatives such as seawalls, piers, channel dredging, beach restoration and marina construction—positioning the company to serve a broader range of public and private sector clients.
“Cooper Tacia has always been focused on solving complex construction challenges for its clients,” says Luis Bellón, founder of Atlantis Marine Contractors and now Civil & Marine Division Manager at Cooper Tacia. “Atlantis Marine brings that same problem-solving approach to marine and water-based infrastructure. Together, we’re expanding Cooper Tacia’s ability to deliver specialized solutions for projects that require both marine expertise and full-service construction capabilities.”
The division is already underway with its first major assignment: the Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery in the Pisgah National Forest. The $48 million project will modernize one of North Carolina’s largest trout production facilities, improving operational efficiency and water quality while supporting the state’s long-term trout stocking program.
With the addition of Atlantis Marine and the launch of its Civil & Marine Division, Cooper Tacia is positioning itself to meet growing demand for resilient water and coastal infrastructure—bringing expanded expertise to projects where land and water intersect.
