It was privately owned by its senior engineers, it being felt that this would leave decision making to those that knew the industry best.

In 1949 it began an association with the United States Atomic Energy Commission working on projects relating to plutonium-based nuclear reactors.

For example, in the mid-1950s Charles T. Main was responsible for the building of a hydro-electric plant in Turkey (Sarıyar Dam) and developing a plan to unify development of the water resources of the Jordan River Valley for its surrounding countries, Jordan, Syria, and Israel.

[2] Main also provided economic and consulting services including forecasting, impact, allocation, and feasibility studies.

[3] Former Main consultant John Perkins is author of the book Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, which deals with the issues of third world debt and neo-colonialism.