Legacy

With its long history of technical innovation and excellence, Tensor Engineering is internationally recognized as the industry leader in steel bridge detailing. 

Tensor Engineering was founded in 1958 by Walter J. Gatti, visionary entrepreneur and renowned figure within the steel bridge industry. Tensor quickly became known for its groundbreaking use of advanced technologies to assist and improve shop drawing production. In 1965, Tensor became the first detailing firm to go digital when it developed the industry’s premiere software package to calculate bridge geometry. By 1972, Tensor had created the original programs to calculate inclined trapezoidal box girders. And as early as 1986, Tensor was able to integrate its proprietary software into an all-in-one CAD package making it possible for the first time to automate shop drawing production. With Walter’s passing in 2022, the baton was passed to William J. Lally, a 37-year veteran of Tensor Engineering for 37 years and had a substantial role in the company’s growth and success during that time.

Tensor’s goal has always been to produce work of unparalleled precision while also significantly reducing cost and delivery for its customers. To this end, the firm has developed its systems to be highly adaptive to individual client needs on the one hand, while offering cost-cutting solutions on the other. By striking this essential balance Tensor has been fortunate to participate in some of the most ambitious bridge projects of the last half-century. From Boston’s signature Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge to the massive San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, to name just a few, Tensor’s expertise has earned it dozens of prizes and awards including multiple National Awards from the National Steel Bridge Alliance.

Over the course of six decades, Tensor’s commitment to innovation and excellence have helped to shape the modern bridge detailing industry. But we are already focused on the next step. Today, Tensor Engineering is charting new territory in the areas of 3D wireframe, solid modeling, 3D assembly, animation, parametrics and CNC file automation, thereby spearheading innovation for many years to come.