Canadian engineering and architecture firm EXP is joining the list of companies relocating their headquarters to Chicago, according to an announcement from Mayor Rahm Emanuel's office.

EXP's move from the Toronto suburbs is expected to create 150 new jobs in Chicago, according to the mayor's office. The company plans to fill those positions with local talent and recruit from Chicago-area universities. The jobs include civil engineers and architects, among other technical positions.

The new employees will join 230 people who already work at EXP's office in the Loop, according to the mayor's office. That space will undergo a $5 million renovation, scheduled to start in April.

Representatives from EXP did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

EXP is following a recent trend of companies moving their headquarters into Chicago from the suburbs and elsewhere.

Jim Beam whiskey maker Beam Suntory opened its Merchandise Mart headquarters in December, moving about half of its 500 employees from Deerfield, and McDonald's is building a new headquarters in the West Town neighborhood. Meanwhile, Peoria-based Caterpillar announced last month that it's moving its headquarters to the Chicago area, though it hasn't said whether it will end up in the city or the suburbs.

EXP employs about 3,000 people in 110 offices around the world, according to the announcement. Local projects have included the 35th Street pedestrian bridge and work on CTA stations and at O'Hare International Airport.

amarotti@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @AllyMarotti

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