Kiewit Corporation
| File:Kiewit Logo.svg | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Construction, mining, engineering |
| Founded | 1884 (Kiewit Brothers) |
| Headquarters | 1550 Mike Fahey St., Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. |
Key people | Rick Lanoha (CEO) |
| Revenue | US$17.1 billion (2023) |
| Increase US$419 million (2020) | |
Number of employees | 31,100 (2023) |
| Website | www |
Kiewit Corporation is a privately owned construction firm based in Omaha, Nebraska, established in 1884. Positioned at number 243 on the Fortune 500 list in 2021, it ranks among the largest construction and engineering companies across North America. The organization operates under an employee ownership model and maintains a significant presence in its industry.
History
The company originated as Kiewit Brothers Masonry Contractors, founded by Dutch-American siblings Peter and Andrew Kiewit. Their initial work focused on masonry projects such as the seven-story Lincoln Hotel located in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Kiewit family’s background included their father John Kiewit’s brickyard in Omaha, which provided essential expertise for their ventures. Early assignments involved general contracting roles, including work on the Bekins warehouse.
Following the dissolution of their partnership in 1904, Peter Kiewit assumed sole leadership of the business. His sons, Ralph and George, joined the firm in 1912 but eventually departed; leadership transitioned to Peter Kiewit Jr. in 1924. Under his direction until 1979, the company experienced substantial growth, evolving into a global leader in construction and broadening its scope to transportation infrastructure projects during the Great Depression era.
Incorporated as Peter Kiewit Sons’ Co. in 1931, the firm’s technical capabilities and industry standing were enhanced by key figures such as chief engineer Walter Scott.
Kiewit's strategic approach centers on employee ownership combined with a diversified portfolio spanning construction, mining, and engineering fields. This strategy supports ongoing investments in major infrastructure developments, underpinning strong financial results and expanding market influence.
Notable projects
- During the 1920s, the company was responsible for several iconic Nebraska structures including the Livestock Exchange Building (1926), the former Lincoln station (1926), the Nebraska State Capitol Tower (1927), the Joslyn Art Museum (1928), and Union Station (Omaha) (1929).
- Between 1951 and 1966, Kiewit constructed Thule Air Base in Greenland for U.S. military use, which included building a runway measuring 10,000 feet.
- In 1969, the firm commenced work on the 63rd Street Tunnel, linking Manhattan and Queens as part of an extensive $2 billion expansion project for the New York City Subway and Long Island Rail Road.
- From 1980 to 1985, they completed the mile-long $750 million Fort McHenry Tunnel beneath Baltimore Harbor.
- During the 1990s, Kiewit was involved in a joint venture that delivered the $517 million T-Mobile Park stadium in Seattle—home to the Seattle Mariners—which opened in 1999.
- Kiewit Infrastructure South is actively engaged in constructing Phase II of Virginia’s extension of the Washington Metro, specifically the Silver Line, covering an 11.5-mile stretch with six new stations.
Leadership
Rick Lanoha currently serves as the CEO of Kiewit Corporation. Prior to his appointment as CEO in 2020, he held the roles of president and chief operating officer starting in 2016 and became a board member in 2009. The company’s leadership history includes its founder Peter Kiewit, along with Walter Scott Jr., Bob Wilson, Ken Stinson, and Bruce E. Grewcock. Walter Scott Jr. joined the board in 1964, assumed the presidency in 1979, and that same year took over as chairman following Peter Kiewit.
Expansions
In 1963, Peter Kiewit purchased the Omaha World-Herald to ensure it remained locally owned; according to his will, employees acquired it in 1979. Between the mid-1980s and the 1990s, Kiewit built a fiber optic network spanning the country, which was subsequently spun off into Level 3 Communications, recognized as the official successor to Peter Kiewit Sons'. Additionally, the company operates Kiewit University from its Omaha headquarters, offering training programs for employees nationwide.
Acquired companies
- TIC Holdings (The Industrial Company), located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado (Acquisition date: December 29, 2008)
- Weeks Marine, based in Cranford, New Jersey (Acquisition date: January 3, 2023)