The Weitz Company Celebrates 170 Years of Excellence in Construction  - Weitz

The Weitz Company Celebrates 170 Years of Excellence in Construction 

February 7, 2025  /  Blog, Media,

Des Moines, Iowa – The Weitz Company, one of the oldest construction firms in the United States, proudly commemorates their 170th anniversary this year. Founded in 1855 by Charles H. Weitz as a modest carpentry shop in Fort Des Moines, Iowa, the company has evolved into a national leader in the construction industry, renowned for its innovation, integrity, and commitment to quality. 

Over the past 170 years, The Weitz Company has expanded expertise across a diverse range of sectors, including Commercial, Industrial, Mission Critical, Aviation, Senior Living, Student Housing, and more. This diversification has enabled the company to deliver comprehensive construction solutions tailored to the unique needs of clients nationwide. The company’s market sector expertise paired with their longstanding local presence in markets across the country, has consistently earned the company top rankings in both ENR and BD+C in recent years.  

“Reaching this 170-year milestone is a remarkable and humbling milestone in our company’s journey to building a better way. Our success is built on the foundation of our core values: Honesty & Integrity, Respect For People, Performance With Absolute Reliability, Long-Term Perspective, and Nurturing Personal Growth. These principles have guided us through nearly two centuries of economic cycles and industry transformations.” 

Kevin McClain, President & Chief Executive Officer | The Weitz Company

Throughout The Weitz Company’s history, the organization has been at the forefront of construction innovation. The company pioneered the development of precast concrete exterior wall construction and was a major producer of architectural precast concrete. During World War II, The Weitz Company contributed to the war effort by constructing ammunition plants in record time. In 2012, the company joined forces with Orascom Construction PLC, enhancing its global reach and capabilities. 

As part of the 170th-anniversary celebrations, The Weitz Company plans to take this time to spotlight key milestones in the company’s history, looking forward to a future of continued growth and innovation. These celebrations will not only reflect on past achievements but also emphasize the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional construction services and fostering strong client relationships. 

“Our longevity is a reflection of the trust our clients place in us and the dedication of our employees. As we celebrate this significant milestone, we remain focused on our mission to provide predictable, reliable, and collaborative services that exceed client expectations. We will continue to make a positive difference in the communities where we live and build, fostering a culture of problem solving for both our customers and the industry at large” 

Kevin McClain

For more information about The Weitz Company and its 170-year legacy, visit www.weitz.com

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About The Weitz Company 

Boasting 170 years of construction experience, The Weitz Company is a full-service construction company, general contractor, design builder, and construction manager that serves all 50 U.S. states. Established in 1855, Weitz is one of the oldest general contractors in the United States and an industry leader in Industrial construction, Senior Living, Student Housing, Mission Critical construction, Aviation construction, Commercial construction, Virtual Design and more. Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, The Weitz Company annually ranks in the top tier of Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine’s Top 400 Contractors and Building Design+Construction’s Giants 300 Contractors lists. You can read more about The Weitz Company at https://www.weitz.com/.