Kiewit Corporation - Industry Leader in Construction, Engineering & Mining

Founded: 1884
Founder: Peter Kiewit, Andrew Kiewit
Headquarters: 12720 I Street Omaha, NE 68137 USA
Phone: 402-324-2052
Number of employees: 22,000
Website: www.kiewit.com

Overview

Kiewit Corporation is a leading construction, engineering, and mining services company with an extensive history dating back to 1884. Founded by Peter Kiewit, and Andrew Kiewit, the company started as a small masonry contracting firm in Omaha, Nebraska. Over the years, Kiewit has grown into a Fortune 500 organization, operating across North America and Australia, with a diverse portfolio of projects, including transportation, power, water, and building construction.

Company History

In its early years, Kiewit primarily focused on small-scale construction projects. However, the company began to expand in the 20th century, building bridges, highways, and other infrastructure projects. Peter Kiewit’s son, also named Peter, took the helm in 1931, and under his leadership, the company continued to grow.

In the 1940s, Kiewit participated in the construction of the Garrison Dam in North Dakota, one of the largest earthen dams in the United States. This project marked the beginning of the company’s involvement in large-scale engineering and construction works. In the following decades, Kiewit expanded its operations to include mining services, as well as oil and gas pipeline construction.

Kiewit’s growth continued throughout the 20th century, as it participated in various major projects across North America. Some notable examples include the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in Virginia, and the Fort McHenry Tunnel in Maryland.

Services

Kiewit Corporation offers a wide range of services in the construction, engineering, and mining industries. These services include:

Transportation: Kiewit has vast experience in constructing highways, bridges, railroads, and aviation infrastructure. The company has completed many major transportation projects, such as the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the reconstruction of the I-15 corridor in Utah.

Power: Kiewit has extensive expertise in the power sector, including power generation, transmission, and distribution. The company has worked on various types of power plants, including coal, gas, nuclear, and renewable energy facilities.

Water: Kiewit’s water-related projects include dams, reservoirs, water treatment plants, and pipeline infrastructure. The company has constructed some of the largest dams in North America, such as the Hoover Dam Bypass and the Folsom Dam Auxiliary Spillway.

Building: Kiewit has experience in commercial, industrial, and institutional building construction. The company has completed various high-profile building projects, including sports stadiums, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions.

Mining: Kiewit’s mining services include contract mining, mine development, and mine reclamation. The company has worked on projects across various commodities, such as coal, gold, and copper.

Oil, Gas & Chemical: Kiewit provides engineering, procurement, and construction services to the oil, gas, and chemical industries. The company has experience in upstream, midstream, and downstream projects, including refineries, processing plants, and pipelines.

Projects

Here are some of the most significant and high-profile completed projects by Kiewit, based on facts and records:

Garrison Dam, North Dakota (1953): Kiewit played a crucial role in the construction of the Garrison Dam, one of the largest earthen dams in the United States. The dam generates hydroelectric power and provides flood control for the Missouri River.

Grand Coulee Dam, Washington (1974): Kiewit was involved in the construction of the third power plant at the Grand Coulee Dam, which is the largest hydropower producer in the United States.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Virginia (1964): Kiewit participated in the construction of the original Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, a 23-mile-long structure that combines bridges and tunnels to provide a direct link between southeastern Virginia and the Delmarva Peninsula.

Fort McHenry Tunnel, Maryland (1985): Kiewit was part of the team responsible for constructing the Fort McHenry Tunnel, an eight-lane, immersed-tube tunnel that carries Interstate 95 beneath the Baltimore Harbor.

Hoover Dam Bypass, Nevada-Arizona (2010): Kiewit led the construction of the Hoover Dam Bypass, a 1,900-foot-long bridge that spans the Colorado River and provides an alternate route to the original road crossing the top of the Hoover Dam.

San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, California (2013): Kiewit was involved in the construction of the eastern span replacement of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, a project that included the world’s longest self-anchored suspension bridge.

I-15 CORE, Utah (2012): Kiewit led a joint venture that reconstructed a 24-mile stretch of the I-15 corridor in Utah, completing the project two years ahead of schedule and $260 million under budget.

Folsom Dam Auxiliary Spillway, California (2017): Kiewit constructed the Folsom Dam Auxiliary Spillway, a project designed to increase flood protection for the Sacramento region by allowing for the safe release of water during major storm events.

Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project, California (2020): Kiewit, as part of a joint venture, was responsible for the design and construction of the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project, which included 8.5 miles of light rail, eight new stations, and several additional infrastructure improvements.

Gulf Coast Express Pipeline, Texas (2019): Kiewit participated in the construction of the Gulf Coast Express Pipeline, a 448-mile-long natural gas pipeline that transports gas from the Permian Basin to the Texas Gulf Coast.

Tappan Zee Bridge (Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge), New York (2018): Kiewit was part of a consortium that designed and constructed the new Tappan Zee Bridge, a 3.1-mile-long twin-span cable-stayed bridge that replaced the original bridge over the Hudson River.

Olmsted Locks and Dam, Illinois-Kentucky (2018): Kiewit was involved in the construction of the Olmsted Locks and Dam, a critical infrastructure project that replaced two aging locks and dams on the Ohio River to improve navigation and reduce transportation costs.

Seattle’s State Route 99 Tunnel, Washington (2019): Kiewit was part of the team responsible for constructing the State Route 99 Tunnel, a two-mile-long bored tunnel that replaced the Alaskan Way Viaduct, improving traffic flow and safety in downtown Seattle.

Spadina Subway Extension, Toronto, Canada (2017): Kiewit was part of a joint venture that constructed the Spadina Subway Extension, a 5.3-mile-long extension of the Toronto Transit Commission’s Line 1 subway, featuring six new stations.

Gold Line Foothill Extension, California (2016): Kiewit led the design and construction of the Gold Line Foothill Extension, an 11.5-mile light rail extension from Pasadena to Azusa, featuring six new stations and improving public transit connectivity in the Los Angeles region.

Keystone XL Pipeline, Alberta, Canada, and the United States (partially completed): Kiewit was involved in the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline, a 1,210-mile-long pipeline intended to transport crude oil from Alberta, Canada, to Steele City, Nebraska. Although the project was suspended in 2021, Kiewit played a significant role in the portions that were completed.

CityCenter, Las Vegas, Nevada (2009): Kiewit was part of the team responsible for constructing the CityCenter, a massive mixed-use development in Las Vegas that includes hotels, casinos, residential buildings, and retail spaces.

Gorgon LNG Jetty and Marine Structures, Western Australia (2015): Kiewit completed the construction of a 1.3-mile-long jetty and marine structures for the Gorgon LNG Project, one of the world’s largest natural gas projects.

Los Vaqueros Dam Raise, California (2012): Kiewit led the construction of the Los Vaqueros Dam Raise, increasing the dam’s height by 34 feet to expand its water storage capacity and provide greater water supply reliability to the region.

Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System, Louisiana (2011): Kiewit played a critical role in constructing the Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, working on numerous projects to reinforce and improve the levee system around New Orleans.

These projects represent a small fraction of Kiewit Corporation’s vast portfolio of completed projects across various sectors, including transportation, power, water, building, mining, and oil, gas, and chemical construction. Kiewit’s involvement in these high-profile projects showcases the company’s commitment to quality, safety, and innovation.

Growth and Expansion

Kiewit Corporation’s growth and expansion over the years can be traced through a series of strategic decisions, investments, and participation in landmark projects. Here are some key milestones and factors that have contributed to the company’s growth:

Early Expansion (1920s-1930s): Under the leadership of Peter Kiewit, the company expanded beyond masonry projects and began building bridges, highways, and other infrastructure projects, paving the way for future growth.

Large-Scale Engineering and Construction (1940s): Kiewit participated in the construction of the Garrison Dam in North Dakota, marking its entry into large-scale engineering and construction works. This project helped establish the company as a major player in the industry.

Diversification (1950s-1960s): Kiewit expanded its operations into mining services, as well as oil and gas pipeline construction, further diversifying its portfolio and opening new markets.

Geographic Expansion (1960s-1970s): Kiewit extended its reach beyond the United States, entering the Canadian market and subsequently expanding to other regions, such as Australia. This geographic expansion allowed the company to tap into new opportunities and grow its client base.

Investments in Technology (1980s-Present): Kiewit has consistently invested in technology to improve its project execution, enhance safety, and reduce costs. These investments have enabled the company to remain competitive and maintain its reputation for quality and innovation.

Focus on Employee Development (Ongoing): Kiewit places a strong emphasis on employee training and development, ensuring that its workforce has the necessary skills and expertise to meet the evolving needs of the industry. This focus on human capital has been a key factor in the company’s success and growth.

Strategic Partnerships and Joint Ventures (Ongoing): Kiewit has formed strategic partnerships and joint ventures with other leading construction and engineering firms, enabling it to take on larger and more complex projects. These collaborations have allowed the company to leverage the combined resources and expertise of multiple organizations, driving growth and expansion.

Reputation for Safety and Quality (Ongoing): Kiewit has consistently maintained high standards of safety and quality in its projects, earning the company a solid reputation within the industry. This reputation has helped attract new clients and win high-profile projects, fueling the company’s growth.

Diverse Portfolio of Projects (Ongoing): Kiewit’s involvement in a wide range of projects across various sectors, such as transportation, power, water, building, mining, and oil, gas, and chemical construction, has provided the company with a stable and diverse revenue stream, supporting its growth and expansion over the years.

These milestones and factors showcase Kiewit Corporation’s journey of growth and expansion since its inception in 1884. The company’s commitment to quality, safety, and innovation, combined with its strategic decisions and investments, has driven its success and positioned it as a leading player in the construction, engineering, and mining sectors.

Partnerships

Kiewit Corporation has a history of forming strategic partnerships to expand its capabilities and deliver exceptional projects. The company has collaborated with various local, national, and international organizations, including public agencies, private companies, and research institutions. Some examples of Kiewit’s partnerships include collaborations with the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and several universities.

Kiewit has also formed joint ventures with other leading construction and engineering firms to tackle large-scale, complex projects. These joint ventures allow Kiewit to leverage the combined expertise and resources of multiple companies, ensuring optimal project execution and client satisfaction.

Awards and Recognition

Kiewit Corporation has received numerous awards and recognition for its commitment to quality, safety, and innovation. Some of the most notable accolades include:

Engineering News-Record (ENR): Kiewit consistently ranks among the top construction and engineering firms in ENR’s annual rankings. The company has been recognized as a top contractor in various categories, including transportation, power, water, and mining.

Associated General Contractors of America (AGC): Kiewit has been honored with several AGC Awards for outstanding project achievements, safety performance, and environmental excellence.

Construction Users Roundtable (CURT): Kiewit has received multiple CURT awards for excellence in owner-contractor collaboration, project execution, and safety performance.

Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA): The company has been recognized for its design-build project delivery expertise, earning several DBIA awards for projects across various sectors.

National Safety Council (NSC): Kiewit has been acknowledged for its commitment to safety, receiving multiple NSC awards for its exceptional safety performance and safety management systems.

Sustainability and Green Building Practices

Kiewit Corporation is committed to sustainability and green building practices, as evidenced by its involvement in various sustainable projects, its adoption of environmentally-friendly construction methods, and its participation in industry initiatives promoting sustainability. Here are some facts and records demonstrating the company’s dedication to sustainable practices:

Sustainable Projects: Kiewit has participated in numerous sustainable projects, including renewable energy projects such as wind farms, solar power plants, and hydroelectric facilities. These projects contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the transition to cleaner energy sources.

LEED-Certified Buildings: Kiewit has constructed several buildings that have achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. LEED is a globally recognized green building certification system that evaluates a building’s environmental performance and sustainable design. By constructing LEED-certified buildings, Kiewit demonstrates its commitment to green building practices and sustainable development.

Environmental Management System: Kiewit has implemented an Environmental Management System (EMS) that focuses on reducing the environmental impact of its projects. The EMS is designed to help the company identify, monitor, and manage environmental risks and comply with applicable regulations. This system demonstrates Kiewit’s dedication to protecting the environment and minimizing the ecological footprint of its operations.

Training and Education: Kiewit provides training and education to its employees on sustainability and green building practices. This training equips the company’s workforce with the necessary knowledge and skills to implement sustainable construction methods and make informed decisions that promote environmental stewardship.

Industry Collaboration: Kiewit actively participates in industry initiatives and associations that promote sustainability and green building practices. By engaging with these organizations, Kiewit contributes to the development of best practices and standards in sustainable construction and demonstrates its commitment to industry-wide environmental responsibility.

Sustainable Construction Methods: Kiewit employs various sustainable construction methods, such as using recycled and locally-sourced materials, reducing construction waste, and implementing energy-efficient practices. These methods help minimize the environmental impact of the company’s projects and contribute to the overall sustainability of the built environment.

Kiewit Corporation is dedicated to sustainability and green building practices. The company’s involvement in sustainable projects, its adoption of environmentally-friendly construction methods, and its commitment to employee training and industry collaboration demonstrate its ongoing efforts to minimize its environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Values and Culture

Kiewit Corporation is well-known for its strong company values and culture, which have played a significant role in its success and growth over the years. Here are some key aspects of the company’s values and culture:

People First: Kiewit places a strong emphasis on its people, recognizing that its employees are the backbone of the company’s success. The company invests in training and development programs to ensure that its workforce has the necessary skills and expertise to excel in their roles. Additionally, Kiewit fosters a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and respect, which has helped create a positive and supportive work environment.

Safety: Safety is a core value at Kiewit, and the company is committed to providing a safe work environment for its employees, subcontractors, and clients. Kiewit has implemented comprehensive safety policies and procedures, and it continuously invests in safety training and equipment to minimize risks and prevent accidents.

Quality: Kiewit is committed to delivering high-quality projects that meet or exceed client expectations. The company’s focus on quality is evident in its track record of successful projects and its reputation as a leader in the construction, engineering, and mining industries.

Integrity: Kiewit believes in conducting business ethically and with integrity. The company has established a code of conduct that outlines its commitment to ethical business practices and provides guidance to employees on how to make responsible decisions. This focus on integrity helps build trust with clients, partners, and the communities in which Kiewit operates.

Innovation: Kiewit values innovation and embraces new technologies and methods to improve project execution, enhance safety, and reduce costs. The company encourages its employees to think creatively and find innovative solutions to challenges, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability.

Commitment to Clients: Kiewit is dedicated to building long-term relationships with its clients by consistently delivering exceptional results and providing outstanding service. The company works collaboratively with clients to understand their needs and develop customized solutions that meet their objectives.

Community Engagement: Kiewit recognizes its responsibility to give back to the communities in which it operates. The company actively supports local community initiatives, charities, and educational programs through financial contributions, in-kind donations, and volunteer efforts.

These values and cultural aspects have helped shape Kiewit Corporation into the successful and respected organization it is today. By placing a strong emphasis on people, safety, quality, integrity, innovation, client commitment, and community engagement, Kiewit has created a work environment that fosters employee satisfaction, loyalty, and exceptional performance, ultimately contributing to the company’s ongoing success and growth.

Community Involvement

Kiewit Corporation is actively involved in the communities where it operates, demonstrating a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility. Here are some examples of the company’s community involvement:

Kiewit Foundation: The Kiewit Foundation is a charitable organization established by the company to support various causes, including education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development. The foundation provides financial grants to nonprofit organizations that align with its mission and values, helping to improve the quality of life in the communities where Kiewit operates.

Employee Volunteerism: Kiewit encourages its employees to engage in volunteer activities and support local community initiatives. The company offers various volunteer opportunities, such as mentoring students, participating in community clean-up events, and supporting local nonprofit organizations. This culture of volunteerism enables Kiewit employees to make a positive impact on the communities in which they live and work.

Community Partnerships: Kiewit partners with local community organizations to address specific needs and challenges in the areas where it operates. These partnerships may involve collaborating on projects, providing financial or in-kind support, or sharing expertise and resources to help address community issues.

Disaster Relief Efforts: Kiewit has a history of supporting communities affected by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. The company has provided assistance in various forms, including financial contributions, equipment and resources, and employee volunteer efforts to help with recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Educational Programs and Scholarships: Kiewit supports education in the communities where it operates by providing scholarships, internships, and co-op opportunities for students pursuing careers in engineering, construction, and related fields. The company also partners with schools and educational institutions to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education and encourage young people to explore careers in these fields.

Sponsorships and Donations: Kiewit sponsors and donates to various community events, programs, and organizations, such as local sports teams, arts and cultural events, and nonprofit fundraisers. These sponsorships and donations help support the vitality and well-being of the communities where Kiewit employees live and work.

Kiewit Corporation is committed to community involvement and actively engages in various initiatives to support the well-being of the communities where it operates. Through its charitable foundation, employee volunteerism, community partnerships, disaster relief efforts, educational programs, and sponsorships and donations, Kiewit demonstrates its dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of the people in the communities it serves.

In conclusion, Kiewit Corporation has a long and successful history in the construction, engineering, and mining sectors. With a diverse portfolio of projects, the company offers a wide range of services, including transportation, power, water, building, mining, and oil, gas, and chemical construction. As a privately-held company, Kiewit has focused on long-term growth and stability, forming strategic partnerships and investing in its employees and technology. The company’s commitment to quality, safety, and innovation has earned it numerous awards and recognition, solidifying its status as a leader in the industry.

Disclaimer: Please note that the names and positions of employees mentioned may be subject to change, as individuals may move to different roles or organizations. While we make every effort to keep our information accurate and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee that all employee details are current or complete. We encourage you to verify the identity and positions of any individual mentioned and check their Linkedin Profile before taking any action based on their role.