Industrial construction projects are challenging and complex during both the design and construction phases thanks to the variables that come with specific programs and the numerous details those variables generate. We’ve showcased eight of Birmingham, Alabama’s best—the contractors behind some of the city’s most noteworthy industrial spaces. Our editorial team selected these firms for their excellent client lists, extensive backgrounds in the sector, and their experience. Several of these companies have unique specialties and are also the recipient of countless industry accolades.
Brasfield & Gorrie
3021 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233
Brasfield & Gorrie extends its services throughout Birmingham. The firm provides its clients an extensive range of commercial general contracting services. It takes pride in being among the country’s largest privately held firms and employs a comprehensive design-build approach. Doing so allows the firm to keep the entire project in-house, lessening the challenge for clients in terms of having to look for additional subcontractors and professionals. The company’s portfolio showcases an excellent array of spaces completed for the healthcare, commercial, institutional, federal, municipal, industrial, and infrastructure markets.
Located in Alabaster, the project above is an excellent example of the firm’s talent and expertise. This facility was completed for Hibbett and serves as its wholesale and logistics center. The project sits on 56 acres of land and spans over 410,000 square feet. Inside, the project scope includes site development, parking, and trailer spaces; a new conventional structural steel frame/load-bearing tilt-up concrete building, site lighting, paving, and landscaping.
BL Harbert International
820 Shades Creek Parkway, Suite 3000, Birmingham, AL 35209
BL Harbert International specializes in design-build, construction management, and general contracting services and has worked on both national and international projects. The firm caters to a diverse range of clients and prides itself on the stellar reputation it has created for itself across the United States. The company is also a leader in the sustainable construction scene, assuring clients of the high efficiency and responsiveness of its work. The firm makes over $1 billion in revenue annually and employs over 8,000 professionals worldwide. Aside from its industrial spaces, its portfolio also includes several aerospace, commercial, educational, residential, and hospitality projects.
The project above is one of the firm’s best. It was completed in collaboration with the professionals over at Gray Construction. It entailed having to work on the construction of a new 1.7-million square-foot body shop and an expansion of an SUV assembly shop.
Hoar Construction
2 Metroplex Drive, Suite 400, Birmingham, AL 35209
Hoar Construction operates out of several offices in Georgia, Texas, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, Florida, and Washington, D.C. The firm draws inspiration from over eight decades of industry experience and is composed of a talented and experienced team of professionals. The company is the proud recipient of countless distinctions. It was most recently named by Associated Builders and Contractors as its Top Performer for 2021. It also received the 2020 Safety Management Diamond Award from STEP. The company’s work has also been featured in a variety of publications like the Houston Business Journal. Showcased below is one of the firm’s best works.
Buffalo Rock Birmingham is a $75 million expansion for Birmingham-based soft drink distributor Buffalo Rock Company that includes the renovation of an 895,000-square-foot warehouse and a 120,000-square-foot office building. Located off Industrial Drive in Birmingham, the updated warehouse features state-of-the-art technology, enabling Buffalo Rock to double its current production capacity.
Doster Construction
2100 International Park Drive, Birmingham, AL 35243
With over five decades of industry experience, Doster Construction extends its work throughout some of the most impressive commercial districts of Birmingham. It caters to the commercial, educational, healthcare, hospitality, industrial, multifamily, and senior living market sectors; it can take on work regardless of scale or complexity. Doster was recently named one of Birmingham’s largest family-owned businesses, and it has completed over 42,000 projects since its inception. The company is composed of over 250 employees and has completed spaces in over 33 states. Showcased below is one of the company’s best projects.
Located in Shorter, this was completed for the Hanon Systems Plant. It was designed and constructed in collaboration with the professionals at KPS Group and DesignForm. The project was completed 15 days ahead of schedule and entailed having to work on a tilt-wall concrete building with a metal roof and included a connecting breezeway to the existing manufacturing building.
Dunn Building Company
3901 Messer Airport Highway, Birmingham, AL 35222
Founded in 1878, Dunn Building Company is a leading design-build firm well-known for its outstanding commercial services. It is a trailblazer in both the national and international industrial markets and has worked on some of the best projects spread across Alabama and the Southeast. The company is perhaps the oldest firm on this list and it has had the opportunity to work with countless household brands, including FedEx Ground, Mercedes Benz, Honda, and Hyundai. The project below is a great example of the firm’s talent and expertise.
Located in Mobile, this facility was designed and constructed for Jaguar Transportation and includes a new supply warehouse for the University of South Alabama. The project includes a maintenance area for shuttle buses, office space areas, training-conference rooms, a kitchenette, a 6,115 SF mezzanine, and a 2,973 SF detached structural canopy. In the warehouse, there are office space areas, warehouse storage-stockroom areas, a break room, a computer center, secure files, and storage areas.
Rives Construction
5200 Grantswood Road, Irondale, AL 35210
Rives Construction is a full-service commercial construction firm that operates out of its office in Irondale but extends its services throughout Birmingham. It has been in business since 1930 and offers its clients a complete and comprehensive range of services. Its portfolio depicts an excellent gallery of commercial, financial, automotive, health care, industrial, and corporate aviation spaces. The firm commits itself to the highest standards, including the latest policies set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The firm is the recipient of countless distinctions from the ABC. The project below is a great example of the firm’s talent and expertise.
Designed and completed for the Nelson Brothers, this space spans over 20,070-square-feet. Located in Parrish, this new facility entailed having to work on all-new offices and interiors. It was completed with the professionals at Poole & Company Architects, LLC and Engineering, Environmental & Forestry Services Co., PC.
Prier Construction
5200 Cahaba River Road, Birmingham, AL 35243
Headquartered in the heart of Birmingham, Prier Construction offers its clients a complete and comprehensive range of general contracting services. It specializes in healthcare, industrial, office, and retail projects. The firm’s team assists its clients throughout the entire process, from start to finish. Some of its most impressive clients include Milo’s, St. Vincent’s, the United States Marshalls, and TuttiFrutti.
In terms of style and architectural themes, its portfolio depicts an excellent gallery of modern and contemporary spaces. At the firm’s helm is its president and namesake, Chris Prier. He holds a degree in commerce and business administration from the University of Alabama and makes sure that each of the company’s projects receives the benefit of his expertise.
Cooper Construction
5004 5th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35212
Founded in 1991, Cooper Construction is the product of the vision of its owner and namesake, Jim Cooper. He graduated from Auburn University in 1981 with a degree in civil engineering. Under his leadership, the company has had the opportunity to provide work to the entirety of the United States. The firm specializes in warehouse, distribution centre, industrial, multi-family, mixed-use, and commercial projects. It operates out of two offices in Birmingham and Dallas. Showcased below is one of the firm’s best.
Located in Moody, this project was completed for Gardner Denver Nash. The structure itself spans over 52,047 square feet. The firm’s team worked with the architects at DesignForm.
