Barnhart still growing after 50 years

Barnhart Crane and Rigging Co is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It is still a family concern: having been launched by Dick and Nancy Barnhart in 1969 as Barnhart Construction Company and is now headed-up by their son, CEO Alan Barnhart.

Alan Barnhart recalls his father taking himself and his brother Eric to Pennsylvania as teenagers to inspect a crane the company was purchasing. By the time the brothers were in their mid-20s, they had taken on significant responsibilities in running the company – both men remain intimately involved with day-to-day operations.

Today, Barnhart has 53 branches located throughout the United States employing more than 1500 people. Its stated mission is “… to be the best heavy lift and heavy transport company,” and, as the company has earned 37 Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association “Job of the Year” awards – more than any other company, Barnhart could be said to be well on its way to achieving that mission. Additionally, the company has grown exponentially since its early days, through both organic expansion and acquisitions. Barnhart has made 22 acquisitions since 1991, including three in the last few months.