Last updated on August 14th, 2024 at 08:04 am
Charlotte, NC, also known as “The Queen City” after Queen Charlotte, is the cultural and economic center of the Metrolina, a metropolitan area encompassing parts of North and South Carolina. Manufacturers in the city exported $275M worth of products in 2020. Charlotte is also home to multinational conglomerates like Honeywell International.
Developers of manufacturing and office facilities in Charlotte can draw on a skilled pool of local industrial contractors. We’ve listed the best of these below. These firms are known for their expertise in collaborating with their clientele. Their impeccable portfolios and client recommendations provide insight into their capabilities.
Edifice
4111 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28209
Established in Charlotte in 1978, the firm has become a leader among the commercial contractors operating in the southeastern U.S.. Edifice is an experienced company with a diverse portfolio of industrial projects. This firm has built its reputation and extensive clientele through excellent project management. Led by N. Eric Laster, the company strives to consistently raise the bar and exceed the high expectations it has established. Edifice has built a reputation within its community for its philanthropic efforts to benefit charities like the Dilworth Soup Kitchen. The company also provides hands-on participation in its outreach programs. Edifice applies this same drive and compassion to collaborating with clients.
Edifice’s portfolio demonstrates the company’s exemplary work with both private and public organizations. In 2020, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) recognized the firm’s efforts in developing St. Joseph College Seminary with several coveted awards, including Excellence in Construction Project of the Year and an ABC Eagle Award. Recently, the firm was chosen to construct the sixth and final building of the Metrolina Park, a Class A distribution park. This facility will measure 641,550 square feet with 36-ft. ceilings and 180 185-ft truck courts. Edifice is currently managing the extensive project, which will bring the park to almost 2 million square feet in total. Fortunately, the firm is well-acquainted with such enormous industrial projects, as demonstrated by its portfolio. Charlotte Business Journal has ranked Edifice among the Top Area General Contractors of 2020. The company also ranks in the Top 100 of Grant Thornton’s list of Privately Owned Businesses.
Balfour Beatty
1930 Camden Rd., Suite 280, Charlotte, NC 28203
Founded in 1909, Balfour Beatty was first established in London and now operates in Charlotte, NC. The firm believes in leaving behind a legacy, with their mission being “Build to Last.” To support this mission, the company upholds the principles of building with efficiency and sustainability. It believes in utilizing cost-efficient ideas that enhance the project outcome. Balfour Beatty feels that its contributions within the community play an integral role in how people work, learn, play, and live.
The firm is led by Brian Cahill, a LEED-Accredited Professional. LEED, a rating system for green building, only accredits experts who successfully operate with sustainability. Cahill leads a team of determined and innovative experts. Cultivating an environment that inspires creativity and teamwork helps Balfour deliver impeccable results. Clients trust this contractor to provide expert quality at competitive costs while offering the best sustainable options.
The firm is among 51 other organizations that make up Team Sterling, a project team that is dedicated to advancing the sustainability movement in construction. The Sterling Natural Resource Center in Highland, CA was developed to help bring water independence to San Bernardino. By self-regulating its effluent and groundwater recharge, San Bernardino is provided with a state-of-the-art water supply that will not be affected by droughts. In 2019, The Green Apple Awards recognized the firm’s commitment to sustainability, awarding Balfour Beatty its prestigious Scotland Green Champion Award. The firm’s impressive list of clientele includes EntreVision in Charlotte. Balfour Beatty spearheaded the complete interior renovation of its 17,000-sq.-ft. facility.
Shelco LLC
2359 Perimeter Pointe Pkwy., Suite 600, Charlotte, NC 28208
In its 40 years in the industry, Shelco has been creating impressive structures for clients throughout the South. A front-runner in building sustainably, Shelco has paved the way for integrating eco-friendly technology into its more contemporary designs. Shelco stands out from others claiming “sustainability” to attract environmentally-conscious clients. The company is keen on upholding building practices with the least impact on the environment and helps its clients understand the varying factors that go into sustainable construction. As a result of integrating sustainability into the construction, Shelco’s clients can register with the U.S. Green Building Council. Shelco helps arrange all required documentation for the prestigious LEED credentials its clients desire. Led by D. Edwin Rose, the team at Shelco LLC is composed of LEED-Accredited Professionals. These experts can handle a diverse array of projects, from remodeling healthcare facilities to developing entire manufacturing plants. The team’s versatile expertise allows the firm to guide clients from a project’s start to its finish.
Shelco’s thriving business focuses on industrial construction, but the firm has experience in many other sectors. The office building shown here features an architectural precast that creates a more spacious interior. This innovation leaves enough room for a three-story parking garage. Thanks to Shelco’s integration of sustainable technology, this establishment is LEED-certified.
Matthews Construction Co., Inc.
3411 Oak Lake Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208
With annual contracts amounting to over $100,000,000, Matthews Construction Co. Inc. has established itself firmly in the industry. The company is a privately-held family business founded in 1955 by its current CEO, Bobby E. Matthews and led by Bobby and his sons, Garry and Nathan. The firm serves the Greater Charlotte area and other states in the Southeast. It offers clients expertise in all facets of concrete, steel assembly, carpentry, and plumbing. Matthews maintains an in-house team of skilled professionals who handle design and construction. The team shows a profound understanding of all aspects of project management, from design through construction, up to delivery to clients.
Matthews employs a full-time staff of 70, with staff members averaging more than 15 years with the company. Matthews holds its team accountable for delivering quality craftsmanship with the utmost integrity. Its project for Southeastern Freight Lines exemplifies the firm’s ability to showcase composite architectural designs in one structure. At a glance, one notices the building’s combination of industrial and modern architecture with post-modern detailing.
Concorde Construction Company
8809 Lenox Pointe Dr., Suite B, Charlotte, NC, 28273
Concorde Construction Company’s dedicated team of experts offers comprehensive and hands-on prowess. The team operates with a “can-do” attitude in every project. It outsources to a broad network of reliable subcontractors and proven merchants. Its premium services and transparency help clients stay within schedule and budget. President David Privitera secured the City Park development at the former Charlotte Coliseum site for the company. Concorde caters to a variety of markets and has completed projects for commercial establishments, hospitality, and healthcare.
The firm was established in 1994 and is currently responsible for more than 30% of the developments in Charlotte. It continues to be responsive to clients’ inquiries and shows care for their concerns. It is thanks to its client-focused principles that the firm has earned its formidable reputation in the community. Concorde’s most recent industrial project was completed in 2020 in collaboration with CM Steel Specialty Division. The massive facility required an enormous workforce.
The Harper Corporation – General Contractors
1310 South Tryon St., Suite 106, Charlotte, NC 28203
A tour of Greenville, South Carolina will reveal many examples of the Harper Corporation’s artistry. Serving the Carolinas for 71 years, Harper boasts an impressive list of achievements. Among its accolades are the Project of the Year award from the SC Chapter of American Public Works Association, for Harper’s impeccable work on a five-story parking garage. The firm also receives annual recognition from the Carolinas ABC and the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce for its on-site safety protocols.
The firm’s president, David Wise, has acquired nearly 30 years of experience in construction. He is the hands-on leader for the Harper team. Since joining Harper in 1991, David has built a portfolio of projects encompassing a wide swath of the industry. Harper’s portfolio includes notable clients with substantial projects. Recently, the firm managed the development of the Wilkinson Commerce Center. The structure sits on a 13-acre site and measures 172,000 square feet. This tilt-up building is located in Charlotte.
Barringer Construction
4020 Old Pineville Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217
Barringer Construction provides a personal level of commitment to its clients. This dedication is evident in the firm’s percentage of repeat clients. This contractor views its developments as a meaningful process for all parties involved. It continues to look for innovative solutions and more sustainable options. Its eco-friendly approach results in projects that team members and clients are proud of. The team at Barringer is composed of inspired and highly-qualified individuals. Its ties to the USGBC help the firm promote holistic considerations and provide sustainable methods. This dynamic has allowed the firm to complete over $450 million in LEED projects.
Within its ten years of operation, the firm has completed a large number of projects, including some of the region’s most iconic. In 2018, Business North Carolina gave the firm’s work on the Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Training Center and Warehouse an honorable mention. The business journal cited the impressive 53,234-sq.-ft. structure for its stacked-stone and brick façade, unusual for warehouse facilities.
InterCon Building Company
211 Atherton St., Charlotte, NC 28203
Established in 1990, InterCon Building Company has developed a reputation for bringing valuable management skills to its projects. InterCon has earned acclaim for its ability to carry out efficient building solutions. While executing those projects promptly, it maintains an impressive standard of quality. The firm values its clients’ input and keeps their needs at the center of its operations. It has one of the highest repeat business rates from its clientele. In 31 years, InterCon has amassed diverse expertise, including fast-track construction and optimum sustainable methods. The firm advocates for green building and is a LEED-accredited contractor.
The company’s portfolio consists of self-performed projects for commercial, industrial, and institutional establishments. InterCon has extensive experience in massive projects. The Husqvarna facility in Orangeburg, a 513,000-sq.-ft. warehouse, exemplifies InterCon’s ability to construct a modern structure with colonial finishes.
C4 Builders
121 West Trade St., Suite 2550, Charlotte, NC, 28202
C4 Builders works with clients to construct projects from preconstruction to completion. The firm was founded in 2013, and its foundation is intertwined with the legacy of renowned philanthropist John Crosland. Led by Ruben S. Torres and James F. Downs, C4 has partnered with various clients. Its portfolio features projects ranging from small interior upfits to multimillion-dollar developments. The firm is among the ranks of other prestigious developers at NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association.
The team at C4 Builders dedicates meticulous planning to each stage of construction. The company has worked with a multitude of multinational corporations, such as The Hershey Company and Accenture. C4’s collaboration with Hershey’s involved carrying out the upfit for its 3,800-sq.-ft. office space in Charlotte. The office space features sleek, contemporary designs with playful Pop Art accents.
S.C. Hondros & Associates, Inc.
3309 Washburn Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
One of the chief contractors in Charlotte for industrial, retail, and office projects, S. C. Hondros & Associates Inc. specializes in providing in-house design-build services. The firm has been implementing turnkey operations since 1970. The firm offers customized strategies as well as efficient communication. Sam N. Kleto, at the helm of operations, holds the team accountable for every project’s concept and completion. The company adheres to the philosophy of understanding a client’s needs first to develop an approach that fits the client’s budget and timeframe.
The firm recently completed a 205,200-sq.-ft. building in collaboration with Crescent Resources. The Crescent Lakemont facility includes a 46,128-sq.-ft. freezer, cooler and cool dock area; 37,292 square feet of dry storage area; and a 7,000-sq.-ft. office area. S.C. Hondros & Associates boasts an extensive portfolio of structures that measure over 100,000 square feet.
Metrolina Builders, Inc.
425 E. Hebron St., Charlotte, NC 28273
Metrolina’s design-build program brings together specialists during the conceptualization of a project. The firm remains keen on ensuring the highest quality delivery, emphasizing practicality and productivity. Its strategic merging of industry connections eliminates potential miscommunication. Metrolina prides itself on paying attention to detail to guarantee its clients that the finished product is what they envisioned. Metrolina Builders, a family-run company established 49 years ago, works with a diverse clientele. This firm has handled a broad spectrum of construction, from legal, religious, and healthcare institutes to automotive, retail, and residential projects.
Metrolina offers its clients the option of using its design-build process, which helps to deliver projects faster and within budget. Clients can also hire the firm as their general contractor for its years of industrial experience.
Vannoy Construction
4024 Barringer Dr., Charlotte, NC 28217
In 1952, Jim and Wilma Vannoy started the Vannoy Roofing company in Jefferson. The couple devoted their resources to delivering quality work and building relationships with clients. Together they cultivated what became Vannoy Construction. The company became a licensed general contractor in 1963. To this day, the firm operates with the same principles the couple built the company on. Vannoy Construction diligently serves its clients with honor, humility, hospitality, and hustle.
The Vannoys’ sons, Eddie and Mark, now lead the company’s operations. The brothers maintain the original principles and have added their own cost-effective innovations. Today the firm has an annual revenue of nearly $600 million, thanks to its consistent handling of enormous projects, such as this 1.44 million-sq.-ft. distribution center with a 60,000-sq.-ft. retail center. With groundbreaking in April 2014, the firm completed the development by November 2015.
Southside Constructors
11319-D Granite St., Charlotte, NC 28273
Southside Constructors is a general contractor based in Charlotte. The firm was founded in 1999 and offers its services across the Southeast. The firm’s approach results in quality projects delivered on time and within budget, regardless of the project’s location, size, or intricacy. In 22 years, Southside has completed more than 250 commercial projects. It provides a full spectrum of construction services. The firm works closely with clients by maintaining an open dialogue and providing hands-on guidance from start to finish.
Southside is listed on The Inc. 5000, a list of the 5000 fastest-growing companies in America. The firm has assembled a portfolio packed with unique architectural designs from various industry sectors. Among its credits is this 23,910-sq.-ft., two-story, structural steel-framed warehouse featuring metal panels and concrete precast wall panels. The structure also showcases high-end finishes.
Jenison Construction, Inc.
201 Southside Dr., Charlotte, NC 28217
A full-service general contractor operating out of Charlotte, Jenison Construction, Inc. was established in 1988. The firm’s vast array of services includes project management, design-build, new construction, up-fits, and renovations. It builds commercial, institutional, medical, industrial, and high-tech facilities. With over 33 years in business, the firm has earned an excellent reputation thanks to its track record of delivering premium quality reliably at lower cost.
Jenison boasts a team of in-house experts who uphold the firm’s standards of integrity, reliability, and quality. Under the leadership of Jenison’s president and founder, George Jenison, the firm has developed various projects, with particular expertise in Georgian, Neoclassical, and modern architecture.