World’s Top 10 Demolition Companies

Demolition companies rode out the Covid-19 pandemic storm rather well, and by the 2021 d&ri100 Index indication, turnover from the top 100 demolition contractors grew 6.3 percent to $6.8 billion in 2020 from $6.4 billion in 2019.

Here’s how the top 10 demolition companies performed in 2020:

1. North Star | New York, USA

Growing its 2020 turnover to $621 million from $573 million the previous year, North Star retained its top slot in the list of the world’s top demolition companies.

The company headquartered in New York operates across the United States and has undertaken work in many sectors including industrial, environmental, and nuclear.

In 2020, North Star acquired Heneghan Wrecking & Excavating Co. and the firm’s joint venture firm Accelerated Decommissioning Partners was named the licensed operator of the Crystal River Nuclear Plant in Florida to carry out dismantling works.

2. Keltbray | Esher, UK

Based in the United Kingdom, Keltbray also retained its second position in the global list of top 10 demolition companies after growing its 2020 turnover to $450 million, up from $360 million in 2019.

Keltbray remains the largest demolition company in Europe and has completed more than 2,000 projects since its founding in 1976, among them Crossrail Anglia, London Bridge Station, and Baring Power Station.

3. Erith Contractors | Erith, UK

In the third position, Erith Contractors grew its turnover to $297 million in 2020, up from $268 million the previous year.

In the 2020 ranking, it was reported that its impressive 2019 turnover was significantly boosted by collaborative projects such as the demolition of the turbine hall at Hinkley Point A nuclear station in the UK.

4. Brandenburg | Chicago, USA

Based in Chicago, Brandenburg Industrial Service Co. grew its 2020 turnover to $253 million, up from $271 million in 2019.

The company has recently undertaken high-profile projects such as the deconstruction of a drill rig and support system situated 400km north of the Arctic Circle.

5. Hagedorn | Gütersloh, Germany

Hagedorn Unternehmensgruppe made its entry into the list of top 10 demolition companies in 2019 after recording a turnover of $167 million.

Hagedorn grew its turnover to $218 million – rising to position five. The company has recently undertaken some major projects including the dismantling of US military barracks in Frankfurt and the demolition of the Knepper Power Station near Dortmund.

RELATED: World’s Top 10 Heavy Equipment Manufacturers

6. Penhall | Anaheim, USA

One of America’s big four demolition companies, Penhall Company rose two spots on the 2021 d&ri100 Index after posting a turnover of $207 million, up from $150 million in 2019.

Penhall Company, which is based in Anaheim, USA, has undertaken numerous projects in the nuclear, maritime, and industrial sectors. The company also performs specialty contracting services such as asphalt cutting and concrete breaking.

7. Beelen Sloopwerken | Harderwijk, Netherlands

Beelen Sloopwerken BV is the leading demolition company in the Netherlands, offering a range of specialized services including wrecking and demolition services.

The company, which was founded in 2005 in Harderwijk, Netherlands, reported a turnover of $190 million in 2020, a significant increase from $120 million in 2019.

8. Freimuth Abbruch | Bülkau, Germany

Founded in 1965 as a one-man company, Freimuth Abbruch Und Recycling has grown to become one of the largest demolition companies in Europe.

Freimuth Abbruch reported a turnover of $178 million in 2020, up from $145 million the previous year – with projects ranging from military to residential and industrial.

9. Dh Griffin Wrecking Co | Greensboro, USA

Dh Griffin Wrecking Co. braved the Covid-19 challenges to grow its turnover to $170 million in 2020, up from $155 million in 2019.

The company which was founded in 1959 offers a wide range of services, from wrecking to disaster restoration to infrastructure.

10. Af Gruppen | Oslo, Norway

Closing the 2021 index of the top 10 demolition companies is Af Gruppen, which recorded a turnover of $150 million in 2020, up from $132 million in 2019.

Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, the company specializes in the demolition of all types of structures, from abandoned plants and buildings to bridges and quays.

Join 15,000+ pros getting our weekly digest of news and insights.