New Meat Snack Production Plant Regional Distribution Center Addition New Pet Food Production Plant, Corporate Office, QC Lab Food Ingredient Production Facility Zein Extraction Process Plant Ag Machinery Manufacturing Client Experience Pet Food Plant Extruder Addition Food Production Facility, Unloading Containment System New Warehouse and Manufacturing Plant Developing Long-Term Industrial Clients: Build, Serve, Repeat. New Meat Snack Production Plant Regional Distribution Center Addition New Pet Food Production Plant, Corporate Office, QC Lab Food Ingredient Production Facility Zein Extraction Process Plant Ag Machinery Manufacturing Client Experience Pet Food Plant Extruder Addition Food Production Facility, Unloading Containment System New Warehouse and Manufacturing Plant Developing Long-Term Industrial Clients: Build, Serve, Repeat.

Industrial Construction Where You Need It

Industrial Know-How

Food ingredient plant warehouse expansion.

 

Expertise Where It Matters

For decades, we’ve helped clients in manufacturing, processing, and utility industries bring complex facilities to life—safely, efficiently, and to spec.

  • Production and Process Facilities
  • Millwright and Equipment Installation
  • Employee Welfare and Office Spaces
  • Packaging and Warehouse Facilities
  • Testing and Quality Control Labs
  • Power, Utilities, and Wastewater Systems
  • Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMB)

You bring the operational goals. We bring the know-how to make your facility a success.

Building Trust

Floor slab pour at industrial site.

 

You Deserve a Builder You Can Rely On

We don’t just build facilities—we build long-term relationships based on trust, responsiveness, and a commitment to doing the right thing.

  • Consistent Project Leadership
  • Genuine Investment in Your Success
  • Direct Access to Company Leadership
  • Clear Communication from Start to Finish
  • A Focus on Safety and Accountability

You don’t have to micromanage us. We show up ready to listen and lead—so you can stay focused on your operation.

Delivering Value

Grain storage expansion project.

 

Focused on Outcomes, Driven by Results

Your goal is a finished facility that performs on day one and delivers for years to come. Our job is making that happen—on time and on budget.

  • Detail-Oriented Planning
  • Best-Value Solutions, Not Shortcuts
  • Accurate Budgets and Reliable Schedules
  • Construction Managed So You Don’t Have To
  • Stable Project Teams from Day One

We do the heavy lifting behind the scenes—so your facility can get to work, faster.

Project Portfolio

Explore Related Facility Types

Explore Our Construction Services

Not sure which service or facility type matches your project? We can help you figure it out.
Jamie Stanley, VP of Operations, Cedar Falls

Talk to Jamie about your Industrial Project

Planning a new facility? Updating an existing one? Jamie Stanley leads our work for industrial and technical clients and is ready to help.

Call 319-754-8415 or contact us online to start the conversation.

Value-Added Industrial Services from Carl A. Nelson & Company

These services extend the value of your project by supporting planning, operations, and long-term plant success.

Design Services

Nelson Design, Inc. provides in-house design, code review, and BIM coordination—so you get faster approvals, better communication, and full-service design from day one.

Plant Maintenance

Nelson Plant Services keeps your operation running with ongoing maintenance and small-project support—long after construction wraps up.

Millwright Work

Our team performs millwright work including equipment setting, line expansions, and conveyance system installs—on large projects or small upgrades.

Referred client becomes repeat customer

At the time this testimonial video was recorded, Carl A. Nelson & Company was wrapping up its first-ever project with Western Smokehouse Partners -- a year-long sprint from referral and first-contact to operational meat snack production plant, built inside a former steam turbine testing and manufacturing facility in Burlington, Iowa.

Since then, this design-build client has contracted us to complete a similar, but much larger (300,000 SF, compared to the first project's 116,000 SF) food-grade conversion of a warehouse building in Mexico, Missouri; expansion of its existing plant in Galesburg, Illinois; food-grade conversion a former home appliance-manufacturing plant in Galesburg; and continued projects at the Burlington facility including a freezer addition.

“It was in that first meeting with Carl A. Nelson that we realized right away this was the right contractor for us. Their team saw the vision."

— Doug Hankes, chief operating officer, Western Smokehouse Partners, Burlington, Iowa

More from Carl A. Nelson & Company industrial clients

"There was never a need to watch over the work being done. I could be assured the work was always moving forward in a safe and diligent manner. Knowing that their people work safely with minimal supervision gives me a level of comfort that things are done the right way."

— Chris Sutton, engineering group manager, Ajinomoto North America, Eddyville, Iowa


"We continue to utilize Carl A. Nelson & Company because of their customer service, responsiveness and attention to detail. We know that Carl A. Nelson & Company is a company we can trust to deliver a project in a professional, high quality and safe way, while actively communicating progress from beginning to end."

— Bryan Langerud, plant manager, Conagra Brands, Fort Madison, Iowa

Proven Expertise and Comprehensive Industrial Solutions

Licensed and Self-Performing Across the Midwest, USA

We’re licensed to work in 22 states and specialize in construction, expansion, and refitting of manufacturing plants, food production facilities, and seed or grain operations. As a self-performing contractor, we handle concrete, steel, carpentry, and millwright work directly.

Built for Complex Industrial Challenges

We coordinate site logistics, manage heavy equipment, meet regulatory standards, and minimize operational impact. Our team also provides on-site maintenance and startup support.

Long-Term Success Through Trusted Relationships

Our industrial clients bring us back because we consistently deliver results—and because we take the time to understand what success looks like for them.

Flexible Delivery to Match Your Needs

Whether as a design-builder, construction manager, or general contractor, Carl A. Nelson & Company ensures seamless coordination, value-focused delivery, and high-quality outcomes.

Specialized Support That Keeps You Moving

We provide bridge crane erection and millwright services to support production upgrades, equipment relocation, and growth over time—whether as part of a large build or a standalone assignment.