A crew member smiling happily on a jobsite
Our Story

The Meaning of Michels

Michels is a proud, family owned and operated company, both factually and philosophically. We are guided by core values and committed to principles developed by the Michels family since 1959. We believe in providing solutions and continuously improving the quality and scope of our work. We care about our people, customers, and communities where we live and work.

We move ahead with passion and drive to separate ourselves from our competitors. With each passing year, we pursue new and more ways to build and maintain the world’s infrastructure. We tackle the largest projects and have the experience, structure, stability, and grit to deliver safe, reliable results. Building the way to a better future? We Do That … & More.

Mission & Vision

Vision

To exceed our customers’ expectations by continually setting the global standard for quality, safety, and environmental stewardship in utility and infrastructure construction.

Mission

To be the foremost provider of innovative construction solutions and value for our clients in their mission to serve the growing utility and infrastructure requirements of their customers around the world.

Core Values

Safety hard Hat Icon

Safety

Safety is the cornerstone of our culture.

A globe depicting Earth

Environment

We are committed to preserving and improving the environments where we live and work.

Hands shaking

Integrity

Our actions are characterized by integrity, trust and respect.

History

Black and white headshot of Dale Michels holding a communication device

And so it began …

In the late 1950s, pipeline welder Dale Michels had the vision to start his own business. He reached out to his brother-in-law, Ted Koenigs, and Ted’s business partner, Jim Michel. Michels Pipeline Construction Inc. was established in 1959.

Guided by Dale’s entrepreneurial spirit, Michels overcame considerable obstacles in its infancy by focusing on future opportunities. Inspired by founders Dale and Ruth, their sons lead a company where innovation is an expectation, not an exception.

Metal Wisconsin state outline with established 1959 written in the middle.
Dale Michels stands outside in the Brownsville Yard on a cold winter day.

A story of dedication

Soon after Michels was established, a sideboom fell onto Dale Michels, crushing his hip. With Dale in the hospital and the company’s future in peril, most crew members planned to leave. But Jerry (known as “Employee Number 1”), stepped up, convinced them to stay, and ran day-to-day operations in the field. By night, Jerry visited Dale in the hospital, discussing strategy for the next day. The pattern continued for a year as Dale recovered.

Dedication

Branching out

Diversification has been our goal since the beginning. Some of Michels Pipeline Construction’s first projects included installing telephone conduit in Waterloo, WI, and 16 miles of 6-inch steel gas mains from Wausau to Marathon, WI.

1970

In the 1970s, Michels expanded underground utility construction services by adding sewer, water, and tunneling operations.

1989

Continuing to diversify, Michels purchased crushing companies R.M. Hinze in the 1970s, 4X Corporation in 1989, and more than 100 pits and quarries throughout Wisconsin.