Top 10 demolition contractors 2020

Demolition & Recycling International magazine has published its annual list of the world’s 100 largest demolition contractors.

Ranked according to their 2019 annual turnovers, the 2020 d&ri100 shows that most of the companies have remained steady over the past 12 months. Overall, there has been a US$7 million year-on-year increase in the global turnover of all the companies on the list, which this year amounts to a staggering US$6.4 billion.

While the full impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is still to come - and will likely have a significant effect on the d&ri100 2021 rankings - here is how the top 10 has shaped up for 2020…

Top 10 demolition contractors 2020

10. AF Gruppen

Based in Oslo, Norway, AF Gruppen has long been a leader in the demolition industry and has once again held its number ten position on the d&ri100, after declaring a 2019 turnover of $132.4 million. In addition to making the top ten on the d&ri100, this year also saw the company appoint a new Group CEO. Amund Tøftum, formerly AF Gruppen’s executive vice president, took up the position in August 2020.

9. Freimuth Abbruch und Recycling 

Established in 1965 as a one-man company, German firm Freimuth Abbruch und Recycling has become one of the largest demolition companies in Europe. With projects ranging from residential to industrial and military, the company now has an estimated 2019 turnover of $145 million. The company entered the top 10 at number eight just last year after jumping three places up the ranking, but has now slipped to number nine thanks to a $3.5 million drop in its turnover when compared with its 2018 estimate of $148.5 million.

8. Penhall

The first American company on the 2020 d&ri100 top 10, Penhall is one of the United States’ big four demolition companies. With an estimated 2019 turnover of $150 million from projects in the maritime, nuclear and industrial sectors, the company takes eighth place on this year’s ranking - down one spot on the 2019 d&ri100.  

7. McGee Group

Rising two places, United Kingdom-based company McGee Group achieved a 2019 turnover of $153.9 million. The company, which was established more than 60 years ago, has completed notable demolition works on a number of London’s most historic landmarks. Its current list of active projects includes the city’s Euston Station, Claridge’s Hotel and Admiralty Arch.

6. DH Griffin Wrecking Co

Last year’s number five, US-based firm DH Griffin Wrecking has slipped into sixth position on the top 10 with a 2019 turnover of $155 million - down almost $15 million on the previous year. Established in 1959, DH Griffin has grown steadily over the decades and its services now range from demolition and wrecking to disaster restoration and infrastructure.

5. Hagedorn Unternehmensgruppe

A new entry in the top 10 with a 2019 turnover of $167 million, Hagedorn was previously in 13th place on the d&ri100. In the year since declaring its 2018 financial results, the company has increased its turnover by almost a third, with projects including the demolishing of the Knepper Power Statoin near Dortmund and the dismantling of the US military barracks in Frankfurt. 

4. Erith Contractors

A non-mover at number four, Erith’s turnover has risen by over $60 million since last year’s d&ri100 was published. The company’s 2019 turnover was an impressive $268 million and is thanks in part to collaborative projects such as the demolition of the turbine hall at Hinkley Point A nuclear station in UK.

3. Brandenburg Industrial Service Co

Headquartered in Chicago with offices across the US, Brandenburg holds steady at number three. In 2019 the company reported a turnover of $271 million, up $50 million on the previous year. Recent notable projects undertaken by the firm include the deconstruction of a drill rig and support system, located 400 km (250 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. 

2. Keltbray

The largest demolition contractor in Europe, Keltbray holds the number two spot for another year with an estimated 2019 turnover of $360 million. Based in the United Kingom, the firm has completed over 2,000 projects since its founding in 1976. It’s most notable projects include London Bridge Station, Crossrail Anglia, Barking Power Station and Earls Court.

1. North Star

Increasing its 2018 revenue by around $80 million, North Star retains its number one spot in the d&ri100 ranking with a 2019 turnover of $573 million. Headquartered in the state of New York, the company operates across the USA and has carried out demolition works in numerous sectors including nuclear, industrial, government and environmental. In 2020 North Star completed the acquisition of Heneghan Wrecking & Excavating Co. and the company’s joint venture firm Accelerated Decommissioning Partners was successfully appointed the licensed operator of the Crystal River Nuclear Plant in Florida, in order to carry out dismantling works.

To view the entire d&ri100 ranking and a detailed analysis, download Demolition & Recycling International’s June-July 2020 edition.