Top 10 demolition contractors 2019

Published in the May-June issue of Demolition & Recycling International magazine, the d&ri100 is the most comprehensive listing of demolition contactors by turnover available.

In 2019, demolition and recylcling companies around the world saw a combined turnover of US$6.4 billion - over US$1 billion higher than in 2015. And with the nuclear and oil and gas well decommissioning services markets expected to grow over the next few years, more opportunities in the demolition and recycling industry seem likely to become available. 

But how did demolition companies fare individually over the past year? Here is our…

Top 10 demolition Contractors 2019

10. AF Gruppen

Based in Oslo, Norway, AF Gruppen has long been a leader in the demolition industry with high profile demolitions including the Bjølvo Power Station and North Sea platforms Ekofisk Cat III and Murchison. This year saw it hold its place at number 10 on the d&ri100, with a turnover of $136.1 million in 2018. 

9. McGee Group

A non-mover in ninth place, McGee Group’s turnover saw an improvement on its $140.6 million in 2017 and brought in $143.7 million in 2018. The United Kingdom-based company has a history stretching back more than 60 years and has undertaken demolition works at some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including Southbank Place and the Tate Britain.

8. Freimuth Abbruch und Recycling

A new entry in the d&ri100 top ten. Demolition and recycling company Freimuth Abbruch und Recycling has demolished almost everything from office tower blocks to power plants. The German company’s turnover rose from an estimated $137.4 million in 2017 to $148.5 million in 2018 and saw it climb three places on the d&ri100.

7. Penhall

A familiar name to many when it comes to US demolition, Penhall’s demolition and recycling experience spans numerous sectors and project types, from maritime and nuclear to industrial and commercial.Penhall slips one place to number 7 with an estimated 2018 turnover of $150 million.

6. Beelen Sloopwerken

Based in the Netherlands and with a 2018 turnover of $167.3 million Beelen Sloopwerken has risen one place on the d&ri100 and is one of the fastest growing recycling companies in the Netherlands.

5. DH Griffin Wrecking Co

With a 2018 turnover of $170.9 million, DH Griffin Wrecking retains its top five spot on the d&ri100. The American company, which provides explosive and structural demolition services and recycling and reclamation across a range of sectors, has been operating for more than 60 years.

4. Erith Contractors

UK demolition contractors Erith slipped down a spot on this year’s list after its turnover fell to $207 million in 2018. The company has carried out numerous types of demolition and recycling projects including London’s One Hyde Park and Nine Elms, and the Cruiserath Transformation project in Dublin, Ireland.

3. Brandenburg Industrial Services

Moving up the list from fourth to third, Bradenburg Industrial Service Co had a turnover of $220 million in 2018, up $12 million from 2017. Based in Chicago, with offices across the USA, Brandenburg completes over 200 projects each year.

2. Keltbray

The second biggest demolition contractor in the world in 2019 is based in Esher in the United Kingdom. Keltbray has been involved with many high-profile projects and earlier this year the company’s training and development director, Holly Price, became the first woman appointed as president of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NDFC).

1. North Star

The top demolition contractor in the world in 2019 is North Star, based in New York, US. With a wide range of clients including the US Air Force and Postal Service, the company had a turnover of $492.6 million in 2018. Over $30 million up on its 2017 turnover, North Star holds onto the number 1 position in the d&ri100 2019.

To view the complete list of the top 100 demolition contractors, download the May-June issue of d&ri magazine here.