Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Construction Solutions
Reilly Construction was founded in 1947 by Clair H. Reilly, who brought decades of hands-on construction equipment experience from companies like E.M. Duesenberg and Shirley Construction. Starting with a single bulldozer, we grew into a family-owned business with over 150 employees during peak seasons, operating from our headquarters in Ossian, Iowa, and a secondary facility in Des Moines. Our expertise spans grading, underground work, aggregate processing, railroad construction, and alternative energy projects, serving clients across Iowa and nationwide. Safety remains our top priority, with rigorous training programs and on-site safety professionals ensuring compliance with industry standards. We pride ourselves on innovation, having completed Iowa's first concrete pavement recycling project and pioneering sustainable aggregate processing solutions.Our commitment to quality is reflected in landmark projects like the Des Moines International Airport and Interstate system development. With a workforce dedicated to the motto 'Our Employees Make the Earth Move,' we combine technical expertise with old-fashioned hard work to deliver projects on time and within budget. Our leadership team, including Chairman Robert M. Reilly, continues to uphold the values established by our founder: integrity, reliability, and customer satisfaction. As one of Iowa's largest aggregate recyclers, we maintain the flexibility to handle projects ranging from 5,000 to 1,000,000 tons. Through seven decades of growth, our handshake remains our bond, ensuring client satisfaction through transparent communication and ethical business practices.
Services
Grading Services
Underground Utilities
Aggregate Processing
Railroad Construction
Alternative Energy Projects
Water and Sewer Facilities
Details
- Year established: 1947
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1947 with generational construction expertise
- Pioneers in Iowa's first concrete pavement recycling project
- Largest aggregate recycler in the State of Iowa
- Specialized railroad construction crews with safety certifications
- Proven track record with Federal Aviation Administration projects
Services
Aggregate Processing
Reilly Construction provides comprehensive aggregate processing solutions for virgin and recycled materials. Our services include stripping, drilling, crushing, screening, and loadout capabilities with multiple mobile plants. We maintain strict quality control through material testing to meet project specifications for both small and large-scale operations.
Railroad Construction
We specialize in railroad grading, track bed preparation, and switch installation with specialized crews trained in rail safety protocols. Our services include sidings construction, yard development, and maintenance on active lines with precise timing coordination to minimize service disruptions.
Alternative Energy Projects
Our team executes infrastructure projects supporting renewable energy initiatives, including site preparation for wind farms and solar facilities. We combine environmental stewardship with construction expertise to deliver sustainable solutions that meet evolving energy demands.
Underground Utilities
We construct and maintain water, sewer, and storm drainage systems using modern trenching and directional boring techniques. Our services include structure installation and compliance with evolving environmental regulations for both public and private sector clients.
Federal Aviation Projects
Reilly Construction performs airfield construction and maintenance at major airports including Des Moines International and Rochester International. Our FAA-certified crews handle runway extensions, taxiway improvements, and apron development while maintaining strict safety standards.
People
Clair H. Reilly
Founder
Founded Reilly Construction in 1947 with $5,000 savings and a bulldozer. Gained experience working for major construction firms before establishing the company. Served as president until 1982 and remained Chairman until his death in 1999.
Robert M. Reilly
Chairman of the Board
Joined the company at age 11, progressed from equipment operator to job superintendent. Took over daily operations in 1960 and currently serves as Chairman, maintaining the company's founding principles of integrity and quality.
Questions
What construction services does Reilly Construction offer?
We provide grading, underground utilities, aggregate processing, railroad construction, FAA projects, and alternative energy infrastructure solutions.
How long has Reilly Construction been in business?
Since 1947, making us a family-owned company with over 75 years of construction experience.
Where does Reilly Construction operate?
Primarily in Iowa with projects across surrounding states and nationwide locations including Nevada, Texas, and Pennsylvania.
What safety standards does Reilly Construction maintain?
We have rigorous safety programs including specialized railroad training, on-site safety professionals, and industry-leading safety certifications.
What makes Reilly Construction unique?
Our combination of family values, technical expertise, and commitment to 'Our Employees Make the Earth Move' philosophy ensures personalized service with professional results.
