Our History
Knik Construction Co. was formed in 1974 as a silent partner with two other contractors, JIJ Construction and Nelson Construction, to build a highway and a bridge over the Chena River in Fairbanks, AK. The joint venture eventually evolved into Knik Construction Co., and the new company began surfacing bush airports and building schools, hospitals and airports in Western Alaska. In 1978, Knik took on a unique project to acquire, transport and sell components of three abandoned drill rigs on the North Slope of Alaska. The job site was frozen tundra and required arctic gear, tracked vehicles and air delivery of parts and supplies. This project established Knik as an innovative company with the people, equipment and experience to handle challenging assignments in any environment.
Almost 50 years later, Knik employees are at work all over the world handling the same types of challenges. Knik’s runway construction has expanded air travel in Alaska, its infrastructure projects have improved remote communities, and it proudly performs ongoing work in support of state and federal government and the U.S. military.
Milestones
1974 – Knik Construction is formed as a silent partner with Nelson Construction and JIJ Construction.
1978 – Knik joins forces with Lynden Transport to acquire, transport and sell the components of three abandoned drill rigs on the North Slope.
1979 – Knik begins operations in Western Alaska.
1980 – Knik introduces helicopter barge lightering in Western Alaska.
1988 – Knik is awarded a contract to dismantle Sandpiper Island in the Beaufort Sea for AMOCO involving tugs, barges and divers.
2005 – 2006 – Knik transports equipment and aggregate to pave and repair the airfield on Wake Island in the South Pacific.
2007 – Knik receives an outstanding rating from the Naval Facilities Engineering Command in Hawaii for its work on the taxiway on Wake Island.
2007 – 2012 – Knik reconstructs roads at the Naval Station at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and rehabilitates the runway at Leeward Airfield.
2015 – Knik purchases the assets of paving company Alaska Roadbuilders in Soldotna, AK.
2018 – Knik repairs an earthquake-damaged freeway in Anchorage in record time, leading to national recognition and media coverage.