JE Dunn to Acquire South Dakota-based Henry Carlson Construction

Posted June 22, 2026

J.E. Dunn Construction announced it plans to acquire Henry Carlson Construction, a commercial construction firm headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The parties are working closely to complete the final acquisition agreements, according to a release. The deal is expected to close by July 31.

The two organizations have worked on projects together in the region. In 2020, JE Dunn collaborated with Henry Carlson to build a 385-bed, three-story addition plus vertical expansion to the Minnehaha County Jail in Sioux Falls. In September, the South Dakota legislature approved plans for a 1,500-bed, $650 million South Dakota State Penitentiary, which is a joint venture between JE Dunn and Henry Carlson.

“Their reputation, deep client relationships, and commitment to their people closely align with who we are at JE Dunn,” Gordon Lansford, president and CEO of JE Dunn Construction. “This is a natural next step that would allow us to build on our shared values and strengthen our ability to serve clients across the region.”

Founded in 1919, Henry Carlson is a full-service commercial construction firm. Today, the firm has approximately 120 employees.

JE Dunn plans to take a thoughtful approach to integration, guided by a strong focus on people, continuity, clients, and clear communication, the company said in the release.

JE Dunn Construction, founded in 1924, is a family- and employee-owned company and the eighth-largest domestic general building contractor in the United States, with 26 offices nationwide. Earlier this month, William H. Dunn Sr., who helped lead JE Dunn Construction for 73 years, passed away at 102.