J.E. Dunn Construction (JE Dunn) today announced it has entered into a letter of intent to acquire Henry Carlson Construction (Henry Carlson), a respected commercial construction firm headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The parties are working closely to complete the final acquisition agreements, and the proposed transaction remains subject to their execution. The transaction is expected to close by July 31, 2026.
JE Dunn and Henry Carlson share a long history of working together on projects throughout the region. The two organizations have built a strong relationship rooted in trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for clients.
“We have known and respected the Henry Carlson Construction team for many years,” said Gordon Lansford, President and Chief Executive Officer of JE Dunn Construction. “Their reputation, deep client relationships, and commitment to their people closely align with who we are at JE Dunn. 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 has earned a strong reputation for delivering complex commercial construction projects and maintaining deep ties to the communities it serves. Henry Carlson’s employees, clients, and local relationships are central to its success and will remain a priority for JE Dunn moving forward.
“This decision was made thoughtfully and deliberately with the future of our company and our people in mind,” said Chip Carlson, President of Henry Carlson Construction. “As I’ve been contemplating retirement, it was important to ensure Henry Carlson would continue to thrive with a partner that shares our values. JE Dunn is a company we know well, and I am confident this could position our team for continued success.”
The acquisition is a long-term commitment to stability, expanded capabilities, and continued investment in people. Both companies are committed to maintaining strong regional leadership and ongoing community involvement. JE Dunn plans to take a thoughtful approach to integration, guided by a strong focus on people, continuity, clients, and clear communication.
“Great outcomes start with great people,” Lansford said. “We are excited to welcome the Henry Carlson team and to build on the strong foundation they have created. Together, we believe there could be meaningful opportunity ahead for our employees, our clients, and our communities. We look forward to building what’s next together.”
About JE Dunn Construction
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. For more than a century, we have been building authentic partnerships by putting people first and doing the right thing — for our clients, our partners, and the communities we serve. Our approach prioritizes communication, collaboration, and an integrated suite of services, including general contracting, construction management, EPC, and design-build — delivered with an unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and certainty across a wide range of markets. We exist to enrich lives through inspired people and places.
About Henry Carlson Construction
Henry Carlson Construction is a full-service commercial construction firm based in South Dakota, with a long-standing reputation for quality, integrity, and strong client relationships across the Midwest.
