Beitzel Corporation is celebrating 50 years in business this month.
In February 1974, with just a truck and a welder, Olen Beitzel and his father, Lawrence Beitzel, started Beitzel Welding in a garage.
In 1978, the Beitzel Welding and Construction Company was officially incorporated, with Olen Beitzel assuming the role of principal owner.
The transition signified the company’s commitment to expanding its services beyond welding. At that time, the fabrication shop in Bittinger was constructed to serve as headquarters and provide shop fabrication support to the field crews.
Growth continued through the 1980s. Because of the diversified nature of its operations, the company underwent a name change on April 17, 1989, to Beitzel Corporation. This included the broader scope of work that reached beyond welding and construction.
Pillar Innovations, a wholly owned subsidiary of Beitzel Corporation, was created in 2007 to provide additional focus on the technical aspects of the business including automation, fire suppression, and specialty manufacturing.
While Beitzel began in coal five decades ago, the corporation has diversified into oil and gas, solar, aggregates, manufacturing, and other industrial markets. Today, its facilities in the Northern Garrett Industrial Park are home to management, a diverse engineering team, fabrication and machining operations, and specialized manufacturing. The growth in capability over the years has led to a diverse customer base including Northrop Grumman, Toyota, Rust-Oleum, and Frito Lay.
Beitzel Corporation runs through a team effort, led by a board of directors. Shawn Bender currently serves as the CEO.
“A lot has changed in the 50 years since Olen started this journey with a welder and a truck,” Bender said. “We believe that sticking to the core values that he and many others have built over those years will sustain the company into the future.”
Future plans include the construction of a Fleet and Field Services Hub in the Northern Garrett Industrial Park. This facility will provide additional support for field operations and the maintenance of Beitzel’s sizeable fleet of trucks and equipment.
In 2024, there are over 550 employees between Beitzel and Pillar working out of eight locations nationwide.
“As we commemorate this milestone, we express gratitude to every employee who contributed to 50 years of success, anticipating continued growth, success, and a lasting legacy for generations to come,” Bender said.
Article courtesy of The Garrett County Republican. Staff writer Brenda Ruggiero can be reached at 301-501-8393 or by email at [email protected].
