Posted: 4/26/05
Nelson Construction going through changes, may close
By Jane Palen
Managing Editor
Times have changed in the construction industry, and those changes will soon be affecting Nelson Construction of Caledonia.
Dave Nelson, who is the fourth generation to work in the business, said Monday that the company plans to either downsize substantially or close. That decision corresponds with the decision by Nelsonís partner Ben Krueger to retire.
ìI havenít decided what Iím going to do,î said Nelson. ìWe will be having a sale May 19 and selling our buildings and real estate.î
Nelson said that he has some ìirons in the fireî and the final decision about the business will be made after those issues are resolved.
ìItís not an easy thing,î said Nelson. ìItís real emotional.î
Nelson Construction employs between 10 and 30 people, depending on the season and the projects it is working on. It is currently building the new Winona Controls building in the Industrial Park.
A combination of factors have worked to bring about the changes in the construction industry, said Nelson. There are fewer projects being let out on bids, and projects tend to go to firms located in the communities where the building is taking place.
ìItís hard to run a business like this from a rural community,î said Nelson.
There will be further announcements made as plans for the company are finalized, said Nelson.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com