About Us

Nordholm is a small company that does big things

About Us

Nordholm is a small company that does big things

Nordholm

Nordholm is a small company that does big things

Nordholm is a small company that does big things

Known throughout the industry as a firm that gets the job done, we’ve been in business since 1976. We’ve successfully completed projects throughout the United States, as well as worldwide. We bring in projects on time and on-budget, while always keeping safety at the forefront.

We take on projects with an eye toward an equal partnership with our clients and the companies who work with us. Nordholm stays ahead of the competition through teamwork, innovation and the latest tools and technology. We are innovators who employ cutting-edge technology and design by manufacturing many of our own systems.

Our team

People you can trust

Construction Manager

Chris Weinmann

Construction Manager

Chris Weinmann

Chris Weinmann is an accomplished Construction Manager with more than 20 years of experience in heavy civil construction, specializing in heavy lift operations, oversized load transport, tunneling, and complex infrastructure projects. He serves as Construction Manager at Nordholm Companies Inc., where he leads field execution on demanding heavy lift and infrastructure assignments across the United States.

Chris combines deep technical expertise with practical field leadership. His tunneling background includes slurry shield, earth pressure balance (EPB), and hybrid tunnel boring machine (TBM) systems, along with S.E.M. mining, cross-passage construction, invert pours, and high-risk underground work performed in compressed air environments. He played a key role in the assembly of one of the largest hybrid TBMs deployed in the United States, contributing to both operational coordination and technical execution.

A significant part of Chris’s expertise involves hydraulic modular transport systems and multi-axle dolly configurations used to move oversized and high-weight components across industrial, marine, infrastructure, and structural projects. His experience includes load distribution planning, hydraulic synchronization, steering coordination, ground bearing assessment, and operational oversight of industrial engines and support systems that power heavy transport operations. Chris works closely with operators, mechanics, engineers, and rigging crews to ensure safe, controlled movement of critical assets where precision and risk management are paramount.

Throughout his career, Chris has successfully managed union and multi-disciplinary crews, coordinated closely with engineers and specialty contractors, and upheld strict safety and quality standards on high-risk projects. He is known for steady decision-making, clear communication, and maintaining productivity under pressure.

Chris holds multiple industry certifications, including WABO Certified Welder, OSHA 30, NCCCO Rigging and Signaling, TWIC, forklift certification, and First Aid/CPR. He is affiliated with Local 302 Operating Engineers and has completed formal training through Lane Community College and specialized technical institutions.

He has supported and collaborated on projects involving major contractors and joint ventures such as VINCI, Parsons, Frontier Kemper, Traylor Bros., Bouygues Civil Works Florida, Atkinson Construction, Curtin Maritime, and Foss Maritime.

Director of Fabrication

Luke Labrake

Director of Fabrication

Luke Labrake

Luke LaBrake is a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in fabrication, equipment repair, and building construction. As Director of Fabrication at Nordholm Companies Inc., Luke oversees the entire fabrication lifecycle—from design and production through field implementation—leading his team to deliver high-quality, precision-built solutions that meet demanding project requirements.

His responsibilities include managing fabrication and machining operations, equipment diagnostics and repair, safety oversight, and direct coordination with clients to ensure performance, reliability, and satisfaction. Luke is known for his hands-on leadership style, technical depth, and commitment to maintaining high operational standards.

Throughout his career, Luke has led teams of up to 14 personnel while providing comprehensive diagnostics and repair services across a broad range of heavy equipment, including servicing government accounts. He has directed complex construction and fabrication projects, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols, quality control standards, and project timelines.

Luke’s professional background reflects a consistent dedication to craftsmanship, operational efficiency, and customer trust—qualities that continue to strengthen Nordholm’s fabrication and field support capabilities.

 

Crew Manager

David Dugan

Crew Manager

David Dugan

David has over 23 years of success overseeing all phases of multi-million-dollar construction, infrastructure, super-fund and heavy lift projects. His experience includes managing crews of up to 50 in crane relocation’s, highway/bridge improvements, and a variety of other construction/demolition projects. We’re proud to have David’s record of strong credentials with a proven history of on-time, on-budget and high-quality project completions.

David has added his expertise to some of our more note-worthy projects including:
The lift/move of the World War II era U-505 submarine, housed at the Chicago Museum of Science.
The move/installation of both the Willis Ave and the 3rd Ave bridges which cross the Harlem River, New York City – the Bronx to Manhattan. The hull-to-Superstructure mating of two Washington State ferries.

what we do

Our Services

The Nordholm Difference

We formulate simplified yet innovative solutions to complex and challenging issues. We’re not satisfied with keeping up – we enjoy leading the way. To thrive in such a competitive environment, we work from a core set of values, with integrity and safety first. We deliver on promises, conduct ourselves responsibly, meet or exceed obligations, treat clients as partners. Helping our clients succeed is our goal.

  • Performance and Experience

    We thrive on challenge and are recognized as one of the leaders in our field. We achieve this through first class project management, field supervision and top-notch field crews, all backed-up by the support of an excellent shop crew.
  • State of The Art Equipment

    Because we invest in the best technology and hire first rate people, we stay at the forefront of our business. On-site equipment includes bridge cranes, mobile cranes, multiple types of forklift and rolling equipment and a huge list of welding and plasma cutting equipment.
  • Technological Prowess

    Our team of heavy-lift professionals concentrate on solutions, not problems. Our solutions are created by a team of certified engineers and dedicated craftsmen who partner to design, fabricate and evaluate virtually all the equipment needed for a project.
  • Commitment to Safety

    Safety is a crucial factor in our philosophy, with training programs for all our new hires and ongoing certification programs. Safety for the people working with and around us and safety for the environment we work in.

Perfomance and Experience

We thrive on challenge and are recognized as leaders in our field. Give us a tough job and we’ll find the best way to accomplish it. We’ll complete it on-time, on budget and with safety as a key component in our strategy. We achieve this through first class project management, field supervision, and a top-notch field crew, all backed up by the support of a skilled shop crew.

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    Specialization

    Our CEO, Greg Nordholm, began as a naval architect and marine engineer, specializing in barges and heavy lifts. While crane moves are our focus, we excel in handling watercraft unsuited for slipway construction—launching tugboats, assembling ferry hulls, relocating the U505 submarine, and installing the Willis Avenue bridge.
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    Experience

    We specialize in moving and positioning massive equipment with precision, ensuring maximum efficiency and minimal downtime. With 40+ years of reliable service, we've become a nationally recognized leader, built on trust, integrity, and a dedicated workforce—many with us for decades.
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    Performance and Solutions

    Nordholm tailors each heavy-lift operation for safety and cost-efficiency, overcoming challenges with a strategic approach. As ships and facilities grow, space constraints demand precise planning. We optimize project logistics, ensuring efficient load-outs and seamless multi-unit assembly. Early involvement in projects maximizes success.
our expertise

Commitment To Safety

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Safety at Every Level

Nordholm leads the way in instituting safety programs and procedures at all levels. Since many of our employees are related, it helps create a culture of family within the company, another reason safety is our top priority.

We have earned a well-respected reputation among our customers for our commitment to a safe work environment. Nordholm is viewed as a company that performs at a very high level due to our work-safe commitment. We maintain our safety record through our general policy statement on safety, continuous employee training, strict safety procedures and clear work instructions implemented company-wide.

An Enviable Safety Record

We regularly review our shop and field operations to constantly ensure safe working practices. This makes good business sense because it gives us a competitive advantage in a tough environment. We are constantly updating and enhancing our safe work environment using tools such as Lift Studies, Jacking and Skidding Studies, Hazard and Risk Assessments, all as a part of our daily routine.

Our goal is zero accidents and our record of safety stands testament to this commitment. We aim to achieve this through on-going training and education programs to ensure that each team member is not only qualified to operate their assigned equipment but that safety is always at the forefront of their actions.

Safety in the Field

Out in the field, we remain focused on safety. Nordholm’s management has developed effective safety plans and our highly trained and skilled employees are key to implementation. Day-to-day safety, as well as safety on each unique project, is critical.

Maintaining the highest level of safety is of utmost importance, so we’re constantly on alert for the safety of our own people but also the safety of people and structures around and near the project. Nordholm complies with appropriate safety and security laws and regulations, including those established by OSHA, EPA, DOT, and state and local agencies.

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Safety as a Process

Some of the ways we maintain our enviable safety record include:

  • Maintaining written safety standards as a master plan for company-wide safety.
  • Training and certifying that every employee has the skills and experience to safely operate equipment.
  • Holding safety meetings to communicate and collect information related to safe work habits.
  • Disseminating written policies and procedures.
  • Using Job Safety Analysis worksheets.
  • Incorporating safety audits into our process to identify and correct deficiencies.
  • Recognizing and honoring excellence in the workplace.

Have a tough job?

We’ll help you complete it on-time, on-budget and with safety as our ultimate goal