Our Story
THE CHIEF STORY
Our new Chief Buildings’ South Carolina location is an example of how Chief is growing to help build the futures of our people. While Chief continues to create jobs across the country, Chief Buildings continues to show why it is the perfect job for you. Chief is dedicated to creating relationships with employees and customers, which is only possible through our outstanding team of hardworking individuals. We are focused on giving you opportunities to reach your highest potential, and time, energy and space for family and friends, for people from all walks of life. Chief is proud to be Trusted: as an employer who has never had seasonal or mass layoffs. Chief is proud to be Tested: with many employees reaching their 20, 30 and even 40 year mark at Chief. Chief is proud to be True: growing through the promises we make to our Chief community and our country.
That is why Chief Buildings is right for you.
1954
Eihusen Construction Company began remodeling single family homes. This division lives on today as Chief Construction
1959
Started manufacturing grain bins in our Grand Island facility under the Big Chief of Nebraska name. This division lives on as Chief Agri today, but is now located in Kearney, NE
1966
Started manufacturing metal buildings. This division lives on as Chief Buildings today in our expanded Grand Island offices and manufacturing plant
1968
Big Chief of Nebraska is renamed Chief Industries. Opened a grain bin manufacturing facility in Rensselaer, IN. This facility is now run by the Buildings division producing metal buildings
1970
Added production and distribution of manufactured homes in Aurora, NE. This division lives on today, in its original location as BonnaVilla
1973
Acquired Grand Island Contract Carriers. This division lives on today as an irregular route trucking company under the name Chief Carriers and is located in Grand Island
1976
Formed Chief International, Inc and acquired Caldwell Manufacturing Company which added grain storage and aeration equipment to our product line. These business units now live on under the Chief Agri banner.
1984
Split-off the oem fabrication services from Chief Buildings as a separate business unit. This division lives on today as Chief Fabrication and is located in Grand Island, NE
1987
Chief Buildings adds second manufacturing plant by expanding into the existing Rensselaer, IN plant
1990
Purchased ethanol production plant in Hastings, NE. This division lives on today as Chief Ethanol Fuels, Inc
1997
Chief Buildings adds second manufacturing plant by expanding into the existing Rensselaer, IN plant
1998
Began our Powder Coating department. This business unit lives on today under the Chief Fabrication banner
2001
Arrowhead Steel Products began fabrication of structural steel. This business unit lives on today as Arrowhead Steel Fabricators under the Chief Buildings banner.
2005
Chief Construction Company is incorporated in Grand Island, NE
2007
Chief Buildings opens a remote detailing/drafting location in Lincoln, NE.
2011
Chief Industries began real estate development. This business unit lives on today as Chief Development under the Chief Construction banner. Chief Fabrication introduces the Pivot Walker
2016
Chief Ethanol Fuels acquires a second production plant in Lexington, NE
2017
Chief Buildings opens remote detailing/drafting location in Ft. Dodge, IA
2019
Chief industries celebrated 65 years
2021
Chief Buildings celebrated 55 years
2022
Chief Buildings opens it’s third manufacturing plant in Lancaster, SC.
“The strength of Chief Industries comes from its ability to capitalize on the diversity of its family of brands. Working together keeps costs down, deadlines met, and workers employed. The future looks very bright for continued growth.”
DJ Eihusen
President/CEO, Chief Industries, Inc.
Chief Buildings. Trusted. Tested. True.