Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Industrial & Commercial Construction Services in Richmond, VA
Harlan Construction has served industrial and commercial clients for over six decades as a self-performing, design-build general contractor. Founded in 1964, our family-owned business combines hands-on expertise with rigorous safety standards to deliver complex projects across diverse sectors. Our self-performing model ensures control over quality, schedules, and safety, supported by a skilled workforce and leadership committed to integrity. We specialize in industrial concrete, steel fabrication, and site work while maintaining long-term client relationships through transparency and accountability. Our technical acumen spans aerospace, power generation, hospitality, and warehousing, with operations in Virginia and North Carolina. A dedicated Safety Director and executive-led safety protocols have resulted in an exemplary EMR rating below 1.0 for over a decade.Our core valuesperformance, safety, passion, integrity, and adaptabilitydrive every project from conception to completion. With a new Self-Perform Center expanding capabilities fivefold, we continue to innovate while honoring our roots in the Hopewell community. Our leadership team, including President Will Harlan and Vice Presidents Jake Harlan and Sam Heiberger, ensures consistent execution of our mission: delivering top-quality work safely, on time, and within budget.
Services
General Contracting
Self-Perform Center
Construction Manager At-Risk
Preconstruction Services
Design-Build
Industrial Concrete Services
Steel Fabrication Services
Interior Fit-Out Services
Details
- Year established: 1964
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of experience in industrial and commercial construction.
- Our self-performing model ensures direct control over quality, cost, and schedules.
- We maintain an exemplary safety record with an EMR rating below 1.0.
- Family-owned since 1964, we combine tradition with modern construction techniques.
- We serve diverse markets including aerospace, energy, and hospitality.
Services
General Contracting
Harlan Construction provides full-spectrum general contracting services, managing projects from preconstruction planning to closeout. Our team ensures budget adherence, advanced monitoring, and streamlined processes while maintaining open communication with clients and trade partners. With decades of experience, we deliver complex industrial and commercial projects efficiently and safely.
Steel Fabrication Services
Our in-house steel fabrication division executes precision metalwork for industrial clients, including structural steel erection and custom components. This self-performing capability reduces subcontractor dependencies, ensuring quality control and schedule reliability. Projects range from manufacturing plants to energy sector facilities, supported by a skilled workforce and modern equipment.
Industrial Concrete Services
Harlan's specialized concrete division handles industrial-scale foundations, flooring, and structural elements. Our crews employ advanced techniques for durability in high-traffic environments like warehouses and manufacturing facilities. Self-performing this critical scope allows tighter quality control and faster project timelines while meeting rigorous safety standards.
Preconstruction Services
We offer comprehensive preconstruction support including budgeting, design coordination, and risk assessment. Our team collaborates with clients to optimize project feasibility and efficiency before groundbreaking. This proactive approach minimizes change orders and establishes clear communication channels that persist through project completion.
Design-Build
Harlan's design-build model combines architectural, engineering, and construction expertise under one contract. This streamlined approach accelerates project delivery while maintaining cost predictability. Our in-house capabilities in sitework, concrete, and steel fabrication enhance coordination, particularly for complex industrial facilities requiring tight tolerances and operational continuity.
People
Will Harlan III
President
Will Harlan III has led the family-owned business for over 30 years, prioritizing safety and integrity. His leadership maintains Harlan's commitment to quality construction and client relationships while guiding strategic growth initiatives through industry changes.
Jake Harlan
Vice President
Jake Harlan drives organizational growth as Vice President, ensuring adherence to Harlan's safety-first culture. He focuses on expanding self-performing capabilities and maintaining operational excellence while strengthening client partnerships across industrial and commercial sectors.
Sam Heiberger
Vice President | Director of Preconstruction
Sam Heiberger oversees construction processes and quality assurance. With expertise in project execution, he ensures technical precision and client satisfaction through rigorous preconstruction planning and field operations management.
Max Harlan
VP of Self Perform
Max Harlan leads the Self-Perform Center, managing nearly 80 professionals in concrete, steel, and site work. His focus on operational continuity ensures high-quality execution of critical scopes while minimizing disruptions to client operations.
Tyler Jordan
Senior Project Manager
Tyler Jordan manages complex projects with attention to technical requirements and client needs. His expertise in coordinating large-scale industrial work ensures adherence to strict safety protocols and timely delivery within regulated environments.
Questions
What industries does Harlan Construction serve?
We serve industrial sectors including aerospace, energy production, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and chemical processing, along with commercial clients in hospitality, healthcare, and multi-family housing.
What safety certifications does Harlan hold?
While we don't list specific certifications, our safety program exceeds industry standards with an EMR rating below 1.0 and compliance with client-driven programs from Dominion Energy and WestRock.
Do you work outside Virginia and North Carolina?
Our primary service area includes Virginia and North Carolina, though we evaluate projects beyond this region based on client relationships and project requirements.
What self-performing capabilities do you offer?
Our Self-Perform Center handles concrete work, steel fabrication, sitework, and general interior construction with nearly 80 skilled professionals, giving us direct control over critical project scopes.
How does Harlan ensure project quality?
We maintain quality through experienced leadership, rigorous safety protocols, executive accountability, and a disciplined approach to construction processes developed over our 60-year history.
Can you handle projects during active plant operations?
Yes, we specialize in executing work alongside ongoing industrial operations while adhering to strict safety standards and minimizing production downtime through meticulous planning.
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