Sowles Co. is a family-run business with a rich heritage in steel erection that traces its roots back to 1933. Founded by Ed Waylander in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the company began as the Waylander-Peterson Steel Erection Company, undertaking ambitious projects nationwide, including bridges, buildings, and power plants. After World War II, Larry Sowles, who served as a pilot during the war, took over the family business alongside Coralis Waylander, eventually establishing L.H. Sowles Co. in 1961. Starting in a basement, the small firm quickly expanded, securing major contracts like the steel erection for the iconic IDS Tower in Minneapolis, a feat that showcased the company's capabilities in high-rise construction.
Over the years, Sowles Co. has grown to become a recognized leader in structural and reinforcing steel projects, actively involved in constructing various structures such as sports stadiums, manufacturing plants, and medical facilities. With a commitment to safety and quality, Sowles is an AISC Certified Advanced Steel Erector and a signatory employer of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers.
Under the leadership of the Sowles family, which includes Larry’s son, Dan, and his son-in-law, John Dahl, the company has successfully expanded into the Rocky Mountain and Pacific Northwest regions while maintaining a strong presence in the Midwest. Sowles Co. specializes in a wide range of services, from metal decking and bridge erection to pre-cast concrete construction and post-tensioning, demonstrating a diverse portfolio and expertise in the field.
As they continue building a solid reputation, Sowles Co. remains dedicated to its mission of delivering quality construction solutions, all while upholding the values instilled by its founders.
