Past and Present
Founded in 1998, K&E Excavating began as a small, family-owned operation in Salem, Oregon, focused on providing reliable excavation and grading services. Over the years, the company steadily expanded its capabilities, taking on larger civil construction projects, underground utilities, and highway work across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. By 2025 K&E had invested in a modern 24,000-square-foot facility to support its growing fleet and team. Today, with more than 350 employees and a reputation for tackling some of the region’s most complex infrastructure projects, K&E Excavating remains committed to the same values it was founded on hard work, innovation, and building projects that strengthen communities.
After much prayer, planning, and considerations, the owners decided that the company should be employee owned. This doesn’t change the operations or leadership at K&E. This provides longevity for the excellent company, culture, and reputation that the employees are responsible for creating.
1998
Founded. K&E Excavating (Salem, Oregon) begins operations as a family-owned excavation, grading, and construction contractor.
1999
Bought First New Excavator- Caterpillar 312
2000 – 2010
Growth Of Services and Scale: The company expands its range from local, smaller excavating jobs to include larger civil construction, underground utilities, and regional work in Oregon, Washington. California, Idaho and Montana.
2007
Built First New Office- Langley St, Salem, OR
2011 – 2020
Continued growth in staff, capabilities, and Region: Staff grows beyond 300 people. Operations span the Willamette Valley, Alaska, and Central Oregon. Capabilities offer a wide variety of services that support jobs both small and large.
2011
First Project over $ 10M – I-5 Beltline
2013
Began Concrete Division
2014
Started K&E Rock Products
2017
Purchased Coastal Excavation, LLC.- Sitka, AK
2017
Started K&E Alaska, Inc.
2018
Purchased H&H Paving Company- Salem, Or
2018
Started K & E Paving, Inc.
2019
Established First Office in Redmond, Or.
2019
Purchased High Desert Aggregate & Paving, Inc.- Terrebonne, Or
2020 – 2025
Further Expanded. Continue expansion in Staff & Facilities. Built & improved over 45,000 square feet of office & shop buildings to support sustained business growth. Continuing operations in all regions of Oregon.
Central Oregon: Opening a new location in Redmond, Oregon, enhancing service capabilities in Central Oregon.
2020
Purchased Benny Hempstead Excavating, Inc.- Coos Bay, Or
2020
Started K&E South Coast, inc.
2021
Dissolved K&E South Coast, Inc.
2023
Built New Shop in Salem, OR
2024
Remodeled Salem, OR Office
2025
Built New Office in Redmond, OR
2025
Sold High Desert Aggregate & Paving
2026
K&E Announces Employee Ownership, recognizing the contribution of every employee and ensuring the longevity of the company.