History
1911
Founded
George J. Igel & Co., Inc. was founded in 1911 as a "trucking" company. There were no trucks however, and teams of horses pulling slat wagons hauled material around Columbus from excavations.
1920s
Beginning of a Tradition
In 1917, the company purchased two Packard trucks (Model serial numbers #9657 and #9659) and began the tradition of using the most effective and productive tools to complete a project.
1930s
An Expanding Fleet
Since 1936, when the first bulldozer was purchased, the Igel Co. has expanded its fleet to every type of earthmoving equipment for the custom job.
"Bulldozers ranging from 6 to 19 tons, with 8 feet to 13 feet blades, hi-lifts, both rubber tired and crawler type, from 1 yard to 2 and a half yard capacities are available with competent men and radio equipped moving equipment to give service to contractors, plants, farmers, and municipalities" (from early Igel brochure).
1940s
New Tools for Construction
Cranes were developing as a new tool for construction, and Ohio was at the center of development (Bucyrus - Erie and Lima cranes are still being used today).
George J. Igel & Co., Inc. was a steady user of cranes from 1940 to 1993. The manufacturers would come to Columbus to see the cranes in use and discuss improvements in design for the next generation of models with the Igel Team.
1950s
Service to the Community
"Service to the Community" has been the motto of George J. Igel & Co., Inc. In the 1958 flood, Igel cranes worked on the levee and Igel pumps worked to save industries and property.
Radio dispatched equipment was a new service provided by Igel.
In 1955, an Igel crane set the Columbus Statue, donated by Genoa, Italy, in front of City Hall under the direction of George Igel, Sr.
1960s
Post-war Economy
The company survived the great depression and flourished in the post-war economy by excavating house basements in Columbus. The company dug over 1000 basements in one month for area builders. George III led the company through these years until 1968.
1970s
New Technology
Laser Technology was pioneered by Laserplane of Dayton in the 1970’s and again Igel was at the leading edge of this grade control technology, working with the design team from the Dayton, Ohio firm.
1980s
Third Generation Leadership
Under the leadership of the third generation: George Igel Jr., William Igel and Joseph Igel Sr., the company grew into the largest crane rental fleet in Central Ohio and also grew in its role as a respected sitework contractor.
1990s
GPS Technology
The 1990’s brought GPS technology into play and Igel worked with OSU Center for Mapping to create one of the first mobile receivers to create a real time topography of an existing site in 1994.
The fourth generation of Igel family, John Igel, George Igel V, and Joe Igel Jr., began to guide the company in 1995.
2000s
Staying Ahead of the Curve
The technical skills of the staff have changed throughout the decades. Engineers and construction management professionals now abound in the employee ranks. Certifications for Safety Training, Traffic Control training, Erosion Best Management Practices, and LEED are important employee qualifications.
As the demands change for construction projects, you will always see George J. Igel & Co., Inc. at the front of the line pushing new innovation forward.
2011
100 Years Later
Despite all of the changes brought about by technology, the values of the staff remain unchanged. Hard work, innovation, honoring our commitments, always giving the customer good advice and working with team members who share the common values of family and community continue as traits through the generations and have become ingrained in the culture of the organization.
The George J. Igel & Co., Inc. would like to thank all the partners in business, especially our past & present employees for their support in reaching 100 years.
