At Freitag-Weinhardt, we’re dedicated to delivering top-tier, nationally recognized mechanical construction services that meet your needs. With a legacy dating back to 1883 and a base in Terre Haute, IN, we bring unparalleled industry experience to every project. Whether you require high-end fabrication, HVAC work, traditional pipe welding, or specialized industrial piping and plumbing services, we offer a comprehensive range of solutions tailored to your specific requirements.
From the field to the shop, we manage projects of all sizes for commercial, industrial, and institutional clients, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. Trust in our experience and expertise—it’s the foundation of
our commitment to you since 1883.
By focusing on energy-efficient solutions and sustainable practices, we help you achieve your sustainability goals and reduce environmental impact.
When you work with us, you benefit from cutting-edge technologies in fabrication, preconstruction, and project management, improving efficiency, reducing waste, and enhancing project outcomes.
Our commitment to safety is evident through our metrics, including an ERI rating of .42 and pre-qualification with PEC Premier, PICS, ISN, and Browz, ensuring a safe working environment for your projects.
We actively engage with community organizations and local governments, supporting your regional development initiatives.
By partnering with Freitag-Weinhardt, you align with a company dedicated to giving back to the community through various philanthropic efforts and volunteer activities.
including manual, semi-automatic, and automatic processes, we ensure top-tier quality and reliability for your projects.
are among the top 50 largest Indiana-based publicly traded companies.
dedicated on average annually
to ensure your projects
are completed efficiently.
In the bustling industrial landscape of the late 19th century, Freitag-Weinhardt took its first steps as a modest hardware store. Founded by the Weinhardt and Freitag families, the business began by offering essential plumbing and electrical services to the local community. At its core was Heinrich Weinhardt, whose entrepreneurial spirit would lay the groundwork for generations to come.
By the mid-1960s, the company had transformed from a small hardware store into a significant regional contractor. Freitag-Weinhardt had begun specializing in mechanical construction for commercial and institutional projects. Their impressive portfolio included landmark institutions like:
The company was now led by a diverse group of shareholders: Allen Weinhardt (carrying on the family legacy), Wesley Farmer, Harley McDonald, and Charles Kantmann—a testament to the deep-rooted community connections that defined the business.
The late 1960s marked a pivotal moment of expansion. Freitag-Weinhardt ventured into industrial mechanical construction, working with some of the most prominent industrial giants of the era:
The company was acquired by General Energy Resources, a New Jersey holding company with a strategic network of mechanical contractors across the United States. This acquisition positioned Freitag-Weinhardt within a broader, more complex industrial landscape.
The company continued to grow, purchasing a new facility on North 13th Street. In November 1975, they moved into their purpose-built location—a physical manifestation of their ongoing success and commitment to progress.
These years proved challenging for General Energy Resources. Financial difficulties led Northrop Corporation to dissolve the holding company, writing off a staggering $33 million in loans. In a twist of fate, Wesley Farmer acquired Freitag-Weinhardt, ensuring the company's continued local roots.
Following Farmer's passing in 1981, the company was sold to Natkin & Co., a subsidiary of Fischbach Corp. This transition brought new opportunities but also new challenges, as Fischbach underwent a tumultuous hostile takeover by an investor from Florida.
William Unger briefly helmed the company before selling to F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co. on August 31, 1988. This sale marked another significant transition in the company's rich history, symbolizing its ability to adapt and thrive through changing business landscapes.
From a small hardware store to an industrial mechanical construction powerhouse, Freitag-Weinhardt's journey reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of its founders and the changing industrial dynamics of the 20th century. Each chapter of its history is a testament to innovation, adaptability, and community commitment.
Since 1883, Freitag has successfully delivered top-quality mechanical construction projects across various markets and industries. Contact us to learn more about projects we’ve completed and how we can help you with your next project.
