Dive Brief:
- Three former executives— among the 280 workers laid off by the sudden bankruptcy of Lamar Construction— have won the financial backing of Rockford Construction to create Legacy Steel.
- Jeff Leeuw, former vice president of steel and precast for Lamar, is heading the new firm along with two other Lamar managers he hired. Combined, the three claim close to 60 years' experience in the industry.
- Mike VanGessel, chief executive of Rockford, said the company has been looking to offer steel erection to customers, and backing Leeuw offers that opportunity.
Dive Insight:
The new company plans to operate in western Michigan and is based in Grand Rapids. Lamar was based in the area and also had jobs in several other states, all of which stopped when the company filed its bankruptcy papers. Leeuw hopes to start by hiring 10 to 15 former Lamar workers.
