Knife River acquires Baker Rock Resources in Northwest

By |  November 23, 2021

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Knife River Corp. acquired Baker Rock Resources and Oregon Mainline Paving, two construction materials companies that expand Knife River’s platform in the Northwest.

Baker Rock, headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, has an estimated 83 million to 88 million tons of construction aggregate in locations around the Portland, Oregon, metro area. The Portland market has historically been a strong one for Knife River, the company says.

Oregon Mainline, meanwhile, is an asphalt paving contractor. The acquisition of Oregon Mainline supports Knife River’s vertically integrated business model.

Together, the acquisitions add about 230 employees to Knife River’s Northwest Region.

“Oregon overall and the Portland area specifically have been strategic growth markets for us for many years, generating strong earnings and overall returns,” says David Barney, president and CEO of Knife River, which is the construction materials subsidiary of MDU Resources Group. “As the Portland metro area continues to grow, so has the demand for construction aggregates, which have become more scarce in recent years through depleting resources and increased land development. Acquiring this excellent aggregate resource helps replenish our reserves near the heart of the growth and positions us for continued success in an area we know very well.

“Additionally, Oregon Mainline provides greater reach for our paving operations in the Northwest,” Barney adds.

Oregon Mainline, based in McMinnville, Oregon, reaches into California, Idaho and Washington. Oregon Mainline also operates two portable asphalt plants and three paving crews.

Baker Rock produces asphalt from two plants – one near Beaverton and one in Dayton, Oregon.

“With Knife River’s history of success in Portland and the growth anticipated there, we believe this is the right deal at the right time,” says David Goodin, president and CEO of MDU Resources. “Aggregates close to this market are only going to become harder to find, so acting now to secure this long-term resource will benefit Knife River and MDU Resources today and for many years to come.”

Kevin Yanik

About the Author:

Kevin Yanik is editor-in-chief of Pit & Quarry. He can be reached at 216-706-3724 or kyanik@northcoastmedia.net.

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