Northfield Construction Company Changes Hands

A longtime Northfield construction contracting business has changed hands.

Ray Cox sold Northfield Construction Company to Chris Kennelly on May 1. The transaction was announced in a press release dated Monday.

According to that press release, Cox has been with Northfield Construction since it was established in 1972. He will remain with the company through 2014 to handle day-to-day operations.

In addition to his building and renovation endeavors at Northfield Construction, Cox has been active in Northfield government and politics over the years. He has served on the Northfield Planning Commission, Northfield Board of Education and, most recently, the Minnesota House of Representatives.

In the press release, Rays says he expects a smooth transition.

Here is the press release:

Northfield Construction Company is pleased to announce that it has been sold to local business owner Chris Kennelly. The transaction occurred on May 1, 2013. All employees will remain with the company and all work will continue as planned.

Northfield Construction Company, Inc. was started in Northfield in 1972. Longtime owner Ray Cox has been associated with the company from its inception. Mr. Cox notes “I am very excited about working with Chris Kennelly to continue the work that Northfield Construction has done in this community. My goal with the sale of the business was to facilitate a smooth transition to a new owner and see that employees are retained.” Mr. Cox will remain with the company through 2014 handling day to day operations.

Northfield Construction Company is a full service general contractor performing residential and commercial construction. Besides completing many fine homes and additions over the past 41 years they have completed numerous commercial projects. Examples of area commercial work includes First National Bank­South, Dokmo Ford, AmericInn motel, Bierman’s Floor Store, Carleton College Studio Arts, Neuger Communications, as well as many other projects. In commenting on this long history of building projects Ray Cox noted “It has been a pleasure working with so many wonderful people over my working career in Northfield. “

Chris Kennelly, the new owner of Northfield Construction Company, brings a solid background in real estate development and project management to the company. Mr. Kennelly worked in development as
a Vice President with Welsh Companies and The Excelsior Group in the twin cities before moving with his family to Northfield in 2012. A graduate of Kalamazoo College with an MBA from University of Colorado, Chris is no stranger to hard work. “I grew up working in a family business and appreciate what small businesses do for the local community and economy,” Kennelly said. Mr. Kennelly had been looking for some time to find a construction business in the area that suited his needs and commented on the opportunity adding “Northfield Construction Company has an exceptional record for providing top quality, well managed projects. After meeting with Ray and his employees I knew right away that this was going to be a good fit for me. I look forward to working with new and existing clients on a wide variety of projects and carrying on the strong reputation of Northfield Construction Company in the community.”

Ray looks forward to a smooth transition to new ownership and management. “It is difficult to part with something that has been a part of my life for so long, but I’m also looking forward to lots of playtime with my grandchildren.”