History of Knepco

Pictured here are our first 30-ton and 110-ton cranes—milestones in KnepCo’s growth. These powerful additions marked a turning point, opening the door to new markets and significantly expanding our service capabilities.

Founder, Gerald Knepp, next to 30 ton crane setting a black hawk helicopter on a trailer for the National Guard Armory in Shelbyville, Indiana.

 
 

KnepCo was founded in 2009 by Gerald and Carol Knepp, beginning with just a couple of older cranes and a vision for dependable, quality service. In our early years, we focused on smaller-scale projects, including house trusses, rooftop units, grain handling systems, and facility maintenance—work we remain committed to providing with the same reliability and care today.

Between 2014 and 2015, we expanded our capabilities by adding a 30-ton Terex crane and a 110-ton crane, allowing us to enter new markets and take on more complex jobs. Today, our fleet has grown to seven cranes ranging from 45 to 115 tons, supported by a dedicated team of 11 skilled professionals.

In 2024, ownership of KnepCo transitioned to Gerald’s son, Joas, and his wife, Mary. Under their leadership, the company remains committed to excellence, with a renewed focus on safety, efficiency, customer satisfaction, and cultivating a strong team culture.