Business Details
48 Years
experience
Your Trusted Commercial Construction Partner Nationwide
Since 1978, Key Construction has built enduring relationships with clients, subcontractors, and communities while establishing itself as one of the nation's leading commercial general contractors. Founded by brothers Ken and Dave Wells in Wichita, Kansas, the company operates as an employee-owned organization, ensuring decisions prioritize long-term value over short-term gains. With offices in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, Key completes over $200 million in projects annually across 40 states, specializing in projects ranging from $1 million to $100 million. The company's commitment to quality is demonstrated through its comprehensive safety program, which maintains an Experience Modification Rating of 0.70well below the industry average. Key leverages advanced construction technologies like laser scanning and virtual design systems to enhance project accuracy and efficiency.The firm's employee ownership model has driven consistent growth, outperforming industry peers by 23% annually according to ESOP research. With a focus on civic responsibility, Key has completed landmark projects including the Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport terminal and multiple Ronald McDonald Houses. The company maintains a 0.70 safety rating and $225+ million bonding capacity while earning recognition as ENR's #352 Top 400 General Contractor. Key's philosophy centers on transparent communication, value engineering, and maintaining a 30-year track record of delivering projects on time and within budget. This approach has earned repeat business from major clients across healthcare, education, hospitality, and industrial sectors nationwide.
Services
Office Construction
Healthcare Construction
Retail Construction
Pre-Construction Services
Facility Maintenance
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We operate as an employee-owned company ensuring long-term value creation
- Our safety program maintains an Experience Modification Rating of 0.70
- We utilize advanced technologies like laser scanning and virtual design systems
- We complete projects across 40+ U.S. states annually exceeding $200M in value
- Our ESOP structure drives 23% faster growth than industry peers
Associations and certifications
- ENR Top 400 General Contractors
- 0.70 Safety Experience Modification Rating
- D&B Rating 3A2
What people say
Exceeds expectations
Trustworthy organization
Highly organized
Value engineering expertise
Professional capability
Services
Office Construction
Key Construction specializes in office building projects ranging from 4,000 to 200,000 square feet. Our team integrates specialized construction requirements, technology infrastructure, and security systems while maintaining critical path scheduling. Recent projects include Cargill Protein Headquarters and Legacy Plaza, demonstrating our ability to handle complex office developments with multiple stakeholders.
Healthcare Construction
We deliver specialized healthcare construction solutions including medical offices and critical care facilities. Our experience encompasses projects like Baylor Scott and White Centennial OB Triage, where we implemented strict quality controls and infection prevention measures. Our team understands the unique regulatory requirements and operational needs of modern healthcare environments.
Pre-Construction Services
Our comprehensive pre-construction services include master planning, budgeting, and constructability reviews. We utilize virtual design and construction tools to create accurate cost estimates and logistics plans. This phase ensures all project stakeholders align on scope, budget, and schedule before construction begins, minimizing risks and change orders.
Facility Maintenance
We provide ongoing facility maintenance services for commercial properties in Wichita and surrounding areas. Our capabilities include parking lot repairs, roof maintenance, HVAC servicing, and emergency repairs. This service extends our client relationships beyond initial construction through reliable, responsive maintenance solutions for completed projects.
Design-Build Services
Key offers design-build delivery where we provide both design and construction services under one contract. This approach streamlines project delivery, reduces costs, and provides single-point accountability. Our team coordinates all aspects from concept through completion, ensuring design intent aligns with construction realities while maintaining budget and schedule control.
People
Ken Wells
Co-Founder
Co-founded Key Construction in 1978 with his brother Dave Wells. Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year by Ernst & Young in 1996. Led the company's growth from a local operation to a national Top 400 General Contractor.
Dave Wells
Co-Founder
Co-founded Key Construction in 1978 with Ken Wells. Instrumental in establishing the company's employee ownership model. Recognized with Ken Wells as Entrepreneurs Of The Year by Ernst & Young in 1996 for their leadership in growing the construction firm.
Questions
What types of construction projects does Key specialize in?
Key Construction handles commercial projects ranging from $1M to $100M across multiple sectors including office buildings, healthcare facilities, hospitality venues, retail centers, and mission-critical infrastructure nationwide.
What is Key Construction's service area?
We operate across 40+ U.S. states with regional offices in Wichita, Kansas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, serving both local and national clients.
How does Key Construction ensure project quality?
Our comprehensive quality assurance program includes pre-work scope acceptance, mock-up reviews, and a zero-punch-list mentality utilizing completion lists throughout construction to address issues proactively.
What safety measures does Key Construction implement?
We maintain a 0.70 Experience Modification Rating through ongoing safety training programs, regular site audits, and strict adherence to OSHA standards across all our construction projects.
What construction delivery methods does Key offer?
We provide multiple delivery methods including Construction Manager at Risk, Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, and Integrated Project Delivery to best meet each client's specific project needs.
Is Key Construction employee-owned?
Yes, Key Construction operates as an employee stock ownership program (ESOP), making all employees partial owners who share in the company's long-term success and value creation.
Videos
Reviews (1)
Mc
Aug 17, 2020
Report
The Key Construction Team was great to work with on the new Meritrust Headquarters. Keatin, Tyler and Kyle were great teammates who went above and beyond in collaborating as partners on this project. They handled this project with professionalism and quality that was much appreciated. We look forward to the opportunity to work with Key Construction again.
