BZI is involved in many different projects in the country, continuing to win awards and accolades in the industry. (Photos courtesy BZI)
The company is quick to recognize the teamwork of its employees as the largest component to its growth and success. (Photos courtesy BZI)
BZI, a Kanarraville-based steel and construction company, has announced it has been ranked No. 5 in the 2026 Top 20 Steel Companies and No. 98 in the national list of Top 600 Specialty Contractors, by Engineering News-Record (ENR).
The company’s exponential year-to-year growth can be attributed to its increasing group of customers, project expansions, new vertical markets and continued amplification in developing industry-enhancing innovations — all contributing to BZI’s climb within the lists’ positions, according to a company release.
“We are setting new standards for what customers and our industries should expect, which is facilitating interest in our offerings and providing new opportunities for the growth we are experiencing,” said James Barlow, CEO of BZI. “These significant forms of recognition by the highly respected industry leader, ENR, are extremely rewarding and meaningful for our company and team.”
ENR’s Top 600 Specialty Contractors List highlights the country’s leading specialty contractors across a variety of specialties. According to ENR, companies are ranked based on construction revenue.
The company said its mission is to revolutionize the steel and construction industries through innovation, team performance, accelerated project delivery, safety, and efficiency. BZI customers and partners are benefiting from this focus and the company’s growth and evolution of unique and value-added approaches.
“The pace at which BZI continues to reset the trend around their performance, as it relates to safety and quality, they’re not only setting the trend for construction, but also showing all of the industry what is possible,” said Bryce Tholen, area senior vice president of Gallagher.
“Our focus on a holistic and integrated approach to project delivery, innovation, lean principles, team safety, collaboration and performance is demonstrating that BZI continues to bring a unique approach to our industries in safety, efficiency and project performance,” Barlow said.
The BZI group of companies operates through three primary organizations: Building Zone Industries LLC is responsible for steel erection, while BZI Steel LLC specializes in steel fabrication. InnovaTech LLC specializes in designing, engineering and manufacturing innovative construction equipment and processes to enhance efficiency and safety on the job.
The BZI Academy provides hands-on and real-world application of foundational training to all its team members. A technical, safety, vocational and leadership training center, the academy provides training in OSHA (10) and (30) certifications, equipment operations, fall protection and industry-specific welding certifications. Since 2021, the organization, formerly known as SteelTech Academy, has issued thousands of certifications across these disciplines and consistently logs over 30,000 student contact hours annually. As part of this expansive training curriculum, the academy also offers a Department of Labor-certified apprenticeship program, shaping relevant skills and advancing careers for those wanting to pursue construction as a vocation. All new BZI team members are paid for time spent attending the comprehensive training at the academy.
The company has continued to receive numerous industry awards and accolades for its exceptional performance and contributions to its industries, including:
• BZI and affiliate Visco received the 2026 Utah Business Fast 50 Award.
• BZI was ranked one of the nation’s fastest-growing companies in 2026 Inc. 5000 list.
• BZI’s vice president of safety, Jesus Cadena, was honored with the Utah Business 2026 Executive Excellence Award.
• USA Today 2026 Top Workplaces Leadership Award was earned by CEO James Barlow.
• USA Today 2026 No. 1 Top Workplaces for Frontline Workers.
• USA Today 2026 No. 7 Top Workplaces for companies 500-999.
• Seven Top Workplaces Excellence in Culture awards in 2026.
• Top Workplaces 2026 Construction Industry Award.
• BZI President Thomas Harker was honored in the 2026 Utah Business Forty Under 40.
• BZI named No. 6 in the 2025 ENR’s List of Top 20 Steel Companies.
• The Salt Lake Tribune named BZI No. 3 in Utah Top Workplaces 2025 for Large Businesses.
• InnovaTech: First place in the 2025 Utah Business Innovation Awards in the Industrial Manufacturing category.
• No. 1 Construction Top Workplaces.
• Inc. Best in Business 2024 for Construction: BZI Innovation Park.
• USA Today’s Top Workplaces (Second year, ranked No. 11 in the nation for midsize companies in 2025).
• Utah Business Fast 50 (No. 12 ranking).
• Salt Lake Tribune Top Workplaces for two years (No. 5 ranking in 2024).
• One Utah Summit “Rural Rockstar” Award presented by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.
• Best Employer by the Cedar City Chamber of Commerce.
• CEO of the Year by the Cedar City Chamber of Commerce.
• CEO of the Year 2025 Award – Utah Business.
• Trade Partner in Safety Excellence (Layton Construction).
The company release said BZI’s mission is to revolutionize the steel construction industry through innovation and team performance, while accelerating project delivery and setting new standards in safety and efficiency.
