Our History

  • 1947  Kenneth Goddard and J. Gilbert Dobson founded Dobson Heavy Haul in Bay City.
  • 1948  One of nine companies that founded the organization that ultimately became the Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association (SC&RA).
  • 1950's  The company expands its capabilities with heavy duty trucking in the Midwest. It also begins manufacturing its own custom heavy-duty trailers.  
  • 1957  Dobson hauls 41,000 miles  of cable to Mackinac. This cable was used to produce the huge cables supporting the center span of the Mackinac Bridge.  
  • 1958  Dobson Heavy Haul becomes the first hauler in history to be given a permit to carry an oversized load over  the Mackinac Bridge. The bridge was temporarily closed when the load was taken across.
  • 1959  Company wins the contract for rigging and steel hanging on virtually all the buildings at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda.
  • 1965  In response to customer requests, Dobson Heavy Haul adds steel erection division.
  • 1965  Company moves to new headquarters at 3660 N. Euclid, Bay City. New facilities include a rail site and expanded  storage and fabrication areas.
  • 1969  With the purchase of VanHaaren Trucking, the nation's oldest registered trucking firm, Dobson expands heavy trucking capabilities to include the entire U.S.
  • 1972  Main office building expanded to handle increased business.
  • 1975  Large specialized trucking terminal is opened in Detroit to handle the company's expanding Midwest business.
  • 1980  Innovative safety programs started by Dobson Heavy Haul lead to a number of regional and national awards for safety.
  • 1989  Company is awarded steel erection and rigging contract for the new physical education building, Ryder Center, at Saginaw Valley State University.
  • 1994  Dobson Heavy Haul purchases Ponder Iron Works (Ponder Door Company) .
  • 1997  Dobson Heavy Haul celebrates 50 years of leadership in providing service to its Midwest commercial  and industrial customers.
  • 1999  Dobson Heavy Haul opens Wixom office to expand services in Metro Detroit area.
  • 2002  Purchases additional "low profile" specialty cranes for in-plant maintenance work. Expands engineering and fabrication capabilities for the manufacturing of special, high-tolerance equipment. 
  • 2003  Changes company name to Dobson Industrial.
  • 2006  Third generation of family ownership begins.
  • 2007  Company celebrates its 60th anniversary.
  • 2008  Marks the 60th anniversary of the SC&RA and Dobson Industrial remains one of five original founding companies.
  • 2015  Dobson family sells its ownership interest to remaining partners. The Dobson name continues as the proven leader in the rigging & machinery moving, steel fabrication & installation business.
  • 2017  Company celebrates its 70th anniversary.
  • 2018  Marks the 70th anniversary of the SC&RA and Dobson Industrial as a founding member.
  • 2011-2018  Company receives numerous safety awards for outstanding safety performance.
  • 2017-2019  Marks three consecutive years with zero recordable injuries.