Our Story

Wickersham Construction & Engineering, Inc. was founded in 1906 by John H. Wickersham, a Yale-educated engineer who began his career working on pioneering tunnel projects in New York City. With a vision to bring innovative construction techniques back to his hometown, he returned to Lancaster and established a company built around one of the most transformative technologies of the era—reinforced concrete. In the decades that followed, Wickersham became a trusted name across the Mid-Atlantic region, constructing durable, high-performance factory buildings and bridges that laid the groundwork for modern infrastructure and industrial growth.

Wickersham Construction & Engineering, Inc. is a 115+ year old general contractor started by Colonel, John H. Wickersham. We are in the 4th generation of non-family management.

John H. Wickersham shared a close friendship with Milton Hershey, who operated a candy factory in Lancaster prior to building his iconic chocolate plant in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Following the construction of the initial Hershey chocolate plant, Wickersham Construction & Engineering went on to build forty-three additions over several decades, utilizing reinforced concrete and structural steel—work that continued until the plant unionized in the 1930s.

More than a century later, our partnership with The Hershey Company and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts remains strong, as we continue to support their evolving facility needs with the same commitment to quality and reliability.

In addition to Hershey, we have cultivated long-standing relationships with numerous industrial clients that began in the early to mid-1900s and continue to thrive today. These enduring partnerships include Armstrong World Industries, Pepperidge Farm, Mars Chocolate, Kellogg’s, Kunzler & Co., Franklin & Marshall College, and Donnelly Printing Company—each a testament to our consistent performance and trusted expertise across generations.

Wickersham

Today

With over 115 years of industry experience, Wickersham Construction & Engineering continues to excel in building complex concrete structures that meet today’s demanding standards. Beyond our technical expertise, what truly sets us apart is our commitment to innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving. We partner closely with our clients to deliver practical, forward-looking solutions that optimize both design and construction—ensuring projects are completed efficiently, on budget, and with lasting value.