UIC Becomes Majority Owner of Northbank Civil and Marine
Photo Credit: NORTHBANK CIVIL AND MARINE
Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC) acquired a majority interest in Northbank Civil and Marine, a Vancouver, Washington–based construction firm. The acquisition strengthens UIC’s maritime and infrastructure portfolio and expands its operational presence in the Pacific Northwest.
Northbank will continue to operate under its existing name and leadership team.
Expanding Marine Construction
Founded in 2014, Northbank specializes in civil and marine construction projects across the western United States. Its marine construction work includes fish passage enhancement projects, marine facilities, and marine pipelines and outfalls. Northbank’s civil construction capabilities include hydro power infrastructure, oil and water separators, dam navigational lock rehabilitation, and bridge construction and rehabilitation.
“This acquisition is part of UIC’s strategy to provide one-stop services across three core areas: heavy civil construction, marine construction, and dredging services,” says UIC COO Jeevan Pokharel, who spearheaded the acquisition. “By adding Northbank to our growing construction portfolio, we are continuing to build complementary capabilities that strengthen our foundation and diversify our businesses.”
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The portfolio of the Utqiaġvik-based Alaska Native village corporation includes wholly owned contractors such as Qayaq Construction, UIC Construction, UIC Nappairit, and HC Contractors.
Pokharel adds that the investment in Northbank aligns with UIC’s broader expansion strategy in the Pacific Northwest, which has included ownership stakes in Johansen Construction, Highmark Concrete Contractors, and HME Construction.
Northbank President Kainan Bodenlos says, “UIC has been an invaluable partner through its acquisition of HME Construction, and that partnership has already allowed both HME and Northbank to prosper by combining each company’s strengths.” Putting both companies under common ownership, Bodenlos adds, creates new opportunities for collaboration and efficiency.
“This is an example of how quickly and effectively UIC can identify opportunities, simplify the acquisition process, and execute transactions that support both continuity and growth,” Pokharel says. “We are building a strong team and platform in the region, and we look forward to continued expansion.”
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