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About Us

Warfel Construction is a full service construction management company serving diverse industries across the Mid-Atlantic region. Our business is continuously refined and improved in response to the evolving needs and challenges of our clients.

The satisfaction of our clients and employees serves as the true measure of our success. It is important to ensure that all partners have a positive experience with Warfel at all touchpoints and stages of a project, and beyond. We remain continually focused on nurturing our existing Client for Life relationships and building new ones.

  • 113Years in Business
    For over 113 years Warfel has been developing long-term relationships with clients that have led to structures and spaces that enhance our communities.
  • 260+Team Members
    We dedicate ourselves to maintaining a culture that creates opportunities for our employees to learn, be challenged, and develop both professionally and personally.
  • 77%Client Repeat Business
    Our clients trust us time and time again to manage their projects and drive ongoing innovation, sustainability, and technological advancements so they remain ahead of the curve.
  • 4Office Locations
    We take pride in serving clients across the Mid-Atlantic region with 4 conveniently located office locations in PA and Virginia.

Mission & ValuesMission & ValuesMission & Values

Our StoryOur StoryOur StoryOur Story

1911
1911

Established in 1911 by David S. Warfel and his business partner Harry W. Peters, Warfel has set the standard for excellence in the construction industry for over a century. David's decision to bring his expertise back to Lancaster County at the age of 28 fulfilled the community's growing need for general contracting services. From the humble beginnings of constructing a small church in downtown Lancaster, the legacy of Warfel was born, setting the standard for quality craftsmanship and enduring relationships in the region.

1920
1920’s

Warfel began building Lancaster County with projects such as:

  • 1921: The original Manheim Township High School
  • 1922: Lititz Springs National Bank
  • 1923: An addition to the former St. Joseph Hospital
  • 1925: Lancaster School District Reynolds Middle School
  • 1927: Lancaster Newspaper Building
  • 1929: F&M College Fackenthal Library
  • 1929: Lancaster Train Station
1930
1930’s

In the face of economic turmoil during the 1930s, D.S. Warfel and his team confronted challenges head-on. Despite the hardships of the Depression era, they persevered by undertaking any available work to support their employees and keep the company afloat. A significant milestone for Warfel came in 1933 when they successfully secured the project to construct the new Lancaster City Water filtration plant.

1940
1940’s

During World War II, commercial construction was nearly nonexistent due to the shortage of building materials. However, D.S. Warfel adapted by shifting focus to the residential market. Over the course of the 1940s, they constructed over 300 homes, primarily in and around Lancaster City for Lancaster Homes Inc. and the Lancaster Housing Corp.

1950
1950’s

Upon his retirement in 1952, D.S. Warfel passed the reins to his son Dick Warfel and Melvin H. Peters, son of Harry Peters. Under their leadership, the newly formed D.S. Warfel Associates thrived, expanding their operations beyond Lancaster to surrounding counties.

1960
1960’s

The 60s saw a surge in large-scale residential projects, school construction, and industrial facilities driven by booming local industries with plant expansions and new facilities emerging throughout the county. Notable local projects included the North Museum, Columbia Avenue McDonalds, Hempfield High School, Manor Shopping Center, Armstrong Cork, Leisure Lanes, and the Coca-Cola Bottling Plant on Manheim Pike.

1970
1970’s

When Mel and Dick retired in 1978, Ken, along with George Rakoczy and Tim Peters, both of whom had been with the company for seven years, became President, Vice President, and Secretary/treasurer.

1980
1980’s

The 80s marked a period of specialization for Warfel, focusing on senior care, education, healthcare, and commercial projects. Expanding their reach beyond Pennsylvania, they undertook projects in Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey. Major expansions and renovations included Lancaster General Hospital, Armstrong, Lancaster Country Club, Lancaster Newspapers, Bell Telephone, Lancaster County Prison, and Lancaster Theological Seminary.

1990
1990’s

After the passing of George Rakoczy in 1998, Warfel continued its upward trajectory under the leadership of Tim, Ralph, and Rupe. The company nearly tripled its revenues in the 90s, reaching close to the $100 million mark. A notable achievement during this period was the 1995 renovation of the historic Fulton Theatre, which garnered Warfel its first National Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors Association.

2000
2000’s

The turn of the century brought significant projects to downtown Lancaster:

  • 2000 – Barshinger Center for the Arts at F&M College
  • 2001 – Fulton Bank Penn Square Expansion
  • 2001 – New Women and Babies Hospital at Lancaster General Suburban Campus
  • 2003 – New Lancaster Police Station
  • 2005 – Clipper Magazine Ballpark/Stadium

In 2007, after 40 years, Peters, the last family member of the original partners, retired. In 2008, Warfel welcomed Simpson as President/CEO, alongside Taylor and new partner Matthew Hartzler, who had joined Warfel in 1995.

2010
2010’s

Matthew Hartzler, an 18-year veteran of the firm, assumed the role of President in 2013. In 2019, Warfel expanded its reach with the opening of a second office in Paoli, PA, growing Clients for Life throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. Brett Calabretta, PE LEED AP, became a partner in 2016, serving as Vice President of Work Acquisition, while Conlan Swope became a partner in 2019, serving as Vice President.

2020
2020’s

In 2020, Warfel was honored as the ENR Mid-Atlantic Contractor of the Year. Warfel continued its expansion with the opening of a third office in Winchester, Virginia, in 2022. The appointment of Swope as President in early 2024 marks a new chapter for Warfel, as it continues to uphold its mission and values while striving for continued success and strategic advancement.

The Warfel Experience

Our greatest accomplishment is the experience we provide to our clients, made possible through our exceptional team and the unique culture of Warfel that has evolved since 1911. 

Safety Practices

Warfel sees safety as a holistic imperative, motivated by our deep appreciation for the value of each person. Employee or otherwise, we’re committed to ensuring everyone who steps onto a Warfel job site leaves healthy, safe, and more engaged than ever.

Community Impact

The team members that truly make Warfel construction special are passionate about supporting their communities. Whether it’s an exciting ribbon cutting, a monumental groundbreaking, or a community volunteering opportunity, our people make a difference because that is what drives them!

Warfel Cares

Warfel cares about the development of its employees on a personal level, professional, and physical level.

Innovation

Warfel Construction has continually demonstrated a commitment to innovation and resilience in the construction industry. In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, we recognize the significance of proactively adapting to change and anticipating future challenges. Rather than simply following trends, our philosophy centers on using technology strategically to address practical issues.

Quality

Warfel’s comprehensive approach to both quality assurance and quality control falls under our Quality Management department. This dedicated team collaborates with every team at Warfel, from preconstruction to project completion, ensuring our high standards are met.

  • about1@2x
    The Warfel Experience

    The satisfaction of our clients and employees is the true measure of our success. Ensuring our clients have a positive experience with Warfel at all touchpoints and stages of a project and beyond. We are continually focused on nurturing our existing Client for Life relationships and building new ones.

  • about2@2x
    Team Overview

    Warfel’s leadership team is a high-powered group of individuals that represents all facets of the business, collectively dedicated to achieving our mission of Clients for Life.

Meet Our Team

RecognitionsRecognitionsRecognitions

ENR MidAtlantic Contractor of the Year, 2020

#10 - Top Senior Living Facility Construction Firms, Building Design & Construction (BD+C), 2023

ABC Eastern Contractor of the Year, 2023

AffiliationsAffiliationsAffiliations

ERAPPA - Eastern Regional Assocation of Physical Plant Administrators

Top of Virginia Regional Chamber

ABC National

LeadingAge National

ASHE - American Society for Health Care Engineering

CMAA

Lancaster City Alliance

ABC Keystone

Construction Financial Management Assocation

LeadingAge Virginia

ABC Eastern Pennsylvania

ABC Virginia

Economic Development Company (EDC) Lancaster County

ADVIS - Delaware Valley Independent Schools

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce

LeadingAge PA

Northern Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce

Latest Updates

Warfel Construction Welcomes a New Director

Warfel Construction Welcomes a New Director: Matt Caplinger Warfel Construction welcomes a new Director of Construction Services, Matt Caplinger, to […]

Warfel Construction Announces Promotions

East Petersburg, PA – Warfel Construction announces promotions of two key team members, reflecting our commitment to personal and professional […]

Warfel Construction Starts New Behavioral Health Hospital in Danville

Warfel Construction proudly joined forces with Acadia Healthcare and Geisinger to commemorate the start of construction for the Acadia Geisinger […]

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