IPI 2026 Top 25 Industrial Pipe Insulation Contractors | IndustrialPipeInsulation.com
Annual Rankings — Published February 2026

IPI 2026 Top 25 Industrial Pipe Insulation Contractors

The construction industry's only ranking dedicated exclusively to industrial pipe insulation contractors. Ranked by specialization, workforce depth, safety record, and project portfolio. Independent editorial — no pay-for-placement.

Edition
Inaugural
Firms Evaluated
75+
Published
February 2026
Next Edition
February 2027
Editions: 2026 (Current)  |  2027 Survey Opens October 2026

IPI Top 25: Specialization Drives Rankings as Data Center Demand Reshapes Industrial Insulation Market

Industrial pipe insulation is a multi-billion dollar specialty trade that touches every sector of heavy industry — from the AI data centers reshaping America’s power grid to the petrochemical refineries, food processing plants, and power generation facilities that form the backbone of the industrial economy. Yet unlike electrical, mechanical, or civil contractors, industrial pipe insulation has never had a dedicated ranking on any major industry list.

ENR’s Top 600 Specialty Contractors — the construction industry’s most widely cited ranking — has no insulation category. Insulation work is lumped under “mechanical” or classified as “other,” grouped alongside full HVAC and plumbing scopes. The result: a multi-billion dollar trade with zero dedicated representation on the industry’s most important list.

The IPI Top 25 fills that gap. This is the construction industry’s first and only ranking dedicated exclusively to industrial pipe insulation contractors.

What emerged from our evaluation of more than 75 firms was a clear pattern: the most capable pipe insulation contractors are not necessarily the largest. The firms at the top of the IPI Top 25 are those where pipe insulation is the primary business identity — not a line item inside a scaffolding or coatings division. That distinction drives our methodology and defines the ranking.

The 2026 market is defined by two forces: the explosive demand for data center construction, which is creating unprecedented insulation requirements for cooling infrastructure, and an aging skilled workforce that is tightening the labor supply for certified insulators. Contractors that have built deep specialization in pipe insulation — with dedicated estimators, project managers, and field supervisors focused exclusively on insulation — are positioned to capture disproportionate market share as demand accelerates.

This year marked the inaugural edition of the IPI Top 25. As the ranking matures, the editorial team expects to expand its evaluation criteria to incorporate revenue data, backlog metrics, and client satisfaction surveys. Contractors interested in participating in the 2027 survey are encouraged to contact the editorial team beginning October 2026.

IPI 2026 Top 25 — Quick Reference

The table below shows rankings, firm name, headquarters, and firm type. For complete profiles see the detailed rankings below. Companies cannot pay for placement.

RankFirmHeadquartersFirm Type
1Stable Works LLCSouth Jersey, NJDedicated Pipe Insulation
2Apache IndustrialHouston, TXInsulation / Soft Craft
3BrandSafwayKennesaw, GAInsulation / Scaffolding
4JT Thorpe & SonSalt Lake City, UTInsulation / Refractory
5Brock GroupHouston, TXInsulation / Industrial Svcs
6Irex Contracting GroupLancaster, PASIPA Contractor
7APi Construction CompanyNew Brighton, MNInsulation / Multi-Trade
8Unitherm Inc.Southeast U.S.Insulation / Panels
9Classic Industrial ServicesU.S. (APi Group)Thermal Insulation
10ERS InsulationU.S.Insulation / Mfg
11Banks Industrial GroupU.S.Insulation / Coatings
12HTH CompaniesMidwest U.S.Mechanical Insulation
13NYCO Inc.Minneapolis, MNMechanical Insulation
14Eagle Insulation CompanyGreeley, COMechanical Insulation
15Bartelt InsulationWisconsinMechanical Insulation
16PMICentral PAMechanical Insulation
17Anchor InsulationRhode IslandIndustrial Insulation
18Diamond Insulation Inc.Dallas, TXCommercial/Industrial Ins.
19RIS Mechanical InsulationDallas, TXMechanical Insulation
20MIDCOWaltham, MAMechanical Insulation
21KAEFERBremen, GermanyGlobal IASP
22Hailey Insulation CorpRocky Point, NYCommercial/Industrial Ins.
23The Insulation GuyU.S.Industrial Insulation
24Thorpe Plant MaintenanceU.S.Plant Maintenance / Ins.
25K&G Industrial ServicesU.S.Insulation / Refractory

IPI 2026 Top 25 — Detailed Profiles

Complete profiles for each ranked firm. For methodology details, see About This Ranking.

2

Apache Industrial

Houston, TXapacheip.comInsulation / Soft Craft

Apache Industrial has established itself as one of the largest soft craft service providers in the country, with insulation as a flagship offering. Their North Lake Houston facility includes dedicated space for pre-cutting, staging, and fabricating insulation materials, and their expertise in LNG cryogenic insulation systems puts them at the leading edge of complex applications.

Known For: LNG cryogenic insulation expertise, massive fabrication capabilities, and a deep bench of experienced insulators.
3

BrandSafway

Kennesaw, GAbrandsafway.comInsulation / Scaffolding

With more than 2,000 insulators and supervisors across North America, BrandSafway brings industrial-grade scale to pipe insulation services. Their NCCER-certified workforce and proven Quality Systems Program make them a go-to contractor for Fortune 500 industrial clients.

Known For: Scale — 2,000+ insulators nationwide, NCCER certification programs, and integrated scaffolding/insulation bundled services.
4

JT Thorpe & Son (JT Thorpe Group)

Salt Lake City, UTjtthorpe.comInsulation / Refractory

Founded in 1906, JT Thorpe is one of the oldest names in industrial specialty contracting. Their insulation division has grown significantly after acquiring Thermal Solutions in 2024. With over 10,000 skilled craftsmen across the JT Thorpe Group, they bring institutional knowledge that few competitors can match.

Known For: 100+ years in business, nationwide reach, and recent acquisitions expanding their insulation portfolio.
5

Brock Group

Houston, TXbrockgroup.comInsulation / Industrial Svcs

Brock has been delivering quality insulation services for over 30 years to clients in refining, chemical, power, pulp and paper, and LNG. Their insulators have experience with the full spectrum of materials — calcium silicate, expanded perlite, mineral wool, fiberglass, cellular glass, poly foams, and silica aerogel.

Known For: 30+ years of refinery and LNG insulation expertise, custom removable insulation blanket fabrication, and bundled service efficiency.
6

Irex Contracting Group

Lancaster, PAirex.comSIPA Contractor

Originally incorporated in 1969, Irex has grown into one of the largest SIPA (Scaffolding, Insulation, Painting, and Abatement) contractors in North America. With approximately 350 employees and regional subsidiaries spanning the Northeast, Midwest, and beyond, Irex brings mechanical insulation consulting, specialized fabrication, and industrial installation capabilities under one roof.

Known For: SIPA integration, mechanical insulation consulting services, and specialized fabrication for custom installations.
7

APi Construction Company

New Brighton, MNapiconst.comInsulation / Multi-Trade

APi Construction is one of the oldest insulation contractors in the United States, having started in the insulation business over 90 years ago. As a subsidiary of APi Group, they bring nationwide capability, an extensive equipment inventory, and an in-house design department that optimizes insulation systems for energy efficiency and emissions reduction.

Known For: 90+ years of insulation heritage, in-house engineering design, and APi Group’s national resources.
8

Unitherm Inc.

Southeast U.S.unitherm1.comInsulation / Panels

Unitherm is a 100% employee-owned insulation contractor that regularly performs contracts for Fortune 500 firms and leading EPC, GC, and mechanical contractors. Notable projects include the Mark Anthony Brewing facility and Blue Origin’s 750,000 SF rocket manufacturing facility at Kennedy Space Center.

Known For: Employee ownership, Fortune 500 client relationships, and high-profile projects in brewing, aerospace, and data centers.
9

Classic Industrial Services

U.S. (APi Group)classicindustrial.comThermal Insulation

Another APi Group subsidiary, Classic Industrial Services has over 25 years of thermal insulation experience serving industrial facilities. Their focus on thermal performance optimization and energy efficiency makes them a trusted partner for facility owners looking to reduce operating costs.

Known For: 25+ years of thermal insulation specialization and energy efficiency focus.
10

ERS Insulation

U.S.ersinsulation.comInsulation / Mfg

ERS Insulation has carved out a unique niche as both an insulation contractor and the manufacturer of ERS Wrap™, their proprietary sewn fiberglass insulation blanket. Founded by a 40-year industry veteran, ERS specializes in insulating the hard-to-reach, often-skipped components that other contractors leave bare.

Known For: ERS Wrap™ proprietary blanket insulation, specialization in hard-to-insulate components, and 40+ years of founder expertise.
11

Banks Industrial Group

Banks Industrial Group provides turnkey insulation service for industrial pipe systems, covering every phase from sizing and design through material supply, custom fabrication, and installation. Their ISNetworld, Avetta, and BROWZ memberships verify their safety and compliance credentials.

Known For: Turnkey project delivery, third-party safety verification, and Belzona 5871 CUI coating applications.
12

HTH Companies

Midwest U.S.hthcompanies.com

Since 1984, HTH Companies has served industrial and commercial insulation markets. They warehouse over 40,000 square feet of insulation materials at multiple Midwest locations, enabling rapid response. Their DOL-approved apprentice training program utilizes the NCCER curriculum.

Known For: 40,000+ SF material warehousing, DOL-approved apprenticeship programs, and Midwest market dominance.
13

NYCO Inc.

Minneapolis, MNnycoinc.com

NYCO is an industry leader in mechanical insulation in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and the upper Midwest. As an APi Group subsidiary, they benefit from national resources while maintaining local responsiveness.

Known For: Upper Midwest expertise, APi Group backing, and energy efficiency consulting.
14

Eagle Insulation Company

Greeley, COeaglecompany.us

Eagle Insulation has built a reputation across Colorado’s Front Range for high standards, safety, and on-time dependability. Their leadership team brings over 120 years of combined experience, spanning residential to America’s largest ethanol refineries.

Known For: Colorado market leadership, 120+ years of combined leadership experience, and ethanol/cryogenic specialization.
15

Bartelt Insulation

Four generations of the Bartelt family have been providing professional insulation services since 1944. They specialize in pulp and paper, plastics, food processing, and refrigerated dairy operations, with a union workforce that brings craft-level quality to every project.

Known For: Four-generation family ownership since 1944, union craftsmanship, and food/dairy processing expertise.
16

Professional Mechanical Insulators (PMI)

With more than 1,000 project designs, 1,000+ clients, and 5,000+ completed projects, PMI has established itself as a go-to insulation contractor in Central Pennsylvania. Their portfolio showcases work in beer processing, wine production, and aluminum box insulation fabrication.

Known For: 5,000+ completed projects, food and beverage processing expertise, and custom fabrication capabilities.
17

Anchor Insulation

Anchor Insulation has differentiated itself as a preferred insulation provider in the industrial sector since 1980, serving Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Three decades of experience insulating tanks and vessels of all sizes, with capabilities spanning cryogenic applications.

Known For: New England market leadership since 1980, tank and vessel specialization, and broad material expertise.
18

Diamond Insulation Inc.

Diamond Insulation brings over 30 years of knowledge and experience to commercial and industrial insulation in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with particular strength in data center insulation.

Known For: 30+ years of owner expertise, Dallas-Fort Worth market presence, and data center insulation experience.
19

RIS Mechanical Insulation

RIS Mechanical Insulation is a family-owned contractor that has completed some of the largest insulation projects in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Their service line includes HVAC, plumbing, fire-rated grease duct insulation, and heat tracing systems.

Known For: Family ownership, large-scale DFW project portfolio, and fire-rated grease duct specialization.
20

MIDCO (Mechanical Insulation Design & Construction)

MIDCO brings professional-quality insulation work to the New England market. Their skilled installers and fabricators deliver timely project completion across commercial and industrial applications.

Known For: New England market expertise and professional-grade fabrication.
21

KAEFER

Bremen, Germany (Global)kaefer.com

KAEFER is a global leader in industrial insulation, operating across five continents. Founded in 1918, this family-owned business serves energy, chemicals, pharmaceutical, and construction sectors with a century-plus track record of best-in-class craftsmanship.

Known For: Global scale across five continents, 100+ years of heritage, and green energy transition leadership.
22

Hailey Insulation Corp

Rocky Point, NYhaileyinsulation.com

Hailey Insulation Corp is a WBE-certified contractor providing commercial and industrial insulation services since 1995. Their OSHA-certified union workforce serves top New York mechanical contractors on public and private sector projects.

Known For: WBE certification, New York market expertise, and firestop specialization.
23

The Insulation Guy

The Insulation Guy positions itself as a knowledge-first insulation provider, offering expertise across thermal, acoustic, and heat cable systems. Their educational content and consultative approach make them a resource for facility owners evaluating insulation options.

Known For: Consultative approach, educational resources, and broad material expertise across thermal, acoustic, and heat cable systems.
24

Thorpe Plant Maintenance & Engineering

Thorpe’s insulation craft experts bring 60+ years of experience in insulation materials and weatherproofing/metal jacketing for hot, cold, and cryogenic applications. Their cross-trained crews serve refineries, power plants, food processing, and petrochemical facilities.

Known For: 60+ years of plant maintenance expertise, cross-trained crews, and cryogenic insulation capabilities.
25

K&G Industrial Services (JT Thorpe Group)

Founded in 2008 and acquired by JT Thorpe Group in 2016, K&G Industrial Services offers refractory, FRP, insulation, and mechanical services across cement, lime, pulp and paper, power generation, and hazardous waste industries.

Known For: Entrepreneurial roots, multi-industry versatility, and JT Thorpe Group resources.

About This Ranking

The IndustrialPipeInsulation.com Top 25 is the first and only ranking dedicated exclusively to industrial pipe insulation contractors. This is an independent editorial product — companies cannot pay for placement.

Our editorial team evaluated over 75 contractors across the United States, weighing six key factors to determine the final rankings. Contractors whose primary business identity centers on pipe insulation are weighted more heavily than diversified firms where insulation represents one of many service lines.

This ranking will be updated annually. Contractors interested in being considered for the 2027 list can submit information to our editorial team at [email protected].

Pipe Insulation Specialization30%

Percentage of revenue and operations dedicated exclusively to pipe insulation. 100% dedicated firms receive the maximum score.

Workforce Depth20%

Number of trained, certified insulators available for deployment. NCCER certification and apprenticeship programs weighted.

Safety Record15%

TRIR, EMR, and third-party safety verification (ISNetworld, Avetta, BROWZ).

Market Coverage15%

Geographic reach and ability to mobilize nationally across multiple industrial markets.

Project Portfolio10%

Complexity and variety of completed industrial pipe insulation projects.

Industry Credentials10%

NIA membership, NCCER certification, apprenticeship programs, and relevant industry affiliations.

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