Construction companies merge to better serve clients in eastern Idaho

IDAHO FALLS – Two construction companies are joining forces to expand and develop projects in eastern Idaho.

Idaho Falls-based general contractor Morgan Construction announced in a news release it recently merged with Meridian-based ESI Construction, Idaho’s largest privately held general contractor, to “create significant growth opportunities and bolster … the companies’ ability to serve clients in eastern Idaho.”

“We’re excited to be part of ESI’s team, and we believe this merger will enable us to serve our clients at an even higher level, thanks to the resources that ESI brings to the table,” Morgan Construction founder Matt Morgan says in a news release.

As part of the merger, Morgan Construction will become Morgan Construction LLC, a division of ESI. In his new role, Morgan says he will be working alongside the ESI team in combining the two companies’ capabilities and return to working directly with clients to provide “a personal touch” in getting people’s projects off the ground.


Since 1989, Morgan Construction has been involved in a variety of commercial projects throughout the northwest. Some of its most recent projects include Mahana Fresh, a Hawaiian-based restaurant in Idaho Falls, and Centre at Rainey Creek, a mixed-use residential and commercial development in Swan Valley. The development sits on 23 acres and includes 24 1,800-square-foot townhomes and six bay homes and a general store with groceries, hardware and fuel pumps. The project was completed just before Christmas, and a grand opening is in the works this spring, Morgan says.

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One of the company’s well-known projects is the Jackson Hole Junction development on Sunnyside Road in Idaho Falls. Tenants include the Holiday Inn and Burger Theory restaurant, which opened in June after several months of construction delays related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also includes the Idaho Kidney Institute, which is wrapping up construction.

Construction was supposed to begin on Showbiz Cinemas, a multiplex theater and entertainment complex, in February. The pandemic put a temporary hold on the project.

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Despite months of uncertainty over Jackson Hole Junction’s future, Morgan tells EastIdahoNews.com some updates are coming after the new year.

“Finally getting a few deals inked again at the development and getting wind behind our sails,” he says. “Legal counsel should be wrapped up the first week in January. Looking forward to finally getting the community informed on the progress we have made.”

ESI has continued to grow in recent years, with revenue exceeding $500 million in Idaho. ESI has project experience in eastern Idaho, most recently doing work for Idaho National Laboratory’s Collaborative Computing Center and Cybercore Integration Center.

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Morgan says ESI was looking to partner with another successful contractor to expand its footprint, and that’s what brought about the merger with his company.

“This merger of two great companies allows ESI an exciting opportunity to support already established clients and new clients on exciting projects by enhancing our efficiency and response to a broader market. Idaho is our home, and we want to be able to serve all communities throughout the Gem State as we grow together,” said ESI’s president and co-owner, Neil Nelson. “Developing eastern Idaho is important to ESI and Morgan Construction. Matt’s talented team will have the full support of ESI’s resources so we can continue to complete great projects for our clients across Idaho.”

Morgan is also involved in a nonprofit called Building Hope Today, devoted to helping victims of sexual abuse. He’s hoping the merger will give him and his wife more time to “focus on people and causes we’re passionate about.”