Upon returning from the Vietnam War, Lyle Bowes found himself working for Mannerud Brothers Construction of Brookings, the local gravel supplier and contractor in the area. He learned the importance of aggregate production to the transportation system and the local economy. As Doc and Erv Mannerud aged and with the passing of Erv, the business began to downsize. Lyle saw an opportunity in the local area and with reluctance from Doc to allow Lyle to get involved, Lyle found a partner. They forged out on their own and in 1975 started Osbey-Bowes Construction.

They began producing gravel portably in pits around the Brookings area and various parts of eastern South Dakota. Within the first year they expanded into hauling and placing aggregate. In his second year Lyle began producing mineral aggregate for asphalt concrete which also helped increase production by 50%.

In 1982, after 7 years, both partners agreed to go separate ways and the business became Bowes Construction, Inc. In 1983, Bowes Construction, Inc began working on large highway projects. A year later, Lyle's wife Marcia joined him in the daily operation of the company. In 1987, Bowes Construction, Inc (BCI) began recycling asphalt roads.

In 1991, BCI felt the need to purchase Wyland Construction, the local asphalt producer who was looking to retire. That led to the construction of a new shop and office in 1992.

In 2006, BCI purchased grading equipment to fill the needs of local customers and facilitate its own projects.

Bowes Construction, Inc. has been fortunate enough to experience rapid growth in all phases of the aggregate and construction industry. This is due to an increased customer base and a tireless devotion to provide the highest quality products and most timely service for all customers no matter how large or small the project.

Today BCI operates three portable crushing plants, one portable wash plant, two road reclaimers, one stationary asphalt plant, twenty hauling units, and an earthwork-grading operation.

With the second generation heavily involved in the day to day operations, BCI and 125 employees are committed to carrying on its tradition of quality and customer relations it has developed over the years.