Exhibit 23.1


               Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors


We consent to the use of our report  dated March 12, 2004 (except Note 16, as to
which  the  date is April 1,  2004),  with  respect  to the  combined  financial
statements  of Newmark  International,  Inc. and  Pfleiderer  Leasing USA,  Inc.
included in the Current  Report on Form 8-K of Valmont  Industries,  Inc.  dated
April 21, 2004.


  /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

April 16, 2004