Concrete pumping service adds value in Ottawa market
Ottawa Construction News special feature
Eastway Contracting Inc., with offices in Pembroke and Ottawa, specializes in construction management, earth moving and ground grading for underground utilities, water, sewer and storm drains. As well, the business has a fleet of concrete pumper trucks, as well as large capacity excavators, bulldozers and loaders and can co-ordinate variety of project types.
The company, owned by partners Dan Bedard and Jim Lapointe, started in 2008 “with a few pieces of equipment for a specific job in Pembroke and 10 employees,” says company spokesman Blain Beyer. “Now we employ 225 during peak season and own 171 pieces of equipment including 28m and 47m concrete pumps.”
While the business works primarily in eastern Ontario from Chalk River to Kingston, it is not limited in its scope. “We’re talking to people about jobs on the east coast and northern Ontario. We have no limits to where we’re go or the projects we’ll take on,” says Beyer.
Recent major projects include the largest residential subdivision construction project in Petawawa, Laurentian Highlands, on which Eastway worked from start to finish. It also played roles on two phases of the Barron Canyon Road reconstruction and MHLH (Medium Heavy Lift Helicopter Hangar) utility and road construction in Petawawa. Currently the company is involved with the Class 4 Power Project at Atomic Energy of Canada in Chalk River.
Eastway works with Lafarge Canada in the Ottawa/Gatineau area as well as in Renfrew and Petawawa, hauling ready mix concrete from its plants as well as supplying them with sand and aggregates from local quarries. Eastway also partners with Lafarge in the Lansdowne redevelopment project at their on-site plant.
Eastway has two sister companies: Allied 2012 Inc. and Valley Forming. Eastway’s co-owners also own Eastway Collision, Eastway Refurb and The Lapointe Auto Group. Through these co-operative enterprises, clients have access to a full range of products and services.
The company’s focus on customer satisfaction, driven by the partners’ interest and personal commitment, drives a mission statement based on T.A.P. (trust, accountability and performance).
Safety is vital, as well. “We have safety officers for every crew and site, not just one who has to cover everyone,” said Beyer. “We use SP Safety Solutions Inc. as a third-party source to ensure we are doing everything correctly. We also ensure safety is something that is taught not just directed so people understand fully why compliance is important and how non-compliance can impact each individual on a site.”
Though the company has grown considerably in six years, the family feeling remains. Beyers says this is due, in part, to the fact both owners employ members of their own families in positions ranging from driver to manager and gradesman. “Both owners are very hands on, visiting sites and getting to know people,” Beyer said. “One Christmas they got a truck and drove to every employee’s home to deliver a holiday thank you personally. They did the same for people who live near the pits as a thank you for their patience and tolerance during the year.”
“We work hand in hand with people on our job sites, with our neighbours, and with other companies in the region. There’s enough work for everyone and no reason we can’t work together.”
For more information, visit eastwaycontracting.ca.
