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    • Auburn Fire Chief, Ralph H. White founded R.H. White Construction Company when he saw opportunity in Central Massachusetts for a company that could install water and sewer piping.

    Start19231930s
    • To survive The Great Depression, Ralph H. White became the chief engineer for the Federal Government’s Work Progress Administration’s Worcester County operations; helping engineer projects in every town.

    • In 1932 the R.H. White Bus Company was founded with two, 30-passenger Dodge School Buses - a diversification during tough times that became a successful company serving Auburn for over 75 years.

    • In 1933, R.H. White was awarded its first major project - installing dewatering pumps in Boston’s Sumner Tunnel.

    1923 1930s 1940s
    • During World War II, R.H. White shifted focus into building projects at local textile mills including Whitin Machine Works and other manufacturers for foundations, expansions and even temporary in-house labor, employing more than 100 craftsmen daily.

    1930s 1940s 1950s
    • Under Ralph’s leadership and in cooperation with his son, Leonard H. White, the company became the controlling interest of the Milford Water Company.

    • Keeping up with changing technology and continued efficiency, Leonard White, who had just begun his career, spearheaded purchasing its first backhoe for $10,000.

    • Natural gas was piped to New England; transforming the gas industry and positioning R.H. White for continued growth.

    1940s 1950s 1960s
    • R.H.White’s Building Division began its work in the design/build market through Laurel Hill Realty (LHR). Owned by Ralph & Leonard White, LHR constructed the Auburn Gardens Apartment Complex at a cost of $85,000 per building.

    • R.H. White purchased its second private water utility, Whitinsville Water Company, in 1962.

    • The first of many future satellite offices was opened in Merrimack, NH (currently located in Bow, NH).

    • The company’s first sewage treatment plant was constructed in Danielson, CT at a cost of $385,000.

    • Third-generation son, David H. White, started his career at the company and his father, Leonard H. White became president of R.H. White Construction Co., Inc in 1969.

    1950s 1960s 1970s
    • Formed L.H. White and Son, Inc. its construction equipment management division, offering more control of equipment for construction projects.

    • Founded White Development, the company’s commercial and residential development entity.

    • Rapid growth in water and wastewater with the construction of treatment plants and pump stations throughout Massachusetts and Southern New England.

    1960s 1970s 1980s
    • This period experienced significant growth in building construction in the high-technology market; specifically, with Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) – a leading manufacturer of computer systems. R.H. White crews built DEC’s engineering and manufacturing facilities throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

    • Starting in July 1981, the company formed the R.H. White Charitable Trust, which currently donates upwards of $100k, annually, to various organizations.

    • Ventured into the public water business with the purchase of the Southbridge Water Company; evolving in 1989 to the creation of WhiteWater, its water utility subsidiary.

    • In 1989, David H. White, third-generation owner, named President of the R.H. White Companies.

    • Completed a fast-track project for Wachusett Mountain including the construction of a base lodge, three chair lifts, more than 20 trails, a water supply pond, the installation of snow-making equipment and construction of a pump station.

    1970s 1980s 1990s
    • Adopted the Timberline Estimating System and Penta Accounting Software and Expedition project management software; essentially consolidating and computerizing functions relevant to accounting, estimating, procurement, reporting and service management.

    • Legal formation of The R.H. White Companies, Inc., the parent entity to the various divisions and subsidiaries.

    1980s 1990s 2000s
    • In 2000 and 2002, WhiteWater won separate 20-year contracts for operation and maintenance of the Town of Southbridge water and City of Chelsea water, sewer and drain systems.

    • The company set the foundation for its most vital core value - Safety 24/7 - a true culture of employee well-being.

    • Completed a challenging 13-mile installation of a biogas pipeline for the University of New Hampshire.

    • Expanded the breadth and depth of utility construction into Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) facilities.

    • In 2002, R.H. White transformed a former industrial mill in Millbury, MA into Cordis Mills Apartments. The luxury apartments consist of 112 one - and two-bedroom apartments that was owned by White Development until 2019.

    1990s 2000s 2010s
    • Fourth generation of the White family enters the business – Heather (White) Whitney, Alana (White) Giddens and Thomas White as well as son-in-law, Jared Whitney.

    • The company was awarded its largest water treatment construction project in Groton, CT - a 15 million gallon- per-day facility at a value of $44 million.

    • Through White Development and R.H. White’s Building Division, the company completed three design / build / own / lease / maintain projects for Columbia Gas of Massachusetts in Springfield, Shrewsbury and Wrentham, Massachusetts.

    • In 2019, David H. White transitioned to Chairman of the Board and named James E. McCarthy, a 34-year veteran of the company, President and CEO. Jim is the first non-family member to hold the position and he will ensure that the fourth generation of the White family is well positioned to continue the long-term sustainability of the company.

    2000s 2010s The Future
    • In 2016 this building, the Leonard H. White Training Center, was opened solidifying the company’s emphasis on safety and training for its nearly 600 employees; investing more than $1.5 million annually.

    • One thing is clear: our core principals of safety, customer service, integrity and family values will be the cornerstone of our future successes.

    2010s The Future More...
  • The Future 100 Years