W. L. French Excavating

225 Binney Street - Cambridge, MA

2011-12-01T09:46:00.002-05:00

WLF has been awarded the mass excavation portion of the 225 Binney Street Project located in Cambridge, MA by Schnabel Foundation Company of Southborough, MA.

Site work and transportation & disposal of over 100,000 CY of soils is scheduled to begin prior to year end and the project completion date is slated for June of 2012.
For more information about the project please visit http://nerej.com/51458

WLF Conducts 3rd Annual Coat Drive

2011-10-26T10:57:00.004-04:00

Billerica, MA

W. L. French Excavating Corporation will be conducting its 3rd Annual Coat Drive beginning October 26th, 2011 through November 18th, 2011.

Here is an opportunity to make sure that nobody goes without such a basic necessity as a coat this winter.

W. L. French Excavating Corporation is collecting clean, gently used coats and jackets as part of the One Warm Coat community service project. Coats of all shapes sizes are welcome. One Warm Coat is dedicated to distributing reusable coats, free of charge, directly to local children and adults. The program is an easy way for you and your family to pass along coats and jackets that you no longer need.

W. L. French Excavating Corporation has made donating a coat simple. Just bring your clean, gently used coats and jackets to our main office location at 3 Survey Circle North Billerica, MA from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM from October 26th through November 18th, 2011. Then your W. L. French Excavating Corporation will take care of the rest. All donated coats will be given to Rosie's Place, Cradles to Crayons and the New England Shelter for Homeless Veteran's for distribution to local people in need.

One Warm Coat is national non-profit organization that supports and encourages coat drives. It helps individuals, groups, companies and organizations across the country collect coats and deliver them to local agencies that distribute the coats free to people in need. More than one million coats have been provided to those in need at no cost since its inception in 1992.

Last year W. L. French Excavating Corporation collected nearly 75 coats. The goal this year is to reach 100 coats for men, women and children in need. We appreciate your generosity and helping ensure that as many people as possible will stay warm this winter with your help.

W. L. French Featured In The "Lowell Sun"

2011-10-14T10:28:00.004-04:00

W. L. French Named Top Among Top Snow Removers
By Dan O'Brien, dobrien@lowellsun.com
Updated: 10/13/2011 09:58:14 AM EDT
Lowell Sun, October 13, 2011

W. L. French Excavating Corp., which has done site remediation at the new Lowell Trial Court and the Edward Early Jr. Garage on Middlesex Street in Lowell, was recently recognized as a top North American snow contractor, according to GIE Media's Snow Magazine.

The Top 100 companies were recognized during an awards ceremony on Aug. 29 at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, Ohio. French Excavating ranked No. 35. The complete 2011 Top 100 list is included in the October issue of Snow Magazine.

Each year Snow Magazine ranks the top-performing companies in the snow-removal industry based on revenue from the previous winter season.

According to Lisa French Kelley, director of business development at W. L. French, the private, family-run company had to file a formal application, including revealing its year-over-year increase in snow-removal sales. Its snow-removal sales were more than $5 million last winter.

Separately, President William L. French Jr. was selected as a recipient for one of Snow Magazine's five Leadership Awards. Criteria for the award include industry growth, community relations and "his individual commitment to strengthening and legitimizing this industry and his devotion to giving back to the community he lives and works in," Snow Magazine Editor Mike Zawacki said in a statement.

French Jr. was named president in 2005, but has been diversifying the company for the past 14 years, Kelley said of her brother.

W. L French offers site-development, environmental-management and trucking-contract services. It was founded by CEO William L. French Sr. and employs about 100 people. It has two Billerica locations, a headquarters at 3 Survey Circle and a maintenance facility on Nashua Road.

Just this week, W. L. French won the contract to provide excavation services for UMass Lowell's new parking garage.

Snow Magazine, a GIE Media publication, is a business-management publication serving the professional snow- and ice-management industry. It publishes eight times a year and reaches nearly 30,000 industry professionals.

"If their market experiences another sizable winter, and based on their pattern for growth, I expect to see W. L. French on many more of our Top 100 lists," Zawacki said.

Last year, W. L. French was recognized by Inc. magazine for being among the Top 5,000 growing private companies in the country.

Read more: http://www.lowellsun.com/business/ci_19103463#ixzz1alZLOyKe

WLF Awarded Site Package At UMass Lowell Parking Garage

2011-10-12T10:38:00.000-04:00

Lowell, MA

W. L. French Excavating Corporation was recently awarded the site package for the new parking garage at the University of Massachusetts - Lowell by Barr & Barr Builders of Springfield, MA. Work is scheduled to begin mid October, 2011.

This is the second project French has worked on at the University of Massachusetts - Lowell. French is currently onsite working on the new South Academic Building for Gilbane of Providence, RI.

WLF Awarded ADESA Auctions Project

2011-09-25T13:43:00.000-04:00

Framingham, MA

W. L. French Excavating Corporation was recently awarded the site package for the ADESA Auctions project located in Framingham, MA.

WLF has entered into a contract with Shiel Sexton of Indianapolis,Indiana to perform the site work for ADESA Auctions - the second largest wholesale vehicle auction network in North America.

Work is scheduled to begin the end of September and to be completed by year end.

WLF Participates in ESPN's new series, "RISE UP"

2011-09-22T11:15:00.014-04:00

RISE UP is an ESPN original series that tells the story of four communities coming together to renovate their local high school athletic facilities. The series kicks off on Tuesday, September 13, and will air on the three consecutive Tuesdays thereafter.

On Tuesday, September 27th, 2011 at 7:00 PM, ESPN will be airing the RISE UP special featuring Dorchester Tech located in Dorchester, MA. W. L. French Excavating Corporation is proud to be a part of the team that worked on this amazing project - along with many other local area companies - namely CDM who spearheaded the project.

Tune in to watch the reveal!

For more information about this exciting project please visit ESPN's Rise Up Website:
http://espn.go.com/boston/teams/preps/story/_/id/6888352/renovation-opportunity-dorchester-rise-up

In Addition - visit CDM's Website:
http://cdm.com/en-US/Discover-CDM/News-and-Events/CDM-Featured-on-ESPN-New-Series-RISE-UP.aspx

Mayor Menino & Bill French, Sr. outside Dorchester Tech - Dorchester, MA

WLF Participates in the 11th Annual Burlington Truck Show

2011-09-19T10:52:00.002-04:00

Burlington, MA

W. L. French Excavating Corporation participated in the annual Truck Show held September 20, 2011 on the Burlington Commons in Burlington, MA. The drivers spend an abundance of time and effort in preparing for the show which is widely popular with local residents and in particular, children. Trucks of all varieties take part in the show - ranging from antique show trucks to tree service trucks to fire trucks.

Snow Business Magazine Presents Bill French, Jr. With Leadership Award

2011-08-31T10:46:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT
Mike Zawacki
Editor
Snow Magazine
330/523-5381
mzawacki@gie.net

BILL FRENCH JR. RECEIVES SNOW INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP AWARD

Snow Magazine honors snow fighter for his commitment to excellence, professionals and community.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- GIE Media’s Snow Magazine is honored to announce that Bill French Jr., W.L. French Excavating Corp., Boston, is a member of its 2011 class of Leadership Award recipients. Leadership Award winners were recognized during the August 29th Top Contractor/Leadership Award ceremony at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

As a member of the award’s 2011 class, Bill French Jr. embodies all aspects of what Snow Magazine’s Leadership Award honors and represents – a solid commitment to professionalism, industry growth and community, says Snow Magazine Editor Mike Zawacki.

“There’s no question Bill is a savvy business person – you can see that from how he's successfully grown and maintained his snow removal operations over the years,” Zawacki says. “But what makes Bill a truly outstanding representative of our industry is his individual commitment to strengthening and legitimizing this industry and his devotion to giving back to the community he lives and works in."

Other 2011 award recipients included Scott Brickman and Jeff Herold, The Brickman Group, Gaithersburg, Md.; Jerry Schill, Schill Landscaping & Lawn Care Services, Sheffield Village, Ohio and Paul St. Pierre, Landscape Effects, Windsor, Ontario.

Snow Magazine, a GIE Media publication, is the leading business management publication serving the professional snow and ice management industry. The snow industry publication publishes eight times a year and reaches nearly 30,000 industry professionals. Check it out at www.snowmagazineonline.com.

WLF Accepting Material At The Haverhill Landfill

2011-06-13T16:42:00.008-04:00

W. L. French Excavating Corporation, under contract with ET& L Corp of Stow, MA, is now accepting soils at the Haverhill Landfill.

Materials to be accepted at the Haverhill facility include COMM-97 Soils, Catch Basin Sediments, Street Sweepings and Dredge. For Transportation & Disposal pricing please contact our office at [978] 663.2623 or contact Bill French, Jr. via email at billjr@wlfrench.com

I93 Fast14

2011-06-13T12:51:00.001-04:00

Project Progress Photo From EarthRockHill

Northeastern Center For Family Business

2011-06-10T13:17:00.004-04:00

W. L. French Excavating Corporation was nominated for the second consecutive year as a finalist for the Northeastern Center for Family Business, Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Award.

The list of winnners and finalists can be found by clicking on the link below. Congratulations to all!

http://www.mafba.com/home.html

New Project Award At Salem State

2011-06-03T15:22:00.008-04:00

WLF is pleased to announce that Lee Kennedy Co., Inc. of Quincy, MA recently awarded our firm the contract for the site work related to the construction of the new library and learning commons at Salem State University.

The scope of work includes excavation and disposal of 15,000 CY of soil and rock to make way for the below grade portions of the new building. The scope of work also includes installation soiling nailing for excavation support, drilling and blasting, and installation of new utilities and site improvements. This project is slated to begin in July 2011 and be completed in the Spring of 2013.

Current Employment Opportunities

2011-06-03T14:38:00.003-04:00

Working Foreman & Layout/Field Engineer

Candidate must have a minimum of five years experience in urban site construction; including mass excavation, contaminated soils, excavation support and utility work.

Please forward resumes to jobs@wlfrench.com

Introduction to the 93 Fast 14

2011-06-02T14:23:00.001-04:00

W. L. French Excavating Corporation is under contract with
J. F. White Contracting, Co. to haul the precast concrete for the bridges, otherwise known as the "Fast 14, Rapid Bridge Replacement."

For more information regarding this historic project please watch the video from MA DOT below.

frameborder="0" allowFullScreen="">

W. L. French Nominated for SIMA Award

2011-05-20T15:42:00.012-04:00

W. L. French has been nominated and is a finalist for the "Excellence In Business Award" by the Snow & Ice Management Association [SIMA].

This national award is judged on the basis of demonstrated success in the following competencies - business practices, customer satisfaction, community relations and accountability.

Winners will be annouced at the 14th Annual Snow & Ice Symposium Awards Banquet held in June of 2011 in Schaumburg, IL.

UMass Lowell Health & Social Sciences (HSS) Building Groundbreaking Cere...

2011-04-25T14:23:00.003-04:00

Lowell, MA

W. L. French Excavating Corporation has started the site package for the new academic building at UMass Lowell for Gilbane Building Company. This is the first new building the campus has seen in thirty five years. For more information on the ground breaking and this project please see the links and video below from the University of Massachusetts Lowell website and "High Profile" magazine:

http://www.uml.edu/facilities/Capital-Improvements/HSS/default.html

http://blog.high-profile.com/2011/04/22/umass-lowell-breaks-ground-on-40-million-academic-building/

Employment Opportunties Available

2011-02-14T14:22:00.003-05:00

W. L. French Excavating Corporation is now accepting resumes for the following positions:

- Union Site Forman
- Heavy Equipment Mechanic
- Class "A" CDL Truck Driver

For more information please send inquiries and resumes to jobs@wlfrench.com

W. L. French Excavating Corporation is an "Equal Opportunity Employer"

Making Room For More Snow - Video - WCVB Boston

2011-02-05T23:44:00.000-05:00

Making Room For More Snow - Video - WCVB Boston

Snow Operations In Full Gear

2010-12-27T13:17:00.005-05:00

The day after Christmas 2010 proved to be busy for the snow crews of W. L. French as preparation for the blizzard that hit the northeast was in full swing.

Crews began working Sunday morning and continued around the clock maintaining properties and facilities in order to keep up with the nearly two feet that covered the local area. Many foreman bring decades of snow experience to the company's winter operation and have safely and effectively managed the first storm of the 2010 | 2011 winter season.

French & Pompeo Enter Joint Venture

2010-12-08T11:31:00.006-05:00

Billerica, MA

W. L. French Excavating Corporation is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Joint Venture with Rudy V. Pompeo, Inc. of Weymouth, MA to perform infrastructure development at "Southfield", formerly the Weymouth Air Force Base for LNR Property.

Construction is scheduled to being mid-December 2010. For more information about the entire development in Weymouth visit www.southfield.com.

Toys For Tots Collection Begins

2010-11-08T11:21:00.007-05:00

Billerica, MA

Collections for Toys for Tots officially starts on Monday November 8, 2010 and will continue through Friday December 17, 2010. Drop off locations will be at our main office location, 3 Survey Circle North Billerica, MA and our maintenance facility which is located at 2 Nashua Road North Billerica, MA. Thank you in advance for helping support this wonderful cause!

Terminal "B" Closes, WLF begins working around the clock

2010-11-03T13:17:00.006-04:00

Boston, MA

Terminal B Roadway at Logan International Airport is scheduled to Close November 3 - 7, 2010.

"The lower level arrival roadway at Boston Logan International Airport’s Terminal B will be closed Wednesday November 3 at 2 a.m. until Sunday November 7 at 5 a.m. so workers can mill and pave the lower level arrival roadway. The work is part of Massport’s $55 million rehabilitation of the 36-year-old Terminal B garage and roadway system, one of several projects to build a better Logan." [MPA]

W. L. French Excavating Corporation began working at Terminal B earlier this fall but will be there around the clock over the next several days to ensure all work in completed in compliance with contract requirements.

Woburn Lions Club 56th Annual Halloween Parade

2010-10-29T12:52:00.004-04:00

Woburn, MA

W. L. French Excavating Corporation will be participating Woburn Lions Club 56th Annual Halloween Parade this Sunday October 31, 2010 at 1:00 PM in Woburn MA.

"This event draws in excess of 80,000 people a year, hosting over 25 bands such as the University of New Hampshire, Mass Maritime, Waltham American Legion and many New England High Schools and local community bands. More that 90 floats from local groups & organizations make this a true family event.

Beginning at the intersection (rotary) of Rt. 38 and I-95 by the Woburn Cinema/Holiday Inn Select, exit 35 off of I-95 heading south on route 38, Main Street Woburn Traveling for 2.2 miles to the Woburn/Winchester Line

This is a charity event with proceeds benefiting the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund and many local Woburn Host Lions Club projects."

Family Business Association Awards 2010

2010-10-22T15:17:00.006-04:00

Cambridge, MA

W. L. French Excavating Corporation was a finalist as Family Business of Year 2010 [Mid-Size Business]by the Family Business Association of Massachusetts. The French family enjoyed meeting with other family businesses from Massachusetts at the annual event held at the Royal Sonesta in Cambridge, MA.

"It was a great night to spend with our family and take a moment to see what we have accomplished in business and as a family," said Lisa French Kelley. "We were a finalist among some excellent businesses and it was a honor to be a part of such a great night."

2010 Finalists & Winners

First Generation Category

VPNE Parking Solutions - Winner

Baystate Dental P.C.

Magic Wings Conservatory and Gardens

Next Generation Children’s Centers

O’Lyn Roofing Contractors, Inc

Small Business Category

Red Apple Farm - Winner

Edgewood Bogs LLC

Normandy Farms Campgrounds

Tartt’s Day Care

Woodman’s of Essex

Mid-Sized Business Category

Barrett Distribution Centers - Winner

Bill’s Taxi Service, Inc / A&A Metro Transportation

Humboldt Storage and Moving

Sellia Corporation

W. L. French Excavating Corporation

Large Business Category

A. R. Sandri, Inc - Winner

AGAR

Hub Folding Box Company

Lafrance Hospitality

Sullivan & Cogliano

Community Excellence Award Category

AGAR - Winner

Adversity Award

Tartt’s Day Care - winner

Comcast Spotlight Hall of Fame Award

Avedis Zildjian, Co. - Winner

For More Information About The Event Please Visit:

http://www.massfamilybusiness.com/index.htm

Newest Addition To The Fleet Arrives

2010-10-20T17:14:00.006-04:00

North Billerica, MA

The newest addition to the fleet, Truck No. 83 "Christine Marie" is road ready.

This 2011 Petebilt 389 arrived last week from McDevitt Mack and will be driven by senior chauffeur, Doug Colton. Doug has been with the French companies for nearly ten years and currently resides in Ayer, MA.

"Mind Your Own Business" Radio Talk Show

2010-10-18T16:31:00.004-04:00

Needham, MA

W. L. French Excavating Corporation was a featured guest on the weekly "MYOB" radio show. "Longtime entrepreneurs Rick Brutti and Jeffrey Davis host a business show for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs on Sunday Mornings on WBNW 1120 Needham MA and live over the internet at www.moneymattersboston.com. The show provides advice, information and connections for entrepreneurs, service providers and established companies.

The show covers business topics such as how to successfully run a business for the beginner or seasoned veteran, different financing options, and networking ideas. Along with expert guests who help business owners/managers au nd those interested in getting into business navigate the issues concerning business. The show also introduces businesses that are in the startup stages that are looking for investors and or financing. It offers a great opportunity to showcase businesses through interviews with business owners and executives."

Click on the link below to listen to the W. L. French Excavating Corporation segment.
[October 17, 2010 Broadcast]

http://www.myobtheradioshow.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=285&Itemid=1001401

Family Business Association

2010-10-18T12:48:00.004-04:00

Boston, MA

W. L. French Excavating Corporation is a finalist in the mid-sized business category for the Family Business of the Year by the Massachusetts Family Business Association.

The awards dinner and winners will be announced at Royal Sonesta in Cambridge on October 21, 2010.

http://www.massfamilybusiness.com/Winners_finalists.htm

2nd Annual Coat Drive Running This Month

2010-10-01T13:00:00.002-04:00

North Billerica, MA

The need has never been greater and it’s never been easier to make a difference in your community. Here is your opportunity to make sure that nobody goes without such a basic necessity as a coat this winter.

W. L. French Excavating Corporation is collecting clean, gently used coats and jackets as part of the One Warm Coat community service project. Coats of all shapes sizes are welcome. One Warm Coat is dedicated to distributing reusable coats, free of charge, directly to local children and adults. The program is an easy way for you and your family to pass along coats and jackets that you no longer need.

W. L. French Excavating Corporation has made donating a coat simple. Just bring your clean, gently used coats and jackets to our main office located at 3 Survey Circle North Billerica, MA from 7 30 AM to 5:00 PM. W. L. French Excavating Corporation will take care of the rest! All donated coats will be given to the New England Shelter of Homeless Veterans, Rosie's Place and Cradles to Crayons for distribution to local people in need.

“More people than ever need help these days. I am proud of the thousands of coat drive organizers whose creativity and generosity of spirit have made helping people so easy and who are making a real difference in their own communities.” commented Sherri Wood, President and Nnational C coordinator for One Warm Coat.

One Warm Coat is national non-profit organization that supports and encourages coat drives. It helps individuals, groups, companies and organizations across the country collect coats and deliver them to local agencies that distribute the coats free to people in need. More than one million coats have been provided to those in need at no cost since its inception in 1992.

###

W. L. French Featured In Inc. Magazine 500|5000

2010-08-19T14:09:00.006-04:00

North Billerica, MA

W. L. French Excavating Corporation, a site contracting firm headquartered in North Billerica, MA, today announced that the company was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 list, a compendium of the most entrepreneurial and fastest growing companies in America.

William L. French, Sr., CEO commented on the award: “Inc. Magazine is the authority on entrepreneurship, and is requiring reading for any growing enterprise. We are excited to have been named on this list as one of the nation’s fastest growing companies. We have a great team that inplace has been working together for many years and our company's growth is a result of their hard work.”

As for future growth French continued, “As we remain positive through this an economic downturn we plan to continue to grow conservatively and look forward many more years in business.”

An awards dinner is scheduled to be held in September of 2010 in Washington, DC.

Transportation & Disposal @ Taxiway November

2010-08-16T09:22:00.007-04:00

August 2010

Logan International Airport ~ Boston, MA

W. L. French Excavating Corporation completed work for J. F. White Contracting, Co. for the transportation & disposal of milling's from Taxiway November at Logan International Airport this past week.

In a five day period nearly 15,000 tons were hauled from the airport to an off site facility.

Below are several photographs of trucks waiting to be loaded on the runway.

Cambridge Ridge & Latin Progress Photos

2010-07-30T14:46:00.004-04:00

Employment Opportunities Available

2010-07-28T09:48:00.008-04:00

Tractor Trailer Driver

Full Time Trailer Dump Driver position available.

Candidate must be reliable, motivated and safety oriented. Candidates must possess a Class A CDL, HazMat Endorsement and minimum of five years trailer dump experience. [No exceptions]

Candidate must have clean RMV driving record, must pass pre-employment drug screen, & maintain equipment to fleet standards. Excellent compensation & benefits package available. Forward resumes to jobs@wlfrench.com

Required Training Includes: HazWoper 40 & OSHA 10 Training and HazMat Training.

Shop Assistant

Full Time Shop Assistant position available for busy maintenance division.

Candidate must be reliable, work well independently, motivated and safety oriented. Candidate must possess a Class A CDL. Job duties include but are not limited to: moving small construction equipment, light repairs, pick up and deliveries. Painting and body work skills a plus. Salary is commensurate with experience. Excellent compensation & benefits package available.

Please forward resumes to jobs@wlfrench.com

WLF IS AN EOE

Progress Photos of Wellington School Project

2010-07-27T08:44:00.008-04:00

Belmont, MA July 2010

The Benefits of Fleet & Fuel Cards

2010-07-20T16:05:00.000-04:00

July - Aug 2010 | More News
Power Up: Fleet and Fuel Cards Enhance Control, Save Time
By Karen M. Kroll

Share this AP Matters Article

Several years ago, the 40-some employees of W.L. French Excavating Corp. who drove company vehicles would use either cash or personal credit cards to cover their fuel purchases, and then turn in their receipts for reimbursement. Tracking the expenditures was time-consuming, and the company had few ways of preventing unauthorized purchases, says Jessica French, an officer with the Boston-based firm.

Now, the employees use a company-issued fuel card – essentially, a credit card that can be used only to purchase fuel. French receives one monthly report that shows who purchased fuel, and where and when each transaction occurred. This drastically cuts the time previously spent reviewing employees’ gas receipts.

In addition, she implemented controls over the purchases made on the cards. So the tractor-trailer drivers may be able to buy 200 gallons at a time, but those driving corporate pickup trucks can’t pump more than 50 gallons. “It protects the company and eliminates the chance for misuse,” French says.

More than four out of five managers of 1,000-plus vehicle fleets have fuel management programs, according to Automotive Fleet magazine. For many, the reporting is key.

“You want to capture data to manage your fuel spend; to know who’s buying fuel, where, when, and the type of fuel,” says Jim Creighton, vice president of global strategic services with Automotive Resources International in New Jersey.

Also critical: the ability to reduce fraud. According to a 2005 Commercial Fleet Market Study by Havill & Co., a business-to-business research firm based in Toledo, Ohio, of the 18 percent of fleet managers who have experienced fraud or misuse, nearly three-quarters had drivers who were using credit cards. Fleet cards, by restricting the types of purchases that can be made and providing timely reporting, protect against fraud.

Although the terms often are used interchangeably, fleet and fuel cards technically are different. As their name implies, fuel cards are set to allow only purchases of fuel. That way, the manager reviewing the purchase information can zero in on the price per gallon, the type of gas, and the number of gallons purchased, says Glen Sokolis, president of Sokolis Group, a fuel management consultancy based in Philadelphia. Fleet cards can be used for other fleet-related expenses, such as vehicle repairs. As a result, they provide an organization’s drivers with a little more flexibility.

Some card programs also limit the number of transactions that can occur during a specific time period, says David Disque, director of operations with CSI Enterprises, Inc., a provider of fleet and fuel cards. Others may allow only purchases of certain grades of fuel.

To be sure, an organization could use purchasing cards for its gas and vehicle repair purchases. However, it wouldn’t obtain the same level of data. “With credit card receipts, the data capture is inconsistent,” Creighton says.

In addition, while regular credit cards can restrict purchases to certain types of retailers, they don’t limit the types of items that can be bought, says Bernie Kavanagh, vice president of corporate payment solutions with Wright Express. So a driver can add a sandwich and chips to the purchase and charge all of it to the company. Fuel cards, which are processed through a closed network, can restrict the types of products purchased.

On the other hand, if fuel and maintenance costs are not material for an organization and employees regularly make other purchases, management may decide to use purchasing cards, says Michael Oleniczak, senior vice president and program manager with U.S. Bank’s fueling solutions division. That way, employees don’t have to carry both purchasing and fleet cards.

The cards in action

Fleet and fuel card transactions are similar to any credit card purchase, with a few twists. Once the card has been swiped, many fuel pumps require the driver to enter an identification number; some also require the driver to enter the vehicle’s mileage. The ID numbers help ensure that only the drivers designated to the cards can use them, while the mileage report helps management keep tabs on both the drivers and their vehicles’ performance.

The transaction information is electronically transmitted to the card-issuing company, which pays the fuel company. The card company then turns around and bills its customers on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, consolidating transactions from all its drivers. Many card issuers impose account fees. W.L. French, for instance, pays $2 per card per month. It’s minimal considering the benefits, French says.

To implement a fuel card program, the organization typically has to submit a credit application, along with lists of its drivers and vehicles, Disque says. Management also has to let the card company know of any business rules it wants used with the program, such as flagging purchases made on weekends.. It also will need to know which employees are authorized to administer the cards. The process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the size of the program and the reporting requirements.

The card manager also has to decide whether to assign cards to the vehicles or to the drivers. Many organizations assign a card to each vehicle in order to collect data on the total cost of its operation, Kavanagh says. In addition, if the workforce has a high turnover rate, assigning cards to the vehicles may be most efficient. When employees leave, their cards simply stay with the vehicle.

On the other hand, some organizations assign a card to each employee so it’s easier to track his or her purchases. That’s the route W.L. French has taken, French says.

In deciding between different card issuers, a key factor is the number and location of places that accept the card. Ideally, the card that’s chosen can be used just about anywhere. Otherwise, drivers waste time going out of their way to find stations that accept it. Drivers could carry different cards for different gas stations, although this quickly becomes hard to manage, Sokolis says.

Some fleet managers may assume their operation is too small to benefit from a fuel or fleet card program. Just 59 percent of managers of fleets of between 25 and 99 vehicles have implemented fuel programs, compared with 82 percent of fleets of 1,000 or more vehicles, according to Automotive Fleet magazine.

However, this assumption doesn’t necessarily hold up. Even fleets of only a few cars can benefit from the reporting and ability to control purchases. “Any company that has employees who purchase fuel, and the company either reimburses or purchases fuel as a company benefit, should use a fuel card,” says David Rewers, group vice president of fleet sales with Fleet One LLC in Nashville, Tenn.

By gaining insight into fuel purchases, as well as more effectively enforcing corporate policies covering fuel purchases, many organizations see their costs decrease after implementing fuel cards. The combination of enhanced reporting capabilities and security is key, French says. “It sounds so small, but it affects so many things in a positive way.”

Comment on this article

Touch-A-Truck 2010 Danvers, MA

2010-06-10T14:31:00.000-04:00

W. L. French Excavating Corporation will be participating in the "Touch-A-Truck" day at the Libery Tree Mall on Saturday June 19th, 2010.

Details: Truck enthusiasts of all ages are invited to Liberty Tree Mall on Saturday, June 19th from 10 AM to 2 PM to get an up-close look at a variety of trucks from your local businesses and the town. There will also be interactive safety stations educating your family on how to have a Safe Summer.

This event is free for the entire family, we only ask for a suggested donation to benefit the DARE program and the Fire Department SAFE program.

When: Jun 19, 2010 12 AM to Jun 19, 2010 12 AM
Where: Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers,Massachusetts
Cost: Free

Date: 6/19/2010
Address: Liberty Tree Mall, 100 Independence Way, Danvers, MA, 01923
Location: Danvers, MA
Hours: 10am-2pm
Cost/Cover: Free
Web Page: http://www.danversmass.com/news.asp
Contact Info: Phone:(978) 777-0794

Congratulations to the 2010 Massachusetts Family Business of the Year

2010-06-10T13:53:00.006-04:00

Weston, MA

The French Family attended the award ceremony naming the Massachusetts Family Business of the Year, which was hosted by the Northeastern University Center for Family Business. "There were outstanding companies and families that were nominated. It was an honor to be considered," said Bill French, Sr.

The results of the award ceremony are listed below.

MASSACHUSETTS FAMILY BUSINESS
OF THE YEAR AWARD
WINNERS

PIANTEDOSI BAKING COMPANY
The Paul Karofsky Award
(more than 100 full-time employees)

NORMANDY FARMS FAMILY CAMPING RESORT
The James F. Molloy, Jr. Award
(25 to 100 full-time emplouees)

RUMA'S FRUIT & GIFT BASKET WORLD
The Marshall Paisner Award
(less than 25 full-time employees)

MASSACHUSETTS FAMILY BUSINESS
OF THE YEAR AWARD
FINALISTS

Ambit Press
diverse provider of print
communication products and services

Boston Interiors
furniture retailer of quality furniture, from clean and modern, to classic and casual

C.A. Courtesy Demos Inc.
full-service food and product
demonstration company

Charles River Apparel
active wear manufacturer selling through a nationwide network

ColoSpace
offers comprehensive Colocation services through a network of Data Centers

Dennis K. Burke Inc.
providers of premium fuels and
quality lubricants

Epoxy Technology
leading manufacturer of specialty adhesives for use in advanced technology applications

Fair & Yeager Insurance Agency
full-service insurance agency
providing high quality insurance products

J.C. Cannistraro
mechanical construction and design firm

Moynihan Lumber
high quality lumber and building materials

Sullivan & Cogliano Companies
global providers of technical contract staffing

The Beal Companies, LLP
full service commercial real estate company

The Harding Allen Estate
a magnificent mansion, available for weddings, banquets, and celebrations of all kinds

Thomson Safaris
providing adventure tour safaris to Africa
with a commitment to social responsibility

Trainer's Warehouse
offers effective, innovative and fun products for trainers and educators across all industries

W.L. French Excavating Corporation
providing site development, environmental
management and contract trucking services

W. L. French Excavating Corporation Nominated By MFBA

2010-05-27T10:27:00.003-04:00

Boston, MA

W. L. French Excavating Corporation has been nominated by The Massachusetts Family Business Association as "Family Business of The Year 2010."

The winners will be announced at the fourth annual Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Awards program on June 9, 2010 “Family Business Day” at the Henderson House in Weston, MA.

"As an organization with a mission dedicated to providing education and support to family businesses we believe the real value of the awards program is not necessarily in winning an award but rather in the process of learning what success means and how to achieve it in your family business." [MFBA]

For more information about this program please visit the MFBA website at http://www.mafba.com/home.html

Contract Award For Terminal "B"

2010-05-27T09:51:00.004-04:00

Consigli Construction has awarded W. L. French Excavating Corporation the contract for the reconstruction of the Terminal B Arrivals Roadway at Logan International Airport. This is a $3 million project, work is scheduled to begin early Summer 2010.

Demolition Nears Completion At The Wellington School

2010-05-06T12:36:00.016-04:00

Belmont, MA

W. L. French Excavating Corporation, under contract with NASDI of Waltham, MA and Skanska as the CM, has been working on the demolition and foundation excavation for the Wellington School in Belmont, MA.

"This school was the original Belmont Highschool," said Bill French, Sr. "Most of my family attended this school while it was the highschool and my daugther, Lisa attended this school as an elementary student. There are a lot of memories and family ties to this school and this town. We are proud to be part of this project in my home town."

Currently, the new foundation is being prepped for pouring. There is a well-point dewatering system that is controlling the ground water during the foundation construction phase of the project. There is a large export of material off-site that the French fleet will be responsibile for handeling. Material import is expected to be of large volume as well and is also being performed by French.

"The project includes the demolition of an existing two and three-story structure and the construction of a new building configured into two buildings connected by a one-story core that houses the administrative offices, media center, and music rooms.

The town of Belmont intends to produce a certified Massachusetts High-Performance Green School as defined by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), who is providing a portion of the funding for this project. The resulting design incorporates numerous innovative and sustainable concepts including the use of geothermal wells for heating and cooling, high efficiency mechanical systems, and significant window areas to increase daylighting. These green components are designed to provide an enhanced environment for students and staff, decrease operating costs, and reduce the school's impact on the natural environment."

Patriots Day 2010

2010-04-19T11:16:00.005-04:00

Happy Patriots Day and many thanks to past and current Patriots who make this country great!

Boston Business Journal Names French As "Pacesetter" For Second Consecutive Year

2010-04-16T15:00:00.004-04:00

Boston, MA

The Boston Business Journal has compiled its 2010 list of local Pacesetters: The fastest growing private companies in Massachusetts, ranked by revenue growth.

At the "BBJ Pacesetters Breakfast" held at the Westin Copley Place, the list was annouced for the first time publicly. Of the well over 2,500 companies that were reviewed, W. L. French Excavating Corporation ranked #40 of the Top 50 Private Growing Firms, otherwise known by the BBJ as "Pacesetters."

William L. French, Sr. and Lisa French Kelley were present to accept the award on behalf of the company.

W. L. French Participates In "Taste Of The Nation"

2010-04-08T19:47:00.011-04:00

Hynes Convention Center - Boston, MA

"Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation® is the nation’s premier culinary benefit dedicated to making sure no kid grows up hungry. Each spring and summer, the nation’s hottest chefs and mixologists donate their time, talent and passion at nearly 40 events across the United States and Canada, with one goal in mind: to raise the critical funds needed to end childhood hunger." [www.http://strength.org/boston]

This year W. L. French Excavating Corporation was honored to contribute to this cause as a local sponser. "When you hear statistics like "1 in 4", which means one in four children in our country do not know where their next meal is coming from - it's staggering," said CEO Bill French, Sr. "Being a part of this event has certainly opened my eyes to the issue of hunger on a local level as well as a national level. This is a great event and an important one - the resturaunts and the chefs really made the night. I am glad to have our company play a small part in it."

W. L. French Excavating Corporation hopes to take part in this important event when it comes back to Boston next spring.

Photo By Pat Lordan Photography

W. L. French Featured on MSNBC

2010-02-21T13:42:00.002-05:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

"D.C. Digging Boston's Plowmen"

2010-02-19T09:29:00.001-05:00

They arrived in the middle of the night, a steel cavalry of about 40 Boston area plowmen answering the call to dig out our nation’s capital from this month’s record-setting blizzard. And after a week of nonstop work, they are being hailed as heroes.

An embassy official from South Africa, grateful for getting plowed out, handed one Boston driver a $400 bottle of his country’s wine. Residents are inviting drivers inside for snacks or much-needed bathroom breaks. Television crews have chronicled the plowmen’s labors, and earlier this week, the Washington Post plastered Boston’s crews on its Metro page.

“All we keep hearing is, ‘The boys from Boston came and bailed us out,’ ’’ said Louis Barretto, owner of L&L Services, a Malden excavation and snow removal company that answered the call for help from transportation officials in Washington.

“I can’t really fully explain all [the attention] and do it justice,’’ he said. “I don’t want it to end.’’

Of course, this is not a charitable operation. The crews are getting paid by the hour for each piece of equipment, with rates that vary by piece, from $100 per hour for the smallest vehicles to $200 per hour for big front-end loaders. Running that many trucks day and night amounts to tens of thousands of dollars each day for each company, they said.

But the real enticement, said Jessica French of W.L. French Jr. Trucking, was the once-in-a-lifetime challenge of plowing out the nation’s capital.

“We’re snowed under with our own work, but there wasn’t even a thought when the call came,’’ she said. “It was like, ‘We’re on this.’ ’’

The Washington area was walloped with back-to-back storms that deposited nearly 40 inches of snow on the ground between Feb. 5 and Feb. 9.

With so much snow, the capital’s plowing crews needed help, so they put out the word to out-of-state contractors. On Feb. 11, a team of about 40 Boston area drivers from Barretto’s company, W.L. French Jr. Trucking Co. of North Billerica, and Pellagrino Trucking and Colucciello Inc. of Tewksbury dropped everything.

Jumping into their dump trucks, with a dozen front-end loaders and sidewalk Bobcats in tow, they barreled down to Washington, arriving around midnight Friday. Since then, they have put their equipment and Yankee plowing know-how to use working for the District of Columbia’s Transportation Department, clearing snow everywhere from housing projects to schools to the sidewalks of Capitol Hill.

“We’re right here, under the monuments and the White House, and we’re from Boston,’’ said Bill French Jr., co-owner of W.L. French Jr. Trucking. “I’m looking to my left, and the Capitol is 500 feet away from me. It’s an amazing experience.’’

Gloria Jeff, a top official in Washington’s Transportation Department, said Boston’s crews have been a great boost to her overburdened staff. They have done everything, she said, from nimbly moving snow from Georgetown’s narrow streets to helping senior citizens shovel out driveways, she said.Continued...

“They have come down with an enthusiastic attitude, a willingness to work however many hours was necessary to get the job done, and they’ve been willing to take on whatever needed to be taken on,’’ she said, adding that they have given the city of Boston “more than a good name.’’

Boston’s plowmen are expected to remain in the capital for a few more days, sleeping in shifts at a Maryland Holiday Inn. Streets remain buried, and many of the area’s major thoroughfares have just half of their lanes open to traffic, drivers said. The long hours have been exhausting, and traveling around an unfamiliar city, especially one that’s still under so much snow - Washington broke all its records dating back to the 18th century - has been difficult.

They have not seen their wives and girlfriends in a week and have missed school vacation activities with their children.

“I made sure my wife got flowers and a card on Valentine’s Day so I wouldn’t be in the doghouse; I’ll see if that worked when I get home,’’ joked Scott O’Malley, a plowman from Salem who has worked 80 hours in the past six days.

“It is tough calling in every day, not being home every day,’’ O’Malley continued. “My 3-year-old son, Jordan, it’s a little tough for him. But being down here and seeing what these people are going through is something.’’

Snow-removal crews from Illinois, Maine, New Jersey, and neighboring Maryland, along with Boston’s drivers, have been dispatched daily from a parking lot in the shadow of RFK Stadium. But Boston’s contingent, the largest, has probably made the biggest impression.

“They’re good; they’re real good,’’ said George Branyan, the city’s pedestrian program director, who has worked closely with Boston’s drivers. “I’ve seen their skills with the Bobcats. They can maneuver them amazingly well on sidewalks. And the big thing is snow removal. They’ve been doing a lot with front-end loaders and hauling away just mountains of snow. We’d be in deep trouble without them. They’ve been indispensable.’’

Barretto and other drivers, such as John Baker, a veteran of the Blizzard of 1978, said the conditions are not anything they have not seen before.

What is different is the reception and adulation they have received.

“In Boston, yeah, it’s just another day,’’ said Barretto. “With this, we have people out and hugging us saying, ‘Thank you, I can finally get out of my house.’ ’’

Jeff, of Washington’s Transportation Department, said she would hire Boston’s drivers anytime, not that she’s anxious to, of course.

“It’s one of those situations where I really enjoyed working with you, but I never want to see you again,’’ she said.

No one is taking it personally.

© Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company.
Single Page 1 2

Next

W. L. French featured in the Boston Business Journal, "Book of Lists"

2010-02-10T12:35:00.002-05:00

W. L. French Excavating Corporation lands on three lists in the annual Boston Business Journal "Book of Lists"

North Billerica, MA (PRWEB) February 10, 2010 -- W. L. French Excavating Corporation, a family owned and operated site contracting firm with a forty year history, was featured in three 2009 'best of' lists in the Boston Business Journal Annual 'Book of Lists'.

Featured BBJ Lists include: 2009 Pacesetters / Area's Fastest Growing-Growing Private Companies, Area's Largest Family-Owned Businesses and Area's Largest Private Companies, Top 100.

"It is an honor to be featured on lists with such reputable companies and alongside some of our peers and customers," said company President, William L. French, Jr. "The recognition is greatly appreciated," he continued.

The annual Book of Lists is published each January and features firms from the 'Who's Who In Boston Business'.

Coat Drive Begins January 25, 2010

2010-01-20T16:33:00.002-05:00

January 20, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Name: Kristen Calandrella
Daytime Phone Number: 978.663.2623
Contact Email: Kcalandrella@wlfrench.com

Coat Drive Helps Local People in Need Stay Warm!!
Warming Communities… One Coat at a Time.

N. Billerica, MA – The need has never been greater and it’s never been easier to make a difference in your community. Here is your opportunity to make sure that nobody goes without such a basic necessity as a coat this winter.

W.L. French Excavating Corporation is collecting clean, gently used coats and jackets as part of the One Warm Coat community service project. Coats of all shapes and sizes are welcome. One Warm Coat is dedicated to distributing reusable coats, free of charge, directly to local children and adults. This program is an easy way for you and your family to pass along coats and jackets that you no longer need.

W.L. French Excavating Corporation has made donating a coat simple. Just bring your clean, gently used coats and jackets 3 Survey Circle or 2 Nashua Road N. Billerica, MA 01862 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM from January 25, 2010 until February 5, 2010. Then W.L. French Excavating Corporation will take care of the rest. All coats will be distributed to local people in need.

“More people than ever need help these days. I am proud of the thousands of coat drive organizers whose creativity and generosity of spirit are making a real difference in their own communities.” Commented Sherri Woods, President and National Coordinator for One Warm Coat.

One Warm Coat is a national non-profit organization that supports and encourages coat drives. It helps individuals, groups, companies and organizations across the country collect coats and deliver them to local agencies that distribute the coats free to people in need. More than one million coats have been provided to those in need at no cost since its inception in 1992.

Toys For Tots 2009

2009-11-16T15:08:00.004-05:00

W. L. French Excavating Corporation is once again an official drop off location for "TOYS FOR TOTS". Sponsered by the United States Marine Corps, our main office is now an offical drop of for new, unwrapped toys for those who are less fortunate.

Please join us in helping those with difficulties this holiday season by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to our office.

Annual Agreements For Subcontractors Availalble Online

2009-10-27T08:41:00.002-04:00

2010 Annual Subcontract Agreements are now available online to be downloaded.
Please visit the following link for more information:

www.wlfrench.com/subcontractors.html

2009-09-30T16:55:00.001-04:00

2009-09-02T13:59:00.003-04:00

W. L. French Excavating Corporation wishes all employees and their families a safe and happy Labor Day and thanks each one for their continued hard work and dedication to our company.

Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Founder of Labor Day

More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.

Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic."
dol.gov

2009-07-15T13:17:00.003-04:00

On behalf of W. L. French Excavating Corporation, we are sad to inform you all of Paul Lacerda’s untimely passing. He was a wonderful person, employee and a great friend to many people here at W. L. French and throughout the trucking community.

After a courageous battle with Cancer, Paul passed away at home on Tuesday of this week. For those who would like to pay their respects to Paul and his family information regarding his services can be found below.

We would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies to Donna, John, & Nicole and to the entire Lacerda Family. Paul will be greatly missed.

~ The French Family

LACERDA, Paul Francis of N. Billerica, entered into rest on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at home in Billerica. He was 45 years of age. Born in Brockton, Paul had resided in Billerica for many years. He graduated from the Bristol-Plymouth Regional Tecnical High School and worked as a truck driver for the French Corporation. Beloved husband of Donna Lynne (DiPaolo). Dear and devoted father of Nicole L. Lacerda of Billerica, John Michael Lacerda of E. Bridgewater and Heather Lcaerda of East Boston. Loving son of John M. and Jane (Allen) Lacerda of Raynham.Sister of Michelle Sylvia of Lakeville. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his visiting hours in the Cafasso & Sons Funeral Home, 65 Clark St. (Corner of Main St.) EVERETT, Friday from 5-7 p.m. followed by a funeral service 7 p.m. Interment Private. Contributions in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St. Framingham, MA 01701, or to Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack St., Bldg. 9, Lawrence, MA 01843 would be sincerely appreciated.

W. L. French Obtains License to Transport Hazardous Waste

2009-06-22T11:23:00.005-04:00

Boston, MA

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection recently licensed W. L. French Excavating Corporation as a Hazardous Waste Transporter.

"Residents of Massachusetts should be pleased to know that Mass DEP only certifies qualified businesses to do this type of work. It was a tedious application process,"
said John Nelson the firms transportation manager. "It is taken very seriously by the State and we take it seriously as well."

"We are pleased to be able to offer another service to our clients and another revenue source for the company. This license is a natural progression for us as we have been hauling soils of all types for almost forty years." Nelson continued.

The license went into effect on June 19th, 2009.

http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/

Work Begins At Hascom Field

2009-06-18T16:28:00.002-04:00

Bedford, MA

Work began on the Reconstruction of Taxiway 'E' at Hanscom Field in Bedford, MA.

"We are excited about working on another runway. It is a demanding environment but we enjoy the work."

Ariel photos were taken prior to the commencement of work. Progress photos will be posted as they become available.

French Executes Contract With DCAM For New Project

2009-05-29T09:28:00.003-04:00

Boston, MA

Contract documents have been signed for the Middleton Colony site project in Middleton, MA.

Work on this project is scheduled to commence Summer 2009.

WLF Mark's Company's Thirty Seventh Anniversary As We Enter The Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-22T13:36:00.011-04:00

May 23, 2009

This weekend marks the 37th Anniversary of the company's inception. "It has been thirty-seven years this weekend since I started the company....it has come a long way since I bought my first B81," said Bill French, Sr.

Bill French, Sr. photographed above in 1972 next to his Mack DM800. This truck worked for over thirty years before it was retired as an antique.

Bill French, Sr. started the company at the age of eighteen while living in Belmont, MA. "I started out as a one man show. To be named as one of the area's fastest growing private companies by the Boston Business Journal this past April after thirty-seven years in business was an honor. It is my hope to continue to grow and to be successful for the next forty years!"

"To be able to love your job and continue to evolve, diversify, and grow for nearly four decades is a huge achievement," says company President Bill French, Jr. "We are proud of the foundation he created for this company. We are also proud of the name he created."

Bill French, Jr. was named President of W. L. French Excavating Corporation in 2005. Bill French, Sr. assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer. "As we all know the country is currently in a recession. I tell our employees we have been through this three or four times. This is when experience and lessons learned come in to play. When things are good its easy for everyone but only the strong survive when times are tough."

He continued, "You do not stay in business this long without good employees and people around you. I have been lucky to have a strong core group of people who have been with the company for a long time. I have had great mentors throughout my career, people who spent time to teach me things one way; the right way. Over the past ten years my children have stepped up to contribute to the success of the company. It more than I ever could have imagined when I eighteen years old just trying to make a living."

Progress Photos of Logan Airport Night Shift

2009-05-12T11:32:00.006-04:00

Boston, MA

Second shift work continues at Logan International Airport. Night photos can be seen below:

French Ready To Start Runway Rehab At Hanscom Airforce Base

2009-05-11T16:21:00.014-04:00

Bedford, MA

After being named the apparent low bidder, W. L. French Excavating Corporation is ready to begin work on the Hanscom Air force Base Runway Rehabilitation of Taxiway "E".

"This is our second project at an active airport within the past year," said Vice President Tom Dion. "We are anticipating heavy security similar to what we have seen at Logan, if not greater, due to the military nature of Hascom. Intense security was experienced at The Portsmouth Naval Station in recent months, posing no issue for our employees."

Work is scheduled to begin the first of June 2009.

French Receives NTP From MWRA

2009-05-08T16:10:00.007-04:00

Boston, MA

The MWRA issued Notice To Proceed for the Grit and Screenings Hauling and Disposal Contract for Metro Boston.

After being named apparent low bidder, this Notice To Proceed formalizes the contract between MWRA and French.

"This is the largest grit and screenings disposal project in New England," said John Nelson - Transportation Manager. "We are pleased to be working for the MWRA. They are a top notch organization within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts."

Work is scheduled to commence June 2, 2009.

Remobilization Begins At Logan Airport

2009-05-08T10:38:00.007-04:00

Boston, MA

Crews recently remobilized at Logan Airport to continue work on the "Centerfield Taxi-Way" Contract.

"We are happy to be back out on the runway," said Bill French, Jr. "This is a demanding project but we have an excellent crew out there working hard all day every day." Second shift work began the first of May 2009. French continued, "We are ready to work around the clock and do whatever it takes to continue to make this a successful project for all involved"

Progress photos from the 2008 season can be seen below.

Photos of 2009 Patriots Day Parade

2009-04-21T10:27:00.001-04:00

Arlington, MA

W. L. French Excavating Corporation participated in the Annual Patriots Day Parade this year showcasing three tractor trailer units.

This year's Parade was nearly canceled due to budget restraints. Thankfully the Town pulled through. Patriots Day marks the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. Arlington also played a vitale role in the first battles of the revolutionary War and it is an important holiday to celebrate and remember. Photos from the parade can be found below.

W. L. French Prepares For Patriots Day

2009-04-17T15:12:00.008-04:00

Arlington, MA

The Annual Patriots Day Parade is set for Sunday April 19th, 2009. W. L. French Excavating Corporation will be displaying three tractor trailer units in this years parade.

"We enjoy this parade because it is in the Town we grew up in, our home town. It is a fun event that we look foward to every year," said Lisa French Kelley. "Now, being held on a Sunday rather than Monday it no longer conflicts with the Boston Marathon - the more people who attend the parade the better. The kids enjoy the trucks and we enjoy showcasing them."

If you are interested in coming to the Arlington Patriots Day Parade:

April 19th Patriots Day Parade, 12:30 pm
Brattle St. to Walgreens in East Arlington
Full info and additional Patriots Day events can be found here:
http://www.town.arlington.ma.us/Public_Documents/F00021DE1/S01480A44-0148A46F?formid=161

Boston Business Journal Recognizes French As "Pacesetter"

2009-04-17T13:56:00.006-04:00

Park Plaza Hotel Boston, MA

On April 17, 2009 The Boston Business Journal annouced the Top 60 Fastest Growing Private Companies in Massachusetts as "Pacesetters" at a breakfast held at the Park Plaza Hotel.

Over 2,500 privately held firms were surveyed and /or submitted finanical reports in order to earn a spot on the Top 60 Fastest Growing Companies In Massachusetts.
William L. French, Jr. and William L. French, Sr. at the Pacesetter Breakfast.

The Top 60 Pacesetter's for 2009:

AgencyPort Insurance Services Inc.
AVID Technical Resources
Beacon Hill Staffing Group
Beacon Partners Inc.
Braver
Bullhorn
Cambridge NanoTech
Commodore Builders
Communispace Corporation
Costantino Richards Rizzo LLP
Crossbeam Systems
Davies Murphy Group
Destination Wedding Travel Inc.
DiCicco Gulman & Co. LLP
E Ink Corp.
eClinicalWorks
EdgeRock Technology Partners
Eliassen Group
FableVision Inc.
Feeley & Driscoll PC
Globoforce
Goodwin Procter LLP
Grandstream Networks
High Street Partners
Hill & Partners Inc.
Hollister
IneoQuest
Infoscitex Corporation
Innovative Foods Inc./Goodwives
Integra Technology Consulting
Integrated Design Group Inc.
Kaydon Group/Florence Electric
Kronos Inc.
LogMeIn Inc.
Merchant Warehouse
MindLeaf Technologies Inc.
Nauset Construction Corp.
Reveal Imaging Technologies
S4 Inc.
Schneider Associates
Senior Whole Health LLC
Shawmut Design and Construction
Strategis LLC
Suffolk Construction Co. Inc.
Sullivan & McLaughlin Cos. Inc.
Syrinx Consulting Corp.
TalentBurst Inc.
The Bowdoin Group Inc.
The Brookeside Group, Inc
Verndale
Trinity Building and Construction Management Corp.
Unidine Corp.
Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc.
Verc Enterprises Inc.
Veroxity Technology Partners LLC
W. L. French Excavating Corporation
W.B. Mason Co.
William A Berry & Son Inc.
Winsper
Winter, Wyman

New Design For Corporate Web Page Underway

2009-03-24T11:24:00.009-04:00

W. L. French Excavating Corporation recently pulled its website down in preparation for the launch of a new website. "We are excited to update our clients and visitors of our site with the progress our firm has made in the past several years," says Lisa Kelley Director of Business Development.
"Times have changed and so has the needs of our website. Our new website will showcase newly completed projects and also will be utilized as more of a business tool internally and for our vendors and subcontractors as well."

Photographer, Julie Moscatel of Julie Moscatel Photography, pictured above, www.juliemoscatelphotography.com, photographed the staff earlier this week for the website. "We were please to have Ms. Moscatel come and photograph our staff. She does excellent work and is truly a pleasure to work with," Kelley continued.

W. L. French Excavating Corporation hopes to launch its new website by May 2009.

Boston Business Journal Names French As A Pacesetter Among Private Companies In Boston

2009-02-25T14:20:00.006-05:00

W. L. French Excavating Corporation has been named one of the "Fastest Growing Private Companies" by the Boston Business Journal. On April 17th, a breakfast will be held at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel for the top sixty firms that earned a spot on this list.

Lisa Kelley Joins Staff As Director of Business Development

2009-02-24T11:52:00.001-05:00

February 2009

Lisa Kelley recently joined the staff at W. L. French Excavating Corporation as the Director of Business Development. Past experience includes working for Schwartz Public Relations in Waltham, MA as an account manager. Ms. Kelley graduated with a Degree in Communications and Political Science from the University of Massachusetts.

Bill French, Sr. is pleased with the new addition to his staff, "We are thrilled to have Lisa on board - she is going to be a huge asset to our team."

Delays At Logan Down Due To The Construction of The Centerfield Taxiway

2009-02-13T15:23:00.001-05:00

NECN -

Logan International Airport is seeing direct results from the construction of the Centerfield Taxiway "Mike". W. L. French performed site work 2008 for J. F. White Contracting, Co. and Massport Authority and will resume work on the second part of the proejct this Spring.

Click on the link below for the story regarding improvements made due to this project.

2009-02-09T13:59:00.000-05:00

W. L. French To Host Monthly Meeting For The American Truck Historical Society, New England Chapter

2009-02-09T13:17:00.007-05:00

Billerica, MA

William L. French, Sr. will be hosting the monthly meeting of the American Truck Historical Society, Massachusetts Chapter, Sunday March 1, 2009.

"Incorporated in 1971, the not-for-profit American Truck Historical Society was formed to preserve the history of trucks, the trucking industry, and its pioneers.

The ATHS logo was designed to bring together elements of the trucking industry. The shield represents the shape of Federal Highway Markers; the wheel symbolizes the momentum of a great industry; the bold stripes signify the open road; and the colors -- red, white and blue -- are the colors of America." [aths.org]

Over one hundred members from the New England Chapter are expected to attend. Others are welcome. Please contact Laurie Gallagher if you are interested in attending: lgallager@wlfrench.com

Foreman Alex Haney Recognized At UMASS Medical School

2009-02-06T11:51:00.010-05:00

Worcester, MA

Project Foreman, Alex Haney, has managed the UMASS Medical School Project tremendously since day one. After the company and the project were featured in New England Construction Magazine CEO, Bill French, Sr., presented Alex with a framed copy of the story in which Haney was quoted.

"Alex has handled every phase of this project thus far with concern, timeliness, and have proven what a productive foreman he is. The crew, the clients, everyone works well with Alex," says Bill French, Sr. "People do not realize when you are working in an area such as a Medical School there is no room for error. It is a highly sensitive environment and Alex is doing a great job."

Work Continues At UMASS Medical School

2009-02-06T11:30:00.003-05:00

Worcester, MA

Phase III of the Utility Installation Tunnel at UMASS Medical School has begun.

Updated progress photos can be found below:

Operator, Joel Santoes, has worked days and nights on the project since it began.

Foundation Pouring Begins At The Church of Latter Day Saints

2009-02-06T10:51:00.004-05:00

Cambridge, MA

Excavation has been completed and the pouring of the foundation for the Church has begun.

W. L. French Excavating Corporation has demobilized from this job and plans to start back up again in approximantely one to two months.

W. L. French Forman, John Lever, Appears In Dunkin Donuts Commerical

2009-01-30T16:15:00.007-05:00

Boston, MA

America Runs On Dunkins. And so do the employees of W. L. French Excavating Corporation.

John [Buddy] Lever was asked to appear in the commerical while he stopped on his coffee break at the AVENIR Project located on Causeway Street in Boston while getting coffee at Dunkin Donuts.

Buddy makes an appearance in the ad drinking his coffee while dressed in full WLF Saftey Attire. The ad has been running in the Boston area for the last week.

W. L. French Excavating Corporation Celebrates The New Year

2009-01-30T14:19:00.005-05:00

W. L. French Excavating Corporation looks forward to 2009 with a cautiously optimistic attitude. While the country is in the midst of an economic crisis it is more important than ever for employers and employees alike to remain focused in order to succeed in a difficult economic climate.

Company President, William L. French, Jr. stated to employees, "In 2009 we will focus on our areas of expertise that we have had past successes on. We will build upon those areas and continue to move foward. Competion is severe, so our decisions on each and every job we be - as always - calculated, well thought-out and planned so that we are able to execute efficently; from pulling plans, submitting bid proposals, to executing contract agreements."

"I am proud of the clientele that we have built," says Tom Dion Executive Vice President. "We have an excellent group of customers. Our employees have and will continue to work hard. So it is with the changes that the New Year brings; new beginnings, new challenges, and new opportunities - we look forward to 2009."

As for CEO, William L. French Sr who has experienced several economic downturns throughout his career, he believes that, "This is a time for owners and management to constantly assess and reassess all aspects of the business. It is imperative to maintain a positive outlook during times like these - when things are not easy. Our goal to satisfy our customers needs and their projects needs and that is at the forefront everyday and even more so now. Because excellence is a habit that we will continue to strive for; wheather the economy is good or not."

W. L. French Excavating Corporation Featured On The Cover Of New England Construction Magazine

2008-12-12T08:56:00.008-05:00

December 2008

The UMass Medical Utility Tunnel Project located at UMass Medical School has been selected as the feature story for December's issue of New England Construction. The text of the story can be found below.

Steel Prices Drive Rentals
Slide Rail System on site of UMASS Medical Center Project.
By Joanne Ray -- New England Construction, 12/8/2008

United Rentals, Inc. is the one of the largest equipment rental companies in the world with an integrated network of nearly 700 rental locations in 48 states, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico.

The company's 11,000 employees serve construction and industrial customers, utilities, municipalities, homeowners, and others. The company rents more than 20,000 classes of rental equipment with a total cost of $3.9 billion.

Branch Manager Rick Buck and his team at United Rentals — Trench Safety Division in Shrewsbury, MA, have been a leader in the rental industry in the New England area for the past seven years. According to Buck, the economy has drastically shifted the rental trends in the past year.

"The homeowner market is drying up, making my division shift to more commercial, industrial and university projects," Buck said. "This year the major push is on gas station rehab, because the government mandated that by December 2009 underground fuel tanks have to be brought up to code."

Buck said that since 2007 his division of United Rentals has seen an increase in the rental of all shoring equipment due to the increased cost of steel.

"All of our shoring systems are made from engineered steel, and steel is so expensive that the cost has almost doubled in 18 months," Buck said. "The price has gone from about 32 cents a pound to 72 cents a pound. This makes companies less likely to purchase and more likely to rent. Eighty-five percent of our business is rental — 10 percent up from last year because of steel prices being so high."

Buck said slide rail rentals have become more popular in New England through education, demand and salesmanship.

"Since 2007 we have seen a 15-percent growth in inside rail growth, but every year is a little bit different," Buck said. "We have done a lot of linear jobs — long linear trenches. We have a tendency to fall a year behind the economy trends because the jobs are all bought and paid for in advance."

So, with the slide rail business going strong, it is no surprise that Buck's team is on site at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center and Medical School in Worcester, MA.

At the site, contractors are installing a utility tunnel — 800-feet long, 16-feet wide and averaging 4 to 7 feet tall. The purpose of the tunnel is to install steam lines and chiller lines — just basic utility electrical, according to Job Superintendent Alex Haney. Haney, who is working for W.L. French, said French has been on site since the project began in the fall of 2008.

Because the team can only install 200 feet at a time, the UMass project will be completed in six phases:

Phase one will complete the a corner of the campus and the tunnel; phase two will cross the pedestrian road that leads into the main entrance to the hospital; phase three will go through the valet parking area and into a quad area; phase four will connect to an existing tunnel; phase five will complete the area behind the Benedict building: and phase six ties into the emergency room.

Haney said that installing new pipes is "something that the hospital feels will be better maintenance down the road. They also have to tie two buildings together — the medical school and Benedict building."

On the site, W.L. French is in the process of putting in a Slide Rail System that the company purchased from United Rentals in Shrewsbury for about a half-million dollars, according to United Rentals Slide Rail Consultant, Al MacKenzie.

"They basically bought 200 linear feet of slide rail," MacKenzie said. "Normally we don't sell these, we rent them. They are very expensive."

MacKenzie explained that the E&S Slide Rail System (named for Emunds & Staudinger — a German company) is basically another way to shore.

"When you build it you start with the upper panel, which is the outer panel," MacKenzie said. "Then you pre-dig the hole. Then lay the outer panel against the wall and put dirt in front and behind to stabilize it. Then drop the corner rail and drop another rail on the outer part down the rail into the ground."

One benefit of using the slide rail method is that laborers can move two-thirds less material out of excavation.

"Operators can run into sandy or C80 (wet) materials, and the shoring system keeps materials from moving," MacKenzie said. "We call it a tight system — digging straight and holding everything else. We can dig along water lines and gas lines without collapsing the lines."

Another advantage of the slide rail system is that the panels can be different sizes and have some give.

"When the excavator is digging out the hole, dirt and rocks can fall down and out of the way of the work," MacKenzie said.

During phase one, the first hole constructed with the slide rail system is 16 feet deep and shoring is 16 by 20 by 60 feet long.

"We dig the hole and set precast in with a crane," Haney said. "Then we backfill up to the top of the tunnel segment. Then Lynch puts in mechanical pipe and does all the welding in the tunnel. Once that's completed, we cap it. Then we backfill and put in all the utilities and relocate back to where they were originally."

Haney said the job at UMass will cost about $3.5 million. The job will be completed in November 2009

W. L. French Excavating Corporation An Offical Toys For Tots Drop Off Location

2008-12-10T11:50:00.004-05:00

This year W. L. French Excavating Corporation and its employees are contributing to the wonderful Toys For Tots Program. Sponsered by the United States Marine Corps, our main office is now an offical drop of for new, unwrapped toys for those who are less fortunate.

Please join us in helping those with difficulties this holiday season by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to our office.

Ground Breaking Begins At LDS

2008-11-12T11:51:00.001-05:00

Cambridge, MA

Ground breaking began this past Monday at the Church of Latter Day Saints Project [LDS] for Consigli Construction. Located on Binney Street in Cambridge, this cellar hole will be the site of a new Mormon church.

W. L. French Excavating Corporation Observes Veterans Day November 2008

2008-11-11T08:57:00.006-05:00

W. L. French Excavating Corporation would like to honor Veteran's Day by thanking and acknowledge all America's Veterans - especially those employed by our company. We are appreciative and proud of your service to our nation and sacrifice you and your families have made and continue to make.

We are reminded today that Freedom Is Not Free.

"Many Americans mistakenly believe that Veterans Day is the day America sets aside to honor American military personnel who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained from combat. That's not quite true. Memorial Day is the day set aside to honor America's war dead.

Veterans Day, on the other hand, honors ALL American veterans, both living and dead. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for dedicated and loyal service to their country. November 11 of each year is the day that we ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in the lives to keep our country free."

Slide Rail Shoring System Supports Tunnel Excavation At UMass Medical School

2008-11-05T16:54:00.007-05:00

Production At Logan Airport Haults For Winter Season

2008-10-28T13:44:00.005-04:00

Boston, MA

After accelerating our schedule by three months, W. L. French Excavating Corporation's role on the Centerfield Taxiway at Logan International Airport will stop for the Winter season effective November 2008. Work will commence again in the Spring of 2009 for J. F. White Contracting, Co., Inc. and the Massachusetts Port Authority.

Double Shifts Begin At UMass Medical School For Consigli Construction

2008-10-28T13:27:00.008-04:00

French Trucking Fleet Participates In The New England Dragway Truck Show Nationals

2008-10-27T11:30:00.009-04:00

Epping, NH

The French Companies [W. L. French Excavating Corporation, W. L. French, Jr. Trucking, Co. & J. L. French Transportation]took part in the 21st Annual Truck Show Nationals at The New England Dragway located in Epping, NH.

After an entire weekend of cleaning and buffing by our team of truck drivers the company left the show with the following four awards:

1st Place - Best In Show, Tractor / Trailer Unit [Combination]

1st Place - Best In Show, Freightliner

Runner up - Best In Show, Peterbilt

1st Place - Best In Show, Overall Fleet

Bill French, Jr. would like to thank all of the drivers and other staff members who took the time to meticulously prepare for this show. Although these working trucks are always kept pristine - the extra time that goes into getting ready for a show is a lot of work.

UMass Medical Project Continues Night Work - Double Shifts To Begin Next Week

2008-10-24T10:46:00.007-04:00

Worcester, MA

Night work is still underway at UMASS Medical Center in Worcester, MA.
Below are progress photos of sheet piles being driven by the JD 450 Excavator with Vibratory Hammer for utility / storm drain tie in.

Double shifts on this project begin next week.

UMASS Medical - Ground Breaking Begins At Night

2008-10-08T17:35:00.006-04:00

Worcester, MA

Ground breaking at the UMASS Medical Tunnel Project in Worcester, MA began earlier this week. Photos of the beginning of the project can be viewed below:

W. L. French Excavating Corporation Takes Part In The 11th Annual Town of Burlington Truck Day

2008-09-08T10:04:00.009-04:00

Burlington, MA

Sunday September 7, 2008 W. L. French Excavating Corporation took part in an annual Truck Day at the Town Commons in Burlington, MA.

Various municiple vehicles were there [Fire trucks, ect] along with many other beautiful trucks - James W. Flett, F.E. French, Sarris, Mahoney, and many more.

Please see photos of the show below.

William L. French, III attends his first truck show!

A view of the trucks heading down Route 3 Burlington, MA

WLF CAT 980 on the Lowbed Infront of The Burlington Town Hall

Jessica French with the five French family grandchildren [Jake, Cameron, William, Scott, and Danielle]

Back view of the tractors at the truck show.

2008-09-04T16:52:00.002-04:00

Stephen SetteDucati Photographs Centerfield Taxi Project

2008-09-04T12:53:00.002-04:00

Award winning photographer Stephen SetteDucati visited the Centerfield Taxi-way Project at Logan International Airport recently - capturing some of the work being performed.

This slide show can be viewed at Steven's website by clicking on the link below.
The photos can be found under the "Proofing" seciont at the bottom of the page.

The password is Junior

http://www.setteducati.com

Truck Day At The Burlington Commons

2008-09-03T13:22:00.001-04:00

Burlington, MA

The Annual Truck Day Show held at the Burlington Commons in Burlington, MA will take place this coming Sunday from 10AM - 3PM.

This event is a great experience for children and adults alike. Not only are the 'Big Trucks' on display but a vast variety of trucks from the town are on display for everyone to look at, sit in, and admire. [Fire Engines, Police Car, Tow Trucks, and the like]

This will be the 5th Year W. L. French Excavating Corporation participates in this event. Please stop by and enjoy a fun day. Photos will follow.

Prepping for the show took almost two days to wash, buff, shine, and clean the trucks to perfection - prepping photos below:

Progress Photos of The Wachusett Reservoir

2008-08-29T10:12:00.006-04:00

Clinton, MA

W. L. French Excavating Corporation has been under contract through R. Zoppo Corp of Stoughton, MA for work performed at the Wachusett Reservoir located in Clinton, MA.

Project Manager, John Baker took the progress photos posted below:

Watertown Savings Bank

2008-08-29T10:00:00.007-04:00

Lexington, MA

W. L. French Excavating Corporation completed the site work for Richard White & Sons at the Watertown Savings Bank located in Lexington, MA.

Below are photographs of the new bank:

Employee Appreciation Summer BBQ

2008-08-28T10:31:00.008-04:00

North Billerica, MA

Friday August 22, 2008 W. L. French Excavating Corporation held its 1st Annual Employee Appreciation Summer BBQ.

Firefly's BBQ catered the event. It was a great time had by all.

Logan Projects Moves To Twenty-Four Hour A Day Work Shifts

2008-08-14T11:41:00.007-04:00

Boston, MA

The Centerfield Taxi-way Project begins operating around the clock beginning August 15th, 2008.

Night photos will be posted to the blog as they are taken.

Consigli Construction Awards W. L. French UMASS Medical School - Worcester Utility Tunnel Project

2008-08-12T11:50:00.008-04:00

Worcester, MA

Consigli Construction has awarded W. L. French Excavating Corporation with the contract to furnish and install the utility tunnel at University of Massachusetts Medical School located in Worcester, MA.

The project consists of 900' of 16' wide precast box tunnel and utility relocations.

The project is slated to begin September of 2008 take approximately fifteen months.

Richard White & Sons Awards Site Project For R. L. Tennant

2008-08-05T16:20:00.005-04:00

West Newton, MA

Richard White & Sons of Auburndale, MA has awarded W. L. French Excavating Corporation with the R. L. Tennant Project located in West Newton, MA.

The project located off of the Mass Turnpike consists of 14' excavation for below grade structure, earth retention, and disposal of contaminated soil.

Recently, W. L. French Excavating Corporation completed the Watertown Savings Bank in Waltham, MA and the Houghton Chapel at Wellesley College both for Richard White & Sons.

The project is scheduled to start the middle of August 2008.

W. L. French Seeks Senior Estimator

2008-08-04T17:13:00.007-04:00

W. L. French Excavating Corporation Seeks a Senior Level Estimator.

Entering our thirty-sixth year of business we continue to experience substantial growth creating a need for a Senior Site Estimator. This is an ideal opportunity to join an industry leader offering a generous compensation package and a stable work environment. The ideal candidate will have a B.S. degree in Engineering or Construction Management, posses a minimum of ten years experience as a site estimator and be capable of preparing lump sum bid proposals for projects up to $10 million, be proficient using estimating software similar to Bid2Win and Paydirt, and be capable of understanding complex engineering drawings and specifications.

Forward resumes to:

W. L. French Excavating Corporation
Via Email: jobs@wlfrench.com
Via Fax: [978] 663.5240
Via Mail: 3 Survey Circle North Billerica, MA 01862

New England Truck Historical Society Truck Show

2008-08-04T09:56:00.010-04:00

Hudson, MA

Sunday August 3, 2008 W. L. French Excavating Corporation particiated in the New England Truck Historical Society Antique Truck Show by showcasing its 1975 Remodeled Mack DM800. The company's maintenance vehicle was also on display.

Mike Pacitto, maintenance supervisor, brought his own antique Brockway to the show.

The show had trucks of all ages from around New England - from 1910 Fire Engines, to brand new wreckers. It is a past time enjoyed by many. Picture from the show are below.

Bill French, Sr & Jessica French infront of the 1975 DM800.

The W. L. French Maintenance Truck

A Tractor On Display At The Show

The W. L. French Excavating Corporation Maintenance Crew

James W. Flett Fleet of Antique Trucks

Long Island Power Authority

2008-08-01T13:43:00.005-04:00

As of August 1, 2008, French Development Enterprises, LLC, one of the French Family companies, in conjunction with Gloria Spire Solar [a national/international leader in solar systems] are bidding as co-developers a portion of the [50] megawatt Photovolatic [PV] Project with Long Island Power Authority [LIPA]

These projects, starting off with two different landfills will involve [4] megawatts at each site in two phases of [4] megawattas each to install PV panels on the top and sloped sides of the sites.

This LIPA project will be the largest single PV project in the United States to date. It will aslo be the first time a closed landfill is being used for renewable energy purposes as developed by French Development Enterprises. Project funding for each [4] megawatt facility estimated at $20 million will be provided by equity investors in conjunction with a twenty year power purchase agreement issued to the owner by LIPA for twenty years.

Results of the bid should be forthcoming in the next four to six weeks.

For more information please visit our website [currently under construction] for more upcoming information. www.frenchdevelopmententerprises.com

W. L. French Goes Wireless!

2008-08-01T12:47:00.008-04:00

Wi-Fi service is now available at our main office location and at the maintenance location.

The installation of Wireless Internet services was a growing necessity for a multitude of reasons. This service will greatly improve productivity of diagnostics on machines and equipment for our mechanics, improve portability for our engineers who move throughout the office, and improve access for our outside accounting firm, sales people making presentations, etc who need Internet access while in our buildings.

This added feature will lessen the burden for others to configure to our network while in our buildings and maximize time and productivity.

More News On The Center Field Taxi Way....

2008-07-23T08:38:00.001-04:00

Boston Business Journal Names Logans Holding Patterns "Among Nations Worst"

2008-07-22T15:49:00.005-04:00

July 2008 - The Boston Business Journal has reported that Logan International Airport is among the worst in the country for delays on the Tarmak [See Attached Stories]

This fact makes our work on the Center-field Taxiway with J. F. White Contracting, Co and Massport all that more important. The new Taxi-way will hopefully elveate these issues and make the wait on the runways shorter for us all.

http://wbztv.com/video/?id=64698@wbz.dayport.com

http://www.necn.com/Boston/Business/BBJ-Logan-airport-delays/1216640713.html

[Copy & Paste The Links If They Do Not Appear]

[From The BBJ Online]
The Logan holding patternTarmac wait times at Boston’s airport among the worst in the country
Boston Business Journal - by Jesse Noyes and Tim McLaughlin Boston Business Journal

The flight from Logan International Airport to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York is a breeze. Once you’re in the air, flight time is about 47 minutes.

But actually getting in the air — that’s the rub. Passengers can expect to wait on the tarmac in Boston an average of 22 minutes if they’re taking that route. The trip back is even worse. While the average in-air time from JFK to Logan is just under 40 minutes, the average taxi-out time at JFK for that route is nearly 32 minutes.

Tarmac delays at major airports have been creeping up steadily over the past decade. And delays at Logan rank among the worst in the country, leaving frustrated passengers an average of 20.1 minutes to sweat in their seats before takeoff, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

That wait ranks as the sixth worst in the country, and over the past 18 months, Logan’s tarmac delays, or taxi-out times, have approached their worst level in a decade. Taxi-out time is how long it takes a passenger jet to take off after leaving the departure gate. JFK’s average wait time is the worst in the country, at 37.1 minutes.

Logan Project Photos

2008-07-15T14:22:00.003-04:00