1966: Founding
Exact date: March 3. Ted Purington, Sr. and wife, Judy, borrowed $2,000 with 3 co-signors to form Maine Drilling & Blasting. From the kitchen, the business grew into the barn, then into a secondary tin building at the family homestead in Gardiner, Maine.
1966-1975: Growth
From the first job of drilling the foundation for a cellar, Ted immediately established a reputation for exceptional quality in every facet. What they lacked in resources they made up for in ambition and integrity. As Ted's relationships with area contractors grew, so did MD&B.
1976-1982: Rapid expansion woes
While interstate highway and municipal sewer projects provided numerous out-of-state opportunities, the company’s rapid expansion sorely tested the company’s resources. Three of four sons, Ted, Jr., Jim and Tom, became involved with the company in different capacities.
1982: Reorganization
In response to the challenge, son, Bill, joined the company as General Manager. With the support and cooperation of his brothers, the business plan was successfully modified and the company was reorganized.
1982-1986: Extending reach
MD&B expanded its territory to all the Northeastern states, as far south as Maryland and Pennsylvania.
1986: Subsidiary formed
MD Drilling & Blasting was founded as a subsidiary to serve the southern New England market. Different name, same high standards.
1989: At peak
MD&B had established seven operating divisions with a peak work force of more than 150 employees – up from 31 in 1982. The company had also moved strongly into the quarry market.
1990: Downsizing
The recession at the close of the 80’s hit the construction industry hard. Rather than managing expansion, the challenge became downsizing and survival.
1991: Consolidation
By the end of 1991 the company had consolidated operating divisions from 7 to 4, reducing fixed costs by more than 40%. Emerging stronger, MD&B was more dedicated than ever to local service.
1996: Major acquisition
MD&B acquired its largest central New England competitor, adding resources and local employees to better serve area customers.
1998-2005: More acquisitions
MD&B strengthened its commitment to the New England market with several other key acquisitions of strategic competitors, their employees and local facilities.
2002: Engineering
MD&B established its Engineering Department to enhance technology for our drillers and blasters and provide project and customer support in the form of defining scopes and site volume surveys.
2004: First with in-house bulk
MD&B became the first contractor in the country to construct and operate its own bulk explosives blending and loading plant.
2004: ESOP Established
Also in 2004, MD&B established an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) giving employees a meaningful stake in the company at no cost to them, while enhancing standards on individual accountability and service.
2005: One million milestone
Just shy of MD&B’s 40-year mark, the company hit the milestone of performing one million controlled blasts for various projects, including highways, site development, quarries, houses lots, utilities and marine work.
2006: Taking bulk modular
MD&B took its bulk program modular improving the company's commitment to local market areas and quality customer service.
2007: Today
Today, MD&B maintains offices in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut, with the emphasis on local service.
2008: MicropumperTM
MD&B engineered a proprietary small capacity, portable pumper enabling economic bulk deliveries for smaller construction projects.
2009: Bulk SkidTM
MD&B engineered a very large bulk emulsion transport hauled by a dozer capabale of holding and direct-pumping 10,000 lbs of product. This Bulk SkidTM enables bulk to be transported on and off shots in extremely isolated terrain, increasing efficiencies on projects such as pipelines and wind farms. |
