For over 50 years, Robert B. Somerville has connected communities through the installation of infrastructure “that makes energy reliably flow, from generation to generation”. The head office of the company has been located in King City since the 1990’s. The location, with easy access to major highways and with adequate open space, is ideal to meet their needs.

The People

In 1954, Robert ‘Bud’ Somerville, a Toronto-born pipeline contractor operating in the U.S., won a contract to install pipe in Ontario. He sent Jim Abraham to Toronto to become the company’s first president. That same year, the company became a founding member of the Pipeline Association of Canada. In 1958, Robert McAlpine became an investor and, later, bought the balance of shares, with Robert B. Somerville Co. Ltd. becoming a McAlpine subsidiary. Robert B. Somerville Co. Limited runs its operation as if it were a family business. At the head office in King City, 35 to 50 employees work on site. Depending on the number of projects underway, and the time of year, anywhere from 300 to 1000 employees work on various sites across the country.

Complex engineering and planning services are provided

Employees in the King City office are drawn from the local communities as often as possible. Staff experience with Somerville ranges from new comers to those who have been on staff since the company started. On the construction sites, personnel are also drawn from the local communities wherever possible. Many of the project workers look on Somerville as a preferred employer, returning to work with the company whenever the opportunity is available. This kind of consistency is key to building the relationships that make the company successful (An ‘open door’ policy creates an environment for effective communication).

The management team includes the President, V. P. Operations, Treasurer, General Manager, Corporate Manager of Health, Safety and Environment, General Manager of Power and Utility, and General Manager Pipeline Maintenance and Construction. Office staff includes clerical, I.T., accounting¸ project estimators, safety managers, and quality management personnel. In the field, project staff includes labourers, mechanics, drivers, heavy equipment operators, welders, and fitters. The company is a community of staff and personnel, working together to build relationships, both within the organization and with their clients and suppliers.

Hard at work to build better quality infrastructure for Canadians

The Product

Somerville installs infrastructure. In addition to projects across Canada the company has worked in the Cayman Islands, the Dominican, and on a joint venture in Pennsylvania.Its installations include pipelines, utilities, renewable resources (solar and wind), cabling, collections systems, sanitary sewers, and water supply systems.

Robert B. Somerville is a leader in oil & gas pipelines and utilities infrastructure

The company promotes diversification and innovation. It has one of the largest construction fleets in the country, and is also one of the largest companies using horizontal directional drilling technology. It also works with partners on projects. The projects range from small individual installations to major lines for such corporations as Greater Toronto Airport Authority, Bell Canada, Enbridge; from local municipalities like King Township to large metropolises like Calgary and Toronto.

The Performance

From 1958 to 1989, Somerville completed projects in the Caribbean, in the UK, in the U.S.A., in Africa, and across Canada. Its first directional drilling rig was purchased in 1989, making it one of the first to use the technology. The power and utilities division was launched in 1995. In 1997, Hydro Vac excavation was added as an alternative to mechanical digging. Its first renewable energy project was completed in 2003.

Robert B. Somerville Co. Limited owns offices and/or open space in Toronto, Ottawa, Edmonton and Calgary. In November, a site, similar to the one in King City, with office and construction yard, will open in Edmonton. Space is leased, as needed, on or near project sites. Locally, it has a good working relationship with York Region and King Township. It plans to increase the efficiency of its Head Office site in King City, as the demands for its services continue to increase.

As the country’s infrastructure ages and population increases, Somerville looks forward to the challenges of meeting the steadily increasing needs of communities, by providing quality infrastructure for the reliable and sustainable flow of energy to both residents and businesses.

The company has built a solid reputation of quality work, high safety standards, and positive working relationships with clients, partners, suppliers, and communities. Its dedication to the industry is demonstrated in the role it played in helping to found the main industry association. The company continues to explore and use new technologies to improve safety, quality, and customer satisfaction, and to reduce costs. Being a good corporate citizen, Somerville recognizes, and appreciates, its role in supporting the economy of local communities by creating jobs and contributing to local charities such as King Township Food Bank, Southlake Hospital, York Central Hospital and the United Way.

For more information: http://www.rbsomerville.com