Our Company
RW COLLINS | YOUR EXPERIENCED PARTNER
RW Collins Co. is Chicago and the Midwest’s leading contractor for clients in need of quality site preparation and remediation work. We assist commercial and residential property owners with excavation, environmental, soil remediation,and underground tank removal services.
We are a third-generation, family-owned, and Illinois-based environmental contractor certified as a Women-Owned Business by the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois.
- Clients include: engineering firms, real estate developers, oil & gas companies, utilities, construction firms, municipalities, and government agencies
- Service throughout the Midwest and Great Lakes region
- Over 75 years of experience in excavation and construction services
- Extensive modern equipment fleet for a wide range of services
- Industry leading reputation for safety program and personnel expertise
OUR HISTORY
Robert W. Collins founded RW Collins Co. in 1946 amid the growing need for underground tank installations in Chicago’s rapidly expanding neighborhoods and suburbs. Throughout the past 75 years we’ve expanded our expertise to a much wider array of services.
The entrepreneurial spirit and deep care exhibited by our founder are the foundation of RW Collins culture. We believe in safely getting the job done, right, the first time. Today, we are the Midwest’s leading environmental contractor for soil remediation and excavation services, with one of the most versatile capable and equipment fleets in the industry.
COMPANY TIMELINE & SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES
1944-1945
A U.S. Navy Seabee in WWII, Robert W. “Bob” Collins constructed bridges and cleared jungle land for roads and runways in Okinawa and the Pacific.
1946-1950
Following his service as a U.S. Navy Seabee, Bob Collins began his career as an excavating contractor in Chicago.
1950s – 1960s
With the rush to build new gas stations, RW Collins establishes itself as an underground tank contractor. Our signature machine of this era was the Bucyrus Erie 15-B cable backhoe (A restored antique is now displayed outside of our offices!).
1970s
The company moved to our current office and shop location, and the second generation of the family joined the business.
1980s – 1990s
With the rapid growth of environmental awareness and regulation, tank removals and contaminated soil cleanups surge.
2000s – 2010s
Major long-term projects, particularly MGP sites, become our dominant market segment.
2010 – 2020s
RW Collins expands to the wider Midwest region; The third generation of the family enters the company.
