Our Company
RW COLLINS | YOUR EXPERIENCED PARTNER
We are a third-generation, family-owned, and Illinois-based environmental and excavation contractor certified as a Women-Owned Business by the State of Illinois, Indiana, City of Chicago, and WBENC.
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. Over the years, we have grown to provide a much wider array of services.
The entrepreneurial spirit and deep care exhibited by R.W. are the foundation of our culture today. We believe in getting the job done safely and on time. We are proud to be the Midwest’s leading environmental contractor for soil remediation and excavation services, with one of the industry’s most versatile and capable equipment fleets.
RW Collins Co. is the Midwest’s leading contractor for clients needing quality site preparation and remediation work. We assist commercial and residential property owners with excavation, environmental, soil remediation, and underground tank removal services.
- Clients include engineering firms, real estate developers, oil & gas companies, utilities, construction firms, municipalities, and government agencies
- Projects completed in multiple states, including Arkansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Ohio
- 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
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.
2010s – 2020s
RW Collins expands to the wider Midwest region; The third generation of the family enters the company.
2020 – Present
RW Collins expands its site work and excavation division and offers a wider variety of environmental services such as ISCO and soil treatment. The third generation of the family takes ownership of the company.
