Two companies complement each other
By Liz Katinsky
Construction Northwest 2004-2005
 | LTL Contracting and LTL Directional Drilling are two diversified companies each focusing on unique aspects of construction. However, when combined together on specialized projects, they work to complement each other's abilities. LTL Contracting specializes in several areas of construction including development of remote First Nation infrastructure, municipal infrastructure, industrial and mining development, marine work, and environmental jobs including cleanup of contaminated soil and demolition work. In addition, LTL Directional Drilling focuses on directional drilling, trenching, vacuum excavation, marine pipe installations, and many unique trenchless construction applications. LTL Contracting was founded in 1981 by Vic and Harvey Laurin and partner Brian Tetlock, with the company's name being derived from the initials of their last names. Since 1988, the company has been owned by partners Harvey Laurin and Scott MacLeod. The Laurin Brothers learned the ropes at their father Vic's former business, Laurin Landscaping. LTL Constructing took the business in a little bit of a new direction, focusing on general civil construction. Tetlock and Vic (junior) are now retired. In 2001, LTL Directional Drilling Services was founded by Scott MacLeod, general manager of LTL Contracting, and Jamie Geils, an LTL Contracting project manager. They focus on horizontal directional drilling for utilities, water and sewer applications, road crossings, cables, and marine installation. "The two companies work hand in hand," says MacLeod. "The drillers provide specialized service which can minimize excavation and disruption to the environment in their work. It's a targeted service." LTL has grown significantly over the past 10 years, and is now focusing on larger and more specialized projects like water intake installations and working with remote First Nations communities. The two companies currently average from $10 to $12 million of work each year. "There are a lot of new projects happening," says Scott MacLeod, secretary treasurer, LTL Contracting. "Hydro, mines, water upgrades. I foresee a lot happening for us in the future." In the fall of 2004, they placed a 30-inch waterline across the Kam River in the City of Thunder Bay's Rock Cliff project. That line provides water to the new water reservoir being constructed on Highway 61. LTL Directional Drilling recently purchased one of the largest drills in Canada - a 150,000-b. Vermeer drill rig. This impressive tool allows them to place a 5,000-ft 24-inch pipe in a single shot. They used it on the Kam River project. In 2004, they constructed new watermains for Sucker Creek on Manitoulin Island, reconstructed Bay Street in Thunder Bay, and have worked for Ontario Hydro on a hydro erosion project. Last year was busy too. In 2003, they completed the $4-million water treatment plant project in Gull Bay First Nation. Along with the completion of Sleeping Giant and Neys Provincial Park Water System Upgrades, LTL Contracting with LTL Directional Drilling managed to provide a freshwater intake line to the Lake Helen First Nation via a 2,300-ft.-long, 12-inch-diameter pipe, one of the biggest and most challenging intake lines completed by LTL, and a 200m-long water intake for the Rocky Bay First Nation. LTL Contracting also completed a design build school demolition and site cleanup in Fort Albany First Nation in 2003. Between the two companies, LTL employs up to 80 people. "Our staff is dedicated and we thank them for helping us to complete our pretty challenging projects, and help our business to grow," says MacLeod.
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