History
Our founder, Sidney Riggs, built a legacy that started with laying rebar – the metal rod that reinforces and strengthens concrete – from the back of his Chevy. We believe that like that rebar, the work we do at Riggs Industries strengthens our customers and our community.
Somerset Steel Erection Established
Somerset Steel Erection, the oldest division of Riggs Industries, was established in 1957 by Sidney Riggs and Warren Mostoller with just a $500 loan. Their success was a result of good business ethic and old-fashioned hard work. Somerset Steel Erection has since grown to a full-service industrial and commercial contractor, specializing in general contracting, concrete work, piping, metal and steel fabrication and erection.
J&J Truck Bodies & Trailers Established
J&J Truck Bodies and Trailers, a division of Somerset Welding and Steel, was established in 1958 by J. Hemminger and J. Fisher and began by building steel dump bodies for coal haulers and farmers, the backbone of the economy at that time.
Riggs family aCQUIRES J&J
Somerset Welding & Steel is incorporated and the Riggs family acquires J&J. Over the years J&J Truck Bodies and Trailers has grown beyond agriculture and coal, manufacturing steel and aluminum dump truck bodies for construction, mining, road maintenance, and public works applications.
Lincoln Contracting & Equipment established
Lincoln Contracting & Equipment was established in 1974 by Sidney Riggs and Harold “Buddy” Walker. The company is a full-service, hands-on contractor specializing in plant design and layout, engineering, electrical, piping, metal and steel fabrication, complete turnkey construction of preparation plants, and bulk material handling systems.
RETAIL LOCATIONS SERVE INDUSTRIAL CUSTOMERS IN PA & MD
Lincoln Supply Company in Boswell and Riggs Enterprises in McCool, Maryland sell industrial supplies, service, and equipment repair across the region. The stores stock industrial equipment and personal protective gear for use in mines and quarries.
BOSWELL, PA HEADQUARTERS OPENS
The corporate office for Somerset Welding & Steel and now, Riggs Industries, opens along Rt. 30 in the same location as the one-room office that started it all.
RIGGS companies grow and prosper
Sidney Riggs remains actively involved in operations but hands off leadership of the divisions to his sons, Bill (President, Somerset Welding & Steel) and Dan (President, Somerset Steel Erection), and Buddy Walker (President, Lincoln Contracting).
By the early 1980s, J&J began manufacturing transfer trailers for solid waste, agricultural, recycling and municipal applications, in addition to dump bodies. Under the leadership of Sidney’s oldest son, Bill, J&J becomes an early member of the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) and begins a transformation towards a globally recognized dump body and trailer brand.
Under the leadership of Sidney’s younger son, Dan Riggs, and Buddy Walker, Somerset Steel Erection and Lincoln Contracting, respectively, grow their geographic and customer base through excellent fabrication and field service. They take on larger, more complex industrial projects and grow their engineering capabilities.
The divisions of Riggs Industries become major employers within Somerset County and beyond, at times collectively employing up to 600 people.
LINCOLN SUPPLY MOVES TO SOMERSET; EXPANDS INTO AG & RENTAL EQUIPMENT
Lincoln Supply Company moves from Boswell to its Somerset location right off Rt. 219. Over time Lincoln Supply expands into truck equipment, agricultural equipment and rental equipment, in addition to industrial sales and service.
riggs industries incorporates; elects independent president & cfo
Riggs Industries officially incorporates as the parent company over the many divisions. Bill Friedline is elected the first President & CFO of Riggs Industries and presides over the Board of Directors. Riggs Industries has maintained a non-family member as the President since incorporation.
New Manufacturing facility & Corporate office; J&J Earns Iso 9001
Riggs adds 160,000 sq.ft. of manufacturing space, offices, educational facility, and a cafeteria, with the completion of the J&J campus off Rt. 985 in Somerset. The facility is host to many educational programs for employees and the community, as well as tours for students and customers.
The following year J&J earns ISO 9001 certification, demonstrating a commitment to high industry standards of quality and continuous improvement. J&J continues to maintain ISO and other third-party quality standards.
James A. Redding Company Acquired
The James A. Redding Company was purchased by Lincoln Contracting & Equipment in 2001. The company is the pioneer in the design, production, and supply of sampling systems and components. Their two-stage, three-stage, nine-iron, and portable auger sampling systems are installed around the world.
SoMERSET STEEL ERECTION EARNS AISC for fabrication, ERECtIon
Somerset Steel Erection earns American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) certification for fabrication (2005) and erection (2010) demonstrating a commitment to high industry standards of quality and continuous improvement. SSE continues to maintain and audit against AISC and other third-party quality standards.
SIDNEY RIGGS PASSING
Sidney was a well-respected businessman and community leader, and was known for his no-nonsense demeanor and quick action. His business pursuits were balanced by his personal pursuits – he was passionate about farming, sport fishing and golf. Sidney was very active in the agriculture community, raising Black Angus cattle, ostriches, and llamas at his beloved farm, ErReR Hill. During his lifetime, Sidney and his steadfast wife and elementary school teacher, Alberta, travelled the world and contributed to many countless causes.
Riggs OPENS southern construction division in Virginia
Riggs Construction Group opens an office in Williamsburg, Virginia with a focus on securing industrial and commercial contracts in the defense and marine sectors.
Lincoln Supply and Equipment becomes J&J Truck Equipment; Riggs adopts independent board of directors
Riggs Industries divests from agriculture at the facility off Rt. 219 to focus exclusively on truck equipment sales and service.
In 2011, Riggs Industries also adopts a new Board policy that includes independent Directors.
dan yunetz joins as president & cfo, riggs industries
A veteran family-business leader with industry experience, Dan Yunetz, joins as the President & CFO of Riggs and leads through 3rd generation succession.
technology investments expand
Riggs invests in new manufacturing technology to support demand and growth. This includes PythonX ® Robotic Structural Steel and Pipe Fabrication Systems and a Fanuc fully automated robotic welding system. These investments complement earlier automation investments and a changing workforce.
Unexpected tragedy
Within a two-year period, Riggs Industries mourns the unexpected loss of two primary owners, while enduring a global pandemic that impacts every aspect of business operations.
Sidney William (Bill) Riggs died suddenly in late 2020. Bill’s leadership at Somerset Welding/J&J was a period of innovation and growth. He was known for his forward-thinking approach to the market, his love for world travel, and his kind and generous heart. Bill and his son, Michael, co-led J&J starting in 2009 through many major market transitions. Michael takes the helm as President in 2020, then passes the baton to his sister Emily in late 2022 as he embarks on a new career.
Tragedy struck again 18 months later when Dan died suddenly in early 2022. Dan’s leadership tenure was also marked by investment and growth, and his sons Aaron and Dan Jr. held leadership roles in the company. Dan is remembered for his outgoing personality, his passion for Pittsburgh sports, and enthusiasm for golf and fishing. Dan’s son Aaron takes the helm as President of Riggs Construction Group, and son Dan Jr. serves as Chief Operating Officer.
3rd generation ownership sets a new course
Third generation owners Aaron, Dan Jr. and Emily, along with Dan Yunetz and the Board of Directors, worked to quickly settle into a new rhythm of ownership and management. The leadership team established a Vision, Mission and Core Values for Riggs, and committed to grow and strengthen their family legacy of designing, fabricating, building, and servicing industrial equipment and facilities.
