BKT tires improve productivity for R.H. White Construction
Auburn, MA – In a corner of the Northeastern United States, namely in Auburn, Massachusetts, discovering a longstanding business that is deeply intertwined and rooted in the area: R.H. White Construction, which has over a century of history to look back on, is today a pillar of local infrastructure. Founded in 1923, the company has, in fact, a deep connection with the entire territory, where it plays a key role in the building and construction industry, as well as in services for gas and water lines. All this comes with a level of safety and innovation that makes this company a leader in excellence recognized even outside Worcester County.
R.H. White Construction has forged a reputation that is reflected in the solid infrastructure it creates: each facility, road or building is synonymous with durability and attention to detail, which are the hallmarks of the company’s the success story, which has been growing exponentially. Just think that since 1979 there has been an increase from 100 to over 500 employees, whilst its expanded fleet has become so vast to include more than 600 pieces of equipment. Despite this rapid growth and with a focus on progress and innovation, R.H. White Construction has maintained a strong family spirit, still taking care of its employees as if they were part of the family.
Over the past five years, R.H. White Construction has moved a step further into the future by choosing to fit its machinery with BKT tires, notably TR 461, a product that has proven to provide an ideal combination of traction and durability. “We have relied on BKT because it has met our need for quality tires at a more competitive price than the ones we had been using previously. Savings have been significant, both in terms of cost and durability”- comments Robichaud, Heavy Equipment Manager, who has been working for the company since 1979. “We’ve seen an increase of between 500 and 750 hours for each pair of tires compared to those we used in the past, which means additional savings in the long run. Anyway, the benefits have also been clear in terms of performance, as BKT tires have been particularly effective during the harsh winter months that are typical of New England. They provide top traction even in snow, thus reducing the need for chains, which can often damage equipment and machinery.”
TR 461 is also a very versatile tire, specially developed for tractors operating in municipality and maintenance applications, as well as for telehandlers in loading operations. The sidewall protection is particularly resistant to cuts and tears, ensuring a longer tire life even on hard surfaces, as well as excellent stability. These are the distinctive features that led R.H. White Construction to make a natural choice: trusting in a solution that provides a high level of performance, general and operating efficiency.
The use of TR 461 tires has also led to environmental benefits, as BKT tires do not damage residential land while working in urban or suburban areas, thus preserving greenery. “Thanks to BKT tires, we no longer have to worry about changing tires every season – they just offer excellent grip whether in winter or summer” – explains Eric Smith, heavy equipment operator at R.H. White. “I mainly use turf and grassland tires: the BKT ones are definitely the best tested so far, when it comes to grip and durability.”
The versatility of TR 461 has enabled the company to take advantage by using it in a variety of contexts, from transportation to trenching, and heavy equipment handling. “Fuel savings have also been significant,” – Robichaud adds, pointing out that the efficiency of BKT tires has helped reduce operating costs – an important benefit for a company that operates over 600 pieces of equipment.
Recently, R.H. White Construction has diversified its business by branching out into the geothermal industry, which is rapidly growing in the region. Managing such a large number of machinery and projects requires flawless logistics and high productivity. By partnering with BKT, the company has been able to optimize its operations, reducing downtime and lowering operating costs. The TR 461 tire, in particular, has proven to be a vital ally providing excellent traction in all conditions, from snow-covered roads to rough terrain.
R.H. White Construction continues to grow, driven by the passion and expertise of the family that has overseen its development for more than a century. And with BKT by their side, Ray Robichaud and his team are ready to write the next chapter of their story. A chapter where care for people, respect for the land and a forward-looking vision are intertwined, as they continue to nurture the future of a company destined to grow even further.