R. J. Lanthier Co., Inc. (RJL) was established as a Sole Proprietorship mechanical company in the R. J. Lanthier (Founder) residence located in a northern suburb of San Diego, California in 1974.  In 1975 the Company opened it’s first duct fabrication shop while continuing to maintain the Company Administrative Office in the Founder’s residence. RJL was incorporated in 1976.  The Company’s steady growth necessitated a larger fabrication shop. During 1977 the Company relocated to another building with more fabrication space; however, the Corporate Home Office remained at the Founder’s residence.

Three years later, the Company was experiencing growing pains once again. In 1980 a single level 4800 square foot building was purchased in Poway, CA. This facility provided ample space to accommodate the entire Company and for the first time the Corporate Home Office was relocated to the same location. However, it soon became necessary to add an additional 2,000 square feet of office space to accommodate further growth.

The Company decided to go into the general construction market while maintaining a strong mechanical construction division in 1985. In a very short time RJL became a well-known and respected general contractor, specializing in public works projects. The facilities built by RJL included post offices, schools, colleges, as well as many sophisticated military buildings and complexes.

While in the Poway building, the Company decided to close the in-house sheet metal fabrication shop and purchase all job related materials from outside sheet fabrication companies throughout the country.

In 1992 the Company instituted an Employee Stock Option Program (ESOP). The employees acquired 30% of RJL and personally profit through the success of the Company. ESOP is involved in all decisions that affect the destiny of the Corporation. The Company anticipates to be around 40% employee owned by the end of calendar year 2002.

In 1995 a new 10,000 square foot Corporate Home Office was constructed in Escondido, CA.  The economic climate began to slacken in the general construction field, so the Company chose not to pursue that market any longer. The Company instead decided to concentrate on pursuing more work as a mechanical subcontractor. RJL has kept its ‘B’ license current and occasionally primes a project that is mainly mechanical in nature.

Depending on Company Sales, the Home Office Administration Staff, Estimators, Project Managers and the Company Officers number between 20 and 25 employees. The Company Field Staff varies between 85 and 100 employees depending on the quantity of active projects.  The Company enjoys a $35M bonding capacity and averages annual sales of approximately $20 to $25M. RJL specializes in Public Works Projects that include Federal, State, County, and City project. RJL has a strong reputation in the Design/Build markets but also participates in negotiated and plan/spec. projects.

Since being founded in 1974, RJL has emerged as one of the most reputable Mechanical Contractors in the construction industry. The Company’s experienced work force are prepared to travel to virtually any destination to meet your project’s complete mechanical construction requirements. RJL has completed projects throughout the United States, on many of the offshore islands, and as far away as Guam.

Over the years, RJL has built a reputation on trust, responsive professional service, attention to detail, competitive pricing, and an unparalleled performance history for meeting project schedules. Despite changing economic conditions, RJL has maintained steady, controlled growth since its inception. RJL attributes much of its success to a seasoned, experienced management team and the versatility of the organization.

At RJL, we understand the importance and value of open communication among all parties involved in a construction project. That is why RJL subscribes to the innovative practice of partnering. Whenever possible, RJL’s staff recommends that the owner, engineers, general contractors and subcontractors meet prior to a project starting to get acquainted and voice any concerns. RJL has discovered this process of partnering to be an invaluable communication tool and an excellent means of eliminating problems, potential costly change orders, and costly project delays.
The lasting relationships RJL has built with clients, architects, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, lending institutions, and insurance/bonding companies will provide you the utmost confidence and sense of quality assurance throughout your project. Specific references are available upon request.

As RJL continues to grow and diversify, we are constantly seeking new challenges within the construction industry. RJL has the experience, personnel, technology and commitment needed to meet or exceed all your mechanical requirements. RJL would welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss the requirements of any future projects and provide our expertise in preliminary budgeting, equipment selection and project planning.

The entire team at R. J. Lanthier Co., Inc. is committed to the highest levels of service excellence in the construction industry. RJL’s Project Managers and their support staffs strive to make themselves available throughout the construction process to provide responsive, personalized service. With RJL, you will be able to depend on the fast and efficient processing of permits, equipment/material submittals, purchase orders, payroll affidavits, test/compliance reports and all other vital documentation required. RJL takes pride in every phase of your project from fast, competitive bids through the completion of a top quality, turnkey facility.