As one of Canada’s leading demolition contractors, Priestly Demolition is a name you can trust. ExecUS finds out how the company became an industry leader
Written by Ian Armitage and Produced by Michael Gutierrez
Although the demolition industry touches the lives of businesses and ordinary people everyday, few are aware of its importance. In reality, demolition is a vital sector, which plays a significant role in economic prosperity and redevelopment.
As one of Canada’s leading demolition contractors, Priestly Demolition Inc. (PDI) is well aware of the important role it plays. It has unrivalled experience in dealing with challenging demolitions and has become one of Canada’s leading authorities on the subject. The company turned its constructive experience to destructive ends in 1971 and since then it has been providing safe and reliable demolition, remediation and abatement services to a variety of customers.
A recognized and proven leader in the industry, PDI has played an essential role in economic development. Its solid roots in site works and excavation have also contributed to the company’s tremendous growth and expansion over the past 35 years.
As a family-owned and operated company, it can assure clients a personalized and professional service in a fast-paced industry. Indeed, those who want a personalized service from a family-owned and operated company need look no further than PDI - it understands clients want cost effective solutions, and works with them to ensure total satisfaction, no matter the project.
The company’s tagline is “a force to be wrecking with,” and PDI certainly delivers. Its highly skilled teams of professionals work with the latest in state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to offer an unrivalled service.
From demolition and site decommissioning to recovery of building components and the separation of waste on-site for disposal and recycling, PDI has much to be proud of. It has a safety record which is second to none and completes projects on time and on budget.
A family – and proud of it
Located in Aurora, Ontario, PDI’s mission is to become the most trusted, competent and versatile demolition and ancillary services contractor in Canada. Using its extensive experience and expertise to perform demolition, hazardous material abatement, asset recovery and brownfield remediation, PDI strives to offer clients and employees the attention they would get from a small business, partnered with the proficiency and technologies of a multi-million dollar corporation.
It is proud of its ability to offer all types of demolition services, ranging from a planned demolition of a derelict industrial complex to the careful dismantling of a high-rise building or the emergency demolition of an unsafe structure. A pioneering company, it is well-known as the one firm that can professionally execute even the most challenging project.
Rapid response
The contractor of choice for large-scale, multi-building complexes, its expert staff, extensive equipment and ability to provide the proper insurance and bonding makes PDI an extremely popular option. Significantly, it is also the contractor of choice to emergency services and insurers who depend on PDI for situations where structures are deemed unsafe and collapse may be imminent. PDI is able to respond 24/7 in such instances and can mobilize its personnel and fleet within hours of any urgent call. Its quick responses have created long-standing relationships with local authorities who have come to trust and rely on PDI.
Greener demolition
PDI is also able to provide deconstruction services. Deconstruction is a relatively new approach to demolition, which has the goal of minimizing the amount of materials going to landfills. This green approach is applied by removing the materials by type and segregating them for reuse or recycling. With the rising costs of landfills, and as they become more heavily regulated, it makes increasing economic sense to seek alternative means of disposal of materials. This method is more cost effective than traditional demolition, and contributes to sustainability.
More disposal sites are opening up and contractors are incorporating recycling into their operations to decrease disposal costs. In terms of the overall environmental impact, recycling greatly saves energy. One such company that has benefited from the opportunity to recycle left over demolition material is PDI, who continually strives to be an environmentally responsible company. Indeed, it has developed numerous innovative methods in salvage and asset recovery - the goal being to divert at least 95 percent of the complete building structure from community landfills.
Safety first
In this fast paced and hazardous industry, safety is paramount. According to PDI, It is imperative to prioritize health, safety and the environment. It is committed to the health and safety of employees and clients, and dedicated to the community by conducting business that is respectful of the environment.
PDI is able to ensure the safe and effective removal of hazardous materials. Internal building materials such as asbestos, lead, PCBs, and mould may constitute both a physical hazard and occupational health and safety concern. Improper removal may intensify the problem and can cause an environmental hazard. By using PDI, building owners can be assured that our one-stop shop capabilities will provide them with safe and efficient removal prior to demolition.
With PDI, you can feel confident that you have chosen a company that is a committed industry leader in health, safety, community and environmental concerns.
This, coupled with unrivaled demolition experience and determination to succeed, will surely see PDI remain a success for many years to come.