The Path Forward for WorkWaste
June 28th, 2023
Countless Wins for Loureiro, Our Clients, and Our Shared Commitment to Sustainability
Earlier this year, we described the sale of a portion of our WorkWaste customer base to Red Technologies as a “win-win-win.”
In retrospect, we can count WAY higher than three wins when it comes to the transformation of WorkWaste – including the exciting projects we’re supporting and the many opportunities to showcase our One Loureiro approach in action.
So, let’s dive into even more of those wins!
But first, here’s a quick recap…In December 2022, Loureiro sold a portion of our WorkWaste customer base* to Red-Technologies, LLC for $1M. This customer base consisted of 62 customers that we serviced throughout CT, MA, NH, and RI.
WHY we called it a “win-win-win”… For these 62 customers, we were simply providing small waste pick-ups throughout the year. With increased pricing pressure from both our customers and our suppliers (who actually provided the pick-up services as a subcontractor to WorkWaste), our margins were narrowing significantly. So, for these services, it made sense for Loureiro to step out as the “broker.” Red-Technologies, who is a strategic partner for us, has very much welcomed the opportunity to serve these customers directly. And as the third part of the “win-win-win,” these customers will also receive the best price possible for their waste pick-ups.
But even more wins live in the “story behind the story” of our WorkWaste transformation…
Keira Gay Ensures a Smooth, Customer-centric Transition
First, we want to give a big shout out to Keira Gay, Marketing Analyst, who has gone above and beyond in her support of our transitioning customers and the Red Technologies team.
“We know that change is challenging, so we shared a transition communication with clear instructions for the path forward,” said Keira. “Then, I followed up by phone and e-mail with all 62 customers to answer any questions they had – and they truly seemed to value this personal touch.”
Keira also partnered closely with McKenna Schlauch at Red-Technologies, and the pair went on many client visits together to make sure everyone felt comfortable with the transition and the new process.
Kiera Gay and McKenna Schlauch
“All 62 clients are staying with Red-Technologies, and we feel really proud that we were able to keep and transfer their trust through this change,” said Keira.
“Keira is WAY too modest about the amount of work it has taken to support all the players through this transition – but I don’t mind singing her praises!” said Steve Diaz, Senior Vice President, Business Development and Finance-. “She has worked tirelessly to set up our transitioning clients and Red-Technologies for success. In particular, two of the biggest clients, Brooke + Whittle and Trelleborg Sealing Systems were hugely appreciative of this support. Because of Keira’s work and how wonderfully this transition has gone, we can easily foresee getting – solidifying future business – in engineering, design-build, etc. – from these happy clients.”
Which leads us to…an exciting look at the present and future of WorkWaste!
Leading the Charge in Game-Changing, Sustainable Waste Solutions: Insights from John Sullivan
Now that we’ve cleared our plate of transactional waste services, we can focus on delivering integrated materials management solutions that support the growth of all Loureiro businesses.
As a shining example of this path forward, we’re now two years into our partnership with the Town of West Hartford to survey, permit & close their landfill – and we created a long term opportunity in its place, to design and build a new Materials Solution Center (MSC) on the landfill once it is capped and closed. This 16,000+ square-foot MSC will provide West Hartford with a revenue stream for reuse and asset development – where residents, other municipalities, companies, and organizations will dispose of a broad range of waste materials.
“The town had a vision of not only eliminating a significant liability, but also developing a comprehensive waste management solution that will benefit the town, its businesses, and its people,” said John Sullivan, Business Development Manager. “This commitment to smart, sustainable thinking is where the world is going, and we at Loureiro want to help our clients lead the way!”
The Loureiro team, including John, is participating on committees at the State and local levels so that we can be a part of the decision-making, opportunities, and progress. Two other exciting Loureiro projects are leveraging this very same model: Plainville (transforming a stranded asset into a solar field and potentially a new DPW facility – halfway completed) and Clinton (closing a landfill to potentially build a solar field and relocate a municipal transfer station – starting – targeting to start the end of next year EOY-).
“Projects like these showcase all of Loureiro’s teams, expertise, and capabilities – from the engineering disciplines of LEA, to the site work capabilities LCI, to the vertical construction expertise of LBC, to the waste management experience of WorkWaste,” said John. “Throughout the project with West Hartford, our town contacts have expressed their appreciation of having a partner who can do it all – from closing landfills to designing and developing municipal assets that can handle a broad range of waste streams.”
Given all the twists and turns in a project of this scope (from obtaining the necessary wetlands permitting to fully understanding the town’s waste needs), the team has overcome a wide range of challenges along the way. But John is quick to point out that these challenges are well worth the opportunity to make the MSC vision a reality.
“One of my favorite moments on this project so far was the chance to speak with residents at their current waste drop-off center,” said John. “They’re thrilled with what the new MSC will mean for their families, their businesses, and the community – such as better disposal options for home DIY improvement waste and more robust sustainable food waste disposal. It was very rewarding to hear from the people who are directly impacted by our work.”
Loureiro’s success with these projects is only fueling our passion to spread these learnings in other communities.
“We’re trying to use this model across the state, as there are many municipalities who also have stranded assets that can be used in better, more sustainable ways,” said John. “Every project, every win, and every impact are going to create ripples in this momentum, and we have countless opportunities ahead to support our clients in delivering smart, game-changing solutions – and in turn, helping provide a more sustainable future for the communities we serve.” As per Steve Diaz, this full-service project model is a representation of the entire Loureiro team working together and providing a prominent client our integrated service offering. And we can’t think of a bigger win than that! More successes on this journey to come…
