Grimmer Construction Inc., a northwest Indiana site-work and civil contractor for underground utility installation, is known to tackle some of the most challenging underground projects in the area, the INDOT 169th Street Reconstruction and Gary South Levee projects just to name a few.

Founded in 1983 by Greg G. Grimmer Sr., currently chairman of the corporation, Grimmer Construction “started primarily as a small underground contractor doing subdivision work. We have since grown into doing civil, public works projects for the local municipalities in Lake and Porter County in northwest Ind. state of Indiana work,” said Mark Grimmer, president, manages the company as part of the second generation including; John Grimmer, equipment manager; Dan Grimmer, project superintendent; and Margie Hofmann, project coordinator.

To ensure the job runs smoothly, the company relies on its fleet of heavy equipment and those that provide it for them.

“We do a mix of our equipment fleet,” said Mark. “Primarily John Deere, Hitachi, Case, Kobelco and Caterpillar. We are currently averaging about 40 pieces of equipment including excavators, loaders, dozers, scrapers, and articulated dumps.”

Recently, Grimmer Construction was in the market for a new dozer to work on the Franciscan Hospital project in Munster, Ind.

The project consists of a new building addition and related site work for General Contractor, Tonn & Blank of Michigan City.

Grimmer turned to West Side Tractor Sales Company, which has a combined 10 stores to service northern Illinois, southern Michigan and Indiana.

West Side Tractor Sales Representative Jeff Pratt recommended the John Deere 700K dozer, which Grimmer purchased and since then has been very pleased with.

John Grimmer said, “The size of the dozer was the right fit for cutting the roads, parking lots, and finishing the earthwork. We were able to hook up and utilize our GPS equipment for a smoother application and better efficiency.” John continued, “the machine is very versatile for small projects and it also has enough horsepower to do the larger projects and move some dirt. One of the main reasons why we chose the John Deere 700 size series is that it’s not only a good fit for this project, it can also work for the local municipal street projects and get it done quickly.”

In addition to the dozer, Gimmer Construction also purchased a Topcon MC2 from Positioning Solutions Company.

Concerning the quality of service given to them by the West Side Tractor team, “We have been dealing with Jeff for roughly 15 years. Jeff takes care of the needs we have and is very knowledgeable. When we have any questions, he is quick to answer. He knows the field real well,” said Mark.

About West Side Tractor

West Side was started in 1962 by Rich and Mary Benck of Naperville, Ill., and it continues to be a family operation currently being run by the second generation. West Side began with one dealership with three employees on the “west side” of Chicago. Fifty years later, the company now serves more than 80 counties with 10 locations spanning across Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. West Side continues to grow but holds close to the core values that built the foundation of the company.

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