After decades of steady evolution and years of careful planning, RPI Construction Equipment recently opened its new headquarters in Penns Grove, N.J.
The major milestone reflects how far the company has come as a second-generation, family-owned business, according to RPI.
Kristin Bauer, president; Ryan Delargey, chief financial officer; and Devin Sheehan, vice president, took the reins in the early 2010s. Since then, they have worked to evolve RPI from a clamshell bucket and rock grapple rental business into a trusted partner offering a broader range of foundation equipment rentals, tooling, service and repair.
“With a growing team, a fleet of efficient equipment tailored to the foundation industry and a reputation for expert service, we knew we needed a facility that matched our ambition and vision for our future,” they said.
RPI's previous location served the company well, but it was tight — just one acre with a 1,000-sq.-ft. office and a 3,200-sq.-ft. shop. As its equipment inventory, service capabilities and team expanded, the company knew it needed to reevaluate its space and make changes to support continued growth.
The new facility spans 13,431 sq. ft. — more than three times the size of the previous building — and sits on a 12-acre property that dramatically expands the company's operational footprint. More importantly, the facility is equipped to support the complexity and scale of the work RPI does today.
With streamlined drive-through service bays, a full-length overhead crane and a 3,200-sq.-ft. wash bay, the company can perform repairs and maintenance more efficiently than ever before, according to RPI. A secure yard loop improves its ability to load and unload equipment while maintaining truck flow. Wi-Fi throughout the yard and keycard-access systems keep operations connected and secure. The additional space also strengthens RPI's ability to support expanding services, including Kelly bar repair and replacement and foundation tooling maintenance.
“This facility gives us real leverage — not just in how we operate, but also in how we're perceived,” said Delargey. “It sets the tone for the level of talent we want to attract and the partnerships we want to grow. When job candidates or manufacturers walk through the door, they'll see a company that's serious about its future.
“Beyond function, we knew our new space also needed to serve those who power our business every day: our team,” he added.
The new 625-sq.-ft. employee breakroom is outfitted with dual refrigerators, a dishwasher, an ice maker, a reverse-osmosis water system and a dedicated coffee station. Together, these amenities provide employees with a comfortable place to refuel and recharge throughout the day.
The new facility also was designed to be a welcoming place for customers to visit, meet with team members and collaborate comfortably on projects and job needs. A connected lounge space with a 98-in. TV and plenty of seating offers an “at home” feeling for customer meetings or after-hours gatherings, according to the company.
“We also made space for wellness and recreation, including an on-site gym and a golf simulator room,” the company said. “Our locker room has a modern look and feel, with multiple bathroom stalls, showers and personal lockers to accommodate our growing team.”
Within the shop, tool storage has been integrated into each bay to reduce physical strain and keep workstations efficient. With room to accommodate up to 25 technicians, the facility positions RPI to support its current team while also attracting new talent.
“As a proud majority woman-owned business, RPI built a team that's driven, energetic and committed to high-quality work in a collaborative environment,” the company said. “This building was designed to reflect that culture — a team that's professional and high-performing, yet relaxed and down-to-earth.”
Architectural features such as simulated steel windows and doors and open 14-ft. ceilings create a modern industrial aesthetic, while all-concrete floors provide durability and a clean, contemporary finish.
Custom white oak cabinetry, book-matched horizontally, and soapstone countertops bring a refined, contemporary look to shared spaces. Workstations and lounge areas are outfitted with commercial furniture, including pieces by high-end suppliers such as Herman Miller, Knoll and Global.
“We even installed a beer and coffee kegerator because with hard work comes great rewards — everything in balance,” the company said.
“What excites me most is that this space finally shows the world who we really are,” said Bauer. “We've built a capable, respected company with an incredible team — but from the outside, that wasn't always obvious. Now, people can see the standard we hold ourselves to, and our employees have a place that helps them thrive.”
“This move is deeply personal to us,” said Delargey. “Our father and founder, Bernard Delargey — a West Philly native and lifelong saver — bought into the company more than 27 years ago when it was struggling. Through grit and perseverance, he turned it around, building a business that could support a family and eventually bring us into the fold. We've helped grow RPI into a respected, forward-looking company — elevating its reputation, expanding its capabilities and building a stronger future for the people around us.”
RPI's continued investment in foundation equipment and tooling, including CZM drill rigs, Junttan pile-driving rigs, HMC side-grip vibratory hammers, custom Kelly bar solutions and drilling tools from Jeffrey Machine, represents the next stage of that evolution.
“We're planning a grand opening to celebrate our relocation and next chapter here at RPI, and we look forward to welcoming customers, partners and friends into our new home,” said Delargey.
As RPI continues to grow, it is actively hiring heavy equipment mechanics, welders, fabricators, and hydraulic and electrical technicians, according to the company.
“We're especially excited to recruit from within the local Salem County community, a region that's seeing renewed development and momentum,” said Delargey. “We're honored to be part of that progress and to help support meaningful career paths for the people who call this area home.”
