Northwest Excavating has a remarkable legacy that began in 1951 when Bob Groff launched Northridge Equipment Rentals. By the 1980s, that small business had become California’s largest independently owned equipment rental company, with five locations in California and Arizona, before selling to Sunbelt in 2005.

But in 1959, recognizing a need for ‘operated’ rentals, Bob opened Northwest Excavating to serve Southern California’s grading and civil contractors. Starting with five pieces of equipment and two operators, the journey began. By 1962, Groff’s son Howard took over and expanded it into trench work for sewer contractors on residential housing tracts.

Northwest transitioned from only renting operated equipment to becoming a full-fledged utility contractor. Its specialty became underground dry utilities. Throughout the 70s and 80s, it primarily focused on residential tracks and underground telephone contracts. In the mid-80s, it also entered the underground Edison contracts space.

“Our innovative, diverse, and resilient spirit sustained us through the Great Recession in 2008, making us one of the area’s most successful excavation solution providers,” says Robert Groff, CEO of Northwest Excavating, who now carries the family’s legacy.

He brings a distinct perspective to the company, having been with it for 25 years. His strong construction pedigree, coupled with a decade-long professional racing career that includes top 10 finishes in prestigious races like the Indianapolis 500 and the Baja 1000, sets an inspiring example for his team in staunchly weathering the fiercely competitive Southern California market. These attributes enable the company to consistently outperform its competition and stay at the forefront of the industry.

The company’s specialized knowledge and expertise, strengthened over the decades, make it stand out in a market rife with new underground construction businesses. It leverages its long-standing presence to resolve challenges with a deep understanding of specific client issues in the industry, which is otherwise difficult for new players.

Even as the global construction equipment rental market experiences growth due to factors like a surge in construction activities in developing countries, Northwest Excavating meets the demand with the latest and most professionally maintained equipment fleet in the Southern California-operated equipment rental and underground utility industries.

Northwest Excavating prioritizes professionalism, family values, and attention to detail in its operations. Specializing in grading, civil, and utility operations, the company ensures quality work through high-grade, state-of-the-art equipment. A full fleet of CARB-compliant machinery guarantees reliability and efficiency, supported by skilled mechanics who maintain the equipment in top condition.

This professionalism exhibited by Northwest Excavating contributes to its success, fostering trust among clients and facilitating long-lasting partnerships. Its commitment to quality and customer care positions it as a reliable partner, guiding clients through the complexities of underground construction.

Northwest Excavating distinguishes itself by exceeding industry standards, particularly excelling in power projects that involve intricate horizontal case bores. Its commitment to providing comprehensive turnkey solutions goes beyond the typical scope of operations. It takes charge of every project aspect, from bore pits to pipe laying, showcasing expertise that surpasses standard open trench operations.

A key factor in Northwest Excavating’s success is the refined and well-established process, specializing in dry utilities and guiding clients systematically through each project phase. This structured approach ensures clarity by leading clients through critical steps such as permit handling, traffic control plans, and addressing shoring plans as needed. By transparently outlining steps and associated costs, the company empowers clients to make informed decisions, instilling confidence and clarity regarding project expectations.

In dry utility operations, Northwest Excavating employs a range of methods, including open/machine trenching, directional/horizontal case bores, and dewatering operations. Its proficiency in placing underground conduits allows for tailored solutions that minimize disruption through reduced surface disturbance or adaptability to different ground conditions. This precision effectively mitigates risks and ensures client satisfaction by meeting specific project needs while maintaining efficiency.

These capabilities proved pivotal in a noteworthy project for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Northwest Excavating successfully constructed a 10-mile underground transmission line in West Los Angeles, connecting West LA to LAX. Despite facing challenges, the company efficiently managed unexpected obstacles, completing the project ahead of schedule and under budget. This accomplishment underscores its commitment to delivering high-quality results and overcoming complexities with large and challenging power projects.

Northwest Excavating’s legacy of excellence continues, driven by a commitment to innovation, professionalism, and unparalleled expertise in underground construction.