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A START-UP LEGACY THAT RUNS DEEP

Startup stories are often left in the dust. In our case, the story of our founders remains at the heart of what we do.

Arnett & Burgess was founded by Les Arnett and Ray Burgess, both seasoned pipeliners. Les, a chartered accountant, and Ray, a welder, shared a passion for service, value and integrity, and the pair identified an opportunity to redefine the offerings for pipeline owners in a growing market. In 1957, their vision led to the incorporation of Arnett & Burgess Pipeliners with just a GMC truck and Lincoln Welder. Projects such as Bellshill, Hardisty Terminal, Rangeland, and others solidified their reputation in the industry.

Les purchased Ray’s portion of the business in the late sixties, but Ray’s strong work ethic continued to serve as a great foundation for A&B.

Les was A&B’s source of guidance in its infancy; known for his support of employees and consistent presence on the front lines. He religiously brought Kentucky Fried Chicken to the field for the team, observing the company’s strengths and areas for improvement first-hand. A friendly and familiar face, Les maintained close ties with field staff, whom in many instances have the greatest contact with A&B’s valued clients.

Tom Arnett began his career at A&B at a young age, slinging skids and learning the business from the ground up across a variety of projects. He eventually settled in Sedgewick, becoming the General Manager. In 1988 he became A&B’s second President, and through his tenure, successfully led the company through many cycles, establishing a loyal team of seasoned pipeliners, enabling the company’s success. Tom has led the company into many successful entrepreneurial ventures over the years. His dedication to keeping the business fun is a large part of A&B’s success.

After a lifetime in the business, all three of Tom’s children conduct important and varied roles within daily operations and work to conserve the culture of Arnett & Burgess. Today, after a very gradual transfer of responsibilities, Arnett & Burgess is managed by third generation employees.

The Arnett’s are passionate people who care greatly about the energy industry, and about the lives of their employees.

1950

1957

Les Arnett and Ray Burgess form Arnett & Burgess Pipeliners Ltd.

1959

Les becomes a founding member of the Canadian Gas Association.

1960

1960s

Building new energy infrastructure across the prairies

1968

Ray sells his business interest to Les to pursue an opportunity in Australia.

1970

1970s

Opportunity and growth while the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin’s complexities are discovered.

1974

Arnett & Burgess establishes permanent roots in Sedgewick, Alberta.

1980

1980s

Challenging times for the sector where survival is hard earned.

1988

Tom Arnett is appointed President of Arnett & Burgess.

1990

1990s

Technology coupled with entrepreneurial spirit imprint an ethic and team with the tools for the next century.

1990

Arnett & Burgess outgrows its Sedgewick offices, securing new land and builds new offices as a long-term commitment to its community.

2000

2000

Arnett & Burgess reaches the milestone of 500,000 metres of construction per year

2003

Arnett & Burgess becomes the first company in Canada to complete a Flexpipe installation.

2007

The company celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

2008

Arnett & Burgess opens its field office in Athabasca, Alberta.

2010

2011

A&B opens its field office in Regina, Saskatchewan to service the pipeline integrity and construction industry.

2014

A&B joins forces with the Quanta Services’ (NYSE: PWR) family of companies. This shift allows A&B to leverage the resources within the largest pipeline and powerline contractor in North America.

2015

Arnett & Burgess Pipeliners (Rockies) LLC is established to service the Northern Rockies & North Dakota Bakken infrastructure needs.

2017

A&B celebrates its 60th Anniversary and Carey Arnett is appointed President; A&B expands its Grande Prairie office to Wembley, Alberta. A&B expands with an office in Fort St. John.

2019

A&B is presented with awards synergistic with our core values of Quality – CEPA Foundation Quality Award, Safety – Quanta Services “Wilson Yancey Safety Professional of the Year Award” and Innovation – Canada’s Top 40 Under 40

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