Reputation for Reliability
- Charlie Parks
- Jul 9
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 6
Earthworks Site Development & Utilities Inc. completes projects quickly and accurately with GPS-equipped machines
Founded by Christopher Etre and his wife, Crystal, in the early ‘90s, Earthworks Site Development & Utilities Inc. is the result of Christopher’s childhood passion for big machines, building things and seeing something come together.
“When he was a kid, he started by weeding at his grandfather’s apartment buildings, then moved on to cutting lawns,” Crystal shared. “By high school, he had two full-time crews working for him. That experience laid the foundation for what Earthworks is today.”
Christopher highlighted Earthworks’ versatility, which allows the company to tackle projects of varying scales and complexities.
“We handle site development for new home constructions, commercial buildings like supermarkets and retail box stores, new road construction, and municipal projects such as water main and sewer repairs,” explained Christopher. “We even take on backyard drainage jobs.”
The family business prides itself on a dedicated team of eight employees, preferring to keep a close-knit and efficient operation.
“We used to have 14, but this smaller size allows us to maintain quality and enjoy our work more,” Christopher elaborated. “We have great people who work with us. Everybody enjoys coming to work because we all get along and want to do the job the right way, so my goal is to keep doing what we’re doing at our current size.”
Operating primarily within a 10-mile radius of Upton, Mass., Earthworks has built strong relationships with local municipalities and businesses.
“We do most of our work in Upton, Shrewsbury and Grafton,” stated Christopher. “Our reputation for reliability has earned us repeat business from clients who appreciate our integrity and efficiency.”
Recently, Earthworks completed the site work at a new home build in Stow.
“We finished the job in about three weeks,” Christopher noted. “In that time, we completed the sewer, water and drainage work around the foundation, imported around 1,500 yards of fill, and prepared the site for the framers to begin working.”
GPS Equipment
A significant factor in Earthworks’ efficiency is its commitment to GPS technology. The company’s equipment fleet includes a Komatsu D39PXi-24 Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) dozer and a Komatsu PC238USLC-11 excavator equipped with Komatsu Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance.
“Almost all our machines have GPS,” Christopher commented. “The technology allows us to complete projects faster and more accurately, reducing dependency on engineers. For instance, our Komatsu PC238USLC-11 excavator with Komatsu’s GPS kit helps us dig trenches with exact slopes while operating in tight spaces, minimizing material waste and ensuring safety. Having GPS technology on a tight tail swing machine is key for our line of work.”
According to Christopher, the GPS-equipped machines allow Earthworks to do any project with confidence.
“You know you’re on grade because the 3D model is right in front of you,” said Christopher. “The GPS technology offers peace of mind because you can do projects so much quicker. I would say on average, we can do a project 30% faster than most of our competition because my guys don’t need to stake. With a company of eight people, we’re able to do a lot of work in a year. We probably do what I would say most companies with probably 12 or 15 people are doing, thanks to our GPS technology.”
In addition to the Komatsu equipment, Earthworks utilizes a BOMAG BMP 8500 compactor. The remote-controlled machine allows an operator to backfill trenches and compact material from a safe vantage point.
“Using remote-controlled equipment like our BOMAG compactor keeps our crew out of dangerous situations,” stated Crystal. “We can keep our crew out of ditches or work between footings and other tight spaces a traditional roller can’t reach. It’s about working smarter and safer.”
C.N. Wood Support
For Earthworks’ equipment needs, the company depends on support from C.N. Wood Co. Inc. and sales representative Matt Rainha. According to Christopher and Crystal, the partnership extends beyond a business relationship.
“The service we get from C.N. Wood is fantastic,” Christopher praised. “Whenever we need something, they’re right there. Matt Rainha and the rest of the team are always responsive and helpful whenever I or my team have a question. I can’t say enough great things about Matt Rainha.”
Crystal echoed her husband’s sentiments, commenting, “C.N. Wood is great to deal with. They handle parts, paperwork and any issues promptly, making our job much easier. Their commitment to customer service mirrors our values.”
Financial stability is another cornerstone of Earthworks’ operations. By utilizing Komatsu Financial, the company can quickly add new equipment as needed.
“Komatsu Financial is awesome, and they’ve been phenomenal to work with,” Christopher declared. “They offer flexible terms and quick turnarounds, ensuring we can keep our equipment up to date and functioning optimally.”
Great Life
Looking back on Earthworks’ journey, Crystal reflected on her experience as a woman in the construction industry.
“It’s allowed me a great life,” she shared. “I have been able to work and play with my best friend. I enjoy the interactions and challenges. I’ve met many great people and learned a lot. Our customers and vendors respect us because we treat them with the same integrity and commitment we expect.”
With a simple yet profound philosophy, Christopher concluded, “Integrity is at the heart of everything we do. When you look out for your customer’s best interests, everything else will fall into place.”
*The opinions expressed here are from the end user as quoted. The results described herein are those of these end users under certain conditions. Individual results may vary.
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