Dutton retires after making deep impact on the
foundation industry
Ben Dutton retired from Equipment Corporation of America
(ECA) in December 2018 after more than 43 years climbing
through the ranks of the foundation construction equip-ment
distributor. His large personality and commitment
to serving others have left a mark throughout the global
foundation industry.
Dutton started as a sales engineer at ECA in 1975 and
quickly advanced to the role of Philadelphia branch manager
at age 29. He spent many years as executive vice president
of sales and marketing before eventually being promoted
to president.
“I am pleased to have contributed to the advancement of
the deep foundation construction industry,” Dutton said. “But
mostly, I am honoured and privileged to have worked with
competitors, suppliers, customers and employees to provide
the same growth and opportunities I have experienced in a
career that has spanned nearly five decades.”
Although stationed in ECA’s Philadelphia office, his influ-ence
extended from the U.S. to Canada and Europe as the
firm strategically expanded products, manufacturers and
markets. Dutton worked closely with CEO Roy Kern and his
father Al to mould ECA into the global leader in foundation
equipment it is today. The peak of his impact came in the
mid-1990s when he worked with Roy Kern to orchestrate
ECA’s expansion into the international drilling market.
Dutton’s industry accomplishments include the presi-dency
of the Delaware Valley Associated Equipment
Distributors’ board of directors and member of the executive
committee for the Association of Drilled Shaft Contractors/
International Association of Foundation Drillers (ADSC-IAFD).
In addition to his board responsibility at ADSC-IAFD,
he held the positions of associate member chairman,
co-chair of the education committee, chairman of the
Supervisory Personnel Training Institute and chairman of
the Management Personnel Training Institute. Dutton was
a charter member of the Deep Foundations Institute and
remained active over many years with various committees.
He also supported other associations including the Pile
Driving Contractors Association, Associated Pennsylvania
Constructors, and Utility and Transportation Contractors of
New Jersey.
“Throughout his career Ben has touched many of us
– employees, customers, vendors, trade groups and competi-tors
alike – and could always be counted on for his industry
knowledge, vision, professionalism, sales acumen and friend-ship,”
said Roy Kern. “He’s been a force within our industry
and a huge contributor towards the development and growth
ECA has enjoyed over the last 40-plus years.”
Mincon Group plc acquires Pacific Bit of Canada Inc.
Mincon Group plc, the Irish engineering group specialising
in the design, manufacture, sale and servicing of rock drilling
tools and associated products, is pleased to announce that it
has acquired Pacific Bit of Canada Inc.
INDUSTRY NEWS
COURTESY OF MINCON
CONTINUED ON PAGE 64
ECA President Ben Dutton has retired after more than 43 years
of service to ECA and the foundation construction industry
62 Q1 2019 www.pilingcanada.ca
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