E.L. Harvey & Sons Celebrates 100 Years in Business

On Sept. 21, 2011, Westborough, Mass.-based, E.L. Harvey & Sons celebrated its 100th anniversary. The waste hauling, transfer and scrap recycling operation credits its century of success to its customers, vendors and community members whose loyalties and trust made its success possible.

The company was founded in 1911 by Emory Larkin Harvey. It grew from a family farm business to become a large waste and recycling company. One hundred years and 43 acres later, three generations of Harveys invited their customers to join them at their facility in celebration of the accomplishment.

CEO Jim Harvey says he is thankful for the people who have allowed his business to grow. “It is quite an accomplishment for a family to be in business for 100 years” he says. “We wanted to celebrate our success with those that made it possible, our customers.”

Michael Lupis, director of corporate support services for Staples in Framingham, Mass., explains his relationship with E.L. Harvey in one word: partnership. “The customer service level has been over the top,” says Lupis. “They are extremely accommodating to anything we’ve ever needed, whether it’s our regular, normal trash pickup or Jim (Harvey) calling us up and giving us instructional guides on how to improve our recycling program.”

“We have a specialized need, and I like the idea that they’re a family business because that’s where you get the specialized customer support,” explains Lupis.

Steve Harvey, senior vice president at E.L Harvey, says relationships such as these are what has kept the company running through the tough times.

“You don’t go through 100 years without ups and downs. It just shows that even though you have those highs and lows as you go through business, everyone you have a relationship with will stick with you,” he remarks.

Each member of the Harvey family identified the defining trait that has enabled their business to prosper and develop over the past century—the mantra of people first.

“The No. 1 asset we have is our people,” stresses Doug Harvey, senior vice president. “I’m proud of the dedication and hard work from our employees to sustain the many changes that have occurred over the years, especially that they’ve been able to turn those into opportunities for the company.”

E.L. Harvey says it has been praised in years past for its employee-centered focus, specifically in the safety arena. With efforts to build a comprehensive safety program and safety standards, the company says it has set itself apart in providing a workplace free from recognized hazards.

When asked about the changes in the company over the years, Steve says, “We’ve worked hard, we’ve taken a lot of risks and we’ve done things right. We’ve worked hard for success one customer at a time.”

E.L. Harvey says its mission to reduce and minimize as much trash as possible while gaining as much value and a goal to double its size within the next five years. What lies on the horizon for the Westborough-based facility is expansion in residential collection. With plans to improve the convenience of recycling, E.L. Harvey is building an 80,000-square-foot facility with a single stream sorting system.

Steve estimates the facility will be up and running within two years, “Our goal is to make it easy for the consumer to recycle.”

The 100 Year Celebration was about the customer, and the realization that the business is as much about the community as it is of the eight Harvey’s and 250 workers, the company says.

“We can’t do it alone,” says Ben. “To have the opportunity to meet and greet, that’s what the whole celebration is about—to thank everybody for working with us and helping us to be where we are today.”