45 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE.
45 YEARS OF INNOVATION.
AND WE'RE JUST GETTING STARTED.
OUR HISTORY
In the early 1970’s, our co-founder, Buddy Cockrell, was exposed to the science of sprayed polyurethane foam while working as a project manager for a large mechanical insulation contractor. Mr. Cockrell’s interest in the immerging technology grew as quickly as the polyurethane reaction itself.
By 1979, Buddy left the mechanical insulation field and, along with two partners, founded RPC Industries, Inc. in the Hampton Roads Virginia market. The newly formed company attracted talented personnel and the company flourished within the commercial and industrial construction services market.
1979
RPC Industries is Formed
Already an expert in the mechanical insulation field, L.L. (Buddy) Cockrell, along with two business partners, founded RPC Industries, Inc. in 1979. As an innovative contractor in the industrially-focused Hampton Roads market, RPC was able to attract top talent, such as long-serving vice president, Gary Sager, and the company flourished.
RPC Industries had the brains, but didn’t quite have the experience. One of their first large-scale tests included air-sealing several tobacco storage warehouses with sprayed polyurethane foam and coatings. This project went exceptionally well, and began RPC Industries longstanding reputation of success.
1981
RPC Enters the Newport News Shipyard
What began as small-scale asbestos removal projects blossomed into RPC Industries’ longest-lasting client relationship to date. Since 1981 RPC has been continuously working in the Newport News Shipyard, and completed many of the largest projects in their history within the shipyard gates. In addition to remediation projects, Over the years, RPC has completed all types of roof installation projects to fit their unique needs, and completed thousands of work orders.
RPC considers the Newport News Shipyard a trusted partner, and cherishes the relationship they have built with one of the world’s most important shipyards.
1981
RPC Enters the Newport News Shipyard
What began as small-scale asbestos removal projects blossomed into RPC Industries’ longest-lasting client relationship to date. Since 1981 RPC has been continuously working in the Newport News Shipyard, and completed many of the largest projects in their history within the shipyard gates. In addition to remediation projects, Over the years, RPC has completed all types of roof installation projects to fit their unique needs, and completed thousands of work orders.
RPC considers the Newport News Shipyard a trusted partner, and cherishes the relationship they have built with one of the world’s most important shipyards.
1998
Work Begins at NASA
Like the shipyard, this relationship started as a small remediation-based project. After seeing what RPC was capable of, the relationship flourished and has included major roofing, waterproofing, remediation, and concrete lifting projects. The roofs installed by RPC at Nasa Langley are a testament to the benefits of polyurethane foam roofing.
2006
RPC on the National Stage
With so many highly specialized projects completed, it was only a matter of time before RPC was recognized on a national scale. 2006 was a breakout year as the work completed on the 12,600 seat Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, won 1st place at the SPFA National Industry Excellence Awards for the extensive renovation and recoat of the 85,000 square foot dome roof.
Since this breakout victory, RPC has claimed numerous additional awards. SPFA National Industry Excellence Awards were brought home in 2015 (two), 2016 (two), 2018, and 2020 as well as an ABC Excellence in Construction Award in 2018.
2006
RPC On the National Stage
With so many highly specialized projects completed, it was only a matter of time before RPC was recognized on a national scale. 2006 was a breakout year as the work completed on the 12,600 seat Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, won 1st place at the SPFA National Industry Excellence Awards for the extensive renovation and recoat of the 85,000 square foot dome roof.
Since this breakout victory, RPC has claimed numerous additional awards. SPFA National Industry Excellence Awards were brought home in 2015 (two), 2016 (two), 2018, and 2020 as well as an ABC Excellence in Construction Award in 2018.
2014
JACKCRETE is Born
Mentored at RPC on the importance that a small business be nimble and willing to adapt, long time employee Bryan Heldreth was ready to expand beyond their government focus after surviving the pinch of the 2008-era recession. Determined that the new venture build on RPC’s existing expertise in polyurethane foam, Mr. Heldreth saw the untapped market in concrete lifting and leveling and knew he had a solution. With an experienced team by his side, Bryan knew they had the potential to become industry leaders in the emerging field.
2024
Celebrating 45 Years
Through good times and bad, prosperity and adversity, RPC has grown into a company worth celebrating. What they built is quite special – a company that is respected nationally and trusted locally. After 40 years of leading RPC Industries, Buddy Cockrell passed the reigns to long-time Vice President Bryan Heldreth.
As RPC continues to grow and JACKCRETE continues to develop, industry-leading innovation will stay at the forefront of what they do. They plan to continue expanding their advanced construction expertise through research, testing, and innovation while also staying committed to their founding principles of safety, quality, and dependability.
LOOKING FORWARD
We will continue expanding the uses of sprayed polyurethane foam through further research, testing, and innovation. As RPC continues to grow and our subsidiary, JACKCRETE, continues to develop, industry-leading innovation will stay in the forefront of what we do.
We will stay committed to the principles that got us here. Safety, quality, and dependability over the last 45 years have endeared us to many of the largest government agencies and industrial facilities in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Celebrating the Past,
Embracing the Future.
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