Big construction, big hearts

The winner of this year’s top Canadian contractor with less than 50 employees is a family-owned construction company that has built more than 8,100,000-sq.-ft. in Ontario’s Windsor/Essex area alone. Winning On-Site’s top mid-sized contractor for 2014 is a feather in the cap for the Rosati Group, which has already received more than 50 awards for its work in construction and the community since 2001.

Founded in 1969 by Vince and Olivia Rosati, the Rosati Group now consists of several construction-related companies owned by the Rosati family. Since 1999, Tony and Nick Rosati (the second generation of Rosati owners) have built the family business into one of the largest general contractors in southwestern Ontario.

Rosati Construction Inc. is the driving force behind the Rosati Group, which specializes in design-build for commercial and industrial projects. Other services offered are construction management, building systems, machine foundations, land development and leasing. The company’s total revenue in 2013 came in at precisely $35,744, 870.

Rosati takes great pride in each and every project it undertakes (see below for current, award-winning and noteworthy projects). Denis Gauthier, Rosati’s vice-president of project development, says the company’s secret for success is a commitment to quality. Rosati’s hands-on reputation for outstanding value and innovation are recognized throughout the construction industry, he adds.

“Our company’s position in the marketplace stems from our product’s value, responsible business practices, integrity of design, and service to our customers and to the community,” he explains. “The overwhelming response from our satisfied customers has secured our position as an industry leader for over four decades.”

Rosati is also a leader in the Windsor/Essex community, having given more than $2.5 million to charity through a combination of construction work, materials and cash donations since 1994. Some of the non-profit organizations Rosati works with include: W.E. Care For Kids, Goodfellas, St. Vincent De Paul, Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association, Windsor Lifeline Outreach Centre, Windsor-Christian Fellowship, Italian Canadian Handicapable Association and Transition to Betterness. In addition, the Rosati Family Foundation was established in 2006 to provide aide to other local charitable groups.

Rosati’s plans for the future are to continue working with local community groups and growing the business in the Windsor/Essex area, its secondary area from Windsor to London, as well as occasional projects in Guelph and other parts of southwestern Ontario.

Current:

• Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Plaza project––$7.8 million, 15,000 sq. ft.
• Home Hardware retail store project in Lasalle, Ont.––$3.6 million, 18,000 sq. ft.
• Select Tool industrial facility in Oldcastle, Ont.––$3.2 million, 32,000 sq. ft.
• Dental health center professional office building (multi-unit) project––$2.9 million, 15,000 sq. ft.
• Racicot Chrysler dealership in Amherstburg, Ont. (expansion/renovation)––$2 million, 17,000 sq. ft.

Award winners:

• Vistaprint Canada: 560,362 sq. ft. high-tech manufacturing plant built in four main phases over a span of 10 years––$63 million
• Green Shield Canada headquarters: 117,470 sq. ft. (three storeys built in two phases 2002/2010), enhanced landscaping and employee walking trail––$14.7 million
• École Secondaire de Windsor (2010): 64,000 sq. ft., LEED Gold––$13 million
• Xanadu Health Club (2009): 35,000 sq. ft. facility with numerous amenities, walk/running trail, golf green, fireplaces, landscaped patio with fireplaces, juice bar and kitchen––$5 million
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites (2010): 72,000 sq. ft. renovation and conversion project––$5 million

Noteworthy:

• Chrysler Logistics Facility (2013): 755,000 sq. ft. built in 11 months at Windsor’s Grand Central Business Park––$37million
• Jackson Park Health Centre (2008): 46,000 sq. ft. conversion project––$5.6 million
• Thunder Road Harley Davidson (2013): 19,500 sq. ft. of revitalized and expanded dealership––$1.9 million
• Rexall Pharmacy & Clinic (2008): 13,000 sq. ft. of retail and clinic facility––$1.65 million