New Jersey, USA – In the bustling construction world, IEW Construction Group (IEW) stands as a symbol of enduring excellence. This heavy highway construction company has played a vital role in shaping New Jersey’s infrastructure for nearly a century.
With a history of remarkable achievements and an unwavering commitment to its employees and community, IEW Construction Group is synonymous with quality and dedication.
Building a Legacy: The Early Years
IEW Construction Group traces its roots back to 1925 when Vaughan S. Grundy founded it as an ornamental ironwork company. During its formative years, the company etched its name in New Jersey’s history by contributing to constructing iconic landmarks.
Notable projects included the New Jersey War Memorial, the State House Annex and State Museum, and the prestigious Rockefeller Institute in Princeton.
A Patriotic Duty: World War II and Beyond
During World War II, IEW Construction Group answered the call to duty. The company converted a General Motors plant into a facility for manufacturing military aircraft, aiding the nation’s war efforts.
After the war’s conclusion in 1945, IEW smoothly transitioned back to peacetime production, demonstrating its adaptability and foresight.
Expanding Horizons: Embracing New Challenges
Under the guidance of Vaughan S. Grundy Jr., the company ventured into major steel fabrication and construction. Beyond New Jersey’s borders, IEW undertook projects in Louisiana, Nebraska, and even overseas in Taiwan, making its mark in the global construction industry.
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A Third-Generation Legacy
Today, IEW Construction Group is led by Vaughan S. Grundy III, representing the third generation of the Grundy family’s dedication to excellence. The company has diversified its portfolio, engaging in heavy highway, bridge, concrete, marine construction, site work, emergency response, maintenance, and steel fabrication.
Joe Accurso, Vice President at IEW, emphasizes the company’s commitment to safety and professionalism: “Over the years, the Grundy family has created a premiere construction company in the state of New Jersey with a culture that places the safety and wellbeing of its employees at the forefront of every operation. Being a stable enterprise and maintaining high professionalism is key to our culture, which fosters pride in our employees and vendors – I believe this has been crucial to our continued success.”
Nurturing Talent: Joe Accurso’s Journey
Joe Accurso, a testament to IEW’s nurturing environment, joined the company in 2004 as a field engineer. He reflects on his Growth within the organization, stating,
“Being part of a small, family-owned business meant I had an opportunity to make an instant impact. I increased my involvement with the senior leadership and surrounded myself with those from whom I could learn as much as possible and who shared Mr. Grundy’s vision for Steady Growth.” Joe’s dedication and commitment led him to the position of Vice President in 2020.
Steady Growth Amid Challenges
With a career spanning 19 years at IEW, Joe Accurso has witnessed the company’s evolution through highs and lows.
He shares his perspective on the challenges of maintaining the company’s reputation and traditions while adapting to modern working methods: “Growth is an important balancing act, and we have to be careful not to overstep the mark as we prepare for our fourth generation of ownership. Maintaining the positive reputation established by the Grundys and 100 years of success certainly doesn’t come without some pressure.”
Diverse Projects: The IEW Portfolio
IEW Construction Group thrives on diversity in its projects. While they excel in maintenance programs, including concrete and steel repairs, stormwater runoff, and timber structures, they also handle complex bridge rehabilitation projects like the Rt: 280 Stickel Bridge and the 495 Viaduct Rehabilitation into New York City via the Lincoln Tunnel.
Joe Accurso quips, “We often joke that if a job is straightforward and vanilla, you generally won’t see us involved!”
A Swift Response: Emergency Services
One of IEW’s distinguishing features is its ability to respond swiftly to emergencies.
Whether natural disasters or vehicular damage to roads and bridges, IEW’s skilled team partners with others to identify and implement solutions promptly, often in the middle of the night.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Aspirations
Maintaining success comes with unique challenges, and as Joe Accurso points out, “Our greatest challenge moving into the latter half of 2023 is maximizing our potential for success while preparing ourselves for what’s in store for 2024.” The company has set internal goals to overcome these challenges and continue its legacy of excellence.
“Moving forward, to maintain steady growth, I’d like to see us provide our region with the necessary infrastructure to play a key role in the global transition to renewable energy,” Joe concludes. “We will continue to tackle challenging projects and provide exceptional emergency response, especially on some of our aging regional infrastructure.”
In the heart of New Jersey, IEW Construction Group stands as a testament to innovation, resilience, and unwavering dedication to excellence.
With a history dating back nearly a century, this construction powerhouse continues to shape the landscape of the Garden State and beyond, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the future.
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Who founded IEW Construction Group?
IEW Construction Group was founded by Vaughan S. Grundy in 1925 as an ornamental ironwork company.
How has IEW contributed to New Jersey’s landmarks?
IEW has been constructing iconic New Jersey landmarks such as the New Jersey War Memorial, the State House Annex and State Museum, and the Rockefeller Institute in Princeton.
What role did IEW play during World War II?
IEW converted a General Motors plant into a facility for manufacturing military aircraft during World War II to support the nation’s war efforts.
Who leads IEW Construction Group today?
The company is led by Vaughan S. Grundy III, representing the third generation of the Grundy family’s dedication to excellence.
What types of projects does IEW undertake?
IEW handles various projects, including heavy highway, bridge, concrete, marine construction, site work, emergency response, maintenance, and steel fabrication.
