Linde Corporation

Chris Langel is the Executive Vice-President of Linde Corporation with the overall responsibility for engineering and construction. He oversees all aspects of the bidding process, reviews and approves contracts and ensures the smooth operation of actual construction activities through completion. This includes procurement, submittals and scheduling while supervising construction management. Along the way, Chris has built efficiencies into the bidding system at Linde which include bidding on multiple projects and extensive field review which minimizes problems which develop between what is on paper in the office and the facts on the ground in the field. He implemented the “fast track” process of bidding and procurement at Linde.

Chris has been with Linde since 1995, but he actually worked at a Linde job site while he was in college. After “papering the skies” with his resume following graduation, Linde called again. Chris began as an estimator assistant, then he was elevated to estimator, then to lead estimator where Chris says, “I then had the opportunity to work seven days a week.”Chris has other responsibilities which include exploring and generating new business opportunities for Linde as well as maintaining current levels. Chris Langel is the youngest-ever member of Linde Corporation’s senior management team. He is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University (B.S., Civil Engineering).

Scott Linde is the President of Linde Corporation. He has been in the business since he was still in high school and the “company” was a few old pieces of construction equipment his grandfather had left over from the 40’s. Scott jokes that while his daughter goes to college with a computer in her car, he went to college with a jackhammer in the back of his truck.

Today, Linde Corporation is more than 300 people and a $20 million state-of-the-art construction fleet generating more than $50 million in annual revenues. Linde Corporation is a utility-oriented pipeline construction company. Scott Linde refers to Linde as “The Plumbers with Big Wrenches.”

Scott has guided Linde through a continuous evolution starting with utility work for homes in the 60’s, on to rebuilding the Wyoming Valley infrastructure after the Hurricane Agnes flood of 1972, then to installing community water and sewer lines for the Clean Water Act in the 80’s, to “Big Box” site development in the 90’s and now into the Marcellus shale gas boom. All the while the company has held blanket contracts with most of the regional utilities.

Scott led Linde’s international expansion as well with the formation of Linde International. In 1997 LII joined the giant Turkish construction firm The Summa Group (www.summa.com.tr), a partnership which has led to major projects in Eastern Europe and Western Africa.

In addition to establishing Linde as the region’s premier high-technology utility and heavy construction contractor, Scott has made his passion for environmental preservation a company hallmark. He was an early and important board member of the Lackawanna River Corridor Association, charged with protecting the river from acid runoff from old coal mines. He worked with the Rail/Trail groups, helping to acquire enough land access to develop a 39-mile corridor in Northeastern PA. Recipient of several regional conservation and river stewardship awards, he is affiliated with numerous environmental and construction industry associations.   Linde Corporation has recently finished construction of its new corporate headquarters and maintenance facility in the O’Hara Industrial Park in Pittston. After 45 years, all of Linde’s facilities will be in one central location instead of being spread over 3 counties. Scott says it’s about time.

Bob started with Linde  as an equipment operator in 1985.  He was promoted to Vice President of Linde in 1996 where he currently serves as Secretary and Senior VP of Construction.

His team is responsible for constructing all aspects of the Marcellus gas play including pipeline, well connects, and compressor stations. The industry places emphasis on safety and E&S, both of which have become a focal point of expertise for Linde over the last decade.

Bob likes the appeal of being outdoors with constantly changing scenery.   “I’m one of those lucky guys who played in the sand box as a kid and never had to get out.”

Dave Remley is the Engineering Manager of Linde Corporation. He is responsible for cost estimating of construction projects, solicitation of pricing, procurement of materials, submittal to project design engineers, job cost budgeting and final review of subcontracts.

In addition, Dave handles conceptual estimating and also manages certain select projects for Linde. Dave has a degree in Structural Design and Construction Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University. Prior to joining Linde in 2003 he was employed by Carlisle Syntec Systems (EPDM Roofing Manufacturer) and worked as a Senior Project Manager in commercial building construction. He also served as Contractor’s Quality Control (CQC) on two U.S. Army Corps of Engineer projects in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Fred Ostroski is a division manager in Linde’s Pipeline Division. Fred’s general duties will include hiring, handling interaction between engineers and owners, and contract management.

This includes hiring and oversight of subcontractors on jobs. Fred got his degree in Civil Engineering from Drexel, worked in design, moved to inspection and then worked for contractors until a blind call landed him at Linde in 1999. “I started as a foreman,” Fred recalls, “then took a position in project management and evolved from there.” Fred spends most of his time managing the trenchless technology, or horizontal “bores” which go under roads, mountains, streams, wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas. Linde is growing and Fred feels it every day.

John manages many aspects of Linde pipeline projects. He communicates project information to Linde clients as well as scheduling resources, labor and equipment for various jobs. John also tracks progress on projects and manages vendors. There’s a lot to do. “It’s a challenging environment and the work is diverse,” 

Paul Fedor is Vice President of Maintenance, ensuring that Linde’s $20 million fleet of sophisticated construction equipment is kept in peak operating condition. He supervises Linde’s two maintenance and support facilities and at project sites, directing nearly 50 skilled employees in all facets of field and long-term repairs. This includes daily computerized repair logs, engine and mechanical work, hydraulic and electrical system repairs, body work, parts, painting, servicing, welding and fabricating, plumbing and inventory.

Paul has also been a point man in the growth of Linde’s fleet of equipment. “In a sense we were lucky with timing,” he says. “The Marcellus shale boom happened just after residential housing in the south had crashed. Because of the economy, there are real deals out there. Used equipment that once sold for 75% of its new value is now at 30%.” Linde’s fleet has tripled in 3 years and Paul’s maintenance staff has doubled, now working two shifts. Paul Fedor joined Linde in 1988 and became VP in 1999.

Bob Hessling is Linde’s Treasurer/Controller. He also serves on the company’s Board of Directors. Bob oversees all of the financial aspects of the company including the day-to-day financial management. He has instituted state-of-the-art systems and procedures in all departments to ensure sound and cost-effective business practices.

Bob graduated from Wilkes University with a degree in Accounting, joined Linde’s Accounts Payable Department in 1985 and worked his way up quickly. Bob came to the Linde family business from his own family’s funeral business, giving him a special understanding of family responsibility. “There’s no 9 to 5 in a family business,” says Bob. “You work when you have to.” Now that Linde is expanding, the pressure on Bob’s office is increasing, too. “As we grow, the pace of major equipment acquisition requirements adds additional stress and pressure on cash flow,” says Bob. “Growth and the opportunities it presents are exciting but it also comes with difficult challenges.”