From Dare to Dream
A community association meeting usually is not likely to inspire a multi-billion
dollar enterprise. But one particular meeting of the Willowbrook community
association, in Houston, Texas, was destined to be remembered as most unusual.
The year was 1967 and the subject was garbage. Residents were irate about
missed pickups, surly personnel, high rates. Tom Fatjo, president of the
subdivision, suggested in exasperation, "This association ought to
get a pickup truck and take care of the community's garbage." The rejoinder
was a dare: "Good idea -- you do it!" Never one to back
away from a challenge, Tom Fatjo and his cousin, Thomas Deane, promptly
started a one-truck, one neighborhood garbage company boldly named American
Refuse Systems (ARS). The name reflected a dream: garbage service that would
resolve the same problems faced by Willowbrook in communities across America.
The dream came true. The story of BFI is the story of free enterprise...
The Early Years
1967 |
With a single truck, a small residential waste collection firm, American
Refuse Systems, Inc. (ARS), begins providing garbage collection service
to a Houston, Texas subdivision. |
1969 |
ARS acquires controlling interest in Browning-Ferris Machinery Company,
an established distributor of heavy construction equipment, through the
purchase of its common stock. The two companies merge to form Browning-Ferris
Industries (BFI) and launch a nationwide waste services firm. |
The 1970's: Expansion and Acquisition
1970 |
Beginning in October, BFI develops a nationwide waste services company by
implementing a highly successful acquisition plan. Companies initially purchased
include Patterson Waste Control, Inc., located in Memphis; Houston Disposal
Services, Inc., based in Houston; and Waste Control of Puerto Rico, Inc.,
located in San Juan. The majority owner and president of these three companies,
Harry J. Phillips, joins BFI as president and COO. As one of the most experienced
and respected leaders in the waste industry, Phillips brings immediate recognition
to the growing company. |
1972 |
Only five years old, BFI now has operations in 26 states, Puerto Rico and
Canada, 4200 employees and, for the first time, revenues of over $100 million.
By acquiring Consolidated Fibres Inc. (CFI), a leading independent marketer
of wastepaper for recycling, BFI adds to its existing services and demonstrates
a major commitment to resource recovery. |
1974 |
BFI made its first entry into the European market with the acquisition of
a waste services firm in Spain. This marks the beginning of a 20-year campaign
of start-up, expansion and acquisition activities on four continents outside
North America. |
1975 |
By year-end, BFI is operating in over 100 North American cities. The company
makes industry history as the first to introduce "forklift" front-end
loading waste collection vehicles. |
1976 |
The effects of the nationwide recession are particularly acute in the paper
industry. BFI responds by spinning off CFI. |
1977 |
BFI wins its first municipal contract as Oklahoma City becomes one of the
first cities in the U.S. to privatize its waste services. |
1978 |
BFI is now operating in 150 cities in North America with over 7,000 employees.
Earned revenues top $300 million. |
The 1980's: Diversifying the Business
1981 |
Already serving Maracaibo, BFI wins an eight-year contract with the city
of Caracas in partnership with Cotechnica. |
1983 |
CECOS International is acquired, marking BFI's entrance into the hazardous
waste business. |
1984 |
Operating in 39 states with 16,000 employees, BFI hits $1 billion in revenue
mark for the first time. BFI and Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. create a new company,
American Ref-Fuel, to market waste-to-energy facilities. BFI becomes the
exclusive North American licensee for a proven technology created in Germany
that converts combustible solid waste to steam or electricity. |
1985 |
BFI expands to the Far East with acquisitions in Australia and makes a key
acquisition to enter the United Kingdom. |
1986 |
BFI entered the medical waste business through the purchase of W.D. Bingham,
Inc., in Southern California, and Merrimack Valley Medical Service Company,
Inc., in Massachusetts. |
1987 |
BFI starts operating in the Netherlands with the acquisition of Spitman
Holding, B.V. |
1988 |
Bill Ruckelshaus, two-term Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is elected Chairman and CEO. The company eneters the Hong Kong
market through a joint venture with Swire Engineering Ltd. BFI now serves
nearly 200,000 households with curbside recycling service. |
1989 |
The first American Ref-Fuel plant opens. |
The 1990's: Investing in the Future
1990 |
BFI acquires ACCO International, Inc., a fiber recycling company, marking
the start of a long-term investment in recycling. Collection, treatment
and disposal of hazardous waste is terminated. |
1991 |
Bruce Ranck is elected President and Chief Operating Officer. BFI now employs
27,000 and reaches $3 billion in earned revenues. |
1992 |
BFI now serves more than 3 million households with curbside collection of
paper, aluminum, bi-metal and other recyclable materials. |
1993 |
BFI becomes the first outside company in over 40 years to serve New York
City with commercial solid waste collection. The company also enters into
a key joint venture with one of the largest waste services companies in
Germany, Otto holding International B.V. |
1994 |
BFI acquires UK-based Attwoods, plc, the fourth largest waste services company
in the U.S. |
1995 |
Bruce Ranck is elected CEO; Bill Ruckelshaus remains Chairman of the Board.
With 43,000 employees worldwide, and 10,000 collection vehicles, revenues
climb to more than $5.8 billion. |
1996 |
BFI undergoes a strategic and organizational restructuring to streamline
operations and focus on customer satisfaction. Greg Muldoon is named Chief
Operating Officer. Thirteen market areas, organized according to customer
segments and operations, comprise the structure. |
1997 |
The year begins with a sharp upturn in BFI's stock, signaling a new era
of success. |
With the approach of a new millenium, BFI continues to build its legacy
as a worldwide leader and innovator with dynamic emphasis on growth by building
long-term customer relationships. And all it took was a dare. |