7 minute read
Danco General Contracting Inc.
Demolition delivered
Large-scale demolition projects showcase Danco General Contracting Inc.’s versatile skillset, commitment to quality
Established in 1998 in Morganville, N.J., Danco General Contracting Inc. has evolved from a home improvement contractor to a formidable general contracting firm specializing in demolition and environmental services. With operations spanning central and southern New Jersey to Westchester County, N.Y., the company has become a significant player in the industry over the past 26 years. Still, its origin can be traced back even further.
“My fascination with machinery started when I was about 8 or 9, growing up in a newly developed neighborhood,” recalled Daniel Matarese, President and CEO of Danco. “I was mesmerized by the equipment and watching the men working on the sites operate the machines. That really ignited my passion for construction, and it has stuck with me my whole life.”
As a man who has always worked hard to create his own good fortune, Matarese seized opportunities and gradually expanded his business.
“I started doing small jobs in my hometown and eventually took on larger projects, including demolishing properties,” Matarese explained. “Over the years, our projects grew in scale, and we now tackle some of the most complex demolitions across New Jersey.”
Today, Danco focuses exclusively on private work and serves a select group of repeat clients. The business employs a team of 30 skilled professionals and operates a fleet of 50 machines, including excavators with shears, ultra-high-reach equipment, crushers and pulverizers. Matarese attributes much of his success to his faith, the dedication and expertise of his team, and the strong relationships he’s built over the years.
“I’m truly blessed,” said Matarese. “I’ve had the chance to work with incredible people and companies, which has allowed us to grow continuously.”
Demolition equipment
Currently, Danco is engaged in several high-profile demolition projects across New Jersey. The company recently added a Komatsu PC650LC excavator equipped with a Genesis 995 shear to complete the work.
“The PC650 is an amazing machine,” declared Matarese. “When we purchased the excavator from Komatsu East, we added the Genesis shear to help with demolition work.”
Due to its rotating capability, the Genesis 995 shear is a key component of Danco’s demolition arsenal. It is designed to allow for precise and efficient cuts through heavy steel and concrete structures to enhance the demolition process.
“Our Genesis shear’s response time has been outstanding,” said Matarese. “When we first got it running, both Genesis and Komatsu provided excellent support. It’s turned out to be a great shear that is very capable.”
Matarese added, “We also use crushers and mobile machines right on-site to process all the aggregate. Our Komatsu PC490 excavator and Komatsu WA320 wheel loaders are integral to our operations as well. We’re very proud of our Komatsu equipment.”
One of Danco’s recent projects involved demolishing an old gas research facility, a 40-acre site soon to be transformed into nearly 400 townhomes.
“We started with complete asbestos and environmental remediation before beginning the demolition,” explained Matarese. “Over the past three months, we’ve been taking down the 380,000-square-foot industrial building and recycling the materials on-site. With the Genesis shear, the PC650 has helped us systematically disassemble the building.”
Matarese emphasized that the Komatsu PC650LC’s power and size are critical for such large-scale demolitions.
“When I first got into this business, a mentor told me to own the biggest machine money can buy because you can always do a small job with a big machine, but you can never do a big job with a small machine,” remarked Matarese. “The PC650’s capabilities align with that philosophy.”
Danco also undertakes unique and challenging projects, such as one in Woodbridge, N.J., where the company stabilized a sinking floor within an operational store.
“We installed 180 micro piles and poured a 25,000-square-foot structural slab,” described Matarese. “It was a complex task, but our team got it done."
In addition to demolition, Danco specializes in mobile crushing and creates various aggregate products on-site.
“We can make many kinds of products, from inch and a half to three-quarter clean,” stated Matarese. “Our mobile quarry setup allows us to handle projects others might shy away from.”
Partnership with Komatsu East
To complete its range of projects, Danco relies on the invaluable support it receives from its equipment distributor, Komatsu East.
“Service and support are paramount because downtime is dead time,” emphasized Matarese. “The machine has to get working every day, and if it’s not working, it’s hard to make a payment. Reliability is everything, and so far, we’ve had excellent reliability with our equipment, and Komatsu’s support is second to none. Every time I’ve had an issue, it’s been resolved within a day or so. Without that level of service, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
The foundation of Danco’s relationship with Komatsu East began with Territory Manager Dominick Vecchiarelli, who Matarese affectionally refers to as a persistent and dedicated salesman.
“He just wouldn’t quit; he kept asking and asking until we finally started working together,” Matarese recalled. “He’s a gem to work with, and he’s become a great friend and a vital part of our business.”
Komatsu East’s support extends beyond just sales and maintenance; it includes a team of dedicated professionals.
“Dominick and his team, including Rob White and Matt Pixler, always go to bat for us,” commented Matarese. “They try their best every day of the week. Their commitment makes a huge difference in our operations.”
Matarese added, “Komatsu East is certainly a business partner. Their response to any problem, big or small, shows their dedication to standing behind their product. On numerous occasions, they’ve proven their commitment to our success.”
The relationship also has a personal and community aspect, which Matarese deeply values.
“Komatsu’s involvement with the YMCA in Monmouth County is something I’m really proud of,” Matarese noted. “They’ve sponsored our golf outing every spring, helping raise money to send kids to camp. Their support goes beyond business; it impacts the community.”
Looking ahead
Despite the inherent challenges of each job, Danco remains committed to quality work.
“Every job has some issues, but it’s how you roll through the situations and find solutions to every problem that will dictate your success. At the end of the day, you just have to deliver," stated Matarese.
Moving forward, Danco is poised for further growth and expansion.
“We want to continue growing and pushing our boundaries to take on larger projects,” said Matarese. “There are always bigger ones, and there are always better ones. We’ll see what the future holds.” ■
*The opinions expressed here are from the customer as quoted. The results described herein are those of these customers under certain conditions. Individual results may vary.
Customer snapshot
Company: Danco General Contracting Inc.
Location: Morganville, New Jersey
Employees: 30
Established: 1998
Areas of expertise: General contracting, demolition and environmental services, mobile crushing
Komatsu equipment: PC650LC excavator, PC490LC excavator, WA320 wheel loaders
Komatsu technology: My Komatsu
By the numbers
50 machines in Danco's fleet, including excavators with shears, ultra-high-reach equipment, crushers and pulverizers
40-acre site project involved demolishing an old gas research facility to be transformed into nearly 400 townhomes
180 micro piles and a 25,000-square-foot structural slab installed on a recent project
