The Gallelli legacy

From humble beginnings in 1907 to a respected name in Western Canadian construction, the Gallelli story is built on hard work, innovation, and family values.

The name GALLELLI first appeared in the Western Canadian construction industry in 1907. A pick, a shovel, a wheelbarrow, a cart, and two horses were the humble beginnings of a company that would eventually rank among the leaders in the industry.

Together with his partner, Harry Cicconi — later to become his brother-in-law — Nick served the early construction needs of a growing Calgary. These were the days when a 17-hour workday was the rule rather than the exception.

Driven by the needs of a growing family, Nick carefully guided the small business and watched it expand steadily over the next two decades. The company soon benefited from the strength and dedication of his four sons — Nado, Harry, Bill, and Aldo — who gradually assumed much of the responsibility.

In 1926, the business acquired its first mechanized equipment: a hand-operated, gas-powered cement mixer. Soon after, the company’s horses and dump wagons began giving way to the age of machines, and in 1928, the first truck was purchased. By 1936, mechanization had eliminated all but one team of horses.

The company purchased its first crawler-type tractor in 1941. To better suit their needs, the Gallellis equipped the machine with an overhead loader designed by Bill. As the war ended and construction entered a new era, the company had grown to include five trucks, a dragline, a loader, and a crusher.

Unfortunately, Mr. Gallelli, who passed away in 1952, did not live to witness the accelerated progress of the company. In 1954, the acquisition of 234 acres of aggregate land provided the location for a gravel pit, asphalt plant, and cement plant on the North Hill. This proved to be a turning point for the company, and development began moving rapidly forward.