Photos of original building in Somerset and today’s facilities in Boswell, Pa., Williamsburg, Va., and Cumberland, Md.

In 1957, Sidney W. Riggs, co-founder of Somerset Steel Erection Company, secured a $500 loan, and with the help of his partner, Warren Mostoller, they started Somerset Steel Erection. The company, which is celebrating its 60th year in business, is a full service industrial and commercial contractor, specializing in general construction, concrete work, process piping, and steel erection and fabrication. The company employs a full staff of AFL-CIO building trades craftsmen, engineers and administrative staff and has close to 40 million dollars in annual sales. In addition to its current location in Boswell, the company has satellite offices in Maryland and Virginia.

When asked about his company's 60th anniversary, C. Daniel Riggs, president of Somerset Steel, said,

“Although my father is not here to celebrate this milestone with us, I know he would be proud of his employees who have contributed to our success and thankful to our customers and partners for their continued support of our business. My Dad, who began this business out of the trunk of his car, was a determined and hardworking individual and our 60th year anniversary is a tribute to his commitment and dedication in everything he set out to do.”

Somerset Steel, the oldest of the Riggs' companies, will celebrate the milestone anniversary in conjunction with its annual golf outing scheduled late September. In addition, the company recently launched an updated, new website.

After starting Somerset Steel, Sidney Riggs purchased several more companies which are now under the umbrella of Riggs Industries Inc. These include Lincoln Contracting & Equipment; James A. Redding; J&J Truck Bodies & Trailers; J&J Truck Equipment; and Somerset Welding & Steel. The company is one of the largest family-owned businesses in Somerset County, Pa., and currently employs close to 500 people.

For more information, call 814/444-3452 or visit www.somersetsteel.com.

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