Berwind: History

History
The Berwind-White Coal Mining Company, forerunner of today’s Berwind, began operations in 1886 and soon established a proud tradition as one of the nation’s leading coal producers. By the late 1950’s, however, coal was being supplanted by oil and other energy sources, and it had become clear that the possibilities for meaningful growth were limited.

In 1962, a new generation of family management assumed leadership roles and developed plans to diversify. The first step was to redirect utilization of the company’s considerable coal reserves from actually operating the capital-intensive, cash-demanding mines to leasing those mines and reserves to others.

This redeployment of coal assets produced considerable cash flow which was then used to establish a significant presence in other industries.

Growth Through Decentralization
The resultant diversification led to a redefinition of the company, so that today Berwind is characterized by creative growth in a number of different industries. Such growth is encouraged and enhanced by an atmosphere of open-minded, non-doctrinaire managerial interaction in which complete responsibility is placed at the operating level.

In recent years, Berwind has grown significantly as new companies have joined the group. Despite marked differences in areas of operation, these new companies have shared at least two crucial characteristics: one, significant market share, often in a niche market; and two, management with a strong entrepreneurial focus. The result is Berwind’s diverse enterprises, delivering quality products and services while maintaining consistent growth.


OVERVIEW INVESTMENT PHILOSOPHY ACQUISITION CRITERIA OPERATING COMPANIES FACT SHEET HISTORY CONTACT Core Commitments	History The Berwind-White Coal Mining Company, forerunner of today’s Berwind, began operations in 1886 and soon established a proud tradition as one of the nation’s leading coal producers. By the late 1950’s, however, coal was being supplanted by oil and other energy sources, and it had become clear that the possibilities for meaningful growth were limited. In 1962, a new generation of family management assumed leadership roles and developed plans to diversify. The first step was to redirect utilization of the company’s considerable coal reserves from actually operating the capital-intensive, cash-demanding mines to leasing those mines and reserves to others. This redeployment of coal assets produced considerable cash flow which was then used to establish a significant presence in other industries. Growth Through Decentralization The resultant diversification led to a redefinition of the company, so that today Berwind is characterized by creative growth in a number of different industries. Such growth is encouraged and enhanced by an atmosphere of open-minded, non-doctrinaire managerial interaction in which complete responsibility is placed at the operating level. In recent years, Berwind has grown significantly as new companies have joined the group. Despite marked differences in areas of operation, these new companies have shared at least two crucial characteristics: one, significant market share, often in a niche market; and two, management with a strong entrepreneurial focus. The result is Berwind’s diverse enterprises, delivering quality products and services while maintaining consistent growth.