About R&L Development Company
50 Years
of Devoted Service To Western PA and Surrounding Areas.
R&L Development Company History
In 1969
R & L Development Company was founded in New Alexandria, PA by brothers Dale and James Latimer to bid on the fly ash hauling and disposal contract at the newly constructed Homer City Generating Station (Homer City, Pennsylvania). R & L was the successful bidder on the contract and has been the only ash hauling contractor operating at the plant since it came online in that year.
In 1976
R & L used the experience gained at Homer City to successfully bid the ash hauling and disposal service at Conemaugh Generating Station (New Florence, Pennsylvania). Along with the Conemaugh contract, R&L was awarded the ash hauling and disposal at Seward Generating Station(Seward, PA) until it’s decommission as a coal fired plant in 2003.
In 1984
R & L was successful in bidding the ash hauling and disposal at Keystone Generating Station (Shelocta, Pennsylvania).
In 1985
R & L successfully bid and installed its first ash disposal site liner system at Conemaugh Generating Station. Current day R&L remains the residual waste hauling and disposal contractor at Homer City, Conemaugh and Keystone Generating Stations and has installed every liner expansion, with one exception, at all three Stations since 1985.
In 1994
R & L successfully bid the ash hauling and disposal contract at Shawville Generating Station (Shawville, Pennsylvania) and performed the ash hauling and disposal contract services until the plant was decommissioned as a coal fired plant and converted to natural gas in 2016.
In 2004
it was requested by plant operator, Reliant Energy, that R & L take over the fly ash haul and disposal at Portland Generating Station. R&L continued as the residual waste disposal contractor at Portland Station until the plant was decommissioned in 2015.
In 2011
R & L was awarded the Presidential Award for Safety by our insurance carrier for operating for three years or 1 million man-hours without a lost-time accident.
In 2013
R & L was selected as the Operations and Maintenance Supplier of the Year by NRG Energy.
In 2017
at the request of NRG, R&L initiated ash hauling services at Cheswick Power Station (Cheswick, PA).
With the advent of scrubber units being added to Homer City, Conemaugh and Keystone Generating Stations there have been numerous additional services at these plants. Some of these services include the handling of the scrubber by-product, synthetic gypsum, either being loaded into rail cars for off-site transportation or being hauled to the disposal site. In addition to the loading of rail cars R&L has taken on the responsibility of unloading railcars of limestone to support the scrubber operation. To aid in the loading and unloading of rail cars R&L owns and maintains locomotives to provide the necessary resources to provide the best service to our generating station clients.
Vision
Built on decades of experience, R&L will provide growth with a focus on customer service, safety and solutions.
Mission
Provide the highest quality of cost-effective construction solutions, delivered while maintaining sustainable relationships with our clients, in a safety orientated work environment.
Values
Safety – Never compromise
Clients – Exceed expectations
Employees – Our most valuable asset
Teamwork – Accountable to each other and our clients
Sustainability – Take responsibility and take action
President / CEO / Chairman
Luke A. Latimer
Luke A. Latimer is the Chairman, CEO, and President of R&L Development Company, a heavy construction and energy services business based in New Alexandria, Pennsylvania. He has held this position since 2015 and previously served as Executive Vice President and Treasurer of the company. In addition to his role at R&L Development Company, Mr. Latimer is the General Partner of SML Limited Partnership, a real estate holding and development partnership based in New Alexandria.
Mr. Latimer is a board member of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation (NYSE: FCF) and First Western Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: MYFW), both based in Indiana, PA and Denver, CO respectively. He also serves as a director of First Commonwealth Bank and First Western Trust Bank. In addition, he is a member of the Saint Vincent College McKenna School of Business Advisory Board and a Trustee of The New Alexandria Public Library.
Mr. Latimer has previously served as Chairman and Director of First National Bank of Santa Fe and Director of New Mexico Banquest (Santa Fe, NM) until its sale in May 2013. He has also served as Chairman, CEO, and President of Great Oak Inc., a real estate development and operations corporation based in Kissimmee, Florida, until its sale to private equity in 2008.
Mr. Latimer is a 1998 graduate of Saint Vincent College with a B.S. in Business Management. He currently resides in New Alexandria, Pennsylvania with his wife Laura and their three children: Luke II, Stella, and Josephine.
President / CEO / Chairman
Luke A. Latimer
Luke A. Latimer joined R&L Development Company in 1998 as a Superintendent and held the positions of Executive Vice President and Treasurer before becoming CEO in 2015 and assuming the role of President in addition to CEO in 2018. Mr. Latimer graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Mr. Latimer serves on the Board of Directors of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation (NYSE:FCF) and First Western Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: MYFW).
Senior Vice-President / Controller / Treasurer
Heather Marts
Senior Vice President of Operations
Roy D. Cessna
With an illustrious 35-year career in the heavy construction industry, Roy Cessna’s journey began in 1984 as a union laborer with R & L Development Company. His exceptional work ethic and passion quickly garnered recognition, propelling him through positions of increasing responsibility. As Labor Foreman in 1990, he expertly supervised and guided teams. Roy’s capabilities continued to shine, leading to his appointment as Superintendent in 1999, overseeing successful project execution. In 2004, as General Superintendent, he ensured seamless coordination of multiple endeavors.
In 2016, Roy’s outstanding contributions and extensive field experience earned him a promotion to Vice President of Operations. With a comprehensive understanding of all facets of the company, he assumed responsibility for field operations, equipment, staffing, and scheduling. Recognizing his immense value, Roy was once again promoted in 2023 to the prestigious position of Senior Vice President / Operations. His unwavering commitment, profound knowledge, and exceptional leadership skills are a testament to his remarkable rise.
Roy Cessna’s journey serves as an inspiration, showcasing his relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering passion for his craft. As he continues to shape the future of the company, his elevated role as Senior Vice President will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact, solidifying his legacy as a visionary leader in the industry.
Senior Vice President of Operations
Roy D. Cessna
With an illustrious 35-year career in the heavy construction industry, Roy Cessna’s journey began in 1984 as a union laborer with R & L Development Company. His exceptional work ethic and passion quickly garnered recognition, propelling him through positions of increasing responsibility. As Labor Foreman in 1990, he expertly supervised and guided teams. Roy’s capabilities continued to shine, leading to his appointment as Superintendent in 1999, overseeing successful project execution. In 2004, as General Superintendent, he ensured seamless coordination of multiple endeavors.
In 2016, Roy’s outstanding contributions and extensive field experience earned him a promotion to Vice President of Operations. With a comprehensive understanding of all facets of the company, he assumed responsibility for field operations, equipment, staffing, and scheduling. Recognizing his immense value, Roy was once again promoted in 2023 to the prestigious position of Senior Vice President / Operations. His unwavering commitment, profound knowledge, and exceptional leadership skills are a testament to his remarkable rise.
Roy Cessna’s journey serves as an inspiration, showcasing his relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering passion for his craft. As he continues to shape the future of the company, his elevated role as Senior Vice President will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact, solidifying his legacy as a visionary leader in the industry.
Senior Vice President/Engineering
Michael Cessna
Mike Cessna’s journey with R&L Development Company began in 2001, fresh out of Lenape Vo-Tech High School as a Union Laborer. Through unwavering dedication and outstanding performance, he quickly rose through the ranks. In 2005, he became Labor Foreman, showcasing his leadership skills. Recognizing his talent, he was promoted to Assistant Superintendent in 2007, expanding his responsibilities. In 2011, he further excelled as Construction Superintendent, overseeing projects from start to finish.
Mike’s wide-ranging duties included assembling skilled teams, managing equipment, and fostering effective communication. In 2019, he became Construction Estimator, utilizing his field experience to guide projects from bidding to completion. Now, in 2023, he reaches a new milestone as Senior Vice President/Engineering. This promotion acknowledges his leadership, industry knowledge, and commitment to excellence. In this role, Mike will drive engineering operations and strategic initiatives for R&L Development Company’s continued success.
Vice-President of Estimating
Patty C. Latimer
Patricia C. Latimer joined R & L Development Company in 1987 as part of the estimating department directly from receiving a Bachelor of Architectural Engineer (Construction Management Option) from Penn State University Main Campus. In January 2001, Patricia was promoted to Vice-President of Estimating and is responsible for overseeing project estimating, management and scheduling.
Vice-President of Estimating
Patty C. Latimer
Patricia C. Latimer joined R & L Development Company in 1987 as part of the estimating department directly from receiving a Bachelor of Architectural Engineer (Construction Management Option) from Penn State University Main Campus. In January 2001, Patricia was promoted to Vice-President of Estimating and is responsible for overseeing project estimating, management and scheduling.
Vice-President Building Grounds / Secretary
Steven H. Landers
Steve Landers joined R&L Development Company in 1979 and held the positions of Superintendent, Equipment Manager. Steve currently serves as Vice President and Corporate secretary and oversees the management of R&L’s real estate holdings. Steven received a B.S. in Earth and Mineral Sciences from Penn State University. Steven is currently a Board of Directors member for Commercial National Finance Corporation and Commercial Bank & Trust of PA.
Vice-President Technology – A/R Supervisor
Scott Naeger
Scott Naeger joined R&L Development in August 1992 as an Accounts Receivable Supervisor. He is responsible for preparing and processing invoices, ensuring timely payments from customers, and supporting contractual updates and changes. Scott was promoted in January 2022 to Vice-President of Technology. In addition to Scott’s A/R Duties, he is now responsible for management of computer systems, remote operation logistics, and telecommunication setup and design. Scott graduated from Saint Vincent College with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
Vice-President Technology – A/R Supervisor
Scott Naeger
Scott Naeger joined R&L Development in August 1992 as an Accounts Receivable Supervisor. He is responsible for preparing and processing invoices, ensuring timely payments from customers, and supporting contractual updates and changes. Scott was promoted in January 2022 to Vice-President of Technology. In addition to Scott’s A/R Duties, he is now responsible for management of computer systems, remote operation logistics, and telecommunication setup and design. Scott graduated from Saint Vincent College with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
Project Manager
Dillon Main
Dillon Main joined R&L Development Company in 2015 as an Assistant Project Manager. During the bidding process, Dillon is responsible for quantity takeoff, acquiring pricing of materials, finding qualified subcontractors and the preliminary scheduling of the projects. After projects have been awarded to R&L, he handles procuring materials, coordinating with R&L’s superintendents/labor foreman, setting up the subcontractors and updating/maintaining the schedules. Dillon graduated from Saint Vincent College with a bachelor’s degree in both Engineering Science and Mathematics.