Arcwood Expands Midwest Reach with ERG Acquisition

Arcwood Environmental has acquired Michigan-based ERG Environmental Services, a move that strengthens its presence across Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. This marks Arcwood’s second acquisition in the past quarter, signaling a clear strategy: build out a national environmental services platform by integrating technically strong, regionally embedded providers.

ERG, which has operated for nearly 40 years, brings a full suite of hazardous waste management services, with core competencies in site remediation, mercury and PCB handling, and household hazardous waste programs. ERG’s long-standing relationships with industrial, municipal, and tribal clients are expected to carry over, as its team transitions into Arcwood’s regional operations structure.

The acquisition adds depth to Arcwood’s field services and lab packing operations, while also expanding its regulatory training and compliance support services—a growing need as environmental rules tighten and enforcement ramps up across sectors.

Chris Dlugolecki, SVP of Service Delivery at Arcwood, noted that ERG's on-the-ground experience in the Great Lakes region positions the combined company to respond faster and more effectively, saying "Their expertise in lab packing, household hazardous waste, field services, and regulatory training enhances our ability to serve complex industrial clients while maintaining the highest standards of safety and service.”

Strategic Acquisitions Fuel Arcwood’s Expansion Model

For Arcwood, the deal is part of a deliberate push to consolidate high-performing regional players into a unified national platform. In a fragmented industry, this strategy aims to deliver local expertise with national consistency—a key advantage for enterprise clients facing compliance challenges across multiple jurisdictions.

Former ERG President Erik Thayer said the acquisition gives ERG the tools and scale: “We’re proud of the trust we’ve earned over nearly four decades, and we’re excited to bring our clients expanded resources and broader service capabilities.”

While the purchase expands geographic reach, it’s the operational fit that stands out. ERG’s technical service delivery, from characterization to final waste disposal, aligns with Arcwood’s core mission of providing responsive, compliant, and scalable environmental solutions.

Arcwood President Ernie Walker emphasized that the move isn’t just about footprint, “ERG’s reputation for safety, compliance, and technical excellence makes it a natural fit, and together, we’re excited to build a smarter, more responsive network for managing waste and protecting the environment.”