The company was founded in the town of Dillsburg on January 2, 1946 by William P. Eichelberger and his son Charles H. Eichelberger upon Charles return from World War II. In March of 1946, the first well was drilled in Coffetown, near Dillsburg, for a neighbor of the family. The company provided well drilling and water systems for local residential customers. The wells were drilled using cable tool drilling rigs. The company continued to grow, and relocated to the Mechanicsburg area in 1951. In 1960, Charles Eichelberger purchased the companies first air rotary drilling rig. This was the first air rotary rig in operation in the central Pennsylvania area. It was a huge financial investment and risk for the company. After experiencing success with this rig, another unit was soon added, and the growth process had really begun to accelerate. The air rotary rigs became larger with additional capabilities and the business expanded into the commercial market. Larger wells were constructed for public water supply, industry, and irrigation projects.

In 1972 Charles H. Eichelberger, Jr. and in 1974 Robert D. Eichelberger, the grandsons of William P. and the sons of Charles H. Eichelberger, joined the Company. During the 1970’s, the two sons took over all daily operational responsibilities. They offered industry experience, education, and genuine leadership that provided the catalyst for continued growth and success. Charles H. Eichelberger retired in January 1983, and in 1984, Charles and Robert purchased 100% of the Company.

In the early 1980’s, a new market began to appear. Environmental drilling opportunities became prevalent as the regulatory agencies began to investigate areas with environmentally impacted ground water. With specialized training for employees, Eichelbergers became a leader in providing drilling services to this market. The geographic area of service also expanded throughout Pennsylvania and into surrounding states.

The early 1990’s saw the addition of the hollow stem auger rigs. The work force at this time had grown to approximately 50 employees. Sampling and rock coring became routine tasks for skilled drilling crews. Large pump and water systems projects were now installed by highly trained technicians. These skills carried over into the environmental market, and lead to the remediation construction services that continue today. Geothermal drilling also exploded as homeowners gained knowledge about the economic advantages of using the earth’s resources for heating and cooling systems. In 1995 an acquisition of another drilling company was completed. An additional office was added in York, Pennsylvania to handle the growth in York County and Northern Maryland.

The late 1990’s and turn of the century saw more significant changes. New product lines included Geoprobe and vacuum excavation services. Safety training and consultation developed into a service offered to outside clientele, and a new 8,000 square foot corporate office was constructed and occupied in 2001. The Company’s first Long Range Strategic Plan was completed in the same year.

The company changed ownership in January 2003. At that time, the incumbent President & CEO Jerry A. Rice purchased the company from the Eichelberger family. Charles H and Robert D. Eichelberger remain active as members of the Company’s Board of Directors. Since Rice purchased the Company three additional drilling companies and one water systems company were purchased as part of a strategic plan to expand into contiguous markets. The company has continued to experience growth and Eichelbergers presently employs 125 people, and is in the process of finishing an approximate 3,000 square foot expansion of the corporate office that will further enhance the organization’s value to both its employees and customers.