George & Lynch acquires Harry Caswell

DOVER — George & Lynch Inc., a seasoned general contracting business located in Dover, recently announced its acquisition of the leading plumbing, mechanical and utility contracting business Harry Caswell LLC.

Chris Baker, George & Lynch Inc. president, said the move was positive for the growth of his century-old company, as well as job retention for those originally employed by Harry Caswell as the Millsboro-based company continues to serve Delaware and Maryland as it has since 1989 even after the acquisition.

“We had actually explored and did move forward with an acquisition last year that was more closely related to the work we already perform and we heard at that time that this business [Harry Caswell] was exploring retirement and had no other family in the business,” Baker told the Delaware Business Times. “We are happy to carry on the legacy and, even better, we get to do that with about 60 of their employees who will keep their jobs as we make this transition.”

He added that both companies have worked together on various projects over the years, making the familiarity welcomed by many.

“We are happy to provide a way for Harry Caswell’s company to continue to serve its customers just as it has for more than 35 years. It’s the same great company,” Baker said in a press release. “We’ve known and worked alongside Harry and his employees for many years and are glad to have their team join ours. Their track record of excellence is one we can all be proud of.”

Harry Caswell, the founder of Harry Caswell Inc., is on board with the transition and will serve as a consultant along with his wife and business partner, Lynne.

“After 35 years, I was ready to retire, but wasn’t sure how to go about leaving this as my legacy. The folks at George & Lynch were there to take the business on,” Caswell said in the press release from George & Lynch. “I have full confidence in their ability to steer things right and in the Caswell team to continue its tradition of great work.”

George & Lynch was founded by Hyland George and John Lynch in 1923 and became an employee-owned company in 2021. As of 2024, the company located in Dover with facilities in Milton and Gumboro had 200 employees. It is also a partner in three asphalt plants located in Dover, Dagsboro and Delmar.