TEAM Group Acquires A&J Vacworx, Digging into Ontario's Infrastructure Boom

AURORA, ON – April 09, 2026 – In a significant move to bolster its industrial services division, TEAM Group Inc. has announced its acquisition of A&J Vacworx Inc., a leading Ontario-based provider of hydro-excavation and dewatering services. The deal, announced today, positions TEAM Group to capture a larger share of the province's burgeoning infrastructure market by integrating a highly specialized and in-demand service into its portfolio.

The acquisition includes 100% of A&J Vacworx, its fleet of specialized hydro-excavation equipment, and a purpose-built 19-acre facility in Mount Albert that features an integrated dewatering and processing plant. While financial terms were not disclosed, the strategic value is clear, providing TEAM Group with a scalable platform in a critical niche supporting essential utility and infrastructure projects across Ontario.

A Strategic Play for Ontario's Infrastructure Boom

This acquisition is timed perfectly to capitalize on Ontario's unprecedented commitment to infrastructure development. The provincial government has outlined a historic $190.2 billion investment over the next decade, with $26.2 billion earmarked for the current year alone. This massive spending program targets the very sectors where A&J Vacworx has built its reputation since its founding in 2005.

Projects span across transportation, where $27.4 billion is planned for highway expansion and public transit; water systems, bolstered by an $825 million fund to support housing growth; telecommunications, with a nearly $4 billion push for province-wide high-speed internet; and a massive overhaul of the energy grid to meet soaring electricity demands. All these initiatives rely heavily on safely accessing and working around a complex web of buried utilities—a task for which hydro-excavation is the modern standard.

By acquiring A&J, TEAM Group is not just buying a company; it is buying direct access to this government-fueled market. The move strengthens relationships with major infrastructure contractors and utility clients—including those in gas, hydro, and water—who increasingly require the precision and safety offered by A&J's services.

The Critical Role of Specialized Excavation

Hydro-excavation is a non-destructive digging method that uses pressurized water to break up soil, which is then removed by a powerful vacuum system. Compared to traditional mechanical digging with backhoes, it offers unparalleled precision and safety, virtually eliminating the risk of damaging critical underground gas lines, fibre-optic cables, and water mains. This makes it an indispensable service for any modern construction or repair project in densely populated or utility-heavy areas.

What makes the acquisition of A&J Vacworx particularly astute is its vertical integration, specifically its dewatering and soil processing capabilities. This addresses a major regulatory and environmental challenge in the industry. Ontario's regulation on excess soil management (O. Reg. 406/19) has become increasingly strict, with a key provision set to take effect in 2025 that will prohibit reusable excess soil from being sent to landfills. This puts immense pressure on contractors to manage excavated materials responsibly.

A&J's 19-acre facility in Mount Albert is equipped to handle this exact challenge. The integrated dewatering plant allows the company to separate water from the excavated slurry, process the soil to meet regulatory standards for reuse, and manage the entire waste stream in an environmentally compliant manner. This capability not only enhances margin control but provides a critical, value-added service that sets it apart from competitors who only offer excavation.

Clint Griffin, Chairman & CEO of TEAM Group, highlighted the strategic fit. "This acquisition represents a highly strategic addition to our Industrial Services platform," he commented. "A&J brings strong technical capability, a respected market position, and a critical service offering that complements our existing operations. We see significant opportunities to scale this business through our customer base, while also improving operational efficiency through integration."

From Family Business to Industrial Powerhouse

Behind the strategic rationale and market trends lies the story of a family business built over two decades. James De Ferrari founded A&J Vacworx in 2005, growing it into a trusted name in Ontario's competitive industrial services landscape. In a poignant statement, De Ferrari reflected on the journey and the difficult decision to sell.

"After 21 incredible years, I have made the difficult decision to sell the company that my late wife and I built together from the ground up," he shared. "Her vision, hard work, and dedication were at the heart of everything we created, and her memory will always remain a part of this business. I am deeply grateful to my family, who played such an important role throughout the years, as well as to our trusted customers, whose loyalty, support, and belief in us made this journey possible."

To ensure continuity and a smooth transition, De Ferrari will remain involved with the business post-closing. This move is critical for retaining the deep institutional knowledge and strong customer relationships that have been the bedrock of A&J's success. It addresses a common pitfall in acquisitions by keeping the founder's expertise engaged, reassuring both employees and long-standing clients that the core values of the company will persist.

De Ferrari expressed confidence in the company's future under new ownership. "While it is bittersweet to step away, I am excited to see the company continue to grow under TEAM Group's leadership and to watch it expand while carrying forward the same knowledge, expertise, care, and commitment that have always been at the heart of what we do," he said. "Although ownership is changing, I will remain actively involved in supporting our customers, employees, and the future growth of the business."

For TEAM Group, this acquisition represents another step in its strategy to build a leading, diversified industrial services company, integrating specialized capabilities to offer a comprehensive, one-stop solution for its blue-chip clients in manufacturing, automotive, and now, critical public infrastructure.