R.L. Reppert Going Strong Half-a-Century
Lehigh Valley kings R.L. Reppert celebrate decades in business, explaining how the business started small to its current successes.
R.L. Reppert Inc. is based in Emmaus, Pa., celebrates 50-plus years of business. In what began in 1973 and continues today is certainly an achievement yet symbolic of what this walls and ceilings contractor brings to the table. Something must be going right for R.L. Reppert to sustain this level of history over five decades—and one wouldn’t be mistaken for assuming good old fashioned elbow grease and a healthy business decorum have something to do with it.
The company is a commercial wall and ceiling contractor. Its main focus of work is large scale hospitals, hotels and schools. The company completes the metal framing (both structural and non-structural), panelized wall systems, suspended drywall grid, thermal and sound insulation, rigid insulation, drywall, cement board, drywall finishing, acoustical wall panels, FRP, specialty wall systems, lead lined drywall, acoustical ceiling grid and tile, wood specialty ceilings, metal specialty ceilings, metal composite wall panels, rough and finish carpentry, doors frames and hardware, EIFS and much more. Yes, that’s quite a lot and the company prefers it that way.
R. L. Reppert was started by Rick Reppert Sr., in 1973 with only four part-time employees. At a young age, he was introduced to drywall while helping his father. He was impressed at how quickly a wall can be constructed to make two rooms from one large room. Years later he replied to a help wanted ad seeking a trainee to learn drywall hanging. He got the job and has been in the industry now for more than 45 years.
“2025 is shaping up to be another great year with projects that were delayed in 2024 starting to gain momentum,” says Reppert. Additional projects continue to come in and with the change in President, we expect to see an increase in construction even more so than previously.”
Since we last spoke, what has been some great news? “Not much has changed since we last spoke except we have started our 52nd year in business. Although not a special year, achieving over 50 years and continuing to maintain a strong company is always a positive in this industry. We are also celebrating another employee reaching 40 years with our company in March which is always great to be able to showcase,” he says.
A significant project the company completed was DLP Grand Plaza, which is an Eight-story residential building located in Allentown.
“We helped convert the old PPL Plaza from a commercial to a mainly residential building holding 118 housing units. The building also holds commercial space on the first floor, homes on the second through sixth floors, and office space on the seventh and eighth floors. It adds to the area's demand for housing and offices since Allentown is a central hub to many large businesses,” he says.
Reppert states that the company repeatedly use and call on manufacturers, such as ClarkDietrich Metal Framing, USG, Armstrong Ceilings, CertainTeed Ceilings, and Marino\Ware Metal Framing. And of course he credits the talents and reliability of its regular suppliers/distributors L&W Supply, Builders First Source, Kamco Supply and FBM Materials.
“Our commitment to quality and service [is what makes R.L. Reppert one of the best companies]. We work for many of the same general contractors and owners that we have continued to work for over the last 30 years. They know that we will not only always get the project completed but will focus on the quality of the project since that is what leaves the lasting impression on the contractor who completed the work,” says Reppert. “Our crews take pride in the work they complete.”
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