Robert Charlton • Founder
Robert Charlton was the original owner of AMDI. Prior to founding AMDI, Mr. Charlton was head of Environmental Engineering for the Corporate Mining Division for LTV Steel Corporation. He had a Master’s of Science in Engineering from West Virginia University. He was a pilot in the air force and then a professor at WVU. He has held management positions at steel mills and coal mines throughout his life.
His drive and hardworking ways were passed on to his son and son-in-law, Don Charlton and John DeFranco. They have worked for AMDI and were the key personnel in growing the business over the past twenty-five years. Both Don and John started as laborers and progressed to supervisors. They learned the fundamentals of treating mine drainage and how to operate and maintain treatment plants from Robert Charlton. Don and John became managing partners of AMDI in 2002, after Robert Charlton passed away.
Company Officers
John DeFranco • President
Donald Charlton • President
Lynn DeFranco • Secretary & Treasurer
Company History
Through the years we have been able to save our clients millions and millions of dollars, through our common sense approach to treating mine water. We believe the simplest approach is always the best due to low maintenance and low cost.
They key to our success is our highly trained, experienced on-site staff. Our flexible organizational structure allows our employees to move between sites based on the particular requirements of the job. Our employees have emanated from the coal industry, with the majority having underground and surface “hands on management” operating experience. They are constantly looking for more efficient and economical approaches for any and all of our operations.
We are capable of performing construction work, both mining related and general (electrical, mechanical, civil and general building), eliminating the requirement to employ outside contractors. Our operators have intimate knowledge of each location, specific equipment, and potential foreseeable upset conditions. Our employees are hard working and loyal, which has resulted in a very low turn over rate.
Our staff is trained to meet the following standards:
- MSHA Part 77 Surface certification
- MSHA Surface and Underground Electrical qualifications
- MSHA Part 48 (24 hour initial surface training, with an 8 hour annual update)
- MSHA impoundment qualifications
- First Aid and CPR (yearly update)
- OSHA 1910 and 1926 (30 hour initial training with yearly updates)
Our “on the job” management team allows clients to have access to the principals of our company at any time. Our perfect track record with state and federal agencies (zero citations or lost time accidents), provides peace of mind that AMD Industries, Inc. is the trusted partner you want for your acid mine drainage needs.