HDD from the Contractor’s Perspective

Matt Wartko of Ohio-based Don Wartko Construction Talks Drilling with UC
(The following is an excerpt from Trenchless Technology that was originally published in August 2025. It is being printed with permission.)

Contractors are the heartbeat of the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) industry. On any given day, they juggle multiple roles —installer, mechanic, designer, and problem-solver — all while working closely with manufacturers, suppliers, project owners, engineers, and even the public.

So, when it came time to explore the current state of the HDD industry, we went straight to the source. Who better to address the issues, challenges, and opportunities than the professionals in the trenches (so-to-speak)? What’s keeping them up at night? Where do they see the industry heading?

Here we reached out to Matt Wartko, President, Don Wartko Construction, to get his firsthand perspectives of the market. Don Wartko Construction is a NUCA member based in Brimfield, Ohio. The company specializes in underground utility work and is backed by over fifty years of experience in the industry.

Utility Contractor: Describe the type of HDD work you do (type of install, parts of the country, etc.).

Wartko: Don Wartko Construction, Inc. (“DWC”) mostly performs its HDD work in Northeast Ohio within approximately 100 miles of its headquarters and in connection with the installation of gas, water, and force main facilities. As DWC continues to grow as a company, we are always open to performing HDD projects in other locations, but for the

time being, DWC has been very fortunate to be able to perform most of its HDD work near its headquarters.

UC: How would you describe the current state of the HDD — the good, the bad and the ugly?

Wartko: The “good” is the opportunity to provide safe, efficient, and cost-effective installation, among other things. The “bad” is that, in some cases, there seems to be a reluctance — grounded in a lack of familiarity or other reasons — to utilize HDD even though it would likely be the best method of install. “Ugly” is a strong word. But it is frustrating to come across players in the industry who appear to exhibit more than just a general reluctance to proceed with HDD installation and reject HDD because that is not how it was done in the past. Along these same lines, there are those who appear to be wedded to certain material requirements that are not conducive to HDD — again, because that is what has always been used.

UC: What are the keys to the HDD market’s success today and going forward?

Wartko: It is vital to continue to educate all entities involved in project development — including public entities, owners, and engineers — on HDD benefits. As part of this, it may be most important to educate public entities who are unfamiliar with HDD. Public entities are almost always involved in construction projects on some level, even if it is just through permitting. HDD construction is typically faster, less intrusive, and cleaner than other installation methods. All of this should be very attractive to public officials and their constituents.

UC: From a technology standpoint, what does today’s contractor need to succeed in the future? What technology is critical for you?

Wartko: Reliable locating electronics — in particular, to address underground interference.

UC: What are the contractor concerns you are hearing about the HDD market (as well your concerns) and why?

Wartko: One of the biggest issues is the shortage of and difficulty finding skilled, reliable workers. While this is not unique to just HDD contractors, or even the construction market in general, experienced HDD construction workers are not as readily available as personnel in other industries. Given the consequences of failing to perform HDD in the correct and proper manner, accessibility and availability of HDD and construction training programs are a market need.

UC: With the state of the economy, what are you hearing about contractors purchasing new equipment. Is it on hold, full steam ahead, etc?

Wartko: Honestly, we are not hearing a uniform message from contractors regarding purchasing new equipment. And it sounds like the willingness to purchase equipment depends on each contractor’s circumstances and their risk tolerance.

UC: Describe your enthusiasm level for the future of the HDD market and why?

Wartko: I am generally enthusiastic for the future of the HDD market. I am confident that — in many cases — HDD is the best method of install, and all parties on a project will benefit from its use. Although there is still some reluctance in the construction industry, it appears that HDD installation continues to grow. And the more those in the construction industry learn of the benefits of HDD, the more it will continue to grow and expand. But with that being said, no one can predict the future. So it is important to constantly evaluate and re-evaluate construction methods and stay sensitive to emerging trends.

UC: Describe the HDD market in 5 words.

Wartko: Economical, expanding, needed, underutilized, dynamic