L.E. Belcher Company History
The company began in the 1920's and was incorporated in 1935. Originally the company was known as the H.E. Kendall Petroleum Products Corp. and later as Nutting Oil Service prior to changing the name to L.E. Belcher, Inc. in 1938.
Originally a fruit stand and later a gasoline station, this site has been home to L.E. Belcher, Inc. for over 70 years.
A Texaco Distributor since 1930, L.E. Belcher, Inc. is one of the oldest Texaco Distributors in the nation.
Early Beginnings
Mr. Charles Hough or "Charlie" began as a truck driver for Leonard Belcher in 1936. Finding the seasonal employment of the oil distribution business frustrating, Charlie purchased a truck and became an independent contractor or 'gypsy', hauling oil for L.E. Belcher, Inc. in the winter, milk from Wisconsin in the summer. Charlie's extraordinary work ethic and diligence paid off when Mr. Belcher sold him the business in the early 1950's.
Growing to New Areas
In the early years the Company was primarily a trucking company that distributed petroleum products in the Western Massachusetts market. Through decades of responsible growth and focusing on servicing our customers L.E. Belcher, Inc. continues to be a dominant force in the Wholesale Petroleum Distribution Business in Western Massachusetts. Our marketing area has expanded to include Central and Eastern Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
Partnerships
L.E. Belcher, Inc. continues to pursue advantageous business relationships for the benefit of the company, the business partners and ultimately the Customer. Our most recent partnerships with Shell, Citgo and Irving Oil Co. underscores this commitment to adding value to the products and services that our professionals bring to wholesalers and customers.
Today's Leadership
Today L.E. Belcher, Inc. is one of Springfield, Massachusetts' largest private companies, offering a wide range of products and services to their customers. Charlie's dedication to customer service still shows. His son Ed continues the family tradition of providing quality fuel products and the best customer service in the region.