Leo Cavalier, Inc., on Wetherbee St. in East Acton, has been a fixture for local contractors and homeowners in need of just about any kind of metal work. Leo, master craftsman, opened his business in 1942. He was known for his ability to interpret a plan and bring the project to fruition. His business provided “cutting, bending, shearing, and welding of steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.” Many pickup trucks in the area still have Cavalier’s steel pipe truck ladder racks. They were also famous, amongst contractors, for their 4’x8’ two-wheeled “Shadow Trailers”. Cavalier was afflicted with Parkinson’s and died years ago, but the business carried on with a dedicated staff. Last fall, due to a decrease in demand, the business closed.
The Onyx Corporation, a trucking and landscaping firm, bought the Cavalier business and hopes to reopen this spring. John Durkin, owner of Onyx, has yet to work out exactly what the new business will offer. Onyx is headquartered on Wetherbee Street, next to Cavalier’s, with satellite locations in Littleton, Leominster, and Sterling.
Jeff Brown is the Acton Exchange beat business reporter and proud owner of a Cavalier truck ladder rack.