South State, Inc. is a full-service Heavy Highway, Paving, and Utility contractor based out of Bridgeton, New Jersey. For over 40 years, South State, Inc. has safely and successfully completed numerous complex construction projects for both private and public clients throughout New Jersey.

Over the past decade, South State, Inc.’s Heavy Highway Division has completed various high profile road and bridge projects including three simultaneous contracts within the New Jersey Turnpike’s 6-9 Widening Program valued at $250 million. Our primary Heavy Highway clients include the NJDOT, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, and the South Jersey Transportation Authority.

More recently, South State, Inc. has also developed a specialization for Utility construction including water, sewer, electric, and gas work; our capabilities include jacking and boring, as well as horizontal directional drilling. We have numerous union affiliations including Laborers, Operating Engineers, Teamsters, Dock Builders, Carpenters, and Electricians. Our primary Utility clients include PSE&G, South Jersey Industries, and New Jersey American Water. Having a background in Heavy Highway and Paving, South State routinely self-performs items of work which augment our abilities as a Utility contractor such as milling and paving (restoration), maintenance and protection of traffic, saw cutting, structural concrete, pile driving, sheet piling, deep excavation with shoring, and marine work.

South State’s affiliated entities operate various material manufacturing facilities throughout South Jersey. These facilities give South State, Inc. and its clients convenient access to virtually all roadway materials including today’s most common mixes of asphalt, crushed concrete (DGA), sand, stone, and fill dirt, as well as Class B recycling capabilities.

South State is considered one of the fastest growing contractors in New Jersey. Our progressive attitude and emphasis on safety has led to a great reputation by our customers and peers. South State has forged strong relationships with its Heavy Highway and Paving clients, while having constructed much of the road and bridge infrastructure in South Jersey including several landmark projects. The feedback from our Utility clients has been that we are safe yet highly productive, flexible yet tightly managed, and a one stop shop for their construction and material needs.

Our History

Lead by President Chip Ottinger, Jr., South State is considered one of the fastest growing contractors in New Jersey. Our progressive attitude and cutting-edge approach has led to a well recognized name and a great reputation by our customers and peers.

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Commitment to Safety

Maintaining a safe and secure work environment is of primary concern to South State, Inc. By establishing, enforcing, and abiding by strict safety regulations we maintain our commitment to the protection of employees, contractors, and members of the general public.

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Environmental Sustainability

South State, Inc. recognizes and supports initiatives to promote environmental preservation and safe, sustainable business practices. All of our manufacturing facilities are operated using solar power which minimizes negative environmental impacts during the manufacturing process.

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Trade Associations

In addition to building his organization over the years, Chip Ottinger has provided considerable support to the construction industry. During 1984-1986, he served as chairman of the New Jersey Asphalt Paving Association (NJAPA). South State has been a member of the Utility and Transportation Contractors Association (UTCA) for three decades.

Unions Affiliations

  • Heavy and General Construction Laborers Locals 172 & 472
  • Laborers District Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia and Vicinity Locals 57 and 413
  • Operating Engineers Local 825
  • Operating Engineers Local 542
  • Teamsters Local 676
  • Keystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters
  • Dock Builders Local 441
  • Dock Builders Local 1556
  • Pipefitters Local # 274
  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #456