For over 50 years, Michael Brothers Companies has served the Pittsburgh region with hauling and recycling solutions. What started with a few trucks has grown into a regional force with four metal recycling operations, multiple construction and demolition recovery facilities, and a fleet of over 25 trucks.
Tom Milani, second-generation owner and CEO, has seen every kind of dumpster and every kind of failure in his nearly three decades in the business. When it came time to upgrade their fleet of roll-off containers, he knew what mattered most: durability, reliability, and workmanship that stands the test of time.
That’s when Thompson Fabrication came into the picture.
Running a hauler operation isn’t just about moving boxes—it’s about protecting your time, your drivers, and your reputation. For Tom, poor-quality dumpsters were more than just an inconvenience.
“If your driver’s fooling around with the door five minutes at the landfill, you just lost money,” Tom explained.
Michael Brothers had tried other manufacturers over the years. But recurring issues—doors that wouldn’t latch, welds that didn’t hold, boxes that rusted within the first few years—led to mounting frustration. And in this industry, one bad weld could mean job site delays, extra repair costs, or worse—safety risks.
Vice President Tom Milani
Tom first discovered Thompson Fabrication through industry word of mouth and trade magazines. But it wasn’t until he toured the factory in person that he understood what set them apart.
“I was shocked at the difference… The facility is so clean, the workers take pride, and the quality control before paint was a huge differentiator for me.”
From pressure-washing and blow-drying the steel before applying paint to meticulously inspecting latch mechanisms, Thompson’s attention to detail shows in every finished box.
“It’s not just steel boxes. A poor latch can slow your driver down or leave you exposed to fines when debris leaks out. Thompson makes sure that doesn’t happen.”
Since switching to Thompson dumpsters, Michael Brothers Companies has seen measurable improvements:
“Curb appeal matters. Our red dumpsters need to stay looking red. Thompson’s paint holds up—period.”
Tom emphasized that a repaint can cost close to $1,000 when you factor in labor, materials, and time out of service. Extending that lifecycle by even a couple of years translates into meaningful ROI.
“We want to have the best equipment to attract the best staff, so we can give our customers the best result.”
Thompson Fabrication isn’t just building dumpsters. They’re supporting the operational flow of top-performing haulers who demand better. And Tom doesn’t mince words about the alternative:
“If you’re ready to up your game, you’ve got to research. Don’t just chase the cheapest price—visit the factory, talk to the people. You won’t regret it.”
For Tom, one of the biggest differentiators is how easy Thompson is to work with.
“Dean gets back to you fast. They don’t overpromise, but they do overdeliver. That matters.”
Whether it’s consulting on a specialty build or making sure the paint doesn’t flake off after a few months, Thompson Fabrication stands behind every box they ship. And for busy operators like Tom, that peace of mind is priceless.
“They’re not five-year dumpsters. You’re going to have them for the long haul.”
Interested in seeing the difference for yourself?
Tom recommends taking a tour of the factory—or even putting a demo unit on your lot to see how it holds up. After all, the best way to understand the Thompson difference… is to see it in action.
60 Council Avenue, PO Box 432, Wheatland, PA 16161