History
96 Years Strong: Family Owned and Locally Operated
Founded by Hammon T. Becken in 1927, Cemstone has nearly a century-long legacy rooted in a strong work ethic, business integrity, and dedication to avoiding shortcuts. Our history reflects steadfast values, devoted individuals, and advancements in science and technology.
From humble beginnings extracting sand manually to today’s innovative concrete and aggregates manufacturing techniques, Cemstone’s legacy is defined by unwavering quality and growth to meet the dynamic demands of the construction industry.
Career Highlights
Read first-hand stories from Cemstone employees about their experience with the 5th generation company.
Hammon T. Becken (founder) started in the concrete block business with 1 horse drawn wagon.
Concrete Materials and Manufactuing was incorporated under the name Cemstone (“Cement + Stone”) Products Company. Cemstone added the production of sand and gravel to manufacture concrete blocks.
Thorwald Sr. Becken (2nd generation, standing under clock) started with the company.
Home of Tomorrow (first concrete block home) was built by the company and open to the public for tours – admission was 10 cents.
Transit Mix was formed. During WWII, Transit Mix (Cemstone) entered into the ready mix concrete business with 4 trucks and 1 plant to provide concrete to Steenberg Construction (St . Paul, MN) for the United States Air Force base in Grand Island, Nebraska.
The signature “Cemstone blue” color was chosen for the ready mix truck fleet. Thorwald Sr. and Hammon (Tom) attended a convention in Chicago and decided to make the change from gray to “Cemstone blue” with white stripes and red bumpers.
Handi-Crete® packaged concrete mix was introduced to the residential customer market.
Hammon (Tom) Becken (3rd generation, second from right) started working for the family business full-time.
Cemstone expands its ready-mixed concrete into Wisconsin – Cemstone Ready Mix, Inc.
Steve Becken (3rd generation, right) began working for Cemstone Ready Mix, Inc. in Western Wisconsin.
Cemstone Products Company and Transit Mix merged to Cemstone Products Company.
Thorwald W. Becken (4th generation) entered the
business.
Cemstone moved its headquarters to Mendota Heights, MN.
Timothy A. Becken (4th generation, left) joined the company. David Becken (3rd generation) worked with Terry Fenelon (Owner of Prism Corp.) to create SPEC MIX®. The first silo was developed March 16, 1991
Cemstone Placing Division was established.
Cemstone expanded its product offerings to include contract and masonry supply products. This division is now called Cemstone Supply.
Akona Manufacturing (Maple Plain, MN) was acquired to manufacture concrete repair products.
Cemstone Concrete Materials, LLC was established to produce and deliver ready mix in Southern Minnesota and Iowa. Thor Becken recognized as one of the Top Industry Influencer’s in the concrete industry at the World of Concrete.
Cemstone receives the Charles Pankow Award for
Innovation for its custom-designed concrete used
on the new I-35W Bridge.
Cemstone selected as a 2015 Minnesota Family Business Award (MFBA) honoree by Finance & Commerce.
Amcon Concrete Products was acquired to expand the company’s masonry production capabilities bringing the company back to its original roots.
Cemstone Concrete Materials expanded further into Central Iowa through the American Concrete acquisition. Cemstone celebrates 90 years at US Bank Stadium.
Timothy Becken (4th generation) receives the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) Robert Garbini Award.
Cemstone is celebrating its 95th anniversary since being incorporated. Cemstone is awarded the NRMCA Excellence in Quality Award for the 12th consecutive year.