History
95 Years Strong: Family Owned and Operated for 5 Generations
When Hammon T. Becken founded the company in 1927, he made sure the company was known for an intense work ethic, unwavering business integrity and a commitment to never cut corners but keep an eye on what lies around the next corner.
Our history reflects a century of strong values, dedicated people and state-of-the-science technology committed to our products and services.
From the early days when sand was dug by hand and sold by the bushel, to today’s high-tech methods of producing quality ready mixed concrete and aggregates for an ever-changing construction market, Cemstone has developed a tradition of consistent quality, proven performance, and growth through innovation.
95th Anniversary
Read stories from Cemstone employees about Cemstone and our 95th Anniversary.
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) started with the company.
Home of Tomorrow (first concrete block home) was built and open to the public – Admission $.10
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) started working for family business full-time.
Cemstone expands its ready-mixed concrete into Wisconsin – Cemstone Ready Mix, Inc.
Steve Becken (3rd generation) 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) joined the company. David Becken (erd 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.
Akona Manufacturing (Maple Plaine, Minnesota)
renamed Bluestone Products.
Thomas Becken (5th Generation) officially joined the company. Cemstone is awarded the NRMCA Excellence in Quality Award for the 11th consecutive year.
Cemstone is celebrating its 95th anniversary since being incorporated. Cemstone is awarded the NRMCA Excellence in Quality Award for the 12th consecutive year.