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HISTORY

90 YEARS STRONG

FAMILY-OWNED & OPERATED FOR 4 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 rather keep an eye on what lies around the next corner.

Our history reflects nearly 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.

BUILDING THE UPPER MIDWEST SINCE 1927

Enjoy a brief journey through some of the milestones that have shaped
our company and have helped us build the Upper Midwest the last 90 years.

1914

Hammon T Becken (first generation) started in the concrete block business. He owned one truck and one wagon.

1927

Thorwarld W. Becken (second generation) started working for the company. The company was incorporated and named Cemstone (“Cement and Stone”). Cemstone also added the production of sand and gravel to manufacture concrete blocks.

1944

During WWII, entered into Ready Mix concrete business with four trucks and one plant to provide concrete for the Air Force base in Grand Island, NE.

1957

Hammon (Tom) Becken (third generation) started working for the family business. Tom also developed Handi-Crete, which is known today as TCC Materials.

1962

Grew Ready-Mixed business to five plants and 50 trucks

1965

The signature “Cemstone blue” color was chosen for the fleet.

1972

Steve Becken (third generation) begins working for Cemstone Ready Mix, Inc. in Western Wisconsin.

1982

Thorwald W. Becken (fourth generation) entered into the business.

1987

Cemstone added a technical center in Saint Paul, MN. Today, this is known as The Lab.

1991

Timothy Becken (fourth generation) joined the company.

1996

Cemstone expanded its product offerings to include contractor and masonry supply products. This division is now called Cemstone Supply.

2011-16

Cemstone received the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) Excellence in Quality Award – Category A.

2012

H.T. Becken, CEO of Cemstone, is awarded the William B. Allen Award. The William B Allen award is named for one of the industry’s most distinguished management consultants and plant-management veterans.

2012

Cemstone received the Charles Pankow Award for Innovation for the I35W Bridge.

2015

Cemstone was honored with the 2015 Minnesota Family Business Legacy Award from Twin Cities Business Magazine.

2017

Cemstone was honored to be receive the Progress Minnesota Award from Finance & Commerce.