Supplier Celebrates 125th Anniversary

Ash Grove Cement Company Celebrates 125th Anniversary

The Ash Grove Cement Company is pleased to announce that it celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2007. Events to commemorate the anniversary will begin in summer of 2007 and continue throughout the year at the company’s home office and plants.

The company makes the products that build the infrastructure of an ever-changing, ever-growing American landscape. In its early years, the company focused on producing lime but expanded into cement manufacturing as the use of Portland cement as a construction material grew at the end of the 19th century. Founded in 1882 as the Ash Grove White Lime Association, the company’s operations have grown from one lime plant in Ash Grove, Missouri, to nine cement plants and multiple companies located across the western half of the United States.

Today, with its dedication to research and development, efficient distribution systems, modern productioncapabilities, and progressive marketing approaches, Ash Grove continues its tradition of excellent service, innovation, and dynamic growth. The company’s commitment to providing its customers with a reliable supply of its products, consistently high product quality, value-added services, and competitive pricing has made Ash Grove an industry leader. The company seeks to become the low-cost leader in the manufacture and sale of Portland cement and related products that consistently add value to its customers’ businesses. It is also a leader in sustainable manufacturing. Ash Grove was the first U.S.-based cement company to join the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s Cement Sustainability Initiative. Since 1909 when Lester T. Sunderland became a vice president, one or more members of this pioneering business family have been associated with the successful management of Ash Grove. Lester assumed the presidency in 1913 and with a steady hand guided the fledgling company through early growth, a near-collapse during the Great Depression, and the rigorous demands of two World Wars. He was followed by his son, the legendary “Mr. Paul,” who remained active until his death at age 107; by Robert and James, his grandsons, and now by Charlie as chairman and brother Kent as vice-chairman – both grandsons of Paul.

Company Facts
• Largest American-owned cement company
• Sixth-largest cement manufacturer in the United States
• Home Office: 11011 Cody Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66210
• Operates nine cement plants, 20 cement terminals and one lime plant in nine states
• Plant production capacity of more than 8.6 million tons of cement per year
• Ash Grove subsidiaries consist of ready-mix concrete, aggregate, and packaged materials companies as well as paving and trucking companies
• Closely held, Ash Grove Cement Company was started in 1882 and has been headed by members of the Sunderland family since 1909
• The Sunderland Foundation contributes to charitable organizations in the states in which Ash Grove operates
• Total employees: 2,800