NRMCA Celebrates 100 Years of Ready Mixed Concrete in the U.S.

NRMCA's celebration of the 100th anniversary of ready mixed concrete in the United States continues in E-NEWS in February as we highlight histories of another Producer and Associate member. See below for the two companies we've selected this week, along with a link to that company's respective Web site for more information. This week's industry milestone? In 1930, air entraining agents were used for the first time in cement to resist against damage from freezing and thawing.

(To have your company featured in this space in the coming weeks, please contact NRMCA's Kathleen Carr Smith at kcarrsmith@nrmca.org or 301-587-1400, ext. 1145.)

Irving Materials - This Producer member dates to 1946 when C.C. Irving began selling ready mixed concrete and stone in Greenfield, IN. Since then, IMI has grown to supply concrete to six states through our four regional operational centers and mines stone, sand and gravel throughout Indiana. Did you know? In the 1950s, Irving began an exotic animal farm that became a destination for many school groups. Read more.

Admixture Systems - The  Admixture Systems business of BASF Construction Chemicals was founded in Cleveland in 1909 as Master Builders, Inc. by chemist S.W. Flesheim. His first product was a cement/iron floor topping mix broadcast on top of freshly placed concrete to replace the wood block systems used by factories at the time, dramatically improving wear resistance and appearance. Later, the company invented non-shrink grouts used to secure massive machinery and as foundations for large structures. Early in the 20th century, the company was one of the first to supply water-reducing and air-entraining admixtures and to provide waterproofing for concrete mortars. These products and many others were used on such well-known construction projects as the Field Museum in Chicago, Hoover Dam, the Panama Canal and the Sears Tower.

The Admixture Systems business operates as part of BASF - the world’s leading chemical company with customers in more than 170 countries, over 150 production sites worldwide and 95,000 employees. BASF is headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany, where it operates the world’s largest integrated chemical complex. Read more.