HEDRICK CONCRETE TURNS 30

SIKESTON -- Hedrick Concrete Products Corp. of Sikeston is observing its 30th year in business.

A business that employed five people and grossed about $100,000 a year in its infancy now employs 135 people and grosses more than $10 million a year.

Tom Hedrick, president and chief executive officer of the firm, said: "The business was founded in 1962 when my father purchased Quality Concrete in Delta. We started out making concrete blocks. Today we sell mulch, blocks, retaining walls, concrete mix, sand and other related products."

Walter N. Hedrick purchased Quality Concrete in 1962. Two years later he moved the company to Sikeston where 50 area residents purchased stock in it.

Tom Hedrick was in school when his father bought the company. He later became a professional engineer and worked for other companies before returning to his father's business as plant manager. In 1985 he assumed management duties of the corporation.