Our History
Besser Company is driven by our belief that concrete is the perfect building material. As an employee-owned and operated company – one of the select few in the concrete products industry – the strength of Besser Company lies in our passionate, talented, and dedicated employees. Collectively, they keep us on the leading edge of production equipment technology for the global building materials industry.
The Concrete Century
From humble beginnings, Besser Company emerged with a focused vision and a dedication unmatched in the industry. The success of Besser today is built upon the successes of our past. The vision for the future, the persistence for perfection, and the innovation for our customers that Jesse Besser brought to the table years ago remain vital parts of the Besser culture today. You can read about the history of Besser Company in full detail in The Concrete Century.
Timeline
1904
The First Hand-Tamp Block Machine
In 1904, as the cement manufacturing industry was in the early stages of development, Jesse Besser produced one of the first hand-tamp block machines in Alpena, Michigan. As a result, Besser Manufacturing Company was formed and immediately launched into a leadership role within the block making machinery business. This site remains today the Besser world headquarters.
1937
International Growth
In 1937, the potential for international growth was recognized and a Besser K-12 model block machine was sold to Puerto Cabello, Venezuela. We now have machines operating in over 130 countries!
1970
Automation and Productivity
The 1970’s and the decades following brought the emergence of technologies that automated and increased the production of concrete products, while improving quality. The addition of strategic core products, through the merging of resources with other companies, extended the company’s product line to encompass an increasing portion of the equipment and services crucial to the growing concrete products industry.
1976
Baker Enterprise Acquisition
In 1976, we acquired Baker Enterprise, founded in 1929. This location is now a remote department of Alpena manufacturing and operates a few miles from headquarters.
1995
Proneq Acquisition
In 1995, we acquired Proneq out of Montreal, Quebec, founded in 1979. Today the staff in Montreal translates rough ideas for new concrete unit designs into reality by producing molds for the concrete masonry and hardscape market segments.
1998
IPMC and Boone Foundry Acquisition
In 1998, we acquired International Pipe Machinery Corporation (IPMC) out of Boone, Iowa. IPMC, founded in 1909, provides a full line of equipment for the production and automatic handling of concrete pipe. Boone foundry was founded in 1900. Today, the company specializes in precast forms, as well as pallets and rings for the production of concrete pipe.
2000
CMC Acquisition and WCCT Partnership
In 2000, we acquired CMC out of Compton, California, founded in 1955. The company primarily designs and manufactures molds for concrete masonry and hardscape producers in the western US.
We also partnered with the World Center for Concrete Technology (WCCT), a premier facility for education, both in the classroom and hands-on, and for research and testing. The state-of-the-art production facility offers the ultimate in hands-on training as staff assists clients in the development, evaluation, and testing of alternative cementitious materials, waste streams, and other products for use in the concrete industry.
2004
100th Anniversary and Employee-Owned
In 2004, Besser Company celebrated its 100th year of success. Besser also became an ESOP, making us the only employee-owned and operated company in the concrete products industry at the time!
2017
Acquired American Manufacturing Group’s Product Lines
In 2017, we acquired all of American Manufacturing Group’s (AMG) product lines, most notably, their line of premier adjustable box culvert form equipment. The AMG Patented Adjustable Box Culvert Equipment strengthened our already extensive product mix. AMG Founder and industry icon, L. Paul Fergeson, placed his trust in Besser joined our team to best support the product line.
2021
Ryan Suszek Named President
We are proud to announce Ryan Suszek as Besser Company’s CEO and President. Ryan’s previous role of Vice President of Pipe and Precast provided him with valuable leadership experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the concrete products industry. In keeping with Besser tradition, Ryan has grown within the Company in a complete grassroots, hands-on approach. From the shop floor to global tradeshows, he worked closely with nearly every department and function over his career with Besser, as well as customers throughout the world, to establish a complete understanding of our business and industry.
2024
SLAB Innovation Acquisition
In Besser's 120th year, we acquired SLAB Innovation. SLAB Innovation was founded in 2008 in St. Hubert, Canada as a supplier of automation solutions for product handling and processing systems. Now, as Besser Robotics, we have added state-of-the-art advanced robotics and ancillary equipment for complete systems to our growing offerings and product line.
Now
Inspiring Concrete Innovation
Today, we’re proud of our legacy and look forward to satisfying the needs of today’s construction industry with aesthetically pleasing, durable, safe, environmentally sound, and exceptionally high quality manufactured concrete products using Besser production systems.