Gage Brothers marks milestone in new headquarters

Dec. 13, 2018

Call it a sixth sense that never quite leaves a family business leader.

Or maybe just a happy coincidence.

Either way, Tom Gage happened to walk in the new home of Gage Brothers Concrete Products at just the appropriate time Wednesday for company president, CEO and board chair Tom Kelley to share the big news:

The company had just mixed the first concrete with its batch system at the new northeast Sioux Falls headquarters.

“That’s the biggest milestone to date,” Kelley said.

Gage’s grandfather, William, started the family business in 1915. Gage was named CEO in 2001 and was board chair until 2009. The company is now employee-owned and entering the next chapter of its business.

Gage Brothers Concrete Products has moved about 30 people, or between 10 percent and 15 percent of its workforce, over to the new plant from the one it has occupied on West 12th Street for more than a century.

The new plant is designed to be the most state-of-the-art in the industry. Battery-operated locomotive carts arrived this week. A new sandblasting box comes online next week.

“We’re starting all the processes with a clean sheet of paper, which has been interesting, but I think everybody is engaged and fun and participatory. I see a lot of smiles,” Kelley said.

One-third of Gage’s needed concrete already is being poured from the new plant. Work is being done there for an athletic complex and stadium in northwest Iowa and a ramp for the convention center in Sioux City.

“It’s really nice to be pouring inside and not out in the elements,” Kelley said. “The other thing I can quickly see is it’s easier to make good quality. Our quality will definitely be enhanced here.”

The company’s office is coming together too. The plan is to move everyone over by mid-February.

“I’ll stay with the old ship and come with the last group of people,” Kelley said. “Although I easily spend half my time here now.”

Concept plan shows potential Gage redevelopment

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Gage Brothers marks milestone in new headquarters

We checked in with Gage Brothers on the day of a big milestone at their new headquarters. Take a look at the progress that has been made!

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