Delta Companies Inc., a highway and site development contractor based in Poplar Bluff, has achieved a significant milestone in its journey, marking 100 years of operation.
“We are currently involved in the construction of (Interstate) 155 in Southeast Missouri and I-55 in Blytheville, Arkansas,” stated John Bennett, divisional manager of Delta Companies Inc.
Bennett further emphasized Delta has experienced substantial growth over the years, establishing itself as a supplier of aggregates, hot mix asphalt and liquid asphalt in Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas.
“We take pride in our involvement in both highway projects, such as the ongoing ones and commercial projects,” Bennett added.
According to the company, Delta has played a crucial role in the construction and maintenance of numerous highways, asphalt paving and site developments, leaving a lasting impact on the industry since its establishment in 1920.
Its first paving project, initiated in 1923, involved the improvement of city streets in Poplar Bluff, showcasing their approach of centrally mixing and transporting concrete to job sites. In subsequent years, they secured additional paving contracts, improving city streets in Charleston, Chaffee, DeSoto and Kennett.
In 1923, the Regenhardt Construction Company was founded by Edward Regenhardt and his sons, William and Ted. Subsequently, they joined forces with the Harrison brothers, Charles, Robert and Arthur, with the Regenhardts overseeing construction operations and the Harrisons managing the business aspects. This collaboration served as the foundation for a series of construction enterprises, eventually culminating in the formation of Delta Companies Inc. in 1920.
Initially, the collaboration between the Regenhardt and Harrison families focused on road construction and concrete projects spanning Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky.
The year 1924 marked a significant milestone for the partnership as they obtained their inaugural state highway project, according to the company. This entailed constructing 14 miles of concrete pavement on Highway 9, which is now known as Highway 72, stretching from Millersville to Fredericktown.
Delta Companies Inc. has experienced tremendous growth over the past century, according to Zach Green, the president of the company.
Green stated, “Not only have we witnessed our own growth, but we have also been privileged to contribute to the progress of our communities.”
“Through our involvement in transportation construction, Delta has facilitated the connection of freight corridors across Missouri, Arkansas and Illinois,” Green remarked. “We take pride in enabling these connections and fostering growth throughout the Midwest. We eagerly anticipate the opportunities that the next 100 years will bring, both for our company and our community.”