NEBCO history

The first asphalt plant was purchased the following year and by 1916, as brick paving was flourishing in the city, Abel Construction purchased a brick company.

Beginning in the 1920’s, Abel Construction Company purchased a one-third interest in Schellberg Sand and Gravel near Fremont.

To meet the increased demand for concrete paving, George P. Abel, Sr. founded the Ready Mixed Concrete Company in 1929.

George P. Abel, Sr. died in January 1937, having achieved far beyond his original goal of going into business for himself.

In 1939, Abel Investments purchased a dairy operation in Lancaster County, which was operated as Abel Dairy Farm.

J.B. Watkins’ son, Charles, changed the name to Watkins Concrete Block Company in 1941.

George P. Abel, Jr. graduated from UNL with a degree in business administration in 1942.

The photo above is of the Ready Mixed plant at 18th & Y St, Lincoln in 1944.

In 1946, the Abel Foundation was incorporated by George P. Abel, Jr. as an orderly means of coordinating the family’s individual and corporate gifts.

Universal Surety Company was founded in 1947 by George P. Abel, Jr. and his four sisters, Helen, Hazel, Alice and Ann.

By 1950, Ideal had become one of the largest concrete block plants in the nation.

In 1955, Nebraska Prestressed Concrete Company was founded at 6300 Cornhusker Highway, Lincoln to produce components required for building structures and bridges.

Inland Insurance Company was founded in 1958 to serve much the same function as Universal Surety Company.

Western Sand and Gravel, which operates mines in Ashland and Louisville, was acquired with the purchase of Western Brick & Supply in 1959.

In 1964, Abel Investment Company sold the dairy herd and invested in beef cattle.

Kerford Limestone Company, located in Weeping Water, Nebraska, was founded in 1966 and today is one of Nebraska’s largest and most productive limestone mines.

Ideal was purchased by Abel Investment in 1969 and the name was changed to Ideal Concrete Products Company.

In 1973, after earning a degree in business administration, Jim continued working in different areas of the company until his responsibilities grew into management.

In 1974, Nebraska Prestressed Concrete became Concrete Industries, Inc.

In 1983 the current owners incorporated Beatrice Concrete Company.

He held the position of President until 1985 when he was elected Chairman of the Board of NEBCO.

To accommodate demand from the do-it-yourself construction market, U-MIX Products Company was founded in 1986.

NEBCO purchased Watkins in 1988.

Quarry Oaks opened to the public in 1996 as Nebraska’s premier native natural golf course.

In 1998, Jim was named Chairman of the Board of NEBCO.

Overland Sand & Gravel Company was purchased by NEBCO, Inc. in 2007 and mines aggregates near Central City, Waco, Clarks and Silver Creek Nebraska.