125 years of building infrastructure and community

Graniterock celebrates 125 years of building infrastructure and community

Aromas, CA – Graniterock, one of California’s oldest companies, is proud to celebrate 125 years of building critical infrastructure, driving economic growth and serving the community. Founded on Valentine’s Day in 1900, the family-owned construction and construction materials company’s commitment to excellence has cemented its legacy as a cornerstone of the Central Coast and beyond.

What began as a small granite quarry in Aromas, founded by Arthur R. Wilson, has grown into a multifaceted engineering and construction materials company that plays an essential role in building California’s highways, bridges, airports, schools and neighborhoods.

From its earliest days supplying crushed granite for the Southern Pacific rail line, to launching the first hot mix asphalt plant in the state of California in 1935, to winning the 1992 Malcolm Baldrige award – the nation’s highest award for quality, Graniterock has long been at the forefront of innovation in construction materials and services.

“We could not have reached this milestone anniversary without our customers and community who have been loyal to Graniterock and helped us build the crucial infrastructure of our region,” said Graniterock CEO Peter Lemon. “From the roads we drive on to the landmarks that define our communities, Graniterock’s dedication to quality and service has and will stand the test of time.”

Highlights from the past 125 years:

• 1900: Graniterock was founded on Feb. 14, 1900, as a granite quarry in Aromas by Arthur Roberts Wilson.
• 1910s: Graniterock purchased a narrow-gauge Porter steam locomotive to move rock from the quarry face to the crusher. The steam shovel loaded the rock into wood rail cars.
• 1920s: Graniterock bought its first highway paver so the company could complete the job of building Highway 129 through Chittenden Pass outside of Watsonville.
• 1930s: Faced with the death of A.R. Wilson in 1929 and the Great Depression, Graniterock struggled. However, Graniterock people worked hard to keep the company alive. The mid-1930s were some of the toughest in the company’s history with barely enough work to keep the doors open.
• 1940s-1950s: Growth and expansion marked the 1940s and 1950s, and new materials and equipment were needed to meet construction demands of the San Francisco Bay Area. When Anna Wilson retired in 1952, her daughter Betsy Woolpert took over as Graniterock president.
• 1960s-1970s: Graniterock acquired a new asphalt plant in Redwood City and other investments in plants and equipment were made at the company.
• 1980s: Betsy’s son Bruce W. Woolpert took over as president and CEO and re-started Graniterock’s Construction Group, then called Pavex.
• 1990s: The U.S. Department of Commerce named Graniterock a winner of the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in December 1992.
• 2010s: Upon Bruce W. Woolpert’s unexpected death in 2012, the Company’s leadership was passed to Tom Squeri, Graniterock’s general counsel who served as president and CEO until 2023.
• Today: Graniterock remains family-owned and operates with a team of more than 900 team members, serving customers across Northern California.

Committed to community and sustainability
Graniterock’s impact goes beyond construction. Over the years, the company has championed environmental sustainability by implementing solar fields and other alternative energy sources, state-of-the-art recycling programs for construction materials and stormwater management systems.

Additionally, Graniterock has a strong tradition of giving back to the community through long-standing partnerships with community organizations, local event sponsorships and employee volunteerism. Ownership of the company has remained within the Wilson-Woolpert family for 125 years.

“We are proud to help steward one of California’s oldest family-owned companies,” said Marianne Woolpert, great-granddaughter of founder A.R. Wilson. “Our commitment to quality and our deep roots in the community are important to our family and important to Graniterock’s team members, as well.”

As Graniterock celebrates this milestone, the company remains focused on the future. Investments in technology, workforce development and sustainable practices will ensure Graniterock continues to lead the construction industry and contribute to the region’s economy.

“Our success is built on the dedication of our team members and the trust of our customers,” said Lemon. “As we look forward to the next 125 years, we are committed to continuing our legacy of innovation, sustainability and community partnership.”

For more information about Graniterock’s 125th anniversary or to learn about its history, visit www.graniterock.com.

About Graniterock
Founded in 1900, Graniterock is a family-owned company that supplies construction materials and services throughout California. With a legacy of quality, innovation and community commitment, Graniterock is a trusted partner in building California’s infrastructure.