Taking West Michigan to new heights involves many hands at work, including local contractors. The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is proud to collaborate and build deep-rooted connections with the community. We've interviewed several of these local businesses to hear their fun facts, statistics, and favorite parts of working at the Airport. A special thanks to Kent Concrete.
The capital expansion program, Elevate, includes an expanded concourse, a new control tower, more parking, enhanced rental car capabilities and improved baggage inspection technology. To learn more about our partners and the economic impact, visit https://flyford.org/elevate/community/.
Q&A with Kent Concrete
Please share with us a little bit about you and your company:
We deliver comprehensive, turnkey concrete construction services for customers across the country. Our project management is fueled by technology and real-time insights. We invest in state-of-the-art tools to deliver the highest level of productivity. From the most complex cast-in-place structures to mission-critical facilities, our customers turn to us because they know we’ll deliver the horsepower and expertise to get the job done.
Where is your company headquartered?
Grand Rapids, MI
How many people work at your company?
Kent employs 2,000 trade professionals nationwide.
How is your company supporting the ConRAC project?
Kent Concrete is working alongside Turner to ensure an efficient, safe, and successful project. Our scope of work includes structural concrete, formwork, rebar, and post tension materials.
What are some of the specialized skills that you and your team has enjoyed bringing to this project?
Kent Concrete’s first priority is a safe job site for all trade professionals and airport guests. Under the guidance of our national safety director, and in collaboration with Turner Construction, we’ve implemented safety protocols and daily plans that maintain a safe environment. Kent Concrete contributed extensive planning and sequencing support, crane operations, and manpower for the concrete structures.
What’s your favorite part of working on a project at the Airport?
Being a local contractor means our team members live here in West Michigan. They take immense pride in being a part of this project knowing the impact it will have on our community for years to come.
What is one fun fact about your company?
Kent Companies was founded in West Michigan in 1957, and our name refers to where we were founded in Kent County. Today, we are a third-generation, family-owned business, and our owners grew up inside the business working in multiple roles through college years to where they are today.
