75 Years Strong and Still Building.

From our first concrete pour in 1950 to the bridges, highways, and heavy civil projects we lead today, Union Concrete’s story is one of grit, pride, and progress.

The History of Union Concrete

As told by the oldest living employee

Every week, we’re sharing a new chapter from our company’s past — milestones, moments, and memories that helped shape Union Concrete into the crew we are today. Check back often as the story unfolds.

1950

The Foundation Is Poured

In February 1950, George C. Hill signed the corporate papers that officially started Union Concrete’s journey as a signatory concrete contractor in Buffalo.

1950s

The First Employees

In the early 1950s, Phil LoGiudice and Tommy Paul were dispatched to a cold, muddy jobsite—where a gruff encounter with founder George Hill nearly sent Phil packing for good.

Early 1950s

The Garage Door Incident

Walter “Bud” Liddle joined Union Concrete as one of the first foremen—only to destroy a brand-new truck rack on day one thanks to George’s garage.

Mid 1950s

Breaking Ground, Buying Iron

To keep up with demand, George purchased Union Concrete’s first crane and hired its earliest operators—some of whom stayed with the company for decades.

1961-1962

Bridges, Beams, and a Woman Named Liz

In the early ‘60s, Union Concrete broke into public highway work—replacing bridges, paving new roads, and casting massive beams right on site.

Early 1960s

Ripley Roads and Fruit Farm Finesse

Union Concrete took on its first large rural DOT project—Route 20 in Ripley—mining gravel from a fruit farm and producing its own concrete to get the job done.

Early '60's Cont'd

From Concrete Streets to Crash Tests: UCC Expands and Evolves in Olean and Cuba

Union Concrete expands operations in Olean, Cuba, and Buffalo with major paving and testing facility projects.

Mid 1960's

Fired and Rehired on Route 62

Concrete paving and demolition work peak in Frewsburg and Kennedy, where radiator-busting Teamsters trigger a memorable labor shuffle.

Still in the 60’s

Blue Clay and Blacktop: Springville Lessons

The Route 240 rebuild reveals financial strain, surprise audits, and marks the company’s entry into paving and dirt work.

Late 60’s

Diesel and Regret: The Bridge That Didn’t Burn

A bold bridge-burning shortcut at Kinzua fails, while Jamestown Airport work signals expanding capabilities.

Even Later 60's

Henry Street Hazing: Busters and Blisters

A young laborer learns the hard way what 90 lb. busters and a concrete deck can do to your hands.

End of the 60's

Crane Save at Chestnut Ridge

A near disaster is averted with fast thinking and risk.

Early 1970's

Sticks, State Troopers, and Speed

Union Concrete wins a bet on bridge speed while federal agents panic over rogue popsicle sticks after a thruway wreck.

Early 70’s Cont'd

Gravel, Draglines, and a Hidden Sweetheart

Massive excavations, tight quarters, and a secretly beloved excavator mark a chaotic yet pivotal rebuild in Gowanda.

The 1970's

Draglines, Deadlines, and Do-or-Die Picks

Power lines sparked, garbage trucks stalled, stone arrived by boat, and a bridge had one shot to land—when the stakes were high, there was no room to miss.