OUR STORY
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Since it’s inception in 1946, Force Construction Company, Inc. has been guided by a commitment to providing clients with quality construction services.
1946
1946 – 1947
In it’s first year of operation, Force Construction Company, formed by Don Force, purchases a 1946 Chevrolet truck and establishes supplier relationships with Stran Steel Nailable Trusses and Clayton Lambert Silos and Bins. Shortly thereafter, Force acquires an Athey loader for excavation.
1948
1949
1950
1950-1951
The construction of Clifty and Booth Setser elementary schools in Bartholomew County is complete. Harold Force, future president of Force Construction, is born. Bob Beier joins the company and becomes instrumental in field operations for many years. 36 latrine buildings are built for the U.S. Army at Camp Atterbury.
1952
1955
1955-1957
Force erects its first 100,000 square foot building for Batesville Casket Company. David Force, future president of Force Design is born. The company’s first crane, a 1/2 yard capacity Unit 614, is purchased.
1959
1959-1963
Force Construction Company receives the ‘Old Timers Award’ from Armco Metal Products, recognizing more than 10 years as a metal building dealer. A new office expansion measures 24′ x 36′. Force hires its first full-time salesman in 1960.
Work resumes on the completion of Grandview Lake dam and roadways near Columbus, Indiana. Property is purchased at 990 N. National Road. The first full time secretary is hired. Paul Gerbig joins the company and becomes instrumental in establishing building design operations. The Force logo is created.
1966
1966-1969
New facilities open at 990 N. National Road in Columbus, Indiana and company employment reaches 100 people for the first time. Projects continue throughout Indiana.
1972
1972-1976
Several projects throughout the state wrap up for Indiana Gas Company. Harold Force joins the company full-time in May of 1974.
Along with the Bicentennial of the USA, Force Construction Company celebrates its 30th anniversary. The company reorganizes as Force Construction Company, Inc., a general corporation under the laws of the State of Indiana.
1977
1980
1980-1988
In August of 1980, Don Force succumbs to a 4-year battle with leukemia. David Force joins the company full time in January of 1981. Force celebrates it’s 40th anniversary in 1986. Two years later Force Design implements its first CAD system.
1990
1990-1996
Force Construction Company, Inc. and Force Design, Inc. occupy new offices at 990 N. National Road. The original office on the site is dismantled and reconstructed for the Columbus Fellowship Club. On Vera Force’s 65th birthday, the original 1946 truck is completely restored as a surprise.
Force Construction Company, Inc. celebrates 50 years of business and is recognized by the State of Indiana with the Half Century Business Award.
2000
2000-2002
Force marks the arrival of the new millenium, fully prepared for Y2K issues that never surface. The Arvin Walesboro Technical Facility is completed and become the ArvinMeritor Columbus Technical Center after Arvin Industries and Meritor merge.
Force Design marks 25 years of design excellence. Two Lutheran school projects, St. Peter’s Lutheran School in Columbus, and St. John’s White Creek School in southwestern Bartholomew County, begin.
2003
2003-2004
A 7-mile-long project begins for the Indiana Department of Transportation on IN 135 south of Salem, Indiana. In 2004 work starts on a major expansion for Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing, Inc. and Toyota Material Handling USA, Inc. The project includes offices, display and presentation facilities, and an expanded distribution area.