Mulzer Crushed Stone has long been recognized as a cornerstone of development across the Ohio River Valley. As the region’s largest supplier of construction aggregates, the company delivers limestone, gravel, and sand for major infrastructure—from interstate highways and airport runways to dams, bridges, and industrial facilities. This continued contribution to regional growth is one of the many reasons the Mulzer Crushed Stone legacy remains so strong today.
Founded by brothers Arnold, Roland, and Edgar Mulzer, the business began as a modest construction company before evolving into a full-scale aggregates operation. Today, the third generation of the Mulzer family leads the company, with Ken Mulzer serving as President and guiding the organization with the same commitment to community and craftsmanship that defined its origins.
From Local Beginnings to Industry Leadership
“The story really began in 1935, when our founders took on almost any construction job available,” Ken explains. “But the modern form of our company took shape in 1946 in Eckerty, Indiana, when the brothers entered the limestone business to meet post-war demand.”
The limestone market was strong, but the brothers quickly recognized its seasonality—winter brought slower operations and fewer hours for employees. With abundant coal reserves in Spencer County and a versatile crew already in place, the Mulzers created a simple yet innovative solution: mine coal during the winter and quarry limestone during the summer. This strategy ensured year-round employment and helped stabilize operations.
As demand grew, the business expanded its quarry portfolio. In the 1960s, Mulzer entered river logistics through the acquisition of Bedford-Nugent Company, a sand and gravel dredging operation based in Evansville. Soon after, the company opened its now-iconic Cape Sandy Quarry in Crawford County in 1963, positioned strategically along the Ohio River. The site remains the company’s flagship operation.
The Mulzer family’s expertise contributed to major regional developments, including the construction of the Newburgh Locks and Dam and aluminum smelting facilities for Alcoa. By the 1970s, the second generation of the family had joined the company, helping to broaden its operations along the river with new terminals, depots, and distribution points.
A Record of Success Across Generations
The 1980s brought steady performance and expansion, and by the early 1990s, the third generation began stepping into leadership roles. They worked alongside their fathers until 2005, when ownership officially transitioned to the next generation.
During a shareholders’ meeting in 2016, the family discussed the future direction of the company and collectively recognized the need for a strategic growth partner—one that respected the Mulzer Crushed Stone legacy and shared its values.
That partner was CRH, a global leader in building materials. Mulzer joined the CRH family in 2017, opening new doors while preserving the company’s community-focused identity. Ken remained President, and his cousin Tim Mulzer continued as Chief Operations Officer. Their philosophy, “do business locally everywhere,” remains central to company culture.
A Fourth Generation Continues the Legacy
Today, the Mulzer heritage extends even further. Members of the fourth generation have joined the company, including Ken’s son, who now works as a Construction Manager for Mulzer’s paving division in Indiana after gaining field experience within a sister company in North Carolina.
Building the Future With the Same Pioneer Spirit
Looking ahead, the company is in the midst of a large-scale, phased upgrade at its flagship limestone quarry in Leavenworth, Indiana. The multi-year initiative will modernize two processing plants, introduce improved support facilities, construct a new entry road, expand wash plant capabilities, and build an upgraded barge loadout system along the river. These improvements will expand Mulzer’s ability to deliver customized aggregate solutions across a five-state area.
“We’re moving forward with the same determination the founding brothers had in the 1940s,” Ken says. “Our goal is to continue supporting critical U.S. infrastructure with premium materials while honoring the Mulzer Crushed Stone legacy for generations to come.”
