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Five Decades of Experience Guide Kokosing Construction’s Strategy for Surviving Hard Economic Times
Kokosing Construction, one of Ohio’s largest private construction contractors, has weathered several previous recessions and appears to be handling this one well enough despite being in the heart of a hurting market.
Historically, the Midwest has been a stable region, insulated from both the highs and lows of economic fluctuations.
The anchor for that stability had been the auto industry, Barth Burgett, vice president of the Equipment Division, told LIGHT & MEDIUM TRUCK. “The auto industry drove many of the construction projects in this region.”
That industry is now facing its own troubles, and that is reflected in the region’s economy.
“The housing and heavy construction sectors could use a shot in the arm,” Burgett said. “A lot of people have been laid off.”
Founded in 1951 and based in Fredericktown, Ohio, Kokosing is active in the highway, heavy industrial, asphalt, utility, and marine sectors, serving all of Ohio and the sur-rounding states. The company employs more than 2,000 people, has a fleet of more than 1,300 large equipment pieces, and is one of the 200 largest equipment owners in the nation, according to Burgett.
Burgett remembers the recession of the early ’80s, and thinks the current economy is just as bad. “Back then, you worked hard, and were glad for what you had.”
Burgett said the company’s focus on equipment utilization, reduced costs and a willingness to invest in improvement have helped it weather the recessionary storm, so far.
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