Q2 2021 Member Spotlight: Hanover Concrete Co.

1940s Hanover Concrete mixer

After another hiatus, we are back with a new Member Spotlight! This quarter we are excited to share the history of one of our longest-tenured Chamber members, Hanover Concrete Co. This year marks a special milestone for Hanover Concrete as a member of our organization – their 60th anniversary! 

Ronald Albright (L) with grandfather and founder of Hanover Concrete Co., Curvin Albright (R)

Many businesses start with a simple question, “What service can we provide to make life easier?” With this question in mind, Curvin Albright and O.H. Hostetter officially opened Hanover Building Supply – now known as Hanover Concrete Co. – in the spring of 1940. At the time of the company’s launch, concrete was often mixed by hand or in a masonry mixer on site. 

Albright and Hostetter offered ready-mixed concrete, a product not sold by any other company in the area at the time.  Their ready-mixed concrete proved advantageous, saving their customers both time and effort. 

Today, Hanover Concrete still operates out of its original location along Carlisle Pike. In addition to the original location, three other locations have been added over the years. The company has a second Hanover location on Jefferson St., which was added in 1990. The business also has a location in Shrewsbury (1976) and another in Gettysburg (1996). These locations are known as Shrewsbury Concrete Co. and Gettysburg Concrete Co., respectively. ​

1976 Hanover Concrete mixer

Modern Hanover Concrete mixer

For over 80 years, Hanover Concrete has continued to grow and serve its customers in South Central Pennsylvania. From its early days receiving bulk cement via train, the company has focused on the manufacturing and delivery of concrete to the general public, not just contractors. While concrete is still the base of the business today, Hanover Concrete has expanded its offerings over the years to include additional products such as mulch, stone, landscaping supplies and gardenware (pottery, bird bath, statues and fountains). The business also offers full-service propane filling and tank exchange as well as equipment and tool rentals. Holding true to its original intent, Hanover Concrete continues to sell its products, including concrete, to not only contractors but also individuals and businesses.  ​

George Albright

Burnell Albright

G. Ronald Albright

David Albright

Over the years, the business has passed through four generations of the Albright family. Original co-owner Curvin Albright  bought out his partner O.H. Hostetter in 1941.

Curvin would go on to sell the business to his two sons – George and Burnell Albright. After Burnell’s passing in 1976, George continued to run the business until the late 1980s, when his son, Ron, and daughter-in-law, Bonnie, and their family purchased Hanover Concrete. Bonnie remained an integral part of Hanover Concrete’s operations until her passing in 2015. Today, the business remains

a family-owned and operated business with Curvin’s grandson, Ron, and great-grandchildren, Michelle and Dave, at the helm. ​Hanover Concrete is proud of its roots in the local area. Dave Albright, current co-owner, shared what he enjoys most about being part of the Adams County community, saying “People care about their community. There is a lot of integrity and long-term relationships among businesses and customers in this community. The value of people and relationships are more important than the product or the price.”

Owning a small business is not without its own set of challenges. In recent years, there has been a shortage of qualified, skilled workers – a pattern that can be found not only in our community but throughout the country. This shortage requires employees to wear many hats to get the job done. Despite this obstacle, a team-driven environment at Hanover Concrete pushes the company toward daily success. “Everyone is working toward the same goal,” said Dave of Hanover Concrete’s approximately 40 employees. 
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With a clear vision and 80 years of business under its belt, Hanover Concrete continues to grow while meeting the concrete and building product needs of the community it calls home. To check out Hanover Concrete for yourself, stop by their building supply store, open weekdays, at 2000 Carlisle Pike, Hanover or visit their website hanoverconcrete.com.

As always, the New Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce would like to encourage our community members to continue to support local businesses, such as Hanover Concrete, whenever possible. The community’s support is vital to the success and advancement of small businesses. Thank you for shopping and supporting local!