Some of the more important dates in the company’s history are listed below.
1927
Bush Vault Company was founded in 1927 by Benjamin H. Bush in Coopersville, Michigan. At this time, a burial vault made of concrete was quite a radical idea. Over the years however, the concept gradually gained acceptance and the business grew.
1946
A vault company in Grand Haven, Michigan was purchased and absorbed into the Bush operations.
1950
Sons Harrison (Ben) and Harold, having completed their schooling, joined their father full time. The company also purchased American Eagle Vault Co. and Heights Cement Company in Muskegon Heights, Michigan. The Heights Cement operation manufactured septic tanks, drywell covers, chimney caps, wall coping and other building products.
1955
A backhoe/loader was purchased to meet rising demand for complete septic system installation and custom excavation services.
1963
The company purchased Al and Herm's Septic Service, one of the area's foremost septic tank pumping businesses, further enabling Bush to provide complete septic service to the community.
1964
Bush Concrete Products was incorporated in the state of Michigan.
1966
The company purchased Great Lakes Septic Tank Company of Grand Haven, Michigan. Some of Great Lakes' assets were sold and the balance were consolidated into the Bush's existing facility.
1967
Benjamin H. Bush retired due to illness after 40 years with the company.
1968
The company's name was changed from Bush Vault Company, Inc. to Bush Concrete Products, Inc. to more adequately describe the company's broad line of products.
1969
The company relocated from its overcrowded Muskegon Heights location to its present site on Airline Road.
1970
Craig D. Bush, grandson of the founder and son of Harold Bush, joined the company.
1974
The Century Step line of steps and rails was added to the product lineup.
1975
The septic system installation portion of the company was sold to one of the employees, Clarence Start, who continued on as Starts Excavation Company with the help of his sons.
1983
Bush Concrete began manufacturing precast sign bases for the local Kmart. The first sale to Meijer Stores was made the following year. This product has grown to be one of its most popular and prominent lines over the years.
1985
The company purchased Slager's Unit Step franchise in Spring Lake, Michigan and moved it to the current location on Airline Road. This purchase gave Bush Concrete the ability to manufacture its own line of steps.
1987
Bush sold its pumping operations to Caribou Corporation in order to sharpen its focus on concrete products.
1990's
Several architectural products were added to the company's line including trash receptacles, planters and snuffers.
2001
Harrison (Ben) and Harold retired and sold their interest in Bush Concrete to Jerry McGrath. Craig Bush also sold his interest in the company to Jerry McGrath but continued with the company as General Manager.
2004
The company began to manufacture precast manholes in an affort to expand its sales and product offering.
2004
The burial vault operations were sold to the Wilbert Burial Vault Company in Muskegon, Michigan. The sale was made because cremations were becoming more popular.
2013
The Company began production of underground vaults for geothermal and utility applications.
Today
Today, Bush Concrete Products is the dominant supplier of septic tanks, sign bases and related products on the West Michigan Shore. We are also an second largest supplier of manhole products and we expect this product line to continue to grow in coming years.
