BenitoLink welcomes readers to Graniterock, a family-owned, California-based company that specializes in construction materials such as rock, sand, concrete and asphalt. The Sponsor Highlight section introduces you to the people behind the businesses in our community. Our sponsors are proactive and choose to support local news and information for the community’s benefit.
Graniterock was founded on February 14, 1900 by A.R. Wilson and Warren Porter, with the purpose of mining and transporting construction aggregate for railroads.
According to Marketing Communications Manager Keith Severson, Graniterock owned some of the first concrete and asphalt plants in California.
Today, the company primarily serves the Monterey and San Francisco regions.
Graniterock employees have been mining at the A.R. Wilson Quarry in Aromas since 1900. Once a week, Severson said, operators use explosives and other machines to drill and blast the rock. Although workers have been mining in the quarry for over a century, Severson said Graniterock has a “mine plan” drafted for the next 100 years.
From mining aggregate to construction services, Graniterock is vertically integrated, which means the company oversees every aspect of its supply chain. In 1992, Graniterock won a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, an award recognizing U.S. companies that exhibit excellence in quality management.
Severson explained that Graniterock also practices sustainability in its operations. Concrete and asphalt rubble are diverted from the landfill and recycled for building roads.
Graniterock gives back to the community by actively supporting local schools. Every August, Graniterock welcomes more than 140 eighth graders to its corporate office in Watsonville for a weeklong Algebra Academy. In October, Graniterock hosts a 5k and 10k Rock & Run at the A.R. Wilson Quarry to raise money for Aromas School. In 2017 and 2018, the race raised $20,000.
“Graniterock has literally and figuratively been building the foundations of this community for 119 years,” said Severson. “We live, work, and play in the same communities in which we operate.”
Severson said that sponsoring organizations like BenitoLink allows Graniterock to support San Benito County.
“BenitoLink is a vital communication link from the community to the community. We’re supporting it because we think it’s essential.”
Sponsors such as Graniterock help keep all our county residents informed by providing funding for ongoing coverage of government and politics, transportation, housing and development, education, and investigative reporting. Individuals and local businesses can help keep the community informed by supporting BenitoLink, San Benito’s nonprofit, community news. To learn more about these opportunities, contact Executive Director Leslie David at lesliedavid@benitolink.com or (831) 801-1356.