Metromont stresses community service on path to 100th anniversary bash

Sources: Metromont Corp., Greenville, S.C.; CP staff

Leading into a centennial anniversary celebration later this year in their Upstate South Carolina home base, Metromont officials plan to mark a century in the construction business through community service efforts involving six precast, prestressed concrete operations. Team members from headquarters, Florida, Georgia and Virginia plants will assist local groups or national organization chapters, including American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and Meals on Wheels. From blood drives to packing meals to building homes, they will engage in work for communities that have contributed to the producer’s success.

Metromont offers a brief take on its 100 years of operation in three-minute production posted here.

Metromont’s track record is reflected in thousands of projects across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, including National Football League and Major Baseball League franchise stadiums, parking structures, office buildings, schools, student housing, multi-family developments and data centers. The producer traces its roots to 1925, when University of South Carolina graduate Captain James Roy Pennell founded Pennell and Harley Construction Engineers. Over three generations, it would evolve from a specialist in bridge and highway contracts to one of the top players in North American precast, prestressed concrete production.

Captain Pennell’s enterprising spirit and commitment to the values of faith, honor, and passion have served as Metromont mission and vision blueprints. His son, Dick Pennell, joined the company in 1946, three years prior to its entry into precast concrete. Grandson Rick Pennell joined Metromont in 1981, working toward 1998 appointments as president and chief operating officer, followed by elevation to chief executive officer in 2004. He oversaw a two-decade expansion, marked especially with the 2011 construction of a sprawling central Florida operation and 2018 acquisition of Virginia’s Shockey Precast Group. Those moves and organic growth at legacy plants have propelled Metromont to a payroll north of 1,500.

The producer will cap the 100^th anniversary celebration near its Greenville, S.C. headquarters with an October 14 gathering at Flour Field, home to the Greenville Drive baseball team. Metromont management, including principals from parent company Markel Ventures, will host customers, team members, suppliers and elected officials for the event.