When Claude Sanders lost his job in 1932 during the Great Depression, he took matters into his own hands and started a small residential plumbing services business called Midwest Plumbing and Heating Company. Since that time, the company exploded to become MMC Contractors, a national mechanical contractor located here in Martin City, MO.
Last month, the company held an open house to give the public a glimpse at their new $3 million expansion project that doubled the size of their Martin City facility. President Keith Andrews is Sanders’ grandson and said the company is following the same blueprint for growth his grandfather laid out over 80 years ago.
“We have a strategic plan in place for controlled, profitable growth, and we outgrew our facility,” said Andrews. “This expansion is a continuation of the growth our company has seen since we started.”
To support their expansion, the company will hire more employees in all facets of the company, with salaries ranging from $40,000 to over $100,000. They will also upgrade services in their fabrication facility, separating services for carbon, stainless steel, and plumbing fabrication.
“The construction industry is strong both locally and nationally, and we believe this expansion will accommodate current and future growth,” said Andrews. “It will allow us to continue managing our projects, expand our customer base, and increase profitability.”
MMC Contractors specializes in large, complex mechanical projects, focused on the healthcare, energy, industrial and commercial industries. They’ve been involved with many iconic Kansas City projects, including the Arrowhead Stadium renovation, Cerner’s new Innovations Campus, and several hospitals throughout the city.
In addition to their location in Martin City, the company has locations in Nebraska, Nevada, and New Jersey. Andrews says their nationwide footprint allows them to complete projects across the country, and he believes the company will continue to grow and increase profitability.
“If you sit still in the construction business, someone is going to come along and overtake you,” said Andrews. “We’ve set ourselves apart from others because we can work profitably both locally and across the country.”
The company moved to Martin City 10 years ago. When their lease was up earlier this year, they faced a decision: expand the existing facility or move elsewhere. Andrews said the decision to stay in Martin City was a no-brainer.
Pictured: Keith Andrews-MMC Contractors, Anne Cull-ThinkViral, & Steve Rinne-EDCKC
“We love our location in Martin City because it is a nice, safe community with quick access to the entire metro area,” said Andrews. “Our employees have built their lives around this community, and it would be a disruption to our entire company if we moved.”
Andrews hopes MMC Contractors continues to grow, just as it has since his grandfather started it over 80 years ago.
“When you look back at our company over time, we’ve survived every recession and obstacle that we’ve faced,” said Andrews. “Martin City is our home and we want to continue to grow and expand in ways that make sense for our company.”
MMC Contractors is located at 13800 Wyandotte St, Kansas City, MO 64145. To learn more about the services they provide, visit www.mmcontractors.com or call (816) 941-5300.