Wurster Construction Co. Inc., a third generation-led company, is marking 75 years in business. The company is responsible for such marquee structures as the IU Health Pathology Laboratory and the stations and walkways for the IU Health people mover in Indianapolis, the northwest expansion of Hendricks Regional Health in Danville, Ind. and a medical office building and surgery center in Jasper, Ind., among others.
“Celebrating our 75th anniversary is a major milestone that we are very excited about because we are still a family business that has been able to build some pretty cool things,” said President Albert Wurster.
The company was started by Wurster’s grandfather and namesake, Albert H. Wurster, in 1938 as a home-building business in the Broad Ripple area before transitioning into a commercial construction company. Today, Wurster Construction specializes in building for the healthcare, religious, private education, commercial and senior living sectors. Russ and Fred Wurster, Albert H. Wurster’s sons, had both served as president when, in 1998, Fred retired and turned the business over to his own son, Albert Wurster. The company is co-owned by Chief Operating Officer Steve Hodgson and Vice President of Healthcare Services Ralph Davis.
Wurster Construction is involved in projects that bring value to the community and help to positively affect people’s lives. “Our tagline ‘Built for Life’ is not just a slogan but a commitment to improving someone’s life through the types of structures that we build,” said Albert Wurster. Building relationships with clients is another cornerstone of what makes the company successful. “What sets us apart from our competition is our desire to provide a personal touch with our clients. One of the company’s owners is involved in every negotiated project to ensure a transparent open book process and a teamwork approach,” added Wurster.
The company has grown to 36 employees who exemplify the company’s mission and values of integrity, honesty and commitment. “The company has been successful because the employees share the same entrepreneurship, vision and passion as our family,” said Wurster. As part of the 75th anniversary celebration, the company has established a scholarship fund for the children and grandchildren of its employees and is planning several events and activities throughout the year.
The company has received many accolades, including being named by the Indiana Subcontractors Association as the 2011 General Contractor of the Year and winning Project of the Year for the SS. Francis and Clare Parish Life Center expansion in Greenwood, Ind.
Giving back to the communities it serves is also a part of the fabric of the company and started with Fred Wurster, who talked about the importance of “paying your social dues.” “Giving back allows employees to get out of their day-to-day responsibilities and to see the bigger picture,” said Albert Wurster.
With all of the company’s success, there is still one major milestone Albert Wurster wants to achieve before he retires: “I want to have a project that uses a tower crane.” A tall order that the company has no doubt it can achieve.
