SAFETY & QUALITY CAREERS COMMUNITY & WELLNESS SUPPLIERS & SUBCONTRACTORS SEARCH MENU History OUR HISTORY The History of the Graycor Companies. We were founded in 1921 as Chicago Concrete Breaking Company. Soon after, we made our name with an extremely challenging high-profile project removing a large section of retaining wall along a functioning stretch of railroad, on the east side of Michigan Ave. Despite a driving snowstorm and those who said it could not be done, our passion, ingenuity and expertise proved we were here to stay. It was the origin of our famed company motto: Wanted: A hard job. Over the next nine decades we have continued to prove ourselves as a partner devoted to our clients above all else. We have remained driven by relationships where we can help our clients grow and succeed, rather than looking just at the projects or profit. Our clients are the most respected names in their fields. And we’ve earned a solid reputation in the industry for providing thoughtful, innovative, collaborative solutions to our clients’ ever-changing needs. Browse our timeline below to take a look at the challenges, relationships and successes that have gotten us where we are today. Celebrating 100 Years in Business Graycor is celebrating its 100th year in business in 2021, crediting its longevity to the values instilled in the company and its employees since 1921 by founder Edward Gray and his family. Today, Graycor is a third generation, family-owned and operated company, with a national footprint serving leading companies in a range of industries. Learn more about our values. Over the Years 1921 Edward Gray establishes the Chicago Concrete Breaking Company (CCBC), a firm specializing in sand blasting and pavement breaking. 1926 CCBC receives a milestone contract for the removal of a retaining wall—utilizing dynamite—along the Illinois Central Railroad tracks in Chicago's Grant Park. Without interruption to train traffic, on-time completion of the difficult project earns the company national recognition and its motto: "Wanted: A hard job." 2021 marks Graycor's 100th year in business. Since its founding in 1921 by Edward Gray, the company, then a sand blasting and concrete breaking operation, has been on an interesting and inspiring journey, adapting to stand the test of time. What sets Graycor apart from the rest? We place greater value on partnerships over profit, and we operate within a set of core values that frame our strategy and culture, including maintaining a long-term perspective, upholding integrity and honesty, demonstrating safety leadership, emphasizing relationships, creating value, striving for continuous improvement, and achieving a healthy balance of work and family life. Learn more about Community & Wellness ABOUT US CAREERS SAFETY & QUALITY COMPANIES & MARKETS CONTACT PRIVACY ACCESSIBILITY The Graycor Family of Companies consists of Graycor Construction Company Inc., Graycor Industrial Constructors Inc., Graycor International Inc., Graycor Services LLC and Graycor Southern Inc. ©2021 GRAYCOR INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.