Built to Last

75+ years ago, Fordice Construction was born from a man who worked hard to learn a skill, used it to solve a problem, and then seized the opportunity to take his knowledge and build a company. Today, over seven decades later, Fordice Construction Company has grown to include 4 divisions – Matfield, Bridge, Building, and Heavy. With the 4th generation of Fordices currently at the helm, the company is led with the same passion, commitment, and reputation of integrity that Papa Dan first created.

1920

The Beginnings

Daniel Kirkwood Fordice, Sr. (“Papa Dan”), left Fordice Farms in Putnam County to work for the Army Corps of Engineers in various projects involving flood control on the Mississippi River. As a river engineer, he was recruited to serve in WW2 and he served in the South Pacific Theatre by running a boat operation.

1947

Concrete Mats are Created

After WW2, Papa Dan returned to Memphis to continue his work with the Memphis district of the Corps of Engineers where the team developed an articulated concrete mattress, which later led to the first private sector contract in 1947.

1948

Fordice Construction Company is Born

Papa Dan secured the second private sector contract for concrete mats in 1948, Fordice Construction Company was born, and the team has created concrete mats for the Corps of Engineers since.

1948-1960

A Reputation is Established

After the first concrete mat contract, the Matfield Divison of Fordice Construction Company continued to grow, migrating from Kentucky, down to Illinois, and as far as the Mississippi River.

1950-1961

The Second Generation

Dan K. Fordice, Jr. (Kirk), graduated with a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering and served in active duty with the Army Corps of Engineers. After returning from service, he came on board full-time with Fordice Construction Company and moved the company to Vicksburg, where they still operate out of today.

1961-1992

Unparalleled Growth

Throughout the 30+ years that Kirk ran Fordice Construction until he was elected Governor of MS, the company grew and expanded to add a Bridge and Building division to their existing Matfield division.

1992-2018

 The Third Generation

Though Hunter and Dan Fordice, sons of Kirk, began first working at Fordice Construction at age 12, Hunter came on fulltime in 1983 and was followed by Dan in 1988. In 1992, they took over as 50/50 owners and have served as President and Vice President since. In addition to maintaining the existing Matfield, Bridge, and Building divisions, Fordice Construction also grew to add a Heavy division.

2018-Today

What’s Next

Alongside Hunter, Dan, their children Nathan and Emily (4th generation Fordices), and a team of seasoned employees – many of whom have been with the company for 30,40, and even 50+ years – Fordice Construction continues to grow and thrive. Here’s to another 75+ years!