Anson Contractors, Inc has a long and storied history that includes being a part of 21st Century North Carolina. The company’s roots date back to Sikes Bros. Construction Co. Inc. consisting of 3 brothers as a part of the post-World War II expansion. After completing their military service during WWII, the Bros. returned home and started a small grading company. After starting the company, they were able to grow quickly during the construction boom of the 1950’s and 60’s. The company was assembled with a labor force of trusted employees from various backgrounds in farming and timber industries. As America began to expand and the Interstate Highway system was implemented, the Sikes Brothers began to take on more large-scale highway projects across the state. Even though the projects are far too numerous to name, some are still recognizable to many of us today.
While Sikes Bros. experienced some the greatest times of growth and development in America and the start-up of many of today’s largest corporations, Sikes Bros. was derailed as a result of the untimely death of brothers Bruce and Jim Sikes and the advancing age of the 3rd brother, Ralph Sr. The company began closing out contracts and worked towards downsizing, eventually closing the doors during the mid-1970’s.
Upon the shutdown of Sikes Bros., Anson Contractors, a subsidiary of Sikes Bros. was taken over by Ralph Sikes Jr. and lifelong friend and co-worker, Lane Tucker, who elected to continue working in the construction industry.
By the Mid 1980’s, they had grown Anson into more than fifty production grading units and a sizeable fleet of trucks capable of tackling a variety of projects. During the mid 1990’s, Anson was poised with an experienced personnel and a modern fleet of equipment, to diversify into landfill construction and closure area during a time of expansion throughout the state of North Carolina. Anson was well diversified in equipment and experience and was awarded a section of the Rockingham-Hamlet Bypass in neighboring Richmond Co. in July of ’97 and finished one year ahead of schedule. After the turn of the millennium, ACI was purchased by second generation brothers Robert (Bob) Sikes and David Sikes to the original Sikes Bros. Construction Co. With new ownership and determination to follow their father’s footsteps, they began to rebuild the company in what is now known and considered the “The Great Recession”. Having faced many challenges and adversity, Anson has managed to once again emerge under new leadership and the start of a third generation that has tackled a variety of civil construction projects from FHA, DOT, public utilities, landfills, airports, and large agricultural expansions and developments.
As Anson looks to its 40th Anniversary in 2021, it has made a mark in development of the local community and neighboring cities and towns. From the early days of the American Post WWII expansion to present day, the company has been a part of the Sikes Family and is very proud to continue the heritage and demand for quality work. The company’s history is just as diverse as its long list of completed projects. As we continue into the 21st century, Anson is set to continue the tradition of building projects together with quality hard work and determination while forming a team alongside its clients to produce top quality results.