Paving, construction company opens new facility in Mount Vernon

Blevins Asphalt Construction Co. Inc. opened a 16,000-square-foot maintenance facility in Mount Vernon, creating two new jobs, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

The $2.8 million project includes 12 bays, a crane system, a four-post vehicle lift, a 100-foot-long wash bay and a stockroom for parts. The facility also has offices, a breakroom for mechanics and fuel storage tanks.

“Missouri continues to build on its strong foundation for growth, and Blevins Asphalt’s investment in a new facility in Mount Vernon is a testament to that momentum,” said Gov. Mike Kehoe, in the release. “This project not only strengthens our state’s infrastructure capabilities but also brings quality jobs and new opportunities to the region. We are proud to support companies like Blevins Asphalt that are choosing to invest in Missouri’s future and help our communities grow.”

The company, started in 1949, operates asphalt plants in Carthage and Springfield and does road construction in southwest Missouri and beyond.

“The new building was a long time coming and will help speed up the maintenance and repair times on equipment,” said Derek Stokes, who owns the company with wife Terri, in a release. “This is a huge win for our mechanics and construction crews and will provide new jobs.”

Angel Shaw, vice president of finance, said the new facility replaces an older one and will speed up repair times. She said its opening will bring the total number of employees to 85.

The company is slated to receive $28,002 through the Missouri Works Program, which offers help accessing capital to retain or expand its workforce, the release said.

The company’s corporate headquarters is located in Mount Vernon.

“Blevins Asphalt has been a cornerstone of Mount Vernon’s business community for generations,” said Brittni Bates, executive director of the Mt. Vernon Area Chamber of Commerce, in the release. “Since 1949, their company has not only provided quality jobs and supported our regional workforce, but they have also invested deeply in the people and programs that make our community strong, from youth athletics and local organizations to families across our region.”