Prosperity in the 90s
Booming economic growth and the high-performing stock market in the 1990s led to large growth in Fredericktown, the surrounding areas, and all across the country. New businesses were founded, existing companies expanded, and more people moved to the region to take part in the new developments. Growth in the manufacturing and commercial fields created many new jobs and a need for new construction. Sargent entered its own boom period in the decade and partnered with many area businesses to help them meet their growing needs.
Retail Growth
With the population increase, a larger customer base formed in the region. In addition to the new businesses, existing businesses moved to more visible and high-profile commercial properties for the convenience of customers. New construction was a common sight around many area towns. Throughout the decade, Sargent built 8 new stores for Town and Country Supermarkets. Other commercial projects of the time included Busenbark Carpet, Auto Plaza Chrysler Jeep, and Surdyke Harley Davidson.
Increases in Manufacturing
Many manufacturing companies found the Southeast Missouri region to be a great place to expand in the 90s. Sargent worked with companies such as Little Tykes Commercial Playground Systems, US Tool Group, Cap America, Purcell Tire, and more. Area industrial parks called on Sargent to build speculation buildings, or buildings that are meant to attract businesses, in Perryville, Farmington, and Fredericktown. Sargent was proud that local cities trusted their work to be a draw for businesses to relocate.
Great Flood of 1993
The widespread destruction from the flood kept crews from arriving for two months, and the only way into the site was by boat for a time. Image courtesy of Fred Lynch, Southeast Missourian.
Great Flood of 1993 Hits Region
When the levee broke during the Great Flood of 1993, over 17 feet of Mississippi River water swept into Gilster Mary Lee’s McBride facility. The devastation to the plant and distribution center was total, and Gilster was in need of immediate help—every day the facility was out of commission was costly. Sargent joined the recovery effort and was able to rebuild the McBride plant in less than six months.
