About Us
We’ve built hundreds of buildings – but it’s your project that matters.
“Over the years we’ve built buildings of every shape and size and for every need from industrial to municipal to retail and beyond. With every project our approach is always the same – we may have built 100s of buildings, but for our client, it’s this one that matters the most.”
-Craig Erdmier, CEO
We’re ready to build your future
Experience that matters
If being 40+ years old makes us the ‘new kid on the block”, then so be it. The fact of the matter is we have more than 100 combined years of experience all wrapped up in an entrepreneurial spirit established in 1979 when we opened shop. Our success is built on the work we do and the relationships we’ve honed over the years with our client partners.
We’ve built Cord with the same passion,
care and attention to detail we give to the projects we build.
When we launched Cord in 1979 in Freeport, Illinois, our focus was on design-build projects for industrial clients. As we grew, so did our capabilities and experience. Forty plus years later our portfolio includes projects as diverse as our clients.
From technology, laboratory and medical facilities to retail, to manufacturing and distribution centers, to schools and churches, to hotels and multi-family residential, to interiors and improvements, there’s not a lot we haven’t built. Working in such diverse industries requires a broad skill set, but one thing is always the same in every project we take on – we design and build with the people who will be using that space in mind.
Having a diverse client portfolio has helped us not only grow our company, but it has enhanced our level of knowledge and skills. We are constantly educating our team – with ongoing safety training, evaluation and process improvement. Our safety initiatives includes OSHA 10 and 30 hour training, and first aid and CPR training. We host monthly in-service and lunch & learns to make sure our team is up-to-date and confident in safety procedures.
At heart, we are craftsmen and we love to build.
Taking an idea and making it a reality is a feeling like no other. But it takes more than just loving what we do to be successful. We’re successful because we are constantly enhancing the process and looking for ways to improve. Getting a project done on time and within budget is a given. It’s the attention to detail and ongoing support that makes the experience working with Cord a great one. And it’s why clients come back to us time and again.
Working with clients to take their need, envision it and make it a reality is what drives us to do what we do every day. We’re more than a construction company, we’re partners in our clients’ success.
– Jake Dykstra // President
THE EVOLUTION OF CORD
Running a business takes hard work, dedication and the ability to adapt with changing environments. Along the way, successful companies are able to grow by cultivating strong relationships and delivering work that exceeds expectations. That may be why many of our early projects were for clients we work with to this day; here are some of the projects that have stood out for us over the years.
The 1980s
In the mid 80s, we began working with Capron Manufacturing, a third-generation, family owned, metal finishing business. This first project has led to multiple projects to this day.
Newell
In 1988, we were still a small construction firm when we were awarded a huge project with Newell. No one was doing buildings this size, and Newell trusted us with their future: to build their 150,000 square-foot addition.
Comet Fabricating & Welding
As the 80s came to a close, we partnered with Comet Fabricating & Welding, a company we continue to partner with today. Our first project with Comet, an 11,000 square-foot shop addition, has led to ongoing work through the years and a valued partnership built on trust.
The 1990s
When you take on a building project for a client, you are entrusted with more than constructing a new facility, you’re entrusted with their brand. In 1990, Thrall Distribution looked to us to build a new office and manufacturing center for their plumbing supply business. It was the first of many projects we've completed for Thrall throughout the Midwest.
Highland Community College
As we grew, so, too, did our capabilities. Our first large public project was for a new student center at Highland Community College. This was the first of numerous municipal projects we have taken on over the years.
Schnucks Supermarket
(formerly Logli)
In the early 90s, Rockford’s retail landscape looked very different. What is now the hub of shopping for the community was land waiting to be developed. We took on the project of building what was at that time the largest supermarket in Illinois, and helped shape Rockford’s retail boom.
Weber Stephen Products
Our first project with Weber was the largest job we had ever done at that time. The 306,000 square-foot building project, a new office and manufacturing center in Huntley, IL, was the beginning of a relationship that continues today.
Schnucks Supermarket
After a successful project with the supermarket in Rockford, Logli (now Schnucks) enlisted us to help them grow their footprint in the marketplace with a new store in Loves Park, IL.
The 2000s
A new century brought the start of a new relationship with Rockford Industrial Welding (now AIRGAS). As their company has grown and evolved, we have continued to enjoy a strong partnership with them, building several facilities in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.
Columbia Pipe & Supply
Our first project with Columbia Pipe & Supply was a significant one: a pre-cast concrete warehouse and office building. By finding design-build solutions to meet their unique needs, we were able to help Columbia strengthen their overall operations.
Ideal Industries
In 2002, we began a partnership Ideal Industries when they tasked us to build a factory warehouse and distribution center in Sycamore, IL. We are proud of the relationship we have built with Ideal over the years, and the role we played in their company’s growth. Read our case study.
Rockford Register Star
The level of complication for The Rockford Register Star’s press room addition was high. Not only was it technically challenging, the coordination required to keep the project on track and their existing operations running was significant. In the end, it was a project we are extremely proud of and pleased to have as part of our portfolio.
Mega Sports Center
As its name suggests, the Mega Sport Center for the Rockford Park District, was a mega project. Completed in 2017, the structure is so large that six soccer games or four softball games can be played simultaneously under its roof.
Cherry Valley Elementary School
The opportunity to be a part of building a new elementary school - the school district’s first new building in 25 years, was one we were excited of which to be a part. Students at the school are in an environment designed for optimal learning, and we could not be prouder to have played a role.
Ideal Industries
Our longtime relationship continued with Ideal as we partnered with them to build a new facility in Sycamore. It’s a testament to our philosophy of building trust and strengthening relationships through solid work, open communication and passion for what we do.
The 2010s
When B/E Aerospace, now Rockwell Collins, needed a new manufacturing warehouse and office space, they trusted us to build their future. Their request for a turnkey build-to-suit space was right in our wheelhouse. We designed and built their 38,000-square-foot building to include a two-story office and handled all of the sitework to complete their new facility.
PCI Pharma Services
We've had the pleasure of working with PCI for decades. Helping them grow their facilities and presence in the Rockford region has been an exciting experience for our team.
All World Machinery
When we realized All World's plan needed to double in size and scope to meet their needs for their new corporate and manufacturing headquarters, we didn't miss a beat. We orchestrated all elements of the project from architecture and civil engineering to the timeline and budget.