By Greg Wells
Times Journal managing Editor


With several divisions under their umbrella already, and numerous projects running inside and outside of the commonwealth many companies would be sated. But Branscum Construction has added yet another business, a partnership with a nation-wide company based in Chicago.
"Out of state companies do the majority of the largest projects in Kentucky," said Stephen Branscum. "Now we'll be able to pursue those bigger projects.
"This is a big new step for us," Branscum added.
Branscum, the founder and owner of the corporation said the new joint venture is one he has been looking toward for years, but hadn't because he'd not found the right company to work with until now.
"We looked for several years for the right partner, one that shares our values - We interviewed a number of companies but none rose to Pepper's level in terms of the qualities we were looking for in a business partner," Branscum said.
This new partner, Pepper Construction, was described in a company release as being a general contracting and construction management firm that specializes in non-residential buildings. They note that Pepper has offices in three other states and focuses on projects healthcare, retail and both public and private education projects.
"They are a third-generation family owned business," Branscum added, drawing some parallel to his own operation which includes members of his family.
In their release the company quoted Pepper Construction Group's CEO Dave Pepper saying, "This partnership with Branscum is a promising step for both companies. Branscum shares our commitment to quality, to building relationships with clients and communities which we serve, and to our people who make success possible. We look forward to building this partnership and to the new opportunities it will foster."
Branscum has been quick to point out that the new venture will not have any effect on the other divisions of the company, but he anticipates it will affect employment in this area.
New projects means new jobs for people in Russell County, Branscum said.
At present the joint venture will be integrated into some of the projects already underway.
"We're building our resume with the new company," Branscum explained saying they will be pursuing newer, larger projects as they are advertised for bids.
There were already 20 to 25 projects underway in the various divisions of Branscum Construction, and those will continue as they have, with no changes in personnel, he explained.
Both companies, Branscum and Pepper have recently been honored for the quality of their work. Branscum was recognized for excellence by the Associated General Contractors of Kentucky and the Kentucky Masonry Institute for their work on the Ransdell Chapel at Campbellsville University.
One of their present local projects is among those that Pepper will be joining, the Russell County Judicial Center.
For more on both companies see their websites branscumconstrcution.com and pepperconstrcution.com