Springfield Furniture Manufacturing Company founded
Our roots start aboveground. Erlen Group can trace its corporate history all the way back to Springfield Furniture Manufacturing Company in 1891, which later became General Warehouse Corporation.
Griesemer Stone Company founded
In 1946, Griesemer Stone—a predecessor corporation of Springfield Underground—started as a limestone quarry northeast of Springfield on Historic Route 66 and the Frisco Railroad.
First underground building
A few years later, the open pit quarry was taken underground using the “room and pillar” method of mining, and by 1960 enough area had been mined to build the first 250,000 square feet of warehouse underground while still allowing for mining to continue.
Joplin Stone Company founded
Griesemer Stone, Security Terminal, General Warehouse merge to form Springfield Underground
Willow Brook Foods shares acquired
Frisco Building acquired
In 1999, Erlen Group purchased office space at 3253 East Chestnut, and in honor of the original owner named it The Frisco Building.
Willow Brook renamed Cold Zone
Westside Stone Company founded
Ceased mining operations at Springfield Underground
