More than a decade after ground was broken at Ideker’s quarry on Cameron Road, the operation has expanded in a new direction — underground.

The local quarry began taking shape in early 2013, adding another chapter to a company history that stretches back more than 75 years. Ideker was founded by Welton Ideker in 1947, initially building its reputation through earthmoving work and the construction and repair of levees along the Missouri and Kansas rivers.

Over the decades, the company expanded its operations, moving into concrete paving in 1987 and adding asphalt paving in 2006. While the process of extracting rock at the Cameron Road quarry has remained largely unchanged, Scalehouse Manager Chris Mattox said other aspects of the operation have evolved.

“The technology and equipment have grown leaps and bounds,” said Mattox.

Newer software installed on equipment allows the company to more accurately monitor wear and tear and to notify mechanics when machinery needs servicing.

One of the most…