URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — A Central Illinois business celebrated a milestone over the weekend that was 100-years in the making.

A & R Mechanical has operated as a family-owned business for the past hundred years. The company hosted a celebration for friends, family, and employees at their headquarters in Urbana on Saturday.

It featured a red carpet, a live band and even a proclamation from the Mayor of Urbana, DeShawn Williams.

“We’re still a family-owned business, the Asklunds and the Reichards, and I think it comes down to strong faith and good core values. It’s helped them persevere over time. They’ve endured the Great Depression and we’ve weathered the pandemic, emerging stronger after each challenge. We’re prepared for the next hundred,” Steve Hall, President of A & R Mechanical, remarked.

Hall said A & R Mechanical has 350 employees who make up the backbone of the company.