Mixer Systems @ 30

Throughout 2009, Pewaukee, Wis.-based Mixer Systems, Inc., has observed three decades as a manufacturer that supports vintage concrete equipment brands

Don Marsh

Throughout 2009, Pewaukee, Wis.-based Mixer Systems, Inc., has observed three decades as a manufacturer that supports vintage concrete equipment brands while also developing its own advanced batch plants and components.

In 1979, founder Bill Boles acquired the Turbine pan mixer technology of T.L. Smith Machine, a brand dating to 1900. Over the next five years, Mixer Systems occupied two Milwaukee sites and extended offerings with a Low Profile Turbin Mixer and DustMASTER Enviro Systems. In 1984, it relocated to Menomonee Falls, Wis., enabling production of Praschak Machine Co. spiral blade and paddle mixers Û core offerings of a Marshfield, Wis., operator that held a commanding presence in post-war, manufactured-concrete plants.

Two years later, on the heels of integrating the Praschak assets, including skip hoists and other material handling or mix production components, Mixer Systems arrived at its present home about 15 miles west of downtown Milwaukee. The 56,000-sq.-ft. Pewaukee headquarters office and plant provided ample programming and assembly area for the new EconoBATCH panel and control line; metal fabrication and machining shop space for mixers and components; plus, accommodations for a modular, small-capacity BatchMASTER plant introduced in 1987.

The original facility and subsequent 30,000-sq.-ft. expansion positioned the company for more than two decades of improvements to existing plant equipment, e.g., SureSeal and the Mixer Automated Washout System, and rollout of a Planetary Mixer Û the only model in its class to be manufactured in North America. During the past decade, besides initiating the manufacture and marketing of Ag-Flow Aggregate Heating Systems, Mixer Systems also launched turnkey project provider Plant Service & Installation, Inc.

Ag-Flow technology owner Terry Fellabaum joined the Mixer Systems management team as director of Sales & Marketing. Founder Bill Boles continues as president, while his son David is product manager for the GlassMASTER equipment line, and daughter, Lesley Hill, is manager of Marketing. An industry-wide slowdown amid the 30th anniversary observance has seen Mixer Systems pursue additional foreign business opportunities, plus equipment developments to coincide with a rebound in domestic concrete plant investment.