Manufacturers – January 2024

Mike Lawry
Ryan Canfield

Long-time executives Mike Lawry and Ryan Canfield have acquired the assets of Cincinnati-based Hill and Griffith Co., Grifcote and Cast-O-Magic concrete form release agent supplier, and HG Logistics, third-party transportation services provider. A 32-year veteran of the business who has served as chief operations officer since 2021, Lawry is Hill and Griffith chief executive officer and HG Logistics president. A 17-year veteran of the business, most recently serving as executive vice president of Sales and Marketing, Canfield is Hill and Griffith president and HG Logistics chief executive officer. Under new ownership, all products, services, formulations, patents, and trademarks will remain, along with existing teams. The new executives will also focus on growth, investing in more significant research and development undertakings, plus technology enhancements.

Advanced Tech Crete LLC, Houston, has completed United States Patent Office filings for Binder Reducing Formula (BRF), a liquid agent whose dispersing qualities and nano-particles have the potential to reduce portland cement volumes in concrete mix designs, while streamlining admixture and binder requirements. Dubbed “The New Science of Concrete,” BRF is added to a mixer truck or plant mixer without altering workflow. 

“We built a world-class testing lab and know that our product is one of the few real solutions for the decarbonization of concrete that is available today,” contends Advanced Tech Crete Co-Founder Frank Caruso. “The climate goals for carbon dioxide reduction in concrete will require the industry to leverage products like ours, in addition to the many ambitious and unproven attempts such as carbon capture, new processes for cement manufacturing, and new forms of green concrete that will take years to deploy at scale, if at all.”

Along with seeking intellectual property protection, he adds, Advanced Tech Crete is working to develop carbon offsets currency with registries and achieving third-party certification toward BRF commercial use and validated CO2 emissions mitigation.

Washington-based Paccar Parts has been recognized as a Top Company for Women to Work For in Transportation by the Women In Trucking Association—the fifth consecutive such recognition. Companies honored with the designation were hand-selected by the WIT nominating committee for fostering a culture that promotes gender diversity and workplace equality. 

“The inclusive work environment at Paccar Parts ensures that we have the talent needed to uphold our commitment to excellence in aftermarket transportation solutions,” says General Manager Laura Bloch. “We’re proud to continue to stand with WIT in their mission to promote the advancement of women in the trucking industry. We are honored to celebrate another year as one of its Top Companies for Women to Work For in Transportation.”

Spec Formliners Inc., Santa Ana., Calif. concrete texture, form liner and custom concrete pattern provider, has attained Women’s Business Enterprise certification by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. The gold standard in the United States, WBENC Certification entails a meticulous process, including an in-depth review of the business, site inspection, and confirmation that an entity is at least 51 percent owned, operated and controlled by a woman or women. 

Peterbilt Motors closed 2023 with production of the 750,000th truck at its Denton, Texas plant and headquarters, opened in 1980. Keys to the Model 579 tractor were presented to Des Moines, Iowa-based TMC Transportation Inc., largest privately held flatbed carrier in the nation and owner of a 100 percent Peterbilt fleet. TMC is known for highly trained drivers, impeccably maintained equipment, plus dedication to quality and customer service. The Model 579 sports technological advancements and distinctive styling while delivering optimal driver comfort, aerodynamics, and fuel efficiency.

“Peterbilt trucks are meticulously specified for high performance,” said TMC Transportation Executive Vice President Jason Webb. “It’s a great honor to receive this Model 579. We celebrate this significant milestone with Peterbilt and Allstate Peterbilt Dealer Group, our outstanding partner.”

“We recognize the importance of providing products tailored to meet our customer’s unique specifications with the highest levels of quality and craftmanship,” added Peterbilt General Manager Jason Skoog. “Delivering this Model 579 to TMC for their all-Peterbilt fleet is a special recognition of our multi-decade partnership.”

Huber Advanced Materials, Atlanta-based business unit of concrete-grade calcium carbonate processor Huber Engineered Materials, has completed ‘cradle-to-gate’ Life Cycle Analyses for more than 90 percent of its portfolio, including aluminum hydroxides, calcined or activated aluminas and Vertex magnesium hydroxides. As a transparent and collaborative global supplier, Huber Advanced Materials will share LCA data with customers upon request to support downstream sustainability efforts, while continuing to make investments in further environmental footprint reduction. Examples of recent and ongoing sustainability projects include an investment in a modern natural gas-fired cogeneration plant at the company’s Martinswerk site in Germany, scheduled for start-up early 2025, and a solar array at its Marblehead quarry in Illinois. Impacts of ongoing and upcoming sustainability projects on LCA data will be communicated on a continuous basis to customers.

Sustainability is a core part of the vision and mission for Huber Advanced Materials, management affirms. The commitment to sustainability is reflected in a 2023 Ecovadis silver rating; WorldBusiness Council for Sustainable Development membership; completion of a recent Climate Risk Assessment; above industry average Carbon Disclosure Project score; and, recognition by Deloitte as a 2023 US Best Managed Company Gold Standard honoree. Huber Engineered Materials and its Advanced Materials business are part of J.H. Huber Corp., Atlanta.