Besser Co. has named Travis Witulski as Midwest sales representative. The appointment follows a six-year engineering and sales application engineering tour affording in-depth understanding of Besser production systems, parts, molds, and service that will seamlessly translate into exceptional customer support. Management credits his intimate knowledge of new and legacy equipment; knack for troubleshooting; commitment to providing solutions and service to…
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Are We Ready for Electric Concrete Trucks?
The economics of switching from diesel to electric—and what must be done to reach viability The Ford flathead V8 from 1932 is near-mythical. The engine’s rumble and power transformed road vehicles into speedsters that were often favored by moonshine runners. The 1909 Harley-Davidson V-twin engine, with its patented sound, is equally iconic. So why are we messing with the fabled…
Read MoreGraphene for Carbon-Neutral Concrete
Graphene technology promises carbon-neutral ready mixed concrete. Those seeking to aggressively push a transition to carbon neutrality should look to Adam Smith, known as the father of capitalism, for guidance. According to the 18th-century Scottish philosopher and economist, “By pursuing his own interest [the individual] frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote…
Read MoreDecode Customer Behavior to Control EBITDA!
Well-structured quotes based on customer behavior will help control variable costs and boost cash flow and earnings. A company often calculates its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) to measure financial health. Stripping out “nonoperational” expenses provides a clearer picture of your company’s ability to generate cash flow for its owners and for judging operational performance. The primary…
Read MoreCustomer Segmentation Service Levels
Group customers by their technology and service needs to become the supplier of choice. Worldwide, the production of ready mixed concrete is fundamentally the same. A plant in Dallas operates similar to plants in Dubai, Dublin and even Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam. The needs of customers, however, can be radically different—and that’s without taking into account their unique geographies. In…
Read MoreThe Real Value of Integrated Material Replenishment
Looking for true savings? Transition from “keep full” to “don’t run out.” U.S. ready mix concrete (RMC) production in 2023 should be just north of 400 million cubic yards, a recession notwithstanding. Based on an average five-bag mix, that means at least 27.5 million equivalent truckloads of aggregates and 4.75 million equivalent truckloads of cementitious materials will be required. Bulk…
Read MoreThe Economics of Reducing Truck Times at the Plant
Shaving off 1 minute of time at the plant could save $832 per truck annually. Managing ready mix concrete logistics is best summarized by an adaptation of the Serenity Prayer: Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Dispatchers cannot change the…
Read MorePaving the Year Forward
Five resolutions for the ready-mixed concrete industry. Happy New Year! From here on out, may our days be filled with more light, hope and resolutions for a better future. Taking a cue from Abraham Lincoln, who said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it,” let’s build a better outlook for our businesses and our industry. We…
Read MoreThe Simple Value of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete UHPC mixes can significantly reduce costs and carbon footprints.
Albert Einstein famously mused “If you can’t explain it to a 6-year-old, you don’t understand it yourself.” This can be applied to how many in the construction industry view ultra-high-performance concrete, or UHPC. While this type of concrete has been around for a long time, it is often dismissed as a complicated and expensive option. “It’s complicated” may not be…
Read MoreOrganizations – February 2022
North Carolina-based Concrete & Materials Placement has promoted Chris Dover to regional operations manager in western and central Carolinas and Louisiana markets. Dover has been with CMP since 2008, starting as a high-rise boom and line pump operator, proceeding to a series of management appointments. Along with administrative skills, Dover is also a Putzmeister Boom Inspector and Certified Pump Mechanic,…
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