Haumesser

Now retired after a 42-year career in the aggregate industry, Andrew Haumesser is the author of a 368-page book (“In The Aggregates”) that’s available from SME. Haumesser recently connected with Pit & Quarry from his home near Boise, Idaho, to discuss the book, why he wrote it and his time in pits and quarries.

What did you enjoy most about your career in the industry?

The constant challenges and the fact that things change on a daily basis. You’re dealing with personnel problems one day and mine planning another, and two days later you’re giving a presentation at a zoning meeting.

Tell us about the process of putting ‘In The Aggregates’ together.

It took about a year to write it. COVID came around, and the whole world pretty much shut down. We were sitting in a beautiful spot in Idaho with nothing to do. We didn’t travel. So, I started on it a few months into the pandemic.

What ultimately inspired you to write the book?

This was a bucket list project for me. The industry treated me well. I loved it, and the work was always stimulating.

Before I retired, one of the things I saw was the lack of young people coming into the industry. Ours is an industry where you have to get your hands dirty, and you work hard. You’re in all different weather conditions, and the industry didn’t seem to be attracting many young people.

What themes did you aim to get across in the book?

Andrew Haumesser, whose career in the aggregate industry began in the 1970s, wrote ‘In The Aggregates’ in about a year. Photo: Andrew Haumesser

When I went into the industry in the early 1970s, there were no reference books. There was no place where you could look things up. When you came into the aggregates industry and you knew nothing about crushers, there was no place to find anything. There was no Google. I always wished I had a reference book to show me how to do things.

I changed jobs after I was six or seven years into the industry. At the time, I was in a geology position. With my first project, the company wanted me to do a mine plan for a property. They wanted me to design a rail line where you have to move the rails every so often, chasing the deposit while doing this. I thought to myself: ‘I’m a geologist, and I don’t know anything about railroads.’

I had to learn about the maximum grades and curve on rails, as well as all of the specifications on our draglines. Unfortunately, there was no reference book to figure things out.

So, my purpose was to create a reference book of sorts. The book has a lot of simple engineering formulas and rules of thumb designed to help newcomers to the industry.

Why should somebody pick up your book?

Aggregates is a huge industry. Most people just think of it as there’s an old gravel pit down the road and a lot of dirty trucks. I stress a lot in the first couple chapters about the importance of the industry and the economic effect it has on the country. I would hope it might entice some outsiders to want to learn more about the industry.

Also, some of the book is technical, touching on crushing, screening and underground mining, because I wanted to get a technical reference out there.

Featured photo: P&Q Staff

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Jumeian

Haver & Boecker Niagara named Wajdi Jumeian its certified sales manager for California.

Jumeian brings 11 years of mineral processing experience to the California market, according to Haver & Boecker Niagara. His responsibilities include cultivating new and existing relationships with mining and aggregate customers and consulting on solutions to increase productivity and efficiency.

“Wajdi’s extensive technical and sales expertise, coupled with his exceptional problem-solving and customer service skills, make him an invaluable addition to the Haver & Boecker Niagara sales team,” says Peter Kilmurray, vice president of sales at Haver & Boecker Niagara. “We see tremendous opportunity in California for the unique products Haver & Boecker Niagara offers.”

Previously, Jumeian was a sales manager for screening technology in the Middle East for Haver & Boecker Niagara. Before joining the company, he served as a commissioning engineer for Hosokawa Alpine in Germany.

“I’m excited to join the North American team and use my experience and knowledge to help customers in California solve their screening challenges,” Jumeian says. “I’m confident we can work together to improve efficiency and profitability and tackle some of the regulatory challenges customers in California face.”

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BMC Enterprises CEO Nathan McKean discusses the opportunities both pathways present, detailing his preferred pathway while sharing how aggregates fits into the company’s overall strategy.

Featured Photo: P&Q Staff

VDG is the leading manufacturer of drum motors in the USA and Canada, providing mining and aggregate industries with a robust and reliable conveyor drive solution. Learn more about the VDG drum motor here.

The post Greenfield versus M&A: What’s the better growth pathway? first appeared on Pit & Quarry.

Charlie Luck and Richard Luck, who represent the third and fourth generations at family-owned Luck Stone, discuss the ongoing celebration while sharing their fondest memories in business.

Featured Photo: P&Q Staff

Related: Luck Stone, Caterpillar venturing into the unknown (Part 1)

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Total sales among CRH’s Americas Materials Solutions business were up 9 percent in the first half of 2023 compared to a year earlier. Photo: P&Q Staff

CRH reports that first-half sales and EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) were ahead of the prior year period, attributing its growth to factors such as “strong pricing offsetting cost inflation, significant contributions from prior year acquisitions and good underlying demand in key end-use markets.”

“I am pleased to report a strong first half performance reflecting the continued delivery of our differentiated strategy, further commercial progress across our business and good contributions from acquisitions,” says Albert Manifold, chief executive of CRH. “The strength of our balance sheet together with our relentless focus on disciplined capital allocation will enable us to invest in our future growth and value creation opportunities for our business.”

Performance in the Americas

The company says sales in its Americas Materials Solutions business over the first half of the year ($6.05 billion) were 9 percent above the same time last year. EBITDA ($925 million) was 13 percent ahead compared to a year earlier, with the company saying “good commercial management offset the impact of higher input costs and lower volumes resulting from unfavorable weather in certain regions.”

CRH expects robust infrastructure demand – driven by significant increases in U.S. and state funding – and good activity in key nonresidential segments will support North American operations throughout the rest of the year.

“Although residential construction activity is expected to remained subdued across many of our markets in the current interest rate environment, the underlying fundamentals are attractive and supportive of robust long-term growth,” CRH says in its interim results release.

Aggregates volumes in the Americas were 2 percent behind the first six months of 2022, according to CRH. The company says volumes decreased in the West and South regions due to unfavorable weather conditions. This was offset by good demand in the Great Lakes and Northeast regions, which benefited from higher levels of infrastructure funding.

CRH says strong commercial management drove aggregates pricing’s 15 percent increase in the first half of 2023.

Performance in Europe

Comparatively, sales among CRH’s Europe Materials Solutions ($4.79 billion) remained in line with the first six months of last year, adding $20 million in sales the first half of this year. EBITDA ($625 million) was 13 percent ahead of a year earlier.

In the area CRH characterizes as “essential materials,” first half sales in Europe were nearly 6 percent ahead of the six months ending June 30, 2022.

“Total sales were ahead of 2022, primarily driven by good pricing progress across all markets,” CRH says. “Activity levels were impacted by unfavorable weather, subdued new-build residential demand amid higher interest rates and ongoing cost inflation.”

Related: Ranking the nation’s top 1oo crushed stone producers

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Knife River Corp. saw record results in the third quarter, with increases in revenue, gross profit and EBITDA.

According to Knife River, its net revenue in construction materials was up nearly 14.5 percent in the third quarter to $553.1 million. Company-wide revenue increased 12 percent to $1.09 billion.

Knife River’s gross profit reached $269.4 million – a 46 percent increase from the third quarter of 2022. The company’s EBITDA grew 40 percent in the quarter to $241.4 million.

“We have achieved record financial results in consecutive quarters, driven in part by our ‘Competitive EDGE’ strategy and in part by the strong markets where we operate,” says Brian Gray, Knife River president and CEO. “Our third quarter 2023 revenue, net income, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA were better than any quarter in Knife River history.

According to the company, strong results in each region and double-digit price increases across all core product lines – aggregates, ready-mix concrete, asphalt and contracting services – drove its third-quarter growth.

“Price increases outpaced costs for the quarter and positively contributed to our margins, as we made further progress toward our previously stated margin-expansion goals,” Gray says.

He adds that local, state and federal funding is fueling long-term optimism.

“As of August, nearly $80 billion in funding from the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act has been allocated to projects in states where Knife River operates,” Gray says. “Additionally, states are also approving their own infrastructure spending, with Texas and Minnesota each recently announcing significant new funding for transportation infrastructure.”

Related: CEO reflects on Knife River’s culminating moment

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Photo: Durex Products

Durex Products offers a complete line of screen media, liners, wear parts, and screen accessories that help producers fine-tune production and increase tons-per-hour, while keeping products in spec and lowering operating costs.

Screen Media
Modular Urethane and Rubber — Available in modular snap-in, pin-style, knock-in, and bolt-in systems. Tapered openings are wider at the bottom, reducing plugging and increasing throughput.

Livewire — Self-cleaning screens featuring molded rubber strips that hold high-strength wires in place. Provides better screening action and greater open area.

Armor — High-grade woven-wire cloth combined with molded premium polyurethane. Increases throughput and reduces plugging and noise.

Accuslot — Self-cleaning screen that reduces plugging/blinding while minimizing the passing of slivers and chips.

Vibraspan — Self-cleaning screen featuring longitudinal slots and either straight or intercrimp wires. Provides more open area, without sacrificing product size control.

Vibraclean — Self-cleaning screen with alternating crimped and straight wires. Allows increased load capacity, while maintaining self-cleaning benefits.

Woven and Slotted Wire— High-quality XT, oil-tempered, stainless, or high-carbon steel. Allows the use of lighter-gauge wire, while providing excellent wear life. Long slot triple shoot screens are crimped to provide better screening accuracy and eliminate blinding/plugging.

For more information about Durex’s full line of aggregate solutions, call 715.483.9611 or email customerservice@durexproducts.com.

Learn more.

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AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo returns to Nashville’s Music City Center in March before transitioning to St. Louis in 2025. Photo: P&Q Staff

Editor’s note: The event details presented here are subject to change. Visit organization websites for updates.

KANSAS AGGREGATE PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION-KANSAS READY MIXED CONCRETE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
Jan. 10-12 | Olathe Conference Center | Olathe, Kansas

MISSOURI MINE SAFETY & HEALTH CONFERENCE
Jan. 11-12 | Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks | Osage Beach, Missouri

AED SUMMIT
Jan. 16-18 | Mirage Las Vegas | Las Vegas

WORLD OF CONCRETE
Jan. 22-25 | Las Vegas Convention Center | Las Vegas

ONTARIO STONE, SAND & GRAVEL ASSOCIATION OPERATIONS, HEALTH & SAFETY SEMINAR
Jan. 24-25 | Marriott Toronto Airport Hotel | Toronto, Ontario

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF EXPLOSIVES ENGINEERS CONFERENCE ON EXPLOSIVES & BLASTING TECHNIQUE
Jan. 24-27 | Savannah Convention Center | Savannah, Georgia

NATIONAL ASPHALT PAVEMENT ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING
Jan. 28-31 | Omni Orlando Resort | ChampionsGate, Florida

PIT & QUARRY ROUNDTABLE & CONFERENCE
Feb. 1-2 | PGA National Resort | Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

MICHIGAN AGGREGATES ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Feb. 14-16 | Firekeepers Casino Hotel | Battle Creek, Michigan

OKLAHOMA AGGREGATES ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING
Feb. 19-21 | Reed Conference Center | Midwest City, Oklahoma

GEORGIA CONSTRUCTION AGGREGATE ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP & EXPO
Feb. 20-22 | Cobb Galleria Centre | Atlanta

ONTARIO STONE, SAND & GRAVEL ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE
Feb. 20-22 | Hilton Toronto Hotel | Toronto, Ontario

IOWA LIMESTONE PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONVENTION
Feb. 21-22 | Hyatt Regency Coralville | Coralville, Iowa

NEBRASKA CONCRETE & AGGREGATES ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONVENTION
Feb. 22-23 | Younes Conference Center-North | Kearney, Nebraska

MINEXCHANGE: SME ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO
Feb. 25-28 | Phoenix Convention Center | Phoenix

KENTUCKY CRUSHED STONE ASSOCIATION SAFETY & EDUCATION SEMINAR
Feb. 28-29 | Marriott Louisville East | Louisville, Kentucky

NATIONAL READY MIXED CONCRETE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONVENTION
March 18-21 | JW Marriott Tampa Water Street | Tampa, Florida

NSSGA ANNUAL CONVENTION
March 23-26 | Omni Nashville Hotel | Nashville, Tennessee

PIT & QUARRY HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY
March 24 | Omni Nashville Hotel | Nashville, Tennessee

AGG1 AGGREGATES ACADEMY & EXPO
March 25-27 | Music City Center | Nashville, Tennessee

BRITISH COLUMBIA STONE, SAND & GRAVEL ASSOCIATION TRADE SHOW & CONFERENCE
April 25-26 | Delta Marriott | Victoria, British Columbia

NSSGA YOUNG LEADERS ANNUAL MEETING
April 28-May 1 | San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk | San Antonio

NCAA ANNUAL CONVENTION
June 5-7 | Marina Inn at Grand Dunes | Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

NSSGA LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
June 9-11 | La Playa Beach & Golf Resort | Naples, Florida

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Schmidtlein

Road Machinery & Supplies Co. (RMS), a distributor of construction and mining equipment, named Ben Schmidtlein vice president of aggregate, a new position within the company.

Schmidtlein joined the company in early 2020 and has guided substantial growth in aggregate sales and support for RMS, the company says. During his tenure, RMS built a dedicated aggregate division with a focused sales and support team, according to RMS.

“Ben’s leadership of the aggregate division has been a key factor in our growth,” says RMS president Russell Sheaffer. “He has built a team of capable sales and support personnel, and accelerated machine sales through more strategic planning and forecasting of market requirements. I’m excited to align our aggregate efforts more closely by combining our pit and quarry supplies group under Ben and am confident that, under his leadership, we can continue to expand our aggregate business.”

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