4 minute read
Manufacturing and Quality Control
MANUFACTURING
All of Ajax’s seven asphalt plants located in North Venice, Punta Gorda, Palmetto, Fort Myers, Odessa, Tampa and Largo were once again rewarded with NAPA’s Diamond Achievement Commendation for Excellence in Asphalt Plant/Site Operations and the Diamond Achievement Sustainable Commendation. This Diamond Achievement Commendation recognizes responsible asphalt operation practices, but also cultivates good community relations. This award clearly demonstrates a commitment to excellence with a community focus. The selfassessment process addresses five essential facets of the asphalt plant/site: appearance, operations, environmental practices, safety and community relations. Earning the Commendation exemplifies the asphalt plant’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement in all aspects of facility operations and community relations. This annual commendation is possible through the application efforts of Hector Arroyo and all plant personnel.
NAPA Diamond Quality Commendation
Ajax’s seven asphalt plants continue to maintain NAPA’s Diamond Quality Commendation. This Commendation is a unique self-assessment program that focuses on plant practices resulting in excellent product quality. The Diamond Quality Commendation is an honor in which a company, their customers, their employees and the industry can take great pride. It clearly demonstrates a corporate commitment to quality. The areas evaluated through the self-assessment process include Quality Management, Aggregate RAP and RAS handling, asphalt storage, drying and mixing, air quality, truck scales, silos safety and control rooms. Earning the Commendation is a mark of distinction signifying a company that follows responsible practices and the blueprint for excellence in the production of pavement material that is produced.
Plant 1 - North Venice
Plant Upgrades & Improvements
Recycle screen on the shaker deck was replaced. Lower level of the control tower that was previously a storage room was remodeled and converted into a mix design laboratory that is also capable of performing long term performance capabilities of our mix designs. Construction of the new storage building that is part of the TPR Initiative was underway prior to the end of 2018.
Plant 2 - Punta Gorda New recycle bin was installed over July shutdown.
New air compressor was installed.
Plant 7 - Largo Construction of the new stormwater management pond is complete. A special thank you goes out to Dale Purcell for managing this project along with his crew of Eric Dasaro, Donnie Bullock, Joseph Nagle, Ramon Kean and Rickie Stephens. Mike Schwabach was the guy that tied it all together in the end.
Manufacturing & Quality Control
“A” Team Membership Card - Quality Policy
Ajax is committed to implementing and maintaining a Quality Management System that ensures products and services are delivered in conformance with specifications on time and within budget. The Ajax Quality Management System is an integral part of the management methodology of the company and is designed to assure the continued reputation of Ajax as a deliverer of superior products and services.
All Ajax employees accept responsibility for ensuring that this policy is fulfilled.
Ajax’s Quality Engineer - AlfredoCastro
In 2017, Alfredo contacted me about possible employment shortly before completing his graduate studies at Auburn University. The first question I asked Alfredo was, “Why Ajax?” His response was that he was performing his thesis work at the National Center For Asphalt (NCAT Test Track). During his studies at the track, he had seen many national awards that Ajax had received and he wanted to work for a company that promoted quality. I thought, good answer.
Alfredo traveled down to meet me and several members of the Manufacturing Management Team as well as Ajax Ownership. Based on his credentials and our face-to-face meetings, it was apparent that Alfredo was someone we wanted. He was looking for a hands-on approach and wanted to be in the middle of the fray. It was apparent that he had the Mike Horan “all hands on deck” mentality. Even though he has an advanced degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Pavement and Materials Engineering, he is at work each day with his boots and blue jeans on and is in the middle of it all.
Since coming on board, Alfredo has: Worked on some specialized research projects for Mark Minich, Executive Vice President. Performed field sampling and laboratory analysis on a Hillsborough County Resurfacing project. Completed mix designs on SP-19.0mm mixes that have proven to be very successful both at the plant and in the field.
Completed multiple mix designs on various projects. Represented Ajax at the Southeast Asphalt Users Producers Group and the National Asphalt Pavement Association Conference on Stone Matrix Asphalt Mix. When you get a chance, stop by Alfredo’s office/laboratory to say welcome, and let him show you some of the exciting things that he is working on.
By Vince Hafeli Vice President
