CONEXPOCONAGG Show Preview Inside!
• Know when to invest in the new guy
• How to train with artificial intelligence
• Workforce development signing ceremony
• Duval shows how to increase EAP participation
• Asphalt-centric direction for industry’s largest show
Astec paves the way for sustainable, innovative asphalt plants. The new IntelliPac Moisture System is a revolutionary solution that integrates seamlessly with Astec control systems. This provides unparalleled, real-time visibility into virgin aggregate moisture content. IntelliPac empowers operators to optimize mix design, minimize energy consumption, and reduce environmental impact. With Astec, you get superior asphalt production – better for the environment, better for your business.
38 – Separate Asphalt from the Noise Directly improve your bottom line by homing in on the products and services most relevant to your asphalt business at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 By AsphaltPro Staff
50 – Celebrating Workforce Development at CONEXPO By Sandy Lender 52 – Top 10 Tips for Prepping to Survive CONEXPO ’26 By AsphaltPro Staff
28 – Leveraging AI for the Asphalt Industry Still Requires a Personal Relationship By Ed Wallace and Sandy Lender 32 – Duval & ATS Recognize Workers By Molly Berry
As a child, I read a book about a boy who refused to go to school. He refused to learn how to read or count, so when his mother sent him to the store to pick up ingredients for a recipe, he walked part-way down the road before he became lost. He couldn’t read the signs to navigate his way to town. Once someone helped him find the store, he needed help with basic tasks, including counting money to pay for his items. (Imagine that kid trying to attend CONEXPO next month!)
Fast forward to today and consider the situation on our nation’s interstates. We have a percentage of over-the-road truck drivers piloting 18-wheelers at 55 and 70 mph without the ability to read the highway signs.
According to Reuters, Secretary Duffy had informed the Minnesota Department of Public Safety in December 2025 that it would need to evaluate its commercial driver’s license (CDL) rolls and revoke any CDLs improperly issued to individuals who are “non-domiciled.” An audit, Reuters shared, suggested one-third of the non-domiciled CDLs reviewed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in Minnesota had been issued illegally. If the department fails to perform its evaluation, the state stands to lose access to $30.4 million in federal highway funds.
Since that edict, other issues have come up for the state, but the point I’d like to make is basic language skills provide more than public safety.
The ability to speak to workers in the construction (or trucking) industry is more than a safety issue, although I think we can all see the importance of being able to quickly communicate that a component is faulty, or a mix is hot enough to harm a person. We work in an industry where using and understanding language is critical. Using language that all members of the crew understand is also respectful. I’m not
suggesting everyone on a crew must adapt and learn a language foreign to them to accommodate one new person who speaks Arabic, Hindi, Spanish or something else. What I’m saying is there are ways in this modern age to interpret, not just translate, so a new crew member feels included and safe. We have an article from a language expert on this on page 14.
Do you have fellow crew members who can serve as interpreters and intermediaries to help keep each member of the crew safe? You may have someone who is gifted at learning new languages or who already speaks more than one language on the crew. If we think back to the children’s story I read some 50 years ago, a person who could read road signs was able to help the kid reach the store. The lad received help to accomplish his task and get home safely— learning a lesson about the importance of education along the way. Such helpers can be hired as consultants or found among your workforce already.
As our construction workforce changes and companies seek new and innovative ways to keep skilled workers throughout their careers, communication will be at the forefront of conversations. Perhaps that pun is intended. When learning how a worker communicates, you also learn how to safeguard, train and retain that worker.
I look forward to communicating with you at the upcoming CONEXPO-CON/ AGG in Vegas. Stop by the AsphaltPro booth GL30901 to talk asphalt and share ideas for a safe and growing workforce. And check out the asphalt-centric show preview starting on page 37.
Stay Safe,
Sandy Lender
602 W. Morrison, Box 6a Fayette, MO 65248 (660) 728-5007 • www.theasphaltpro.com
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AsphaltPro is published 11 times per year. Writers expressing views in AsphaltPro Magazine or on the AsphaltPro website are professionals with sound, professional advice. Views expressed herein are not necessarily the same as the views of AsphaltPro, thus producers/contractors are still encouraged to use best practices when implementing new advice.
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Hard-won know-how for the next
Every new hire costs time, training, and attention from your best people. Bill Stanley shares which early signals show him who’s worth the extra investment.
BY BILL STANLEY
I’ve hired a lot of people over the years. Some worked out. Some didn’t. And what I’ve learned is that you don’t have to wait long to see the difference.
The signs show up early—sometimes in the interview, sometimes on Day One. If you’re paying attention, you can start to see who’s going to grow into a solid, long-term employee and who probably isn’t.
That matters because every new hire costs you something: time, training, and attention from your best people. This isn’t about being impatient or unfair. It’s about knowing where to invest your resources so the people who really want to be here get the support they need to succeed and stay.
Here’s what I watch for early on, and how I decide who’s worth that extra investment.
I usually know within the first couple of days if a new hire is going to work out. Not because I’ve figured them out completely, but because I’m watching how much I have to tell them what to do.
I’ve had guys who didn’t work out come into my office and say, “I did everything you asked me to do.” And they did. But if I have to direct every move, that tells me something. Early on, I’m not looking for skill or experience. I’m looking for awareness.
The keepers notice what’s going on around them, even before they understand the whole job. They’ll move something that’s about to get run over. They’ll recognize when equipment is moving and make sure the area is clear without putting themselves in an unsafe situation. Nobody had to explain the entire operation for them to see that something needed done.
That’s the difference I’m watching for. Doing exactly what you’re told is easy. Paying attention to the job instead of just your assignment takes a different mindset.
If I see that awareness early, I’m willing to slow the crew down and invest the time to train the new guy. If I don’t, I’m not going to force it or drag it out. That’s how I know, and I know fast.
I’ve said this before, and I still believe it. I look at hiring the same way I look at a relationship. We date for a while. If that goes well, we get engaged. If that still works, we get married. The interview is the first date.
At that stage, I’m not trying to impress anyone with perks or promises. I’m trying to show you who we are, how we operate, and where we’re trying to go. Just like on a real first date, I’m letting you get to know us and seeing if you actually like what you see.
There’s a big difference between selling and showing. Selling sounds like perks, numbers, and guarantees. It’s the dating version of someone talking nonstop about how much money they make, what they drive, and how great they are. Showing is simpler. It’s letting someone see who you really are and then deciding if that’s something they want to be part of.
A lot of companies use the interview to talk about everything they’re going to give the employee. We don’t do that. Of course we pay a fair wage. We run clean equipment. We’re professional. But we also make it clear right there in the interview that the real opportunity comes later—bigger responsibility, more trust, real career progression. That’s engagement and marriage, not a first date.
I learn a lot by how someone reacts to that in the interview. Are they interested in the work and where it can go, or are they focused on what they get right now? And when someone says, “I’ll let you know,” that’s usually my answer. That’s the dating version of “I’ll call you sometime.”
The people who work out don’t need to be sold. They lean in. They want to know if this has a future. That’s what I’m trying to figure out early, before either side commits more than they should.
Sometimes it’s obvious when a new hire isn’t going to work out. They don’t show up. They don’t follow directions. They operate unsafely. Those situations sort themselves out quickly.
The tougher ones are the hires who show up, do what they’re told, and don’t cause waves, but if you watch closely, you start to see the issue. If you don’t give them the next move, nothing happens. If something’s in the way, it stays there. If there’s downtime, they pull out their phone instead of finding something useful to do.
On a construction site, that approach creates problems. It slows the crew down, puts extra pressure on the people around them, and forces foremen to start micromanaging things they shouldn’t have to be managing.
Another warning sign is when something goes wrong and the answer is, “I didn’t see it.” If you’re not seeing what’s happening around you, you’re not just falling behind, you’re creating risk. Awareness matters, and the lack of it shows up early.
These hires don’t usually fail fast. They hang around. And over time, they quietly drag the whole operation down.
This is where having too many “good enough” employees starts costing you your best people.
I’ve got a young guy right now who started at the bottom and earned his way up. He’s become one of my most reliable truck drivers. He’s eager to learn new equipment. He’s ready for more responsibility and should be moving up.
The problem isn’t him. The problem is that if I move him, I don’t have anyone ready to replace him. He can’t move up until someone can step into his role, and right now I don’t have that. The people behind him can only do one thing, and they need too much direction to keep the operation moving.
So he’s stuck. And sooner or later, that rising star starts looking for other opportunities because there’s nowhere for him to go in your organization.
That’s why I’m willing to make hard changes. I’ll replace multiple people if I have to in order to keep one high-potential employee moving forward. Because once you lose that person, you don’t just lose a worker. You lose momentum, leadership, and the future you were trying to build.
Everybody makes mistakes. That’s part of learning. We expect it. Some mistakes just come down to learning our standards. Don’t pull onto a homeowner’s yard. Take pride in how things look when we leave the job. Keep your truck and equipment clean. That stuff matters to us. Those are training issues. We correct them and move on. Where the line gets drawn is safety.
For example, walking between the paver and the trucks. If it happens once and we correct it, fine. If it happens again, it’s not a mistake—it’s a habit. And bad habits on a construction site get people hurt or killed. The same goes for when something serious happens and the answer is, “I didn’t see it.” Once might be a wake-up call. Twice is a problem. Because out here, not seeing things has real consequences.
Owners and foremen aren’t the only ones watching a new hire. Experienced crew members are, too. They’re the ones working side by side all day.
I pay close attention to what the crew says. If they tell me, “He’s trying,” or “He’s getting it,” that matters. If they say, “I don’t want to work with him,” that matters, too. I need to know why. Sometimes it’s because the new hire isn’t working out. Other times, it has more to do with the veteran employee saying it.
I’ve seen both. Some people are glad to have a strong new hire and are willing to help them get better. Other people feel threatened when someone new shows potential, especially when they realize that person might pass them if they don’t step up.
That’s where leadership has to stay engaged. You have to understand why someone doesn’t want to work with a new hire. If the new employee truly isn’t cutting it, that’s one decision. But if the pushback is coming from a veteran employee’s insecurity, you can end up firing a rising star.
Insecure employees can still be good employees, but they need to be reminded of the caboose problem—and at the same time, that rising star needs to be protected and nurtured. Neither of those things can happen if you don’t understand the why.
Here’s the truth. You never know everything about a new hire on Day One. But if you’re paying attention, you know enough to decide whether someone might be worth the extra effort.
You see it first in the interview. Are they asking where this can go, or are they only focused on pay, time off, and perks? Then you see it again on Day One. Are they paying attention? Are they proactive? Are they engaged in what’s happening around them?
That’s when I start leaning in. I spend time with them. I train them. I put them with the right people on the crew—the ones who will help them get better. At that point, we’re still dating, but there’s real commitment on both sides. If that keeps going well, they earn more responsibility and more opportunity. We’re not just dating anymore. Now we’re engaged. And when it just keeps working, that employee is marriage material. At this point, we’re not talking about a job anymore. I’m all in to help build them a lifelong, profitable career.
Let’s Talk at CONEXPO! We can talk about this and other paving topics during my AsphaltPro Ask the Expert session at CONEXPOCON/AGG the week of March 3-7. The booth number is 30901 in the grand lobby, located between the central and north halls. Check the AsphaltPro blog closer to the big show for my date and time!
BY LORETTA MULBERRY
Walk onto almost any construction site in the United States, and you’ll see that our industry is powered by a diverse, multilingual workforce. While this can be a strength, the language gap can present increased risk in an already dangerous industry if left unaddressed. The solution does not need to be expensive, though there is significant ROI potential to improving your language access. The first and most important step is simply to acknowledge the gaps in your operation and dedicate yourself to bridging them one piece at a time.
A large part of our workforce is Latino and Spanish-speaking. While the exact figure is hard to determine due to systemic underreporting of this demographic, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that Hispanics (meaning people with the ethnic background of a Spanish-speaking country) make up more than 19% of the U.S. workforce as of 2023. Hispanics are overrepresented in the construction industry with the CPWR estimating over a third of the construction workforce being Hispanic as of 2022, about 25% more than in 2011.
Data from both sources confirms that Latino construction professionals face a disproportionately higher risk of both injury and fatality on the job. In fact, OSHA estimates that language plays a role in one out of every four job site incidents. Still, most safety and training resources in the trades are available only in English leading to both language and culture barriers.
This isn’t an issue that can be swept aside because “this is just the way things have always been.” The language gap will impact most if not all organizations at some point, whether directly with your team members or more indirectly through inability to recruit and retain qualified candidates simply because of their language skills.
The solution is language access. If you’re new to this term, it simply means providing all employees with equitable access to the resources they need to learn effectively and work safely, regardless of their level of English proficiency. It’s about enabling communication.
Understanding some language services-specific terminology will help you build your strategy. While all language services are largely referred to as “translation,” there’s a big difference between the need for (and the skill to perform) translation versus interpreting.
• Translation is for written words, like safety manuals, job descriptions and employee handbooks.
• Interpreting is for spoken words, like a safety meeting, a candidate interview or an on-the-spot injury report.
• You’ll also see the term Limited English Proficiency (LEP), which, when referencing a worker with LEP, refers to individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and will have a limited ability to read, speak, write or understand it.
Without a plan for language access, your operation is vulnerable to many avoidable risks. The first and perhaps most obvious gap is safety. If workers can’t understand their safety training, a shouted warning, or the hazardous materials sign, they are in immediate danger.
This is directly tied to the second gap: training. We all learn best and engage more enthusiastically in our native language. A CPWR study showed a 90% increase in engagement with safety materials once workers were provided with Spanish language documents. If your training is only in English, you’re not getting the best out of your team and you’re likely spending extra time and money to retrain when the message wasn’t impactful the first time. Employees who get proper training in their own language will work more safely, confidently and efficiently. That same CPWR study resulted not only in a decrease in injury incidents for the LEP workers now being trained in Spanish, but improved safety numbers, general efficiency, and employee morale for the entire team.
The third most prevalent gap is recruiting. Language access isn’t just a safety problem; it’s a business and human problem. If all your job applications, ads and onboarding materials are English-only, you’re cutting yourself off from a massive pool of skilled, motivated talent.
Combined, all of this leads to a critical gap in mental health and suicide prevention. Construction already has a devastatingly high suicide rate. Many causes are exacerbated by the isolation and strain of language and cultural gaps. We can’t expect someone to feel mentally safe if they don’t even feel physically safe.
Migrant workers often feel immense pressure to put performance before their own well-being, fearing they’ll lose their job if they speak up. Some might come from a cultural background where employee safety was a far lower priority than productivity, or they may have experienced retaliation when communicating issues or concerns with leadership. In this case, connecting with team members on a human level is key to building trust that you truly do care about their safety.
Fortunately, there are many small and easily achievable steps to take toward closing these gaps, and you don’t have to fix everything overnight. The best place to start is with your people. Look within your ranks. You probably already have “bilingual champions” on your crew—people who are constantly being pulled aside to translate or interpret for others. Formally recognize this work. Give them the space and time to do this linguistic work properly, without sacrificing the quality of their “real” job or their own mental health.
Better yet, consider outsourcing some of this linguistic work to a professional language services provider. Aim your mentorship and leadership training programs directly at your LEP workers and, when you have openings, try to hire bilingual people for your key leadership and administrative roles.
A great first project is to get your core onboarding and training materials translated into Spanish. This immediately expands your recruiting pool and starts every new hire off on the right foot. But this has an even more powerful side-effect of building trust. Many migrant workers may not know they are afforded many legal protections (like OSHA rights). When onboarding, present them with their rights alongside their responsibilities. This one act builds immense trust and shows you’re a company that rules by respect, not fear.
This trust-building is essential for your mental health initiatives. Don’t just translate your existing employer assistance program (EAP) flyer and call it a day. Work with your multicultural team members to make your initiatives culturally relevant as well as linguistically accurate. The message must fit the audience. For many, religion and family are pillars of support, so let your programs prioritize those if that’s what your team members prefer. For high-stakes events like all-hands safety meetings or important human resources calls, hire a professional interpreter to ensure everyone is on the same page. If these events are shown as videos, consider dubbing them into Spanish or at least subtitling them.
There are several options to begin your translation efforts. If you’re doing it in-house, look into a free or cheap computer-assisted translation (CAT) tool. This is a type of translation management software that centralizes all your translations, keeps them consistent, and makes you more efficient by automatically recognizing and filling previously translated text. AI tools are getting better all the time, but it is always prudent to have a professional linguist or at least a native speaker check the AI translations for quality assurance before you publish them.
If you’re outsourcing to a professional language services provider, which is highly recommended to take some of that linguistic work off your bilingual team members’ plates, be specific with your questions and about your needs to find the right partner for your unique team. Don’t be afraid to shop around between freelancers or larger companies.
It can feel overwhelming, so prioritization is key. Start with whatever will have the most impact on keeping team members safe and keeping your company in compliance. This usually means tackling the employee handbook, safety manuals, benefits information and all orientation materials first. Remember, OSHA requires employee understanding.
Ultimately, you don’t need to become a linguistic and cultural expert overnight. Your LEP workers already know what they want and need. When in doubt, ask them. Your most important job is to create a supportive environment that is free of judgment and repercussion. When your people feel confident enough to speak up about their concerns and communicate their ideas for improvement, you’ve unlocked the single most powerful safety and efficiency tool you have.
Loretta Mulberry is the proprietor of LM Consulting Services LLC. Connect with her on LinkedIn or by email lorettamulberry@gmail.com
This tamping screed, made in the European Union, is also an example of a rear mount screed, which we’ll discuss in the next installment of the “Using the Screed Effectively” series.
BY BENJAMIN EVERETT
Starting with this issue, let’s do a bit of a review on the three most common types of screeds we tend to use. Please note, there are still certain regions that mandate and use fixed screeds. However, for the most part, the lion’s share of hydraulically extendable paver screeds tend to be in three distinct camps:
• European Union style tamping, tamping and vibratory, duo-tamp and tamping with pressure bars
• Rear mounted hydraulic extendable screeds with vibration (common in the United States)
• Front mounted hydraulic extendable screeds with vibration (common in the United States)
In this first installment, I’ll focus on the European style tamping screeds, which are rare in the United States. We typically see them used in limited numbers in specialized niche markets such as roller compacted concrete and cement-treated base work.
Why do we have such a range? Why can’t one type of screed do everything? One size doesn’t fit all in asphalt paving. Consider: we don’t all perform the exact same type of work. Asphalt is as specialized and highly technical as anything requiring skill. You won’t see
surgeons performing complex operations with a single, wide bladed meat cleaver. They have a variety of specialized instruments to have the right tool for the right job.
Just as surgeons or mechanics have more than one type of tool in their toolboxes and a golfer uses multiple types of golf clubs depending on what they are trying to do, so it is in the asphalt paving world.
But before we get too far into it, let’s have a quick recap on the fundamental differences between paving in Europe and paving in North America, because therein lies the key to answering this. Paving in the continental United States, Australia and New Zealand is not like in Europe.
In a nutshell, Europe tends to pave about half the speed of that typically seen in the United States. Asphalt lifts in Europe are usually placed much more thickly with each pass (other than the final surface layer), with a strong emphasis on pre-compaction from the paver screed via the action of tampers.
This is advantageous from the standpoint that because the paver has already done much of the initial compaction, final density is easier to attain, and there is less of a need to rely on a large flotilla of
This is the Caterpillar tamping screed model SE60 VT XW mounted on an AP655 paver. Notice the manual rotary depth cranks or “screws,” which is a rare feature on an E.U.-style tamping screed. It’s a unique advantage this screed offers. Photo courtesy of Caterpillar
heavy rollers. This is why when we see European final lift or surface placement, they are often using only a few very modest sized 4- to 5-tonne tandem vibratory steel rollers.
The E.U.-style tamping screeds also generally plane at a lower angle of attack versus a North American type of vibratory screed (1/8inch versus ¼-inch), which allows the screed plates to be “flatter” to impart more dynamic energy into the mix.
NOTE: There’s a point to be aware of in relation to all brands of tamping screeds. A unique situation exists whereby in the course of routine tamper operation (typically about 1,250 revolutions per minute (RPM) or about half the speed of a vibrator shaft), the action of the tampers induces a slight vacuum. This manifests as a very slight “misting” and causes a small amount of liquid bitumen to be drawn up into the tamper blades and associated area. Although the amount of liquid bitumen is miniscule, over the course of a large amount of material being placed each shift (i.e. 500-1,000 tons), this results in a quantity of liquid AC residing in the tamper frame area that will set and congeal. You can conceptualize this phenomenon as being similar to any type of asphalt material handling component such as the hopper sides, slat conveyors and augers etc. We don’t let that AC transfer build up and create problems for us the next day. Therefore, diligence and thorough attention to cleaning the tamper area is just as important.
Think of your screed the way we have been taught to think of pavement preservation methods. We choose the right treatment for the right pavement at the right time. Apply that logic to the screed. We want to select the right screed for the right project at the right parameters.
The ALLU Asphalt Screening Bucket is built for screening and crushing cold-milled asphalt and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). It crushes clumps, screens fine material, and separates oversized particles in a single pass. The hybrid blade setup delivers the right crushing power with efficient screening. It reduces the need for impact crushers, cutting fuel use, wear part costs, and operating hours.
Whether you’re processing 100 or 250 tons per hour, ALLU helps you optimize your recycled asphalt handling.
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“The ALLU Asphalt Bucket is much more efficient, productive and less expensive than bringing a mobile crushing plant on to the work site, essentially it does the same job for less than a top-ofthe-range mobile crusher. They are easy to use and much easier to maintain and they enable us to access restricted sites where we might not be able to bring in a separate crusher unit.”
Tom Chapman, Director MRD Plant, United Kingdom
This is the European Union style tamping screed setup. It usually has threaded bolts to adjust the screed pitch. If the crew hasn’t brought wrenches to the job site with them, this will not be an easy thing to adjust. This means many crews using this style of screed won’t adjust the screed pitch as they should when encountering a change in mat thickness.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to a tamping screed design compared to a standard vibratory screed. So, what is the rule of thumb when you should consider using a tamping screed over a vibratory screed?
My rule(s) of thumb are these:
A. If 75% or more of your work is over 3 to 4 inches compacted depth with one lift of asphalt
B. If you are consistently placing predominantly large size asphalt mix such as ¾- to 1-inch nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS)
C. If you are primarily placing roller compacted concrete, concrete-treated base, unbound granular base such as railway ballast or 1.5-inch size subbase with an asphalt paver instead of placing it with a grader
D. If you are struggling to get the target density and/or air voids from a standard vibratory screed
If I’m not having to contend with the above, my screed of choice is a vibratory one.
Mostly in North America, we are placing mixes in the ½- to ¾-NMAS range, in lifts of 2 to 3 inches compacted depth. Further, there is an unspoken (yet an undeniable) need for speed in the U.S. asphalt paving market.
Someone trying to use a tamping screed paver and thinking they will be able to keep up with a competitor using a vibratory screed paver on a 2-inch compacted depth commercial site with a ½-inch NMAS dense graded mix is likely to be outgunned and out paved. It’s like expecting a long distance or marathon runner to be competitive in a 300-meter sprint.
It’s not that a tamping screed is wrong or a bad idea. On the contrary, it’s an excellent tool in the right setting. Generally speaking, this rules out most tamping screeds from being the tool of choice for commercial and residential paving as well as thin overlays or mill and inlay jobs.
Think of it like this. Most tamping screeds are heavy, rigid and extremely solid in build. They are pretty much designed to be set up once, at the start of a project, and to place a deep, consistent thickness over essentially constant widths. Think airports and heavy industrial sites like ports and terminals.
In this application, they are usually the right choice and can deliver great results. If you need to get target density and consistent compaction results on high spec work with something that requires essentially a flat transverse profile, the tamping screed does it like a champ all day long. I often use tamping screed pavers, and in fact I have two of my own units, which I like. I find them predictable and a nice unit to use; in the right application that is.
Now imagine another scenario; one no less challenging but in a different way. It’s something most people outside of the industry don’t usually comprehend or appreciate. Many older, urban metropolitan roading networks feature a heavily crowned road profile that constantly changes, with a longitudinal shape that resembles a roller coaster. I grew up exposed to that sort of road type, and it’s not something for the faint hearted.
When performing pavement maintenance on these roadways, you are tasked with typically getting in and out quickly to hand the road back to the public as soon as possible. You must place a consistent 1.25- to 2.0-inch overlay (or mill and inlay as it usually is) while matching into existing misshapen concrete curb and gutter (that’s all up and down) and dodging manhole covers. Often, we have to introduce extreme + or - slope and maximum crowning from the main screed to avoid “grazing the highs” and “filling the lows” to ensure we meet the target mix quantity.
These jobs aren’t usually about ride quality or compliance with a straightedge, because they are rarely flat. They are frequently of a transverse profile that alternates between a crown and a gulley (or swale). And just to make it even more difficult, almost always they are bid and paid on a square meter basis rather than tons, meaning if you go over the calculated mix quantity for the area paved, that extra mix cost is on you.
In my opinion, there is only one tool for a challenge like that—a North American design vibratory screed with front mounted ex-
tenders, power crown, slope and match height, and if possible, a berm builder feature. Think of models like the Blaw-Knox UltiMat 16 and 160, Carlson EZ4, and Caterpillar SE47 FM. For these “roads from hell,” these screed models can be “shaped” to the extreme road profile. That’s not typically something a rigid, heavy, inflexible tamping screed is designed to do.
As always in life, there are one or two exceptions to the rule. I have noticed Caterpillar’s heavy 3.0- to 6.0-m tamping screed model SE 60 VT XW comes standard with power crown, extender slope and match height and it appears to be the only tamping screed offered with traditional rotary depth cranks (screws) instead of the typical E.U. threaded rod type angle of attack adjusters.
Further, ABG/Ammann is offering two sizes of rear mount (single and duo tamping models) screed versions that come standard with power crown and power extender slope (+ and -) as well as match height. These are the 8-foot, 2-inch basic width VB-79/VDT-V 79
manufacture all
and the 9.84-foot basic width model VB-89/VDT-V 89. Both types can slope each extender +/- 10%, which is rather impressive in my view for an E.U. tamping screed. With these two brands of E.U. tamping screeds offering those very desirable features as standard, it puts them into quite a unique category. I consider them the exception to the rule. I’m watching both with some interest.
I think I’ve managed to articulate pretty much what I’m trying to convey via a typical E.U. design tamping screed, along with the many positives, and also some negatives it has. Bottom line—in the right application, a tamping screed is an excellent choice and delivers results. Just be sure to carefully evaluate your particular type of work to decide if it’s right for you.
I’d be happy to talk more about these positives, negatives, and best use cases, as well as other asphalt paving topics during my Ask the Expert session at the AsphaltPro Magazine booth GL30901 during CONEXPO-CON/AGG. I’ll be at the booth on Wednesday, March 4, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
In the next installment, I’ll go over the traditional and common North American vibratory style screeds that we use almost every day, and do a deep dive on the front and rear mount designs.
Benjamin Everett is the owner of About Asphalt Ltd., and has worked in the asphalt industry for nearly four decades. For more information, contact him at bjeverett@aboutasphalt.co.
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BY SANDY LENDER
To celebrate the asphalt industry’s commitment to workforce development this month, we take a look at a woman of asphalt who is not only excelling within her chosen profession, but who is also being recognized with advancement. The Rogers Group, Nashville, Tennessee, has recently promoted Brianna Overstreet, who joined the company in 2013 as an asphalt plant operator, to assistant corporate asphalt plants manager. Overstreet took some time to share her experience and encourage others.
AsphaltPro: Please share your career path since high school. What challenges or roadblocks have you overcome along the way, and which parts of your education have been most relevant to your career?
Brianna Overstreet: After high school, I began my career working at a factory that built solar panel systems. I started on the production line, assembling components. After a year, I was promoted to maintenance technician for that department, and eventually I became a maintenance tech responsible for the entire factory.
In 2013, I joined Rogers Group as an asphalt plant operator, and I spent 12 years in that role before taking a promotion to Assistant Corporate Asphalt Plants Manager.
Along the way, one of the biggest challenges was stepping into technical roles without having any background in the industry. I learned quickly by doing, asking questions, and not being afraid to step into unfamiliar territory. While I am currently pursuing a degree in construction management, the most relevant parts of my education weren’t necessarily classroom-based—it was the hands-on problem-solving skills, the ability to understand mechanical systems, and the discipline I developed early in my working life that set the foundation for my career.
While I did not participate in an official apprenticeship program with Rogers Group, the company does a great job at succession planning and preparing the next generation of managers and leaders.
AsphaltPro: Why did you choose to become a plant operator? What did you enjoy most about that position?
Brianna Overstreet: I chose to become a plant operator because I’ve always enjoyed technical work and solving mechanical problems. The role allowed me to work with my hands, think critically, and see the real time results of my work every day.
What I enjoyed most was the sense of responsibility—running a plant smoothly is both a challenge and an accomplishment. I also loved the teamwork and the fast-paced environment.
Brianna Overstreet was promoted to the assistant corporate asphalt plants manager position at Rogers Group in 2025. Join her on the Reliable Asphalt Products stage in booth C32804 on Wednesday, March 4, at 9:30 a.m., during CONEXPO-CON/AGG to celebrate this advancement during the Workforce Development Signing Ceremony.
AsphaltPro: Let’s talk about teamwork. What is the most challenging project you’ve worked on, and how did you and your Rogers Group team overcome the difficulties?
Brianna Overstreet: One challenging project involved meeting a tight paving schedule while dealing with equipment issues and fluctuating mix demands. The team collaborated closely—we adjusted mix designs on the fly, coordinated maintenance to minimize downtime, and communicated constantly between the plant, QC, and the paving crew. We overcame the challenges because everyone stayed focused on solutions rather than obstacles.
AsphaltPro: As a woman on the asphalt team, what has been the most challenging obstacle you’ve faced? How did you overcome it, and how might other women apply that same skill or mindset in their own careers?
Brianna Overstreet: One of the biggest challenges was proving myself in an environment that has historically been male dominated. I overcame it by showing my ability to do the job. I stayed consistent, showed up, put in the work, and let the results speak for me.
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Other women can do the same: trust your abilities, jump in and do the work, and don’t let assumptions about who “belongs” in this field define you.
AsphaltPro: What is the most important skill you have brought to your role as a plant operator? How would you encourage other women entering the industry to develop similar skills, whether they want to become operators or pursue other roles?
Brianna Overstreet: The most important skill I brought was problem-solving—being able to assess equipment issues quickly, think logically under pressure, and keep production moving safely.
For women entering the industry, I’d encourage building confidence in technical skills, asking questions freely, and allow yourself room to grow. Mentoring and hands-on learning are crucial to developing skills that allow you to be successful in this field.
AsphaltPro: Congratulations on the promotion to assistant corporate asphalt plants manager. Could you describe this current role at Rogers Group? What does the job require of you, particularly when supporting the asphalt team? How do these responsibilities differ from those of a plant operator?
Brianna Overstreet: As assistant corporate asphalt plants manager, I support multiple plants and teams rather than operating a single site. My role involves troubleshooting production issues, helping plants optimize efficiency, supporting mix design adjustments, ensuring safety and environmental compliance, and mentoring operators and supervisors.
I also project-manage the setup of new and used asphalt plants on new or existing sites when needed.
Some daily responsibilities include:
• Visiting plants to review production performance and address challenges
• Coordinating with quality control to ensure mix consistency
• Supporting operators with equipment issues or process changes
• Reviewing maintenance schedules and advising on repairs or upgrades
• Ensuring the team has resources and guidance to meet project deadlines
A plant operator oversees operations for one site, monitors individual plant performance and mixing process, and works closely with customers to coordinate mix orders and deliveries to the job site. My current role is broader and focuses on supporting multiple teams, improving systems, and ensuring consistency across plants.
AsphaltPro: How do you respond to people who say asphalt work is a “dirty job?”
Brianna Overstreet: I acknowledge that it can be dirty, hot, and demanding—but I also explain that it’s skilled work that builds critical infrastructure. It’s a career that offers stability, advancement, and pride. Most importantly, the industry has evolved with better safety standards, better equipment, and better technology than people realize.
AsphaltPro: Let’s talk about perceptions. What do you think is an incorrect perception that we, as an industry, can re-educate young
people about to encourage more women to consider a career in the asphalt business?
Brianna Overstreet: Well, I think the most common misconception is that the asphalt industry—and the construction industry in general—is a field only men can do. I think this discourages many women for even applying for these roles. They do not realize how many opportunities exist for women in this industry.
It’s important that we highlight this in our recruiting efforts and promote the women who are already thriving in these roles. Representation matters. When women see other women succeeding in construction, it breaks down stereotypes and encourages more women to join the industry.
That’s why organizations like NAWIC and Women of Asphalt are so important—they provide visibility, support, and community for women in the field.
AsphaltPro: What message would you share with young women to encourage them to consider a career in the asphalt business?
Brianna Overstreet: I would tell them that the asphalt industry offers real opportunity—great pay, steady work, advancement, and the chance to build something meaningful. If you like learning, working with a team, and challenging yourself, there’s a place for you here. Don’t let stereotypes limit your potential.
AsphaltPro: What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the asphalt industry for you?
Brianna Overstreet: The most rewarding part is seeing the impact of our work—roads, communities, and infrastructure that people use every day. It’s a great feeling knowing that your work is important and impacting so many people.
AsphaltPro: Tell us about someone who has served as a mentor in your career. How did this person encourage or influence you? Is there a piece of advice from this mentor you would share with other women or operators in the industry?
Brianna Overstreet: Steven Bennett, the current asphalt plant manager over our northern Middle Tennessee plants, has been one of the most influential mentors in my career. He was the one who recruited me to Rogers Group and essentially launched my path in this industry. At the time, he was a plant operator, and over the years he became my manager.
Steven taught me how to run my first asphalt plant and continued to guide me with countless lessons as I grew in the field.
Steven encouraged me by believing in my abilities even before I fully believed in them myself. He pushed me to take on new challenges, to ask questions, and to stay curious and committed to learning.
The advice I’d share—something I learned through him—is this: Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. You will mess up. Sometimes the mistakes will be small, and sometimes they’ll feel catastrophic. Stay humble, learn from them, and use it as an opportunity to grow and get better.
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BY LOUIS FITZPATRICK
DDuring the winter downtime, there are all manner of plant maintenance items on the checklist. Not every asphalt plant site has a crushing plant as well, so not every member of your ground team may have experience maintaining this piece of equipment. Let’s tackle this key component of recycling, screening and aggregate processing operations by addressing a common occurrence: abnormal vibrations.
The key is to start with easy fixes first. Don’t assume the worst. Heavy equipment issues are inevitable, but not always a sign of catastrophic failure. It’s easy to assume every issue is major or expensive, but the truth is that many common heavy equipment problems have simple solutions if you know what to look for. Many times, if you catch and address issues when they are small, you can
prevent them from becoming major issues that require extended down time. Understanding the difference between a major breakdown and a minor maintenance fix can save your team time, money and unnecessary headaches.
There are some common causes and solutions to abnormal vibrations that come from your machines.
Common causes of abnormal vibrations include feeding issues, improper wear and tear, loose components, and misalignment. Let’s take a look at each cause and how to resolve it.
There are some common causes and solutions to abnormal vibrations that come from your machines. Your crushing and screening plant will have a sound and feel that your operator comes to recognize. If your operator or ground personnel notice any abnormal vibrations over time, as they would with any piece of heavy equipment, don’t assume you have a catastrophic failure on your hands. Starting with simple fixes first empowers your operators, minimizes downtime and keeps your equipment working hard on the job site.
When equipment is maintained regularly, troubleshooting becomes faster and more accurate. Routine inspections help catch the simple problems before they escalate into costly downtime.
Oversized materials and uneven feeding can cause abnormal vibrations. While the machines will react to the addition of feed materials, it’s important to not add oversized materials and to evenly space out your feed loading. You can reach out to the manufacturer, or check the owner’s manual, for recommendations on feed size and timing.
Impactor plates, jaw dies and blow bars in impact crushers are going to wear, but uneven wear on the liners can cause abnormal vibrations. Additionally, bearings that are worn can overheat and create noise. Add regular inspections to your schedule. The faster you can catch improper wear and tear, the less down time you will have in replacing the wear plates.
After hours of use, bearings, shafts, fasteners and more can become loose. After completing your regular inspections, make sure to tighten or replace any components.
An imbalanced rotor can cause material buildup and uneven wear. Fluid couplings being misaligned can cause failure in the bearings, seals and the coupling itself. Clean any build up in the impactor or jaw crusher and replace wear parts in sets. An uneven replacement could cause more issues.
When equipment is maintained regularly, troubleshooting becomes faster and more accurate. Routine inspections help catch the simple problems before they escalate into costly downtime. Proper lubrication, timely filter changes, and a regular system check all reduce the chance of a small issue turning into a major failure. In fact, during your regular inspections, you want to make sure all items, such as hydraulic lines and bearings, are properly lubricated.
If you’re unsure what to include in your routine maintenance, reference the owner’s manual or call on your local authorized dealer or the original equipment manufacturer. For Eagle equipment, you can reach out to Eagle Crusher’s Service Team.
While many equipment issues are simple, some problems truly require a trained technician. If you’ve worked through the basic checks and the machine is still malfunctioning, a deeper issue may be at play. The key is to start with the easy fixes first before assuming you have a catastrophic failure on your hands.
With a little knowledge, a keen eye and a structured approach to troubleshooting, your ground personnel can resolve many problems quickly and affordably. Understanding the difference between a major breakdown and a simple fix empowers your operators, minimizes downtime and keeps your equipment working hard on the job site.
Louis Fitzpatrick is an Eagle Crusher field service technician with 13 years of experience building and servicing crushing equipment. He was formerly a lead assembler. For more information, Eagle Crusher supports FAQs for rock crushing at EagleCrusher.com/blogs/ servicequestions
BY ED WALLACE AND SANDY LENDER
MMany in the asphalt industry have been looking for more ways to leverage the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. From estimating to scheduling to plant operations to stockpile inventory and more, there are more uses coming online for asphalt professionals each week.
One area we can’t overlook is sales. Whether your title includes the word, you’re part of an industry that’s “selling” a resilient and sustainable product to agencies and taxpayers alike, and AI can help us do that more confidently and without losing the in-the-field relationships we still need to nurture.
When I thought about this topic and the content that I should use to write this article with my friend Sandy Lender, a story about my wife’s Jeep® Wrangler came to mind. Here’s how it went.
Laurie Wallace was driving home one day when her Jeep stalled in the middle of an intersection. The note on the dash suggested to go someplace safe and restart the engine. How can you do that when the vehicle is stalled? So, she restarted in the middle of the intersection and drove to our local dealer. At the dealership, she asked them to check the battery, but the young service rep suggested it was likely in need of a software upgrade. He “plugged in it” and the Jeep started.
The next day, the same thing happened at a different intersection. She followed the dashboard instruction, restarted, and drove the Jeep back to our dealer. She again asked if they should check the battery, but the same service rep said, “We’ll just plug it in.” This time, AI said that a new circuit or something was needed. They made the repair, and she brought the Jeep home.
The next day, Laurie went to start the car in our garage, and it did not start. I called AAA and the first thing the driver asked was, “Did anybody look at the battery?” He lifted the hood and, sure enough, the battery was corroded. He ultimately towed the Jeep to the dealer, and the service manager apologized, said Laurie was right all along, and provided us with a new battery at no cost.
And that leads us to the paradox that Sandy and I are wrestling with in this article: When to AI and when to shake hands? That is the question. It’s especially relevant in the construction industry, which, in Del Keffer’s words, “is a high contact sport. People meet over the hoods of their work trucks.”
Keffer is the vice president and general manager for the Wisconsin division of Roland Machinery Company. He’s been handling heavy equipment sales plus the man-
agement of sales teams for five decades. What he sees with the arrival of AI in the industry is a technology that’s leveling the playing field.
“AI is the CliffsNotes version of life itself,” Keffer said. “When we were in school, all we wanted was the answer so we could take the test. And that’s what AI is doing today...It’s making people lazy.”
That laziness, or CliffsNotes shortcut, is creeping into the sales experience. “You no longer have to study a spec sheet when you’re selling a piece of equipment,” Keffer said. At first blush, that sounds like the salesperson could save time by letting an AI scour the spec sheet and deliver an answer for a client. “Yet some of these spec sheets are really detailed, and those details are teaching you things.”
Keffer offered the example of an excavator, but we can easily see how this applies to right-sizing a wheel loader for the asphalt plant or selecting a tracked versus wheeled paver for mainline paving. He shared, when you study the spec sheet, seeking something specific like dig depth, your mind will pick out the dig depth you seek, but your mind is also “looking” at other information along the way. You’re also noticing things like swing speed and so on.
The sad thing is, if the salesperson is using AI to teach himself the top 10 bullet points from the spec sheet that he thinks a customer’s going to ask about, he or she isn’t gathering the information around those 10 bullet points.
“The customer is asking for a reason,” Keffer said. “He’s not asking just to know the knowledge. He’s asking [because] he knows how that’s going to be used.”
If the salesperson doesn’t take the time to investigate it all, learning what makes up the whole machine, he or she will be less effective in the eyes of the customer. He or she damages the personal relationship with the customer by damaging his or her credibility and authenticity.
That authenticity is about more than taking time to read a spec sheet, of course. The salesperson is showing the customer that he or she can assimilate and verify data, but also cares about solving the pain points of the person who will be using the data.
“Authenticity is when you have a guy who can feel your emotion,” Keffer said. “A guy who can feel your passion, a guy who can feel your pain. So, authenticity is huge. It’s eye to eye, belly to belly communication.”
Not every asphalt professional is a natural when it comes to sales or projecting
Are you interested in how AI can enhance your sales conversations? One effective method is to use ChatGPT to build an interactive tool that helps you get ready for customer meetings. All you need is the right prompt. There are four essential steps to working with ChatGPT. In this example, we’ll create an interactive tool using those four steps, but you can use this prompting approach for any objective you have.
Step 1. ROLE: Tell ChatGPT what role it will play.
“Act as a residential property manager who makes decisions for multi-family buildings. I am a salesperson for an asphalt repair company specializing in sealcoating, crack filling, and pavement maintenance.”
Step 2. CONTEXT: Provide detail about the situation (or the client) and yourself.
“From my perspective, the competitor is not doing a good job for the property manager, and my company could, but may be overpriced.”
Step 3. GOAL: Tell ChatGPT what you want to accomplish.
“My goal is to get a meeting with the property manager’s board of directors so I can pitch a five-year pavement preservation program to them.”
Step 4. TASK: Tell ChatGPT exactly what you want it to do and how—be as detailed as possible.
“To help me prepare for the meeting with the PM, create an interactive role play exercise, allowing me to make one decision at a time, while addressing common obstacles the PM may present.”
This prompt creates a simple way to rehearse objection handling, refine your consultative positioning, and prepare for high-stakes conversations with property managers, facility leaders, and community boards. Now let’s look at how it played out with ChatGPT serving as a trainer with this sample excerpt from the simulation.
Round 1—Initial Outreach
PM Response:
“Hi, thanks for stopping by. I’ve seen your company’s name before, but to be honest, we already have a vendor we’ve been using for years. They’re not perfect, but they get the job done and the board likes their pricing. What can I help you with today?”
The AI trainer suggested the following... Your Move: Present your opening statement or question. Choose ONE approach:
1. Value-Focused Approach: Emphasize asset preservation and long-term cost avoidance.
2. Risk-Focused Approach: Highlight the risks of deferred maintenance and inconsistencies.
3. Diagnostic Approach: Ask questions to understand pain points and build credibility.
4. Soft Ask: Position the interaction as advisory, not sales-driven.
Reply with the number of your chosen approach and your statement. I will respond as the PM and introduce a realistic obstacle for you to navigate.
You said: 1
Round 2—Obstacle Introduced PM Response (Obstacle Introduced—Cost Sensitivity + Loyalty):
“Okay, asset preservation sounds good in theory, but I’ll be honest with you — the Board is extremely budgetconscious. They prefer to do the bare minimum each year because it keeps owners happy in the short term.
“Our current vendor is cheap, and while their work isn’t perfect, it’s ‘good enough’ in the Board’s eyes. They don’t really see the value in spending more now to save later.
“So if your pricing is higher — and I’m guessing it probably is — I’m not sure how I could even justify bringing you in for a pitch.”
The AI trainer suggested the following... Your Move: You need to respond in a way that keeps the conversation moving toward securing a Board meeting. Choose ONE of these strategic responses:
1. ROI Reframe: Shift the conversation from upfront cost to long-term capital protection.
2. Evidence Play: Offer data, benchmarks, or examples showing how cheaper work accelerates deterioration.
3. Low-Risk Intro: Propose a no-commitment assessment or pavement health report.
4. Pilot Project: Suggest a small test section to demonstrate value before a full switch.
5. Board-Focused Leverage: Position the meeting as a way to give the Board a comparison so they can make an informed decision.
Reply with the number and your exact response.
If you’d like feedback on your responses, you can add this prompt: “Please analyze the conversation from a coaching perspective, highlighting my strengths and areas where I could improve.”
ChatGPT also lets you revisit and change your answers, so you can experiment with different scenarios and see which approach works best for you.
This exercise shows how AI can help salespeople prepare for client meetings and improve their skills. It enables you to:
• Develop sales abilities more quickly
• Get ready for client meetings more effectively
• Receive instant coaching and feedback
• Practice handling objections and refining your sales approach
• Build strong relationships, even with challenging or loyal clients
Try it yourself:
Copy the prompt above, paste it into ChatGPT, and customize it to run your own simulation. Use it before your next client meeting to improve your approach, sharpen your messaging, and boost your credibility with property managers and decision makers.
“THE ADVICE FOR ASPHALTPRO IS THAT EVERYONE, NO MATTER WHAT YOUR AGE, NO MATTER WHAT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH COMPUTERS, NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, YOU HAVE TO LEARN THE BASIC PROMPTING TO ENGAGE WITH AI APPROPRIATELY.”—LYNN DIBONAVENTURA
authenticity. Not only are we selling and trading equipment, as Keffer discussed, but we’re also “selling” a product to materials engineers, “selling” our industry to entice a new workforce, “selling” pavement maintenance methods to residential property managers, and so on. Keffer explained that the sales conversation requires you to speak clearly and concisely to communicate truths, fears, goals and passions, to establish trust. If you aren’t already an expert with that communication, AI can step in to help with the training.
Even in the construction industry, sales training can get assistance from AI. We sought help from Lynn DiBonaventura, learning and development expert with certifications in AI, to share foundational steps to use AI as a sales rep’s business partner. She began by suggesting we can use AI as a personal tool or as a coach. The coaching stood out considering Keffer’s concerns about remaining authentic. Either way, learning to prompt AI is the key to success, according to DiBonaventura.
“Prompting is just the way that you talk to the AI engine to get the most accurate response,” she said. “The whole interface of AI is based on getting it to [act] as a thought partner, not just give you an answer.”
You want the AI to help you think clearly, DiBonaventura explained, but you must use the right prompts for that result. When prompting an AI correctly, one result is that you can use it to train a salesperson in conducting better sales calls. Keep in mind, if your sales team members are unable to learn from other humans, you may have bigger problems than “how to sell” your product, but companies can now consider using AI as a tool when travel to sales conferences is not manageable.
During the discussion, DiBonaventura shared that the AI could not only handle the back-and-forth sales meeting conversation, but could then offer tips and guidance for improving the conversation, improving the call to action, improving follow-up, and so on. She shared that role-playing with the AI is
one way to treat it as a training partner. Again, prompting it correctly is the key to success.
There are four essential steps to preparing a prompt for ChatGPT and DiBonaventura outlines those here.
1. Tell ChatGPT what role it will play. Whether that’s the role of a chef when asking for a chicken salad recipe or the role of a property manager when asking it to train a salesperson, you tell the AI what role it will play.
2. Provide context for a scenario.
3. State the goal that you, as the user, wish to achieve.
4. State the task that you wish for the AI to perform.
Check out the sidebar to see a detailed example of using this prompt method to facilitate a training session in ChatGPT.
DiBonaventura joined Keffer in stressing the importance of keeping business relationships authentic while leveraging the use of AI. She lists “technology enablement” as a foundational step in that leverage.
“AI in sales isn’t about replacing people,” she shared. Instead, adding this technology should be about streamlining everyone’s efforts. When automation takes care of forecasting, lead scoring, and other repetitive tasks, sales reps can focus on building authentic relationships, she explained. “The key is communication and integration: making sure teams understand what’s changing and how AI fits naturally into their workflow.
“Ultimately, the goal is a human–AI partnership where technology empowers people, people trust technology, and both evolve together,” she continued. “That’s when sales performance moves from reactive to predictive, and organizations see real cultural transformation, not just technological change.”
In conclusion, after speaking with Keffer and DiBonaventura, and our own experiences and research to date, we have the following takeaways for this phase of AI’s impact on the sales side of the asphalt industry:
• Salespeople within the asphalt industry and without, can use AI as a business partner and training tool
• Members of the asphalt industry must strike a balance between “meeting over
the hood of an F150” and never leaving the computer screen
• We must continue to humanize every interaction, whether it originates from AI or with a handshake
• The key to getting the best results out of the AI “partnership” is learning the nuanced art of prompting
“The advice for AsphaltPro’s audience is that everyone, no matter what your age, no matter what your experience with computers, no matter what you do, you have to learn the basic prompting to engage with AI appropriately,” DiBonaventura said. “That is the first step for anybody. Now, some people will go faster, some people will fumble around with it, but that example that we did [see sidebar] is the baseline for anybody.”
As the AI revolution continues, regardless of technological upheaval, the only thing that cannot be commoditized or digitized is the sales rep’s relationships. Relationships will continue to have a rhythm and soul that technology will never be able to replicate, and we can only hope that salespersons, mechanics at the local car dealership, materials specifiers at the DOT, inspectors on our projects, and others in our industry will continue to meet over the hood of the work truck to develop human connection. That authenticity is up to each one of us to maintain.
Ed Wallace is the managing director at AchieveNEXT and a regular speaker at World of Asphalt. His most recent #1 best seller is “The Relationship Engine.”
3 Chances to Catch Ed Wallace at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026
Thursday, March 5, 9:30-10:15
Education Session: Relational Leadership
5 ways to scale your leadership and grow your business
Thursday, March 5, 2:30-3:30
Education Session: Accelerating Business Relationships
In business today, everything can be commoditized, digitized or outsourced except for relationships
Friday, March 6, 1:30-3:30
Ask the Expert Session: AsphaltPro Booth GL30901
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BY MOLLY BERRY
WWithout the workers who perform each project, a company simply can’t exist. The leadership teams at Duval Asphalt Products, Inc. (Duval Asphalt) and Asphalt Testing Solutions & Engineering (ATS), headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, not only understand this basic tenet but make it a priority to show their workers how much they’re valued day in and day out. Through comprehensive benefits, intentional education, and an annual family-centered celebration, the companies make it clear that employees and their families are at the heart of their success.
This commitment was on full display on Nov. 8, 2025, when approximately 350 employees and family members gathered for the second annual Duval Asphalt & ATS Family Fun Day + Wellness Fair. Designed to be both meaningful and enjoyable, the event combined entertainment with opportunities to learn about insurance options, explore wellness resources, and participate in biometric screenings. For many employees, it was one of the first times they were able to engage with their benefits in a relaxed, supportive environment.
“It’s always great to be able to engage with coworkers outside of work while having fun, but what makes this event especially valuable to me is the purpose behind it,” said Renee Gordon, ATS Binder Lab Technician. “Having Brown & Brown there in person provided a personalized approach that gave us direct access to experts who could clearly explain the resources available to us.”
This event was fueled by a real need. Leadership discovered that many employees were intimidated by insurance plans and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Most didn’t take the time to explore the resources, and as a result, the EAP remained one of the company’s most underutilized benefits. At the same time, data showed that employees aged 50 and older were generating the highest claims—many of which might have been prevented with routine wellness visits. Younger employees were also under-enrolled in the plan. Something needed to change.
With clear goals in mind, the team set out to create a Wellness Fair that employees would want to attend. That meant making the event fun, family-friendly, and exciting. To start, the company launched a month-long educational initiative.
“We knew we had to take a more proactive, interactive approach to educate our workforce and their families on these programs,” explained Mitchell Gant, Duval Asphalt and ATS Vice President. “So, we met employees where they were—at their shops, their job sites, and their break rooms.”
Following an initial campaign that included flyers, text messages, and emails to bring awareness to the benefits of insurance and the EAP, ambassadors visited every part of the operation to help employees understand their options and enroll for the biometric screening at the upcoming Wellness Fair.
The team also brought employees together in an offsite conference center for a candid conversation with program carriers followed by an
Your first stop in the FAYAT GROUP road lifecycle, ADM makes the plants that make the hot mix. When it comes to North American roadbuilding, FAYAT Group brands including ADM, BOMAG, Dynapac, LeeBoy, and Mecalac have you covered.
See a totally new EX Series asphalt plant at CONEXPO-CON/AGG March 3-March 7.
open Q&A session. Held one week before the inaugural Family Fun Day + Wellness Fair, this meeting helped employees understand not only their benefits but also the purpose behind the upcoming event. It was a collaborative effort involving staff from across the organization, “all pulling the rope in the same direction,” as Gant described it.
What began as a simple wellness initiative quickly blossomed into a full-scale celebration featuring a petting zoo, bounce houses, massage chairs, a master barber, face painting, balloon animals, food trucks, a DJ, and photo booth. Every employee who completed a health screening at the event received a $50 gift card, and the company raffled off over $5,000 in prizes.
“Duval Asphalt’s Family Fun Day + Wellness Fair was an incredible celebration of community, wellness, and togetherness,” said Dylan Page, Duval Asphalt Plant Foreman. “It brought everyone closer and reminded us of the importance of taking care of ourselves and each other. I loved being able to bring my family to the place where I work and spend the day with other families. Watching my kids run around, play, and enjoy all the activities with other kids really showed the heart of Duval Asphalt and ATS.”
The inaugural event happened in November 2024, and in 2025, even more vendors and activities were added. Turnout increased by almost 100 additional attendees, and benefits enrollment increased by approximately 24% over the past two years, confirming that this strategy worked.
“Our recent Family Day was an incredible experience,” said David Cook, Duval Asphalt Plant Loader Operator. “Between the fun of the bounce houses, the excitement of the prizes, and the casual laughs with family in our off time, the energy was fantastic. And I can’t forget the amazing exotic animal petting zoo; it was a huge hit. The whole day reinforced the strong sense of morale and camaraderie we share at Duval Asphalt and ATS, and it made me feel truly appreciated. I’m genuinely grateful to work for a company that values its employees and goes out of its way to include our families in such a thoughtful and fun event. Plus, the food was great. The second Family Day was a hit, and we’re already looking forward to the third.”
“Our employees at Duval Asphalt and ATS are the heart of everything we do,” said Gant. “Creating opportunities like our Family Fun Day isn’t just about benefits; it’s about making sure our team feels valued, supported, and connected. When employees know we’re invested in their well-being, it strengthens our entire organization.”
In the end, the initiative accomplished far more than the initial goals of increasing participation in wellness programs and boosting insurance engagement. It brought employees and their families together outside of work, helping them see one another in a new light. It built camaraderie, deepened personal connections, and gave employees a sense of appreciation. “It let them know we are all in this together,” said Gant.
AsphaltPro Magazine helps you find exhibitors who can influence your bottom line with this asphalt-only CONEXPO-CON/AGG show preview.
Let AsphaltPro Magazine help you concentrate on the asphalt-centric products and services that are most relevant to your success during this year’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE shows in Vegas.
Photo of the 2023 CONEXPO crowd courtesy of Association of Equipment Manufacturers
SHOW HOURS: Tuesday, March 3 – Friday, March 6: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, March 7: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
BY ASPHALTPRO STAFF
IIt’s almost time for North America’s largest tradeshow. The Construction Exposition and Construction Aggregates (CONEXPO-CON/AGG) and the International Fluid Power Exposition (IFPE) co-locate with a comprehensive education program this March 3-7, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, USA. The principal sponsors are Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA), and National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA). The show sponsor is Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). AEM is a show producer.
Leading industry publications/media worldwide participate as supporting publications/media, including your own AsphaltPro Magazine. To that end, we’ve compiled a guide that is relevant to your asphalt business to help you navigate this enormous event.
CONEXPO-CON/AGG is recognized as a gathering place for the worldwide construction and construction-materials industries. The show’s website claims hundreds of industry meetings, including annual conventions of industry associations, are held in conjunction with it.
We all know how large the combination of CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE is, bringing 2,000 exhibitors to showcase their offerings in about 2.9 million square feet of space. The exhibits will showcase the latest technologies and innovations in equipment, products and services for the construction industry overall. Even with product concentration areas and specialized exhibit pavilions making it “easy” for visitors to locate specific products, services and exhibitors of interest, finding the information that is asphalt-specific isn’t as cut and dry as going to the central hall and expecting all the asphalt-related vendors to be located there.
You’d end up missing out on valuable new iron, services and technology that’s relevant to your bottom line if you didn’t also check out the silver lot, the west hall, and so on.
Let AsphaltPro Magazine assist you with this guide to asphalt-centric vendors who heeded the call to provide information. Those companies who are advertising partners have extra details to help you understand what’s in their booths and prepare your questions prior to visiting. Let them know you saw them in AsphaltPro Magazine and thank them for supporting a publication that supports your livelihood.
BOOTH SV2067, SILVER LOT
ADM FAYAT GROUP will have equipment on display.
“ADM FAYAT GROUP manufactures superior quality, continuous-mix asphalt plants with the technology you need to keep your operation running at its peak efficiency.”
Visit https://www.admasphaltplants.com
ADM/FAYAT GROUP is adding a new asphalt-plant model to its EX Series line of continuous-mix asphalt plants. The new EX 300 will
be unveiled at booth #SV2067 and features a 102-inch drum diameter and 50-foot length. The EX 300 was designed to fill a niche not previously covered in the ADM FAYAT GROUP line of EX Series hot-mix plants and one that is in high demand in the North American marketplace. With existing EX plant capacities of 120, 170, 225, 325, and 425 TPH, the new EX 300 has a capacity of 300 TPH. Like all EX Series plants, the EX 300 can handle up to 50% RAP.
Unique features of the EX 300 counterflow asphalt plant include:
• Single drum diameter
• High efficiency CBS total air burner with variable drive frequency (VFD)
• Trunnion drive with VFD, no V belts
• Drum insulation with stainless steel cover
• Availability as portable, relocatable, or stationary
• Optional high wear package
• Elastic tire supports
As with all EX Series asphalt plants, the EX 300 achieves maximum heat transfer and fuel efficiency through separate drying and mixing zones with its single-drum counterflow-system technology. Directly
AsphaltPro Magazine is honored to work with industry experts to bring vital and timely information to asphalt professionals each month. And we’re excited to work with those experts at live events.
Make sure you stop by the AsphaltPro booth in the grand lobby to talk with paving, production and business professionals about your ideas and questions. This is the preliminary schedule with more experts and times to be announced as we get closer to the show!
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4
Paving Expert John Ball • 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Paving Expert Ben Everett • 1:30-3:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, MARCH 5
Paving Expert, John Ball • 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Technology Expert, Bryce Wuori • 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Asphalt Expert, Bob Kluttz • 1:30-3:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, MARCH 6
Business Expert, Ed Wallace • 1:30-3:30 p.m.
AsphaltPro’s booth GL30901 is located in the grand lobby between the north and central halls. Check this space for Paving Expert Bill Stanley’s date and time closer to the show!
Handling up to 50% RAP, the EX 300 (and all EX Series asphalt plants) virtually eliminates blue-smoke and hydrocarbon emissions.
In addition to the EX 300, an ADM FAYAT GROUP 12-foot x 32foot control room will also be on display in booth SV2067. Step inside the control room and experience the FAYAT MIXING PLANTS new VISION, unified control software. VISION was driven by innovation, research, and forward-thinking to make information clearer, more intuitive, and user friendly for operators.
Vision is a unified “language” that connects all systems, features simple, user-friendly display modes, with dynamic animation and visuals that track the flow of materials, and features a digitized “notepad” to simplify daily orders. With VISION, operators can schedule daily production, utilize a predictive maintenance application, and take advantage of a virtual assistant that provides the best actions for maintaining plant efficiency during the production process, and more.
“Come see our brand-new EX 300 asphalt plant and learn how we approach this in-demand plant size. Step inside our 12’ x 32’ control room and experience the FAYAT MIXING PLANTS new VISION control system. Expert staff will be on hand to advise how our plants can work for you.”
BOOTH W42974, WEST HALL
ALLU USA Inc. will have equipment on display.
Visit www.allu.net
When you stop by the ALLU booth, you’ll see the ALLU Asphalt Bucket on display, as well as the world premiere of the ALLU Con-
crete Screening and Crushing Bucket. Take part in a raffle on site (or at this link https://allu.net/competition/) for a chance to win an ALLU merch pack. There’s a press event at the booth Thursday morning, but all attendees can join us at W42974 Thursday evening from 4 to 8 p.m. for a booth party.
“Visit the ALLU booth at CONEXPO to see one of AsphaltPro’s 15 Top Products of 2025—the ALLU Asphalt Bucket. We have our expert staff there to help with any questions about the product.”
ALLU will have its asphalt bucket on display in booth W42974 in the west hall and will host a booth party Thursday, March 5, from 4 to 8 p.m.
Since 1892, Homestead continues to be the most reliable manufacturer of asphalt valves. With cast iron and ductile iron material options, we offer a complete source of valves for any liquid asphalt application.
Our full line of hot-jacketed 2-way shutoff & 3-way diverter valves provide a ready solution to meet your flow requirements.
Homestead’s cutting-edge actuation design allows you to easily add actuators to your existing Homestead valves, in-line, without modification
Our fully stocked warehouse of valves and actuators offers you security in knowing that the valve you need is only a phone call away.
BOOTH SV3119, SILVER LOT
ALmix will have equipment on display.
“ALmix is a manufacturer of durably built and detail-oriented asphalt plants and asphalt plant equipment. Everything we build is designed from the customers’ perspective, fully customized for your operation, and built to last.”
Visit https://almix.com/
When you stop by the ALmix booth, you’ll see an 88UFP portable drum mixer and one of the company’s split-level control houses with full Insignia Controls and MCC on display. You can interact with displays and demos and have limited ability to test the Insignia Control System inside the control house.
“Visit the ALmix booth at CONEXPO to meet our leadership, Insignia Automation Team, and Sales Team, while you explore our 88UFP drum mixer and Split-Level Control House up close. We’ll be ready to answer your questions and share the latest plant features, installations, and technologies to support your operations back home.”
BOOTH SV2467, SILVER LOT
Ammann America Inc. will have equipment on display.
Visit https://www.ammann.com/en-US/
Ammann is a supplier of mixing plants, machines and services to the construction industry with core expertise in road building and transportation infrastructure.
BOOTH GL30901,
No equipment on display.
“At AsphaltPro Magazine, we’re not just reporting on the asphalt industry—we’re shaping the conversation. Our audience counts on us for the latest insights, innovations and solutions that keep America’s roads moving. That influence makes us the go-to industry platform to connect decision-makers in asphalt paving and production.”
Visit www.TheAsphaltPro.com
When you stop by booth GL30901 in the grand lobby, you can visit with experts in paving, production and asphalt business. Check the schedule in the sidebar on page 38.
Also ask about our online training course geared to get back to basics for your whole crew and sign up to receive our weekly Tool-
box Tips in time for your Monday morning tailgate talks. Also pick up a sheet of stickers.
“AsphaltPro Magazine, Fayette, Missouri, is the premier, technical, how-to trade publication for the asphalt industry. With a staff boasting more than 100 years combined industry experience, AsphaltPro Magazine brings topics relevant to a niche industry’s business and bottom line 11 times a year in print and digital editions, plus 50 weekly toolbox tip e-newsletters to help tailor tailgate talks and safety meetings for paving and production crews. The team also offers an online training course for new members of the team.”
BOOTH C30236, CENTRAL HALL AND SV2322, SILVER LOT
Astec will have equipment on display.
“Astec Industries is a manufacturer of specialized equipment and aftermarket parts for asphalt road building, aggregate processing and concrete production and ancillary markets, industrial automation controls and telematic platforms.”
Visit astecindustries.com/
In the central hall, the company will offer asphalt professionals an immersive virtual reality experience, interactive demos of Astec Digital technology solutions, and over 20 machines and equipment models designed to optimize performance from Rock to Road™.
“Astec will spotlight its Rock to Road™ portfolio, presenting a unified lineup of equipment and solutions spanning asphalt, concrete, mining, quarrying, forestry and industrial heating. This cohesive strategy reflects Astec’s dedication to delivering comprehensive, forward-thinking technologies that help customers shape the future of infrastructure with greater efficiency, connectivity and confidence.”
Also visit the Astec Industries booth to see one of AsphaltPro’s 15 Top Products of 2025—the Dropzone™ loadout solution. Expert staff will be on hand to help with any questions about the product.
Astec will have a display for its Dropzone™ loadout solution among its other asphalt production and paving solutions in booth C30236 in the
BOOTH C31864, CENTRAL HALL
Bergkamp Inc will have equipment on display.
Visit the Bergkamp booth to see one of AsphaltPro’s 15 Top Products of 2025—the Journeyman® mobile mix plan. Expert staff will be on hand to help with any questions about the product.
BOOTH SV2557, SILVER LOT
Blaw-Knox will have equipment on display.
“With over a century of innovation to its credit, Blaw-Knox® pavers have earned a reputation for quality, durability, and performance unmatched in the industry.”
Visit www.blawknox.com
BOOTH C30932, CENTRAL HALL
BOMAG Americas will have equipment on display in the FAYAT Group booth.
“We manufacture compaction equipment for soil, asphalt, and landfills that are designed for safety, comfort, and efficiency on the jobsite while delivering high quality results.”
Visit Bomag.com
Visit the BOMAG FAYAT Group booth to see two of AsphaltPro’s 15 Top Products of 2025—the BW 177 BVO-5 PL single drum roller and the 8-foot CR 820 T-2 rubber track paver. Expert staff will be on hand to help with any questions about the products.
BOOTH C30976, CENTRAL HALL
Buffalo Turbine will have equipment on display.
“Buffalo Turbine manufactures debris blowers to maximize efficiency and reduce man hours on site.”
Visit buffaloturbine.com/
Buffalo Turbine will display the Blitz BT-SB40 stand-on debris blower, which is designed to enhance operational efficiency, reduce labor demands, and prioritize operator comfort. The BT-SB40 features a 40-horsepower EFI gas engine. The OEM states: “All-day comfort is met with its high-performance independent suspension, contoured lean pad, and adjustable shock stand platform. All engineered to reduce operator fatigue to promote all day productivity. The Blitz stand-on debris blower features high strength LED headlamps for pre-dawn and evening convenience. Key to its effectiveness is the integrated turbine blower, providing unmatched blowing power. The 360-degree nozzle rotation control, strategically placed within the drive handles, allows operators to rotate the nozzle seamlessly while
in motion, ensuring optimal efficiency in debris-clearing tasks. Speed and comfort were the focus on the design and a compliment to Buffalo Turbine’s already known high-level of quality.”
“Come by our booth to find out how Buffalo Turbine can help reduce cost and improve efficiency.”
BOOTH F29029, W40416, FESTIVAL LOT AND WEST HALL
Caterpillar will have equipment on display.
For 100 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been manufacturing construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives.
BOOTH N11839, NORTH HALL
Visit the CM Labs Simulations booth to see one of AsphaltPro’s 15 Top Products of 2025—the Intellia single drum roller simulator training pack. Expert staff will be on hand to help with any questions about the product.
BOOTH C32643, CENTRAL HALL
No equipment on display.
“Heavy equipment manufacturer offering a complete range of asphalt and concrete plants, including ancillary equipment, to the road construction and civil infrastructure sectors.”
BOOTH N12513, NORTH HALL
Visit www.commandalkon.com
Command Alkon, a global leader in technology solutions for heavy building materials producers and suppliers, has 50 years of industry expertise. The company delivers cloud-ready solutions to improve production, quality control, dispatch fleet, and office operations for ready mix, concrete products, aggregate, and asphalt providers. Stop by the booth in the north hall to ask about Command Cloud™.
BOOTH C22207, CENTRAL HALL
Detroit Stoker Company will have equipment on display.
“Detroit Stoker Company (DSC) designs, builds, installs, and maintains combustion systems for natural gas fuel, fuel oils, and a wide range of renewable solid fuels.”
Visit www.detroitstoker.com
“DSC offers the Detroit® HADES burner line as the most compact and most efficient burner available for asphalt and aggregate rotating drum dryers. Founded in 1898, DSC is a leading supplier of industrial combustion equipment and systems for heating, steam processing and electric power generation around the world.”
BOOTH C30932, CENTRAL HALL
Dynapac will have equipment on display in the FAYAT Group booth.
“Designed to Perform, Built to Last.” “As a partner on the road ahead, we support contractors’ drive for greater profitability, safety and environmental stewardship.”
Visit the Dynapac FAYAT Group booth to see one of AsphaltPro’s 15 Top Products of 2025—the CP28 pneumatic tire roller. Expert staff will be on hand to help with any questions about the product.
BOOTH C31414, CENTRAL HALL
Eagle Crusher Company will have equipment on display.
“Eagle Crusher consistently leads the industry in new product innovation, allowing operators to get more from their crushing and screening equipment and keep them crushing.”
Visit https://eaglecrusher.com/
When you stop by booth C31414, you can see on display the new TalonTrax™ mobile crushing plant and the new TalonStack™ mobile stockpiling conveyor, along with the next generation UltraMax® 1400-OC crushing and screening plant and a current-model, triple-deck E-Plant®.
The TalonTrax has been designed for ultra-mobile crushing without sacrificing power or production on the job site. At the heart of the TalonTrax is Eagle Crusher’s new TalonMax™ (TM-15) impactor, featuring an open-rotor design that reduces weight. The impactor also features a new, thicker blowbar design to increase overall wear life.
The TalonTrax plant is a dual power plant that can be powered by the onboard diesel engine or switched to external power from a genset or line power. The plant also features a dual-motor, under-crusher pan feeder with a discharge clearance in excess of 23 inches to enable greater material flow and virtually eliminate clogging; and a removable discharge conveyor that allows for quick access to under-crusher area, as well as to the discharge conveyor itself, for inspection, maintenance, and cleaning of both.
TalonTrax comes equipped with a cross-belt, permanent magnet that removes steel contaminants from crushed material. The magnet is reversible to allow steel discharge from either side and stays on for transport.
Additionally, the TalonTrax features a heavy-duty hopper-construction sized for feeding with a loader or excavator and a grizzly bypass chute and cross conveyor with flop gate allowing for either removal of the material that passes through the grizzly deck for stockpiling or blending back with the crushed material.
The new TalonStack self-propelled, radial stockpiling conveyor has been designed to improve productivity and mobility while minimizing operator costs.
“See Eagle Crusher’s new Talon™ line of crushing and stockpiling equipment including the new TalonTrax™ mobile crushing plant and the new TalonStack™ mobile stockpiling conveyor, along with the next generation UltraMax® 1400-OC crushing and screening plant and a current-model, triple-deck E-Plant®, all on display in the Eagle Crusher booth.”
Eagle Crusher Company will debut the new Talon™ line of crushing and stockpiling equipment in booth C31414 in the central hall.
a fact that fossil-fuel burners operate at only 85% efficiency when new, losing 15% of their heat in exhaust and emissions. What’s more, that efficiency quickly drops to 50% to 65% over time — especially without regular maintenance. PHCo Lo-Density® electric heat for asphalt tanks, hot oil circulating systems, fuel oil preheaters, and distributor truck heaters is clean, safe, consistent, and it offers 100% energy efficiency because all of its energy is used to heat. Find out more:
BOOTH S60358, SOUTH HALL FIRST LEVEL
Federal Signal Environmental Solutions Group will have equipment on display.
Elgin Sweeper Company manufactures sweepers for municipal, contractor, airport, and industrial sweeping needs, offering a broad selection of street sweepers including mechanical, vacuum, and regenerative air models.
Visit www.elginsweeper.com
BOOTH C22111, CENTRAL HALL
No equipment on display.
Visit The EZ Street Company booth to ask about EZ Street® Ambient® Asphalt Technology for your next pavement maintenance project.
BOOTH F42042, FESTIVAL LOT
GEHL will have equipment on display.
Visit the GEHL booth to see one of AsphaltPro’s 15 Top Products of 2025—the new lineup of large-frame skid steer and track loaders. Expert staff will be on hand to help with any questions about the five products.
BOOTH SV2557, SILVER LOT
Gencor Industries Inc will have equipment on display.
“At Gencor, we are dedicated to setting the standard in the hot mix industry through innovative, fuel-efficient and low-maintenance designs.”
Visit www.gencor.com
BOOTH N11251, W43515 NORTH AND WEST HALLS
HCSS will have equipment on display.
“HCSS helps you take your projects from preconstruction to closeout on a single platform, so you get the whole story and greater control.”
Visit the HCSS booth to see one of AsphaltPro’s 15 Top Products of 2025—the HCSS Insights solution. Expert staff will be on hand to help with any questions about the product.
BOOTH SV3105, SILVER LOT
Hitek Equipment Inc will have equipment on display.
Stop by booth SV3105 to see the Malavasi Pavijet mini paver, designed to mount directly to your skid steer or loader to pave from 12 to 78 inches at speeds up to 59 feet per minute.
Visit www.minipaver.com
BOOTH W41444, WEST HALL
Kenco Engineering Inc. will have equipment on display.
“We provide long-life wear products to reduce necessary maintenance, improve productivity, and reduce overall maintenance costs.”
Visit kencoengineering.com
“Kenco Engineering will highlight our enhanced line of Tungsten Carbide Impregnated (TCI), extra heavy-duty augers for the asphalt and material transfer industries. Whether used as dust fines reject augers or asphalt transfer augers, Kenco’s use of our unique TCI pro-
Check out the TCI-treated auger at Kenco Engineering’s booth W41444 in the west hall.
cess will ensure your auger achieves the greatest possible wear life by maintaining the auger’s overall diameter for a much longer period than previously possible. Kenco’s TCI system will drastically reduce ‘diameter shrinkage’ on the auger, thus enhancing efficiency along with wear life.”
“Let Kenco Engineering’s applications engineers demonstrate how our products save an operator time, effort and money. Our products are engineered to last longer than OEM products, maintain their operational efficiency longer, and save you time and money with reduced required maintenance.”
BOOTH C30932, CENTRAL HALL
LeeBoy will have equipment on display in the FAYAT Group booth.
“We design and manufacture asphalt paving equipment and provide unmatched customer support, enabling contractors to build and maintain the roads that connect and strengthen communities.”
BOOTH C32804, CENTRAL HALL
Reliable Asphalt Products Inc. will have equipment on display.
“From Concept to Completion—We provide everything for an asphalt plant! Used Equipment, New Equipment, Vulcan Burners, AARC Systems, Burke Heating Systems, Parts, Service.”
Visit www.reliableasphalt.com
Reliable Asphalt Products Inc. will have interactive displays and demos for attendees as well as simulators for folks to test equipment and software in the booth.
In addition to live music on the Reliable Asphalt stage, the company is teaming up with Rogers Group Inc. and AsphaltPro Magazine to celebrate workers in the asphalt industry with a workforce development signing ceremony. Join us at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, to see Rogers Group Inc. senior management sign on a new hire and celebrate a newly promoted worker and a retiring member of the workforce.
“Visit Reliable Asphalt Products at booth C32804 to explore the AARC BlendPro 2.0 Asphalt Plant Control System. Designed for drum, batch, and combo plants, it offers customizable controls, advanced diagnostics, multi-profile burner control, easy calibrations, and operator-friendly performance. See how AARC BlendPro 2.0 streamlines operations and supports all your plant needs.”
SAKAI America Inc. will have equipment on display.
“We provide reliable, easy-to-use, and durable long-life asphalt rollers that produce excellent results on the mat while costing less to maintain.”
Visit www.SakaiAmerica.com
“We will be launching the TS160 static tire roller (~3 ton) for the US/Canada market; a popular global model updated to comply with domestic emissions requirements.” Also visit the booth to see “a Guardman-equipped SW884ND. This is one of our highway-class double drum rollers equipped with Guardman automatic emergency braking with Echelon Mode and features true user selectable double drum oscillation.”
“Visit SAKAI to consult directly with our compaction experts on integrating our rollers, from parking lot to highway class, into your process. We’ll show you how to maximize density, enhance safety with Guardman technology, and select the optimal vibration or oscillation mode for your mix and regional requirements, ensuring higher pavement quality back home.”
Also visit the SAKAI America booth to see one of AsphaltPro’s 15 Top Products of 2025—the Echelon Mode for the Guardman® Automatic Brake Assist System. Expert staff will be on hand to help with any questions about the product.
BOOTH C32887, CENTRAL HALL
No equipment on display.
“Silo Pros, Inc. has been the leader in the silo and bin cleaning industry for over three decades. During that time our expertise has been established in solving lost storage capacity issues and downtime.”
Visit https://silo-pros.com/
BOOTH C32275, CENTRAL HALL
Stansteel Hotmix Parts & Service will have equipment on display.
“Maximize the performance of your asphalt plant with Stansteel’s custom-engineered solutions. From Accu-Track® Control Systems to recycling and blue smoke mitigation technologies, Stansteel helps contractors boost plant output.”
Visit Stansteel.com, Hotmixparts.com
BOOTH SV2357, SILVER LOT
Terex and its subsidiaries will have equipment on display.
Visit the Terex booth to learn more about one of AsphaltPro’s 15 Top Products of 2025—the new range of tracked conveyors from ProStack®. Expert staff will be on hand to help with any questions about the TC 50, TC 60 and TR 60.
BOOTH S61935, SOUTH HALL FIRST LEVEL
Thunder Creek will have equipment on display.
Thunder Creek Equipment offers no-hazmat mobile fueling and fleet management solutions. You can grab a free white paper with detailed information from TheAsphaltPro.com Digital Downloads page here.
Visit https://thundercreek.com/
Thunder Creek Equipment is giving contractors a practical, up-close look at no-HAZMAT fueling and preventive maintenance solutions built for real-world construction job sites. In the Thunder Creek booth, attendees will see the Multi-Tank Oil Skid (MTOS) alongside the Service & Lube Truck Upfit (SLU), MultiTank Trailer (MTT), and Multi-Tank Oil Trailer (MTO). Together, these platforms demonstrate how Thunder Creek supports the
core job site functions that protect uptime, without adding regulatory complexity or workflow friction for crews.
All platforms on display are built around Thunder Creek’s proprietary tank design, carrying fluids in quantities of 115 gallons or less per tank while keeping them independent during transport. This design achieves no-HAZMAT classification, allowing transport by a broader range of licensed drivers without requiring a HAZMAT endorsement and, in many cases, a commercial driver’s license. Manufactured in Pella, Iowa, these solutions are built with premium fabrication and components to perform in demanding construction environments.
“Built for the realities of road and bridge work, Thunder Creek brings fuel and preventative maintenance directly to equipment in the field. Our trailers, truck upfits, and skids simplify daily service, minimize travel time, and keep crews focused on production, not logistics.”
BOOTH C32069, CENTRAL HALL
No equipment on display.
Unique Paving Materials Corp. offers UPM high-performance cold mix asphalt repair material, KOLD-FLO pourable crack filler and Asphalt ReSurfacer sealant for use sealing over alligator cracking and protecting pavements from water damage and stains.
Visit uniquepavingmaterials.com
BOOTH C32302, CENTRAL HALL
Weiler will have equipment on display.
“Weiler offers innovative products and unmatched service and support for heavy highway, commercial paving and drilling contractors.”
Visit www.weilerproducts.com
Stop by booth C32302 to see Weiler’s P385C commercial class paver. It features a Cat® C3.6 Tier 4F/Stage V engine with an increase to 120 horsepower (90 kw).
Its undercarriage features 90-inch track length, 68 inches of ground contact, and the 140-mm track chain pitch provides smooth ride and excellent flotation with automatic track tensioning, according to the manufacturer. The conveyor drive system features a sealed chain case, hydraulic motor with heavy duty bearings and splined shaft.
An updated hydraulic system with proportional valving provides variable speed and reversible conveyors and augers. The larger tunnel height allows for lower conveyor speeds without loss of material output.
The Weiler-designed 3,700-pound screed features a paving range of 8 feet to 15 feet, 8 inches. The redesigned heating system eliminates GFCI breakers and utilizes insulation monitoring.
Three different operating positions allow for optimal visibility and control with the adjustable, magnetic-resistance steering system. Optional screed mounted control panels give operators additional function control from screed level.
Weiler equipment is sold and serviced exclusively at Cat® dealers across North America, with factory trained technicians and readily available parts.
Check out the dedicated innovation center in the middle of the outdoor booth in the silver lot, which will focus on new solutions centered around helping customers solve everyday challenges.
The Wirtgen Group and John Deere will have equipment on display in their combined booth.
“Close to our customers.” “Take advantage of the innovative solutions from the technology leader in the road construction segment.”
Visit www.wirtgen.com
New this year, John Deere and the Wirtgen Group will be participating as a presenting sponsor supporting the Shop Talks and Walks.
There will be six market debuts from the Wirtgen Group as well as 18 world premieres of brand-new equipment from John Deere.
“Delivering a distinctive showcase for the construction market, John Deere and the Wirtgen Group are offering a customer-focused experience at their joint booth during CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026. Totaling 80,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor booth space (Silver Lot SV2415), attendees can expect to see world-premiere equipment designed to help solve customers’ challenges. Inside the West Hall (W40442), an additional space will highlight John Deere Power Systems and E-Power solutions, demonstrating the company’s commitment to driving the construction industry forward.”
Also visit the John Deere booth to see one of AsphaltPro’s 15 Top Products of 2025—the SmartDetect™ Digital for select midsize and large-size loaders. Expert staff will be on hand to help with any questions about the product.
No equipment on display.
“Women of Asphalt (WofA) is a national coalition dedicated to championing women across all roles within the asphalt industry. Our mission is to empower women through mentorship, education, networking.”
Visit https://www.womenofasphalt.org/
Join industry peers and leaders to share best practices, challenges and personal experiences unique to women in the industry at the March 6-7 EmpowerHER Workshop.
BY SANDY LENDER
AAccess to skilled labor and the worker shortage in general has been a persistent top-rated concern for construction and manufacturing companies in the United States since prior to the pandemic. Mike Mauzy, sales manager of Reliable Asphalt Products, Inc., Shelbyville, Kentucky, shared the truth contractors are living in the field: labor shortages are impeding progress throughout all construction sectors. Recruiting qualified candidates to our sector has become a key initiative for many of the national—and state—trade associations.
What the industry also faces is the loss of key individuals taking with them vital institutional knowledge. Mauzy spoke of the predicament. “Retiring long-tenured industry professionals are leaving a knowledge void that is nearly impossible to replace.” In his travels and consulting, he sees this compounding labor/retirement obstacle adding to the swaths of construction companies advertising for new hires.
We can stress the importance of bringing new workers to the asphalt community while also recognizing the value of what we have in place. At this year’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG tradeshow at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Reliable Asphalt Products will host a workforce development signing ceremony on the stage in its booth in the central hall—booth C32804—to do just that.
The original equipment manufacturer (OEM), alongside AsphaltPro Magazine, will welcome the Rogers Group Inc. (RGI), Nashville, Tennessee, to highlight and honor a new worker joining our industry, a current worker who is being promoted within the industry, and a retiring worker who has shared some of his institutional knowledge for our March edition.
Founded in 1908, RGI, is the largest privately owned construction aggregates company in the United States. RGI provides crushed stone, sand, gravel, and asphalt for infrastructure projects across multiple states, with a focus on quality, safety, and community engagement.
There are many facets of workforce development; the three that Reliable Asphalt Products and RGI will focus on during the workforce development signing ceremony are
• new hire,
• career promotion and
• retirement.
The new hire being signed during the ceremony will be announced closer to the big day. The worker being advanced is this month’s Women of Asphalt feature and newly promoted Assistant Corporate Asphalt Plants Manager Brianna Overstreet. The worker retiring after 49 years in the asphalt industry is also from the plants division: Richard Warren.
As Mauzy pointed out, bringing new workers to our industry in time to let them train alongside our veteran workers is key to our industry’s survival.
“Finding qualified industry newcomers to learn as much as possible from long-tenured industry veterans before they retire is the priority,” Mauzy said. “Retaining and training existing employees throughout their careers is a key workforce development component. Lastly, recognizing employees’ accomplishments throughout all career phases not only yields retention dividends, but it also is the right thing to do and communicates respect and appreciation. Recognizing retiring professionals is respectful, while at the same time, creates a culture of appreciation.”
“We’re hosting this signing ceremony for Rogers Group on our stage in our booth to applaud one of their new hires, one of their promoted employees, and a manager retiring after five decades of service,” said Reliable Asphalt Products CEO Charles Grote. “We’re proud to be partners with Rogers Group to facilitate their business and to celebrate their people.”
Reliable Asphalt Products invites members of the industry and press to join company executives at its booth C32804 in the central hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Wednesday, March 4, at 9:30 a.m. The company will share the booth’s stage to stress the importance of welcoming new members to our industry while validating and honoring the advancing and retiring members of our industry.
Astec revolutionized the paving industry with the introduction of the Shuttle Buggy, and now the SB-3000 sets a new standard in material transfer vehicles. Effortless maintenance, unmatched performance, and four steering modes for ultimate agility keep paving seamless. Experience groundbreaking innovation with the patented Ground Crew Control Station for the ultimate user experience and protection. The SB-3000 isn’t a machine, it’s a revolution in material transfer, built on Astec’s legacy of industry firsts.
If you’re reading this, you’re part of the construction industry. You know how to prepare for a hard day’s work, and you don’t mind weather changes that blow cold air down your back in the morning and bake the top of your hard hat in the afternoon. Welcome to Las Vegas where all this plus a whole lot of walking and standing around awaits. Even if you've attended the show before, you might want a list of our Top 10 Tips for Prepping to Survive CONEXPO ’26.
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Get Your Daily Highlights on Your Phone
AsphaltPro Magazine will share a quick-n-dirty Show Daily each morning of the show that you can only catch if you’re signed up for our free Toolbox Tips email. If you don’t already receive these weekly tailgate talk topics in your email, then visit this subscribe link to get on the list before you leave for Vegas! https://theasphaltpro. com/upgrade-daily-toolbox-talks/
Trade in the Work Boots for Walking Shoes
You might be used to long days walking beside a mill or standing with a flag to protect your colleagues in the work zone. Even if most of your day is spent in the cab of a machine, the work boots you broke in last season won’t be the best option for walking around the halls and lots that make up CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE. You want to break in a comfortable pair of walking shoes before you get to the 2.9 million square feet of exhibit space. (And hey! Turn on your step-tracking app before you leave your hotel because everyone will be comparing their totals at the end of each day.)
and Strollers ’R Us
If you have anyone on your team with mobility issues, renting an electric scooter to help them get around the show is an option. (And you might want a stroller for young family members.) CONEXPO has a link to a rental spot they recommend called ScootAround, but you’ll want to reserve your device before you arrive: https:// scootaround.com/en/las-vegas
By the time you receive the February issue of AsphaltPro Magazine, you should already have your hotel booked. But you can still double-check the free shuttle service many hotels are offering to help guests get to the designated drop-off points of the festival grounds, and the blue, diamond and platinum lots. Check out the CECA26 Hotel Shuttle Transpo Flyer link on the CONEXPO website for details.
When you land in Vegas, you’ll see kiosks at the airport and at a variety of hotels where you can scan your QR code to have your badge printed out. Then you merely bring the badge with you to each day of the show. Keep in mind, the badge is also your ticket to discounts at participating attractions, restaurants and shops around Las Vegas, too. Visit https://www.vegasmeansbusiness.com/ planning-tools/offers/attendee-deals/ for tips.
5 Make reservations in advance
Speaking of using your badge for discounts, make sure you can get into the places you want to visit. Vegas is built to accommodate around 40 million visitors per year. CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE overlap the annual Wedding & Portrait Photographers Conference Expo and Nevada Homeschool Convention (NEVCON 2026) in addition to the UFC Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira fight on March 7, which means hundreds of thousands of tourists are vying for the seat you want at the steak house. Or at the Jorge Medina & Josi Cuen Latin Music Event at Mandalay Bay.
As a construction worker, you know to have redundancies and backups on the job site. Think that way before leaving your hotel room, too. Include an external power bank in your backpack to charge your cell phone (or tablet). Considering the battery drain from the CONEXPO app, the Uber app, all the videos you’ll take during the day, and everything else each day, you may find yourself stressing over re-connecting when no one’s at the designated spot around 10 p.m.
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Make a Plan with Extra Time
You’re a contractor, so you know the adage: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. It’s true when you come to CONEXPO-CON/AGG. If the shuttle drops you at the platinum lot Tuesday morning and you think that means you can “do” the south hall that day, God help you. Instead, make a plan for which parking lot or drop-off point will be your starting line and map your route to see specific vendors and education sessions that impact your operations. Make sure you plan for traffic delays (see the stroller and scooter entry above), hydration breaks, cool distractions in booths that weren’t on your list, and the size of the show. As with most of Vegas’ landmarks, the west hall might look like it’s “right over there,” but it takes a long while to walk to!
As a contractor, you understand the importance of staying hydrated on the job. Remember that Las Vegas is in a desert. As medically invasive as this sounds, if you’ve been walking the tradeshow floor for four hours without needing a biology break, you’re dehydrating! Drink plenty of water while you’re walking around to avoid medical mishaps.
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Stop by the AsphaltPro booth GL30901
That point about making a plan? Make sure it includes stopping by the AsphaltPro Magazine booth in the grand lobby, between the north and central halls. We’ll have experts in the booth at set times (see the sidebar in this show preview) and fun stuff to give away. We look forward to seeing you in Vegas and talking asphalt with you!
First-of-its-kind national study sets baseline for plastic waste in Canada’s construction industry
Expanded plastics reporting is on the minds of construction professionals in Canada and Light House, Vancouver, British Columbia, has released the Construction Plastics Initiative (CPI) Benchmarking Study, the first national effort to evaluate plastics in Canadian construction projects at scale, to guide the conversation. By analyzing diversion data from 253 LEED-certified projects across seven provinces, it reveals how construction plastics remain under-tracked and under-managed—and sets out clear recommendations to close these gaps through stronger reporting, supplier engagement and on-site practices.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a globally used green building rating system that certifies projects meeting defined sustainability criteria, including construction waste management.
While single-use plastics have long been in the spotlight by industry and policymakers, construction plastics have remained largely ignored. With global negotiations for a plastics treaty recently stalled, national and industry-level action is considered urgent. Canada’s Federal Plastics Registry will expand in 2026 to include construction plastics, requiring companies that supply or use building materials to report how much plastic they produce, recycle and dispose of.
To prepare the sector, Light House launched the CPI in 2024: a first-of-its-kind pilot program working with 10 construction projects in the Lower Mainland to capture, divert, and repurpose plastic waste and manufacture them into new building materials. Supported by the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund and Environment and Climate Change Canada, CPI is piloting solutions such as on-site collection, supplier engagement, and recycling plastics into new building products, while building the evidence base for national change.
The Benchmarking Study provides the foundation of real data to illustrate the plastics problem and sets the stage for findings from the CPI project to be released in spring 2026 that will demonstrate how industry can move from problem to solution—strengthening ESG performance, meeting investor and regulatory expectations, and advancing a circular economy for construction plastics.
“CPI OFFERS THE PATHWAY TO PROGRESS, SHOWING THAT WITH THE RIGHT SYSTEMS AND PARTNERSHIPS IN PLACE, CANADA’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CAN DRAMATICALLY CUT ITS PLASTIC FOOTPRINT AND LEAD THE SHIFT TO A CIRCULAR ECONOMY.”—GIL YARON
• Diversion intensity averaged 1.1–2.7 kg/m², with institutional and residential projects producing the highest volumes.
• For comparison: at 1.1–2.7 kg/m², the amount of plastic diverted from the construction of a building the size of The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto (260,000 square meters) would be as much as 700,000 kg—equivalent to 140 million plastic bags.
• Regional differences were observed between provinces such as Alberta and Quebec, suggesting that supply chains, infrastructure and policy frameworks influence outcomes.
• Year of project completion emerged as a factor, with a 2015 spike in diversion intensities aligning with national trends in plastic disposal.
• Current reporting systems rarely separate plastics by material type, making it difficult to benchmark progress or target solutions. Together, these findings highlight inconsistencies in how construction plastics are tracked and diverted, with outcomes varying widely by project type, region and reporting practices. This variability underscores the need for standardized tracking and clearer industry-wide practices. At the same time, external research points to a major opportunity: around 80% of construction plastics are clean packaging and readily divertible. With simple, proven measures such as signage, crew training and supplier take-back programs, diversion rates could rise above 80%.
“Construction plastics are one of Canada’s most overlooked waste streams,” said Gil Yaron, managing director, Circular Innovation, Light House and co-author of the study. “This study gives us the evidence we need to understand the challenge, and CPI offers the pathway to progress, showing that with the right systems and partnerships in place, Canada’s construction industry can dramatically cut its plastic footprint and lead the shift to a circular economy.”
The release of the study marks a turning point. For the first time, Canada has clear data on construction plastics and a roadmap for action. As CPI moves forward with pilot projects, industry partnerships and circular product innovation, Light House is demonstrating how evidence-based solutions can scale nationally. With federal reporting requirements on the horizon, this work positions Canada’s construction sector not only to meet new obligations but to set the standard, proving that construction plastics can be measured, managed, and transformed into valuable resources.
CPI will release pilot findings in spring 2026, showing how industry can move from problem to solution—strengthening ESG performance, meeting investor and regulatory expectations, and advancing a circular economy for construction plastics.
WEB EXTRA: To read the full CPI benchmarking report, visit: https://www.light-house.org/portfolio/construction-plasticsinitiative-benchmarking-study/
That’s why we bring more than just tools, we bring the fire.
From retrofits and relocations to maintenance, parts, and plant upgrades, Motion Engineering keeps your plant running hot and smooth. With over 30 years in the asphalt industry, we’ve seen it all and solved it all.
Let’s talk about how to make your next project faster, cleaner, and more efficient.
FROM CWMF
WMF Corporation, Waite Park, Minnesota, shared an official statement following the announcement from Astec Industries Inc. (Nasdaq: ASTE), Chattanooga, Dec. 4 of the Definitive Agreement to acquire CWMF. On Dec. 11, CWMF shared additional perspective on the agreement and what it means for the company’s employees, customers and future. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.
Founded in 1988, CWMF has built its reputation on quality craftsmanship, durable design and dependable equipment manufactured by skilled tradespeople in central Minnesota. As demand for CWMF’s product lines has grown, the company has continued expanding its operations, capabilities and workforce to support customers across North America.
By joining Astec’s family of industry-leading brands, CWMF will strengthen the combined organization’s ability to serve asphalt producers with a broader range of equipment and support resources.
CWMF President, Carmie Mick said, “CWMF has always been focused on building a strong future for our employees, our customers, and the industry we serve. With no third generation stepping in, we knew the next chapter of growth would require a larger platform—one capable of supporting the momentum our team has created.
“Partnering with Astec provides exactly that. Their scale, resources and commitment to the industry ensure long-term stability and opportunity for our people, while strengthening the support we can offer our customers. This decision allows CWMF to enter its next chapter from a position of strength, and I am proud of what our team has built to get us here.”
Following closing, CWMF’s operations will integrate into the Astec organization, where both teams will work collaboratively to ensure a smooth and well-supported transition for employees, customers and suppliers.
For more information, visit https://www.astecindustries.com/
FROM ERGON
An industry partnership is making BioAsphalt™ road construction materials that win at sustainability. First, let’s look at the partnership and then the product.
Verde Resources Inc. (OTCQB: VRDR) (Verde), St. Louis, Missouri, announced October 2025, the signing of a 10-year definitive license agreement between its wholly owned subsidiary, Verde Renewables Inc., and Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions Inc. The agreement formalizes a long-term strategic alliance to commercialize Verde’s specialized emulsion and carbon sequestering BioAsphalt™ road construction surface materials across the United States, Mexico and Canada. The agreement has a 10-year term with an option to extend for an additional 10 years.
Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions is a subsidiary of Ergon Inc., a diversified global organization engaged in multiple industries. The privately held Ergon is an industry pioneer in asphalt innovation and supply employing more than 4,000 people and serving customers and partners in over 90 countries worldwide.
Building on the successful collaboration that began with a Memorandum of Understanding earlier in 2025, Verde and Ergon will advance the deployment of innovative low-carbon technologies that integrate Verde’s proprietary emulsifying agent with Ergon’s high-performance asphalt, reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), and biochar to produce and commercialize a carbon-sequestering road surfacing material across North America. Under the terms of the agreement, Verde is licensing its proprietary technologies to Ergon for use in the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of advanced road construction products. The agreement also grants Ergon the right to use Verde’s trademarks and access ongoing technical services to ensure integrity and transparency, verifying that every ton of carbon dioxide sequestered is accurately quantified, tracked, and validated.
In addition to the commercial agreement, both companies have executed a term sheet for a $2 million investment by Ergon in Verde. The investment underscores Ergon’s confidence in the longterm growth of Verde’s technologies and further solidifies the true strategic nature of the alliance.
“Our milestone commercial collaboration with industry leader Ergon marks a major achievement in our mission to bring innovative solutions to market and accelerate decarbonization across emission-intensive infrastructure,” said Jack Wong, CEO of Verde Resources. “Together with Ergon, we will deliver transformative, common-sense solutions that will redefine the roads of the future for the benefit of both the environment and the economy.”
Verde’s BioAsphalt™ can be produced burnerless and placed year-round, even during winter, without requiring heat or solvents during installation, according to the manufacturers.
“Our agreement with Verde strengthens Ergon’s ability to deliver sustainable, next-generation technologies to the road construction industry,” said Patrick Nation, president of Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions. “We are excited to integrate Verde’s solutions and work to accelerate the adoption and commercialization of the end product over the next year, with the goal of enhancing how roads are built in a sustainable way without compromising quality or reliability. Verde’s technologies align seamlessly with our ongoing commitment to sustainable solutions and long-term growth strategy, and we are excited to bring these solutions to our customers and partners...across North America.”
BioAsphalt™ is also the first in the world to generate verified Carbon Removal Credits, certified through Puro.earth. This breakthrough positions Verde as a pioneer in making asphalt a climate-positive material, actively mitigating Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions across the construction value chain—turning roads, streets and pathways into carbon sinks. To align incentives with sustainability metrics, Verde will share 40% of its future Carbon Removal Credits with Ergon, linking commercial success directly to measurable environmental impact.
Verde’s technologies, including its carbon sequestering BioAsphalt™, have recently earned early validation from the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT), positioning the company at the forefront of low-emission construction innovation.
The EX 300 from ADM FAYAT Group boasts a 50-foot-long drum and will be on display in ADM’s booth SV2067 during CONEXPO-CON/AGG.
ADM FAYAT Group, Huntertown, Indiana, is adding a new asphalt plant model to its EX Series line of continuous-mix asphalt plants. The new EX 300 will be unveiled at the ADM FAYAT Group booth SV2067 at CONEXPO-CON/AGG March 3-7, 2026, in Las Vegas and features a 102-inch drum diameter and 50-foot length.
The EX 300 was designed to fill a niche not previously covered in the ADM FAYAT Group line of EX Series hot-mix plants and one that is in high demand in the North America marketplace. With existing EX plant capacities of 120, 170, 225, 325 and 425 tons per hour (TPH), the new EX 300 has a capacity of 300 TPH. Like all EX Series plants, the EX 300 is designed to handle up to 50% RAP.
Unique features of the EX 300 counterflow asphalt plant include:
• Single drum diameter
• High efficiency CBS total air burner with variable drive frequency (VFD)
The Blue Smoke Control and X-VOCS systems from Butler-Justice, Inc., capture and filter blue smoke and odors from emission points in your plant — with 99.9% overall efficiency. We can incorporate this system into new plants or retrofit your existing plant with minimal modification.
www.bluesmokecontrol.com
• Trunnion drive with VFD, no V belts
• Drum insulation with stainless steel cover
• Flights designed for easier maintenance
• Available as portable, relocatable or stationary
• Optional high wear package
• Elastic tire supports
As with all EX Series asphalt plants, the EX 300 achieves maximum heat transfer and fuel efficiency through separate drying and mixing zones with its single-drum counterflow-system technology.
For more information, visit https://www.admasphaltplants.com/
Among the equipment and new technologies to be displayed at CONEXPO-CON/AGG next month, Astec Industries, Chattanooga, will offer information on the Astec IntelliPac™ aggregate moisture system, which provides visibility into virgin aggregate—and now RAP—moisture levels. At the heart of the system is its carefully vetted moisture measurement methods.
One of the standout features of the system, according to the manufacturer, is its comprehensive data logging functionality. The system records virgin aggregate composite moisture levels, enabling operators to track and analyze historical trends. This historical data serves as a valuable resource for optimizing processes and making informed decisions to enhance overall efficiency.
The real-time moisture values offered by the IntelliPac Moisture System are integrated into the plant control system, empowering opera-
The IntelliPac™ aggregate moisture system from Astec was introduced in 2024 and updated to measure RAP in addition to virgin aggregate
tors to make adjustments on-the-fly. This level of visibility into virgin aggregate moisture allows for more precise addition of liquid asphalt cement. Additionally, operators can fine-tune burner operations based on real-time moisture levels. Stop by booth C30236 in the central hall to see the display and discuss the system with Astec personnel.
Astec is one of the manufacturers joining the inaugural class of AsphaltPro’s Top Products feature from 2025.
For more information, visit https://www.astecindustries.com/ products/details/astec-intellipac-moisture-system.
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Cedarapids, a Terex brand, introduced Dec. 16, 2025, the newest addition to its portfolio of wheeled plants, the CRH5064 Cedarapids Portable HSI Impactor Plant. At the core of the CRH5064 is the TI5064 Horizontal Shaft Impactor, which includes a high-inertia 4-bar rotor, monoblock primary curtain with replaceable tips, hydraulic tramp iron relief, and hydraulic-assisted apron adjustments. Prototype testing achieved 600–700 tons per hour through the plant when processing 30-inch minus shot rock limestone. The maximum feed size is up to 30 inches. The plant features the new 60-inch x 20-foot Cedarapids Advantage Series Feeder, which is 8 inches wider than the largest previous model. Visit the Terex booth SV2357 at CONEXPO-CON/AGG to see this crushing solution firsthand.
Compass Wire Cloth is highlighting its custom-fabricated edge screens, which are designed for demanding screening environments. They are engineered to meet exact original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications across a wide range of industries.
Each screen is constructed using high-quality materials, including stainless steel, carbon steel, and synthetic mesh options such as polyester and nylon. The edge types are equally diverse, ranging from bonded and polyester to high-temperature Nomex®, vinyl, and heavy-duty metal edges. This broad material selection allows Compass Wire Cloth to tailor screens to the specific operational and environmental requirements of industries such as mining, aggregate, plastics, and more.
The bonded edge, made of cotton webbing and heat-activated adhesive, offers an economical solution with operating temperatures up to 300°F, according to the manufacturer. For extreme heat, Nomex® edges withstand temperatures up to 600°F, making them ideal for high-temperature material handling. Polyester edges offer a permanent bond to synthetic meshes without sewing, improving edge integrity and reducing failure points.
Continental’s group sector, ContiTech, announced in October 2025 that it plans to invest more than $85 million USD to expand its manufacturing operations in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. The plant expansion includes construction of a state-of-the-art compounding center that will integrate production, warehouse and office operations. It underscores ContiTech’s commitment to delivering high-performance, material-based technologies, with a focus on hoses and belts.
The expansion is expected to create approximately 50 new jobs. The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board has approved a package of loan and tax incentives through the IEDA’s High-Quality Jobs program to support the initiative.
Construction is anticipated to begin Q2 2026. The Mount Pleasant site plays a key role in ContiTech’s global supply chain, serving a wide range of industrial customers.
Eagle Crusher will unveil its new Talon™ line of heavy-duty crushing and stockpiling equipment for recycling applications at CONEXPO-CON/AGG. The new TalonTrax™ mobile crushing plant has been designed for ultra-mobile crushing without sacrificing power or production on the job site. At the heart of the TalonTrax, is Eagle Crusher’s
The TalonTrax plant from Eagle Crusher is a dual power plant that can be powered by the onboard diesel engine or switched to external power from a genset or line power. It will be on display in booth 31414 in the central hall during CONEXPO-CON/AGG.
new TalonMax™ (TM-15) impactor, featuring an open-rotor design that reduces weight while still providing the same crushing capabilities for which Eagle Crusher equipment is known. The impactor also features a new, thicker blow bar design to increase overall wear life.
The plant also features a dual-motor, under-crusher pan feeder with industry-leading discharge clearance in excess of 23 inches to enable greater material flow and virtually eliminate clogging; and an easily removable discharge conveyor that allows for quick access to under-crusher area, as well as to the discharge conveyor itself, for inspection, maintenance, and cleaning of both.
TalonTrax comes equipped with a cross-belt, permanent magnet that removes steel contaminants from crushed material. The magnet is reversible to allow steel discharge from either side and stays on for transport.
Additionally, the TalonTrax features a heavy-duty hopper, sized for feeding with a loader or excavator and a grizzly bypass chute and cross conveyor with flop gate allowing for either removal of the material that passes through the grizzly deck for stockpiling or blending back with the crushed material.
The new TalonStack™ mobile, self-propelled, radial stockpiling conveyor has been designed to improve productivity and mobility while minimizing operator costs. On display at CONEXPO-CON/AGG will be the TalonStack 65, with Eagle Crusher offering a wide range of TalonStack sizes.
For more information, visit https://eaglecrusher.com/
In late 2025, EvoQuip® launched the Bison 220 & 220R additions to its compact jaw crushing range. The two are high performance jaw crushing plants designed for operators in quarrying, demolition and recycling applications.
They are engineered with a 32-inch x 22-inch jaw inlet and a 240MP compressive strength. An advanced hydrostatic drive system offers the additional capability of running the chamber in reverse.
The Bison 220R boasts an optional ‘R’ section (recirculating conveyor), which improves the ability of operators to achieve the required product specification. Oversize material can be recirculated back into the crusher or stockpiled, depending on operational needs. It includes an integrated 8-foot x 4-foot single deck screen.
We’ve been designing and manufacturing custom mixing solutions in Tennessee for nearly 40
The complete afterscreen system, including the oversize conveyor, can be quickly detached, allowing the machine to run in standard mode or making transport more straightforward, according to the manufacturer. Operators also benefit from the ability to raise and lower the product conveyor, providing smooth material handling across varying job sites.
In late 2025, EvoQuip also announced the appointment of Power Equipment Co. (PECO) as its new authorized distributor across five states in North America: Southern Idaho, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico. Effective immediately, PECO will offer sales, rentals, parts, and service for the full EvoQuip portfolio of compact crushers, screens, shredders and conveyors across these states.
Finlay®, a Terex brand, has launched two new inclined screeners: the Finlay 693 and Finlay 694. These revamped models represent a return to the original naming convention, replacing the 693+ and 694+. Both models feature high-energy screen boxes designed to process materials across quarrying, mining, sand and gravel, coal, woodchip, and topsoil applications. Each screener includes a large hopper with variable speed belt feeder, optional remote tipping or double deck vibrating grid, and a hydraulics system optimised for power and efficiency, according to the manufacturer. The powerpack is engineered to operate at lower engine speeds for long-term cost savings, and hybrid technology allows operation via onboard engine or external power supply. Simplified folding mechanisms and extra-wide manual catwalks enhance deployment and maintenance, while T-Link telematics with a free seven-year data subscription come standard.
The 693 is equipped with a two-deck screen box featuring a 20foot x 5-foot top deck and an 18-foot x 5-foot bottom deck, delivering highly efficient screening even at small aggregate sizes. The 694 builds on this with a triple-deck configuration, offering two full-size 20-foot x 5-foot top and middle decks and an 18-foot x 5-foot bottom deck, expanding its screening area to 290 square feet. Additionally, the 694 offers an optional integrated high-volume rinser screen box, increasing its versatility for wet applications.
MASABA Inc., Vermillion, South Dakota, announced the grand opening of its new 147,500-square-foot state-of-the-art metal fabrication and office facility in Vermillion. The company celebrated this occasion with an open house event on Oct. 16, 2025, held at the newly named Harold Higman Fabrication Center. The official name of the facility was a surprise dedication to Masaba Founder and CEO Jerad Higman’s father, Harold Higman, Jr.
The open house included tours and live demonstrations of Masaba’s new metal fabrication equipment; a “make your own keychain” station, where attendees created branded keychains from metal cut and formed by Masaba’s equipment; a formal ceremony; and refreshments.
Following an opening prayer by Dave Moore of the Corporate Chaplains of America, the ceremony featured speeches from a number of government and area development officials. The new building, located adjacent to MASABA’s existing
211,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, includes 120,000 square feet of fabrication space and 27,500 square feet of office and ancillary areas. The expansion represents a major investment in advanced steel fabrication technology, with more than $15 million in new equipment installed to centralize and automate steel processing.
Just a year after breaking ground in April 2024, the new building was complete to the point that production was able to begin there in early May 2025. By September 2025, all plate and structural steel processing had fully transitioned into the space. The new manufacturing facility not only expands fabrication capacity for MASABA, but it also enables the company to repurpose its former steel processing area into additional welding and assembly bays, aligning with MASABA’S long-term growth strategy.
Tyalta Industries, based in Alberta, Canada, has been announced as an official distributor for ProStack®, marking a significant expansion of ProStack's distribution network in North America. The collaboration will see Tyalta Industries service Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and British Columbia with the complete ProStack portfolio of dry bulk material handling equipment.
ProStack is one of the manufacturers joining the inaugural class of AsphaltPro’s Top Products feature from 2025.
Stansteel Hotmix Parts & Service, Louisville, Kentucky, offers the Automatic AC Calibration System, which keeps plant personnel from having to pump hot liquid asphalt cement (AC) into a tanker and take it to a truck scale for weighing to determine calibration.
With this system, using the proper piping and valving, the liquid AC can be diverted from the run line on the plant directly to the AC calibration tank. The tank is loaded with a specific amount of material and then stopped with a weight registered on the electronic digitizer located in the control house. After the material is weighed, the process can be reversed and pumped back to the AC storage tank so that no waste occurs. The manufacturer states that the benefits of using the system include cost-effective tank management, a high return on investment when grade bumping, increased storage times and more.
For more information, visit stansteel.com.
Watts Water Technologies Inc. (BYSE: WTS) (“Watts”), North Andover, Massachusetts, through its subsidiaries, announced Nov. 17, 2025, that it had completed the acquisition of Superior Boiler (“Superior”), Hutchinson, Kansas. Superior offers a comprehensive portfolio that includes firetube, watertube and condensing boilers and has annualized sales of approximately $60 million. The acquisition was funded with cash on hand.
Watts CEO Robert J. Pagano Jr. said, “We are thrilled to welcome the Superior team to Watts. This acquisition is consistent with our disciplined M&A strategy and further positions Watts for growth. Superior’s customized, mission critical heating and hot water solutions enable us to offer expanded capabilities to our customers. We expect that the company’s complementary sales network will help drive growth and provide increased cross-selling opportunities. With a commitment to providing outstanding quality and customer service, Superior is a strong cultural fit for Watts. I want to thank the teams at Watts and Superior for their efforts in completing this acquisition. We look forward to a smooth transition as we integrate Superior into the Watts family of brands.”
Superior CEO Doug Wright said, “Watts’ acquisition of Superior will provide tremendous opportunities and resources to support our growth in Hutchinson, Kansas, and the continued adoption of Superior’s solutions. The similarities in company culture, shared focus on innovation and commitment to advancing the Superior legacy for years to come is a formula we anticipate will drive our joint long-term success.”
ALLU ...................... 17, Sticker
Ahern Industries, Inc. 66
ALmix 6, 7, Map
Ammann ........... Inside Back Cover
Asphalt Drum Mixers, Inc. 33
Astec, Inc. Inside Front Cover, 51, Sticker
B&S Light 20, 21
Blaw-Knox 9
Bomag 57
Blue Smoke Control ................58
Brock Industries 64
Buffalo Turbine Map
CSI Combustion ...................68
Command Alkon 35
ConExpo-ConAgg 53
CWMF Corp. 3, 31
Dampney Engineered Coatings ......66
Destex, Inc 19
E.T. Clancy Company 63
EAGLE CRUSHER ................... 47
Fastmeasure 66
FAYAT Road Equipment Division 49
Sripath Technologies, LLC ..........59 Stansteel 11, 73, Map Systems Equipment 13, 52
Tarmac 15 Top Quality Paving 65 Weiler Products 25, Sticker Willow 65 Wirtgen 45, Map
AsphaltPro’s advertiser index is designed for you to have quick access to the manufacturers that can get you the information you need to run your business efficiently. Please support the advertisers that support this magazine and tell them you saw them in AsphaltPro magazine.
First released in 2013, the CMS-1625 is CSI’s newest generation specifically engineered for performance and built for reliability. From startup to shut down, on existing or new burners the CMS-1625 gives operators clear visibility, precise control, and peace of mind resulting in:
TOTAL CONTROL. TOTAL CONFIDENCE.
Powered by an Allen Bradley Compact Logix PLC, Red Lion 15” Graphite Series high resolution touchscreen and a Honeywell Programmable flame relay the CMS-1625 becomes a fully integrated operating system delivering a burner control like no other in the asphalt industry.
• 21 point valve characterization program allows for the combustion air and fuel outputs to be configured for maximum fuel efficiency and emission compliance from low to high fire.
• 16 point first out annunciator indicates the safety switch status and will display which safety faulted during operation.
• Automatic or manual control of the burner, exhaust fan and drum speed.
• FGR and water injection control loops for Nox reduction.
• Single fuel or dual fuel control modes
• Optional baghouse burner and pulse control
• Gas pressure, gas flow, drum draft, baghouse pressure drop, oil pressure, oil flow and atomizing air pressures are displayed and trended on the touchscreen. Tons per hour pulse input can be used with a fuel flow input to display and trend btu’s per ton in real time.
• Flame shape output for the Webster HDRA burner.
• CMS-1625 is specifically designed for maximum versatility with over 60 installs from coast to coast on Astec, Cedar Rapids, Gencor, Hauck, Vulcan and Webster burners.
With over 30 years of experience, CSI Combustion Services brings hands-on expertise to every project. Asphalt producers benefit from a partner who understands burners, controls, and plant operations-not just panel assembly. From panel integration, troubleshooting and system optimization, start up and commissioning support, upgrade and retrofits, to burner tuning for upcoming source testing. Combustion Services delivers control you can rely on-plant after plant.
TOTAL CONTROL. TOTAL CONFIDENCE
BY SAM MIELKE
Editor’s Note: In the January issue, we began a two-part series from Consultant Scott Jennings, P.E., concerning the start-up and management of a new asphalt business. This month, we begin a twopart series from Investment Banker Sam Mielke concerning positioning your established business for sale. This first part begins by addressing what you should know before you put your company on the market.
You know every piece of equipment in the yard and every customer on the schedule. But the mindset required to run a profitable asphalt business is different from the mindset required to sell one.
The answer isn’t about hitting a revenue target or reaching retirement age. The right time to sell is when the business can run without you at the helm every day. This is when you have systems in place, organized finances, a reliable workforce, and a revenue base that proves the company is built to last.
When potential buyers look at your company, they’re not just buying pavers and customer lists. They’re buying a team. One of the first questions they’ll ask is whether that team will stick around after the sale closes.
During due diligence, buyers don’t just ask how many crews you have. They want specifics: How old are the crew members? How long have they been with the company? This scrutiny is how they assess key person risk.
An example from the field: One paving business using a staffing agency had remarkable retention. Over the years, only one person had ever left the agency-sourced team. And that individual quit because they didn’t like working in the heat, not because of the company. For a buyer evaluating the business, this kind of stability was a major asset, which supported a higher purchase price.
A philosophy of cross-training is another powerful value driver. If you have a bottleneck where only one person knows how to run a critical piece of equipment or mix design, that is a risk. Buyers pay a premium for a workforce that can adapt.
An example from the field: A Southeast-based paving company built a culture where all employees could run a skid steer, handle patching, and perform sealcoating. This versatility eliminated bottlenecks. That same company developed a three-level training program for subcontractors, creating a scalable, loyal network that allowed them to expand into new territories without heavy overhead.
A business that lives entirely in the owner’s head is nearly impossible to sell. Buyers need to verify that you’ve documented your core processes in a way that allows operations to continue seamlessly from day one.
During diligence, you will face pointed questions: How do we track jobs? Who schedules the crews? How do employees find out what they’re working on each day? Your answers make the difference between being “impressive” and a “red flag.”
For example, it’s impressive when a buyer asks how you manage schedules and you pull up a dashboard showing every project, every crew assignment, and every deadline. It’s a red flag if you have to dig through emails, text messages, and handwritten notes to figure out what’s happening tomorrow.
An example from the field: One paving business implemented real-time job tracking where photos and videos from job sites were uploaded instantly to client portals. They also created a subcontractor mapping system with quality ratings. This proved to the buyer that the company ran on documented, repeatable processes—not tribal knowledge.
LEARN MORE
• Start now
• Document your processes
• Clean up financials
• Diversify your customer base
• Invest in a team with staying power
• Build systems that prove your business can thrive without you
If your financials are a mess, your deal will either fall apart or you’ll leave money on the table. Clean, organized financial records are the baseline requirement for any transaction.
The first thing any buyer will ask for is:
• Profit and loss statements for the past three years
• Tax returns for the same period
• Current year-to-date financials
What will prove problematic is when cash transactions aren’t properly recorded. Every dollar that you want credit for needs to be backed up with proof.
An example from the field: During due diligence for one contractor, the buyer discovered that cash receipts in 2023 and 2024 hadn’t been entered into QuickBooks. The seller had to scramble to reconcile cash sales by cross-referencing spreadsheets with customer records—even searching public Google reviews to verify jobs.
Buyers will also conduct a Quality of Earnings (QofE) report to verify your EBITDA—effectively a financial audit done by an independent CPA firm. If the QofE calculation comes in lower than what you represented, it can lead directly to a price reduction or an earnout structure where part of the purchase price is contingent on future performance.
During this audit, buyers will scrutinize your expense accounts looking for add-backs. These are personal or one-time expenses that can be added back to show true ongoing profitability. You need to proactively identify these charges (restaurants, personal vehicles, one-off supplies) and document them with clear evidence.
One transaction accountant said: “The truest measure of value ultimately comes down to cash flow. Cash flow reflects the business’s actual ability to generate returns for its owners and sustain operations over time.”
A stable, diversified customer base is one of the most attractive features a buyer can see. Over-reliance on a few key customers is a major risk factor, known as customer concentration, thus buyers will look for that wide range of clients in your portfolio.
An example from the field: When buyers reviewed financials for a driveway and sealing business, they found that the top two customers accounted for nearly 30% of total revenue. The top 15 customers combined represented 60%. The immediate concern for the buyers was potential loss if one of the large accounts were to switch contractors after the sale. This scenario usually results in lower valuations.
The lesson is to diversify your client base over time. Build relationships with multiple customers across different sectors so no single account dominates your revenue stream.
Landing contracts with major national brands also strengthens your profile. It acts as a badge of quality.
An example from the field: When a Pennsylvania contractor received a $200,000 check from Target for a department store project, it proved the company could meet Fortune 500 quality standards— that’s strong validation for any buyer.
Finally, consider your revenue mix. New construction can be cyclical and project-based, while maintenance and repair work tends to be more recurring and predictable. Consequently, maintenance work often commands a higher valuation.
The contractors who get the best outcomes when selling are the ones who start preparing years in advance. They document processes, clean up financials, invest in their teams, and build systems that prove the business can thrive without them.
If you’re thinking about selling in the next few years, the work you do today to get your house in order is what will ultimately determine your outcome.
Sam Mielke is an investment banker at OffDeal, leading M&A across the firm’s asphalt and paving sector.
Come see us. Booth C-32275 March 3-7, 2026, Las Vegas Convention Center
A comprehensive assembly custom engineered to offer the advantages of accurately injecting water, other liquid additives or a combination of these materials.
PLANT INTEGRATION FLEXIBILITY: Ability to retrofit on any continuous mix or batch plant.
COMPETITIVE MARKET ADVANTAGE: Ability to blend multiple liquid products: Warm Mix, Anti-Strip, Rejuvenators, Cold Mix Products and #2 Fuel Oil.
FINANCIAL SAVINGS: Lower expenses from reduced fuel consumption.
IMPROVES ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Elimination of blue smoke emissions from plant, silos and from behind paver.
REDUCES PAVING CREW STRESS: From increased workability, reduction in roller passes and patterns, increased, longitudinal joint densities.
INCREASES PROFITABILITY: From increased RAP usage, silo storage time, and haul times in truck bed.
EXPAND PLANT MARKET REACH: Superior coating of the mix and haul-time performance allows expansion of your plant’s geographic reach.
ENHANCES REPUTATION: Improves company reputation from reduction of road degradation.
SAVES MONEY: Reduces the number of required AC tanks and grades to be stored.
IMPROVED MIX WORKABILITY: Example: Grade-bumping (with latex). Grade-bumping custom design.
A MUST FOR PARALLEL FLOW DRUMS: Increases RAP, less blue smoke.
BUDGET RELIEF: No monthly service/subscription charge.
Scan and watch how you can save thousands!
BY ELLIE GABEL
The industrial sector has undergone drastic changes in recent years. Has your workforce followed suit? Decision-makers must overhaul their sourcing and training programs before the skills gap grows too wide to bridge.
Many are looking to younger generations to compensate for the swath of industry veterans set to retire. This approach has its merits, but is very broad. Instead, hiring managers could zero in on a highly skilled yet untapped population of gamers.
As seasoned industry professionals retire, almost 4 million manufacturing jobs will become available. However, experts project approximately half of those roles will go unfilled.
Editor’s Note: Given the approximately 350,000 workers in the highway construction and maintenance industry overall include individuals who anecdotally share they intend to delay retirement or “never retire,” it’s hard to put a number on how many asphalt plant operators are retiring and how many are moving up the skills ladder.
With the skills gap widening, the need to scout and retain top talent is urgent. The best solution may require looking at unconventional talent pools such as the video gaming community.
Gamers have a reputation for being lazy and lonely, but that’s not always a fair assessment. Most are sociable, ambitious and tech-savvy. And the gaming population offers a sizable talent pool. According to the Pew Research Center, 85% of teenagers play video games, and over 50% of them agree that doing so has enhanced their problem-solving skills.
Gamers’ technology skills go beyond the basics. They can quickly and independently troubleshoot technical issues. Many are familiar with the digital solutions plants will soon utilize, such as virtual reality (VR) or Internet of Things (IoT) devices. For instance, VR users could easily adapt to on-the-job VR training.
Astec Industries, Chattanooga, Tennessee, is one of several OEMs developing virtual, augmented or mixed reality solutions. At this time, Astec customers can use its Astec Digital extended reality solution to view an entire plant or a single piece of equipment at scale, allowing customers to “see” the plant footprint with new or “moved” components.
In 2024, Stockpile Reports®, Redmond, Washington, demonstrated the world’s first mixed reality stockpile measurement tool with its SR Measure, utilizing Apple Vision Pro. It made navigation intuitive, requiring only hand and eye movements—the wearer merely looks at the pile to create a three-dimensional reconstruction.
The emergence of collaborative robots (cobots) and artificial intelligence (AI) necessitates workforce-wide upskilling. One example from
2017 is Astec’s Silobot, which performs inspections inside the asphalt silo, using magnetic wheels and ultrasound technology. It shortens inspection times from days to hours, keeping crews out of the confined space.
Consider Spot, the robodog from Boston Dynamics, discussed in the recent article, “CRH’s Sustainable Practices Give Preferred Results.” This cobot performs repetitive tasks, like inspections, where it’s less than ideal for humans to work.
Gamers have interacted with AI for decades longer than the general population; many have backgrounds in programming, so they are positioned to adjust to such technologies quickly.
The Fifth Industrial Revolution focuses on how the relationship between humans and machines can help facilities increase output while decreasing errors. Those who have grown up gaming, programming and developing have probably explored this connection personally.
Just because a young adult is a digital native doesn’t mean he or she possesses technical literacy. Millennials and Generation Z were born into a world where technology was optimized for a seamless user experience. Many passively consume content without understanding how all the tools work.
This is why focusing on the gaming population is more strategic than targeting young working adults as a whole. Those who grew up actively utilizing, exploring and troubleshooting technology are better equipped to perform well amid AI technology.
Gaming helps individuals develop a broad range of transferable skills, including problem solving, active recall, teamwork, pattern recognition, time management, deductive reasoning and leadership.
The gaming population is large, but recruiting these individuals is not as easy as updating some language in the job description. There is little visible overlap between industrial operations and gaming, so these people may not be actively seeking an asphalt plant operator position. Hiring professionals should get creative. Advertising on video game blogs, posting VR training marketing material or leveraging social media may help.
These tech-savvy candidates will thrive if training is tailored to their skill sets. Gamified learning and upskilling—such as scoring, leveling, tiered rewards—would be familiar and engaging.
Many young people play video games, and the market is only growing. Experts project the video game market will increase from $292.4 billion to $977.4 billion between 2025 and 2035. This bodes well for those rethinking the sourcing and hiring processes to target this segment.
With a swath of seasoned workers nearing retirement, facilities will want to update their talent pools. Gamification could be the key to attracting gamers and updating people’s outlook on the industry. As public perception shifts, more may start viewing asphalt plant careers as more than just lucrative—they’ll see them as competitive.
Ellie Gabel is the associate editor at Revolutionized.com.
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