From Family Legacy to Woman-Owned Leadership: Kelley’s Underground Construction Builds the Future of Pipeline Construction in the High Desert
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KELLEY'S UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION
From Family Legacy to Woman-Owned Leadership: Kelley’s Underground Construction Builds the Future of Pipeline Construction in the High Desert
Tackles Utility Infrastructure Projects Utilizing Urban Pond Underground Storage Systems 20 MOZINGO
A Trusted Leader in Underground Utility Solutions for the Central Valley and Beyond
Norty Turner Appointed as New CEO of Sunstate Equipment
PUBLISHER: Kerry Hoover khoover@calcontractor.com
EDITOR: Brian Hoover, Senior Editor
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By Brian Hoover, Editor / Photos by Mojave Media and Kelley's Underground Construction
For nearly six decades, Kelley’s Underground Construction has been a cornerstone in the underground utilities industry, serving Southern California with expertise in sewer, water, and storm drain installation. Founded in 1967 as Kelley’s Backhoe Service by founder, Frank Kelley (Kelley), the company has evolved through perseverance, adaptability, and a deep commitment to quality.
Jennifer Kelley, president of Kelley’s Underground Construction, and her husband, Jay Kelley (Superintendent of
Construction), took over the business in 2002. The company was originally operated by Jay’s mother and father, who were among the first to purchase an excavator in Southern California. Over the years, he worked with major pipeline contractors throughout the Inland Empire.
Jay grew up in the business, working alongside his father from the age of eight, performing tasks such as greasing machines, grade checking, and changing buckets. Jennifer, on the other hand, had no prior construction experience. Growing up on a farm in Olympia, Washington, she spent her youth showing horses and raising cattle.
The couple met on a cruise strip in downtown Olympia as teenagers and have been together for 34 years, married for 30.
After Jennifer graduated from high school in Washington, the couple moved to Southern California, where Jay worked for his father and other construction firms, gaining experience in hazardous materials (Hazmat) and fuel tank projects. Meanwhile, Jennifer balanced multiple jobs, including bookkeeping for Jay’s mother, notary work, and studying at night for dental assistant school, while also working as a cake decorator at Baskin Robbins.
In 2002, the Kelleys launched their first independent venture, winning a contract for a mainline replacement at George Elementary School in Victorville. With limited resources, they borrowed equipment from Jay’s father and worked tirelessly to establish their name.
"We started out with nothing, renting backhoes from Jay’s father and living modestly," Jennifer said.
Kelley’s Underground Construction team members use a Case 821 wheel loader and a John Deere 350 excavator to transport and set 96-inch Contech corrugated perforated pipe.
"We reinvested everything into the company to give us the best chance at success."
By 2009, the company had experienced significant growth but also faced challenges during the recession. Jennifer obtained her contractor’s A license and rebranded the business as Kelley’s Underground Construction, securing Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) certification. This designation helped the company land critical military and municipal
contracts, ensuring its survival during economic downturns.
“We won our first bid with the City of Victorville doing a mainline replacement at the George Airforce Base for George Elementary School. We borrowed my father-inlaw’s backhoe and just went for it,” continues Jennifer. “We had one additional employee at the time and the three of them installed 1,800 feet of 8-inch pipe on that first job. Things just evolved from there as the City of Victorville
Below: Kelley’s Underground Construction operators carefully place and compact rock in the haunches and 12 inches above the pipe, ensuring optimal support and long-term integrity of the entire system.
started recommending us, and we became an approved contractor with Liberty Utilities here in Apple Valley.”
Today, Kelley’s Underground operates as a non-union contractor, specializing in wet utilities for private and public clients, including municipalities, airports, military bases, and schools. The company runs five crews, with projects spanning the High Desert region, including Apple Valley, Victorville, Lancaster, and Palmdale, as well as the Inland Empire.
Above: An 850-foot-long, 36-inch-wide excavation prepared for the installation of a 96-inch Contech retention system.
Below: A John Deere 744 wheel loader places rock along the sides of the excavation, ensuring stable support for the Contech retention system.
The company has grown exponentially, expanding from a single crew to 44 employees, doubling in size over 18 months. Notable projects include:
• Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA) — One of Kelley’s earliest large contracts, a $6 million project for the City of Victorville, involving infrastructure work for Pratt & Whitney and GE, who were constructing four new airplane hangars.
• Silverwood Project — A long-term development that will bring 16,000 homes to the High Desert over 15 years. Kelley’s scope includes installing 30,000 linear feet of sewer, water, and storm drain lines.
• Ashley Furniture Water Retention System — A large-scale underground retention system in San Bernardino, installing 2,580 feet of 96-inch CMP pipe for HMC Construction.
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Above: Mixing and processing the soil is a crucial step in achieving proper compaction— something Kelley’s takes great pride in maintaining on every project.
Below: Using a Putzmeister Telebelt to place rock has proven to be an efficient and safe method for backfilling large excavations such as this one.
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• Desert Meadows Townhomes and Apartments — A near-complete project in Lancaster, installing 30,000 linear feet of underground utilities.
• Apple Valley Village Revitalization Project — A multi-phase project aimed at improving the sewer and water infrastructure for the historic Apple Valley business district, enhancing long-term sustainability and
supporting local economic growth.
• Victor Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade
— A critical infrastructure improvement project focused on expanding wastewater treatment capacity to accommodate the region’s growing population.
• March Air Reserve Base Utility Upgrades — Ongoing work at the military base, upgrading
stormwater and sewer infrastructure to meet federal standards for environmental compliance and resilience.
• Interstate 15 Corridor Infrastructure Expansion — A collaborative effort with municipal agencies to improve underground utilities along the major transportation corridor, ensuring long-term infrastructure reliability.
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Jay Kelley, who meticulously tracks the company’s pipeline installations, estimates they have laid approximately 600 miles of pipe since taking over the business, with 65 miles installed in the past year alone.
Kelley’s Underground maintains a fleet of John Deere and Hitachi equipment, including (12) excavators, (7) backhoes, (4) wheel loaders, along with skid steers, mini excavators, pieces of utility equipment.
"I have a strict rule: If I rent a machine more than twice for the long term, I figure out how to purchase it," says Jennifer. “The company is preparing to expand its fleet further in the coming months as our usage continues to grow.”
Beyond machinery, the company prioritizes employee retention, offering competitive pay, benefits, and a family-like work environment.
"Finding hardworking, dedicated employees is a challenge, but we do everything we can to keep our team happy and motivated," Jennifer said. "Our goal is to provide stability, keeping our operators and laborers home every night."
The Kelley family’s next generation is actively involved in construction. Their son, Cody, 28, works as a foreman and leads one of the company’s crews. Their younger son, Shelby, 26, earned a civil engineering degree from San Diego State University and obtained his professional engineers license while working for TKE Engineering Inc., gaining experience outside the family business.
"Shelby recently completed a $45 million sewer reclamation project as an assistant resident engineer," Jennifer said. "He’s gaining invaluable experience and perhaps one day will bring that knowledge back to our company."
As Kelley’s Underground continues to expand, Jennifer remains passionate about the industry.
"I love the chase of this business—going after work and building our company one project at a time," she said.
With a foundation built on resilience, family values, and hard work, Kelley’s Underground Construction is well-positioned for continued growth in the ever-evolving construction landscape. For more information on Kelley’s Underground Construction, please visit www. kelleysundergroundconstruction.com or call their Apple Valley headquarters at (760) 247-6537. Cc
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Kana Pipeline Leads Infrastructure Work for MultiFamily Housing Project in Huntington Beach
Kana Pipeline, a non-union subcontractor, has made significant progress on the Essex & Gage project in Huntington Beach at Edinger & Gothard. The company is handling all sewer, water, storm drain, and fire line installations for this 129-unit townhome community. Landsea Homes recently broke ground on this all-electric townhome project that are each three stories high, with two to four bedrooms, and anywhere from 1,097 square feet to 2,516 square feet.
Under the leadership of Project Manager Rizwan Rana, the job
commenced in late October 2024 and is now approximately 60% complete. Phase 2 is set to begin after the project's expected completion at the end of March.
Among the notable achievements, Kana Pipeline has installed 600 linear feet of 18-inch and 24-inch high-density polyethylene (HDPE) storm drain pipe, along with approximately 2,500 linear feet of 8-inch sewer lines, and 4-inch domestic fire lines. While excavation depths remained moderate at around 9.5 to 10 feet, the proximity to the beach posed groundwater management challenges, necessitating daily pumping and diversion of roughly 18,000 gallons of water.
“The most complex aspect of this project was the installation of the Urban Pond System, an underground stormwater storage solution designed to mimic a natural detention pond. This modular precast concrete system, supplied by Contech, extends 145 feet in length across a 50-footwide area. It plays a crucial role in slowing stormwater runoff, allowing gradual percolation into the ground to replenish groundwater supplies,” says Rana. Excavation for this system reached depths of 10 feet and required extra-wide shielding to protect workers and surrounding infrastructure, particularly the area adjacent to the Golden West College building.
Superintendents Nic Alcantar and Jose Covarrubias oversaw the operation, which involved the use of a Caterpillar 349 and a Cat 336 excavator as well as 5-yard Cat wheel loaders. The project faced traffic-related complications, particularly when dealing with asbestos pipe removals and sewer connections along the busy Edinger Avenue. The team implemented a comprehensive traffic control and safety plan, ensuring all work was executed efficiently and without incident.
Kana Development Group’s union division successfully completed the wet utility infrastructure for Comstock who has completed construction of a 74,445 square foot Class A 36foot clear ESFR warehouse on a 3.30 acre vacant land site in the city of Vernon. The CRP Comstock Vernon Project, a sewer, water, and storm drain infrastructure job, began for Kana in February 2024 and wrapped up in October 2024.
Kana Development Group is working for General Contractor, Millie and Severson, Inc., whom they have had a longstanding relationship. Led by Project Manager Jessica Ostrander and General Superintendent Danny Sandoval, the project featured the installation of an Urban Pond System, which
Left: Dewatering system with active wellpoints in place within the trench for the Urban Pond installation, pictured here when approximately 40% complete.
Below: Aerial view capturing the backfilling phase of the Urban Pond installation.
presented unique engineering and logistical challenges.
“The construction site was highly constrained, with overhead power lines on the north side and an existing building within 10 feet of the south side excavation,” says Ostrander. “The south-side excavation had already been completed by another contractor, but Kana Pipeline assisted by implementing an engineered sloping plan designed by Trench Shoring Company. This plan allowed the excavation to extend vertically four feet before transitioning into a oneto-one slope.”
Each precast module of the Urban Pond System measured 8 feet by 16 feet and weighed between 20,000 and 30,000 pounds. Initial plans called for a
crane to install these sections, but the presence of power lines made this unfeasible. Instead, the team opted for a 113,000 lb., John Deere 470 P-Tier excavator, which provided the necessary lifting capacity to maneuver the heavy modules into place. This decision avoided the additional $30,000 cost of relocating the power lines.
According to General Superintendent Danny Sandoval, a key distinction of this project compared to the Huntington Beach installation was the requirement for a concrete slab base rather than crushed gravel. “To prevent damage to the newly poured 8-inch concrete slab, our team had to stabilize the surface and create a shelf to safely maneuver the heavy excavator,” says { Continued on page 18 }
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Sandoval. “The tight site conditions also necessitated the delivery of the modular concrete sections via (27) 18-wheeler trucks. Our contract also included the installation of 49 linear feet of 8” SDR26 sewer line, 83 linear feet of 2” Schedule 80 pipe for water, and storm drain installations of 956 linear feet 12” HDPE, 264 linear feet 6” HDPE, and 85 linear feet 8” HDPE around the entire building perimeter. We also backfilled the precast modules with up to 12 inches of dirt cover material as part of the process. Once again, our Superintendent, Nic Alcantar, played a crucial role in ensuring the project's success.”
Both projects demonstrate Kana Pipeline’s expertise in complex underground utility installations and its ability to navigate challenging site conditions. Through innovative problem-solving and strategic equipment choices, the company continues to deliver high-quality infrastructure solutions across Southern California.
Founded in 1984, Kana Pipeline remains dedicated to maintaining their status as one of the leading wet utility contractors in California. Kana serves both private and public entities in the development of commercial, industrial, residential and institutional developments. In addition to installing sewer, water,
storm drain, fire line, and other storm drain structure systems, Kana also provides vacuum utility potholing and private utility locating services to help keep utility lines, workers, and project sites safer. For more information on Kana Pipeline, please visit www. kanapipeline.com or call their Riverside headquarters at (714) 986-1400. Kana Development Group was incorporated in September 2021 by Daniel Locke, who is also the president of Kana Pipeline. For more information please visit www.kanadg.com. Content for both companies can be found on LinkedIn and Instagram @kanacompanies. Cc
Kurt and Doni Mozingo (Co-Founders) started Mozingo Construction in early 1990 and have since grown their company into a leader in underground construction, known for its efficiency, expertise, and commitment to quality. Based in Oakdale, California, the company has expanded its operations throughout the Central Valley, taking on significant public and private infrastructure projects.
A Strong Foundation
Kurt and Doni Mozingo were both born in Sonora, California and raised in Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties. They were married in the fall of 1989, and soon decided to purchase a backhoe, dozer and dump truck to take on small-scale projects in Tuolumne County. Mozingo’s early work focused primarily on septic systems, house pads, and footings. As the business evolved, they began to receive numerous requests for excavation of wet utilities. So, Mozingo Construction evolved and began to get much more involved with sewer, water and storm drain installations. By the late 1990s, the company became signatory with the local Operating Engineers and Laborers' unions, allowing it to transition into larger-scale construction projects.
Today, Mozingo operates across a vast region, from Merced in the south to Lincoln and Rocklin in the north. With the recent opening of its office in Rancho Cordova, the company is now poised to better manage projects in the Sacramento area.
Mozingo’s expertise now extends across a wide range of underground utility services, from large-scale sanitary sewer force mains to minor sewer lateral repairs. The company specializes in underground construction, focusing on wet utility installations such as sewer, storm drain, domestic water, recycled water, and major irrigation pipelines. Additionally, Mozingo constructs pump stations and performs related mechanical work, including stormwater vaults, minor structures, and pipeline appurtenances.
Mozingo also handles trunklines, manholes, service connections, and force mains with precision and efficiency.
For water infrastructure projects, Mozingo provides solutions for domestic, recycled, and nonpotable water systems, ensuring top-tier performance. Services include transmission, distribution, fire mains, chilled and heated water systems, backflows, hydrants, air release valves (ARVs), and blowoffs.
Storm drain projects are another core area of expertise, with the company installing everything from 4-inch plastic pipes to 120inch reinforced concrete pipes. Mozingo handles mainlines, laterals, manholes, inlets, and basin facilities, ensuring effective stormwater management.
Beyond installation, Mozingo offers a comprehensive range of additional services, including
pipeline cleaning and testing, potholing, GPS locating of installed appurtenances, temporary dewatering, patch paving, temporary shoring, and emergency response solutions. The company also provides traffic control, removals, and TV (video testing and inspection) services, ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency on every project.
Jake Creger serves as General Manager/Partner for Mozingo. Creger has been with the company since January 2023, after spending many years in upper management with Teichert Construction. “I joined Kurt and Doni a few years ago to be a part of their evolution. Kurt and Doni are the original mom and pop success story as they started out with a small operation and evolved into a successful business through their hard work and dedication,” says Creger. “Kurt was more of an operator out in the field in the early days, while Doni ran the office. This dynamic duo worked from the ground up to build a stellar reputation and answer the demand for underground utility construction in the foothills on into the Central valley. Mozingo has grown slowly and organically and over the
last several years to become the premiere underground wet utility construction firm in the Central Valley, and now more recently into the Sacramento area. I am extremely proud and motivated to be a part of this incredible journey.”
Mozingo Construction handles a variety of projects, from private residential developments for major homebuilders to largescale public works projects for municipalities and state agencies. The company currently employs approximately 200 individuals during peak season, with a core group of 70 employees who have been with Mozingo for decades. "We’ve assembled a group of individuals that just works harder than everybody else," says Creger. "We tend to do the work with fewer resources, and much faster than similar companies of our magnitude."
Beyond their project expertise, Mozingo Construction stands out for its workforce development efforts. The company actively
Left & Below: Mozingo Construction utilizes a Hitachi excavator and Volvo articulated dump trucks to excavate a pit for a stormwater retention system as part of the J.M. Pike Park Storm Drain & Water Project in Modesto.
recruits skilled laborers and operators from rural areas like Tuolumne and Calaveras counties, where young workers are instilled with a strong work ethic from an early age. "We tap into a group of younger kids from the hills who grew up cutting firewood, working on family projects on family ranches and learning the value of hard work," says Franz. "These folks come in with the right mindset, and we invest in their long-term growth."
Mark Franz has been with Mozingo for 18 years and now serves as the company’s General Superintendent/Partner overseeing all field operations with 22 foremen and six superintendents working under his leadership.
One of Mozingo Construction’s current underground projects is a major sewer line extension near Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln. This private development project involves the installation of a 24-inch sewer main at a depth of approximately 35 feet. “This sewer line extension project sits right up against the Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln. We are installing 3,000 linear feet of 24” sewer trunk main for a private developer at a depth of 35 feet,” says Franz. “We are utilizing some big tractors on this job, including an 890, 670, and 350 Hitachi excavators for excavating and installing the sewer pipe. We started toward the end of February and expect to have everything installed in May of 2025. The largest challenge has been that the excavation and flow line of the newly installed pipe is at 35 feet in depth. Shoring correctly and keeping everyone safe while achieving the production that we need to make budget is what this job is all about.”
Project Highlights:
• Scope: Over 3,000 feet of sewer main
• Challenges: The extreme depth of the excavation and specialized use of shoring solutions
Above: Mozingo Construction utilizes Hitachi excavators to place chambers in the stormwater retention system as part of the
• Timeline: Started in late February; expected completion by late April to early May 2025
J.M. Pike Park Storm Drain & Water Project – Modesto
A recently completed job in Modesto centered around J.M. Pike Park, where Mozingo Construction served as the prime contractor for a $30 million public works project. “This is a large drainage/water project where our crews began with the demolition of around two acres of park area to make room for an underground storm drain water system. This system will collect water from the surrounding neighborhoods and include the installation of approximately 25,000 linear feet of new water mains, along with around 300 new services up to the houses,” continues Franz. “We are utilizing three full crews and performing the storm drain excavation with our Hitachi 350 and Volvo 350 excavators. We are also using our Hitachi 245 excavators to excavate the water main lines. Challenges include dealing with heavy traffic control issues, particularly for the storm drain portion from 9th Street all the way across Orangeburg. There is live traffic running on both sides while we have the center of the road opened and then there is all the existing utilities to work around. We also performed over
1,000 potholes to locate those existing utilities.”
Project Highlights:
• Scope:
¶ Complete demolition and excavation of an existing park
¶ Installation of an underground stormwater system to manage runoff from surrounding neighborhoods
¶ Installation of 15,000 feet of new storm drain lines (sizes ranging from 60 inches to 18 inches)
¶ Installation of 25,000 feet of new water mains (primarily 12-inch and 8-inch pipes) with approximately 300 new service connections
¶ Numerous manhole installations
• Challenges:
¶ Extensive traffic control was required along major streets, including Tully Road, where crews had to manage traffic while working in the roadway’s center
¶ Over 1,000 potholes were excavated to locate existing underground utilities before installation.
• Timeline: Started in July 2024; expected completion by May 2025
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Mozingo Construction is preparing to ramp up work on a $45 million pipeline project for the El Dorado Irrigation District. This project involves installing a 5-mile-long, 24-inch welded steel pipeline across rugged terrain from a treatment plant to a tie-in point in Pollock Pines. “We started this project in late 2024 and are currently in the early phases. Everything will ramp up later this year when we will be installing a 24” welded steel pipeline cross country that spans around five miles,” says Franz. “Our excavation crews will be navigating down slopes as steep as 50 degrees, crossing rivers, and maneuvering up canyons from a treatment plant to a tie-in point in the town of Pollock Pines. We go in and log the area to cut in our right of way through 5 miles of wilderness. We have super extensive fire prevention and safety plans for obvious reasons on this project.
• Heavy Terrain: The pipeline route includes steep slopes, river crossings, and dense forest
areas, requiring significant land clearing and road construction before pipeline installation.
• Extreme Slopes: Some sections will require excavators to be secured with winch tractors due to slopes approaching 50 degrees.
• Fire Protection & Safety Measures: Extensive fire safety plans must be implemented to work safely in wildfire-prone areas.
• Timeline: Early work began in late 2024, with full-scale operations expected to commence in May 2025.
“Mozingo has worked hard to build a strong reputation in the underground utility industry, working with hundreds of companies and organizations in both the public and private sectors,” says Creger. “We have the capability to handle projects of any size, from small-scale installations to large, complex developments. We look for and specialize in tackling challenging environments, including mountainous terrain, congested urban areas, highways, and open farmland. At Mozingo,
we serve a diverse range of clients, from major general contractors and national builders to local developers, irrigation districts, and public agencies.”
The Mozingo Construction Fleet Mozingo Construction operates an extensive fleet of excavation and earthmoving equipment, with a preference for Hitachi excavators and Volvo wheel loaders. The fleet includes:
• Hitachi 350-class excavators
• Hitachi 400-class excavators
• Hitachi 200-class excavators
• Hitachi 600-class excavator
• Hitachi mid-sized excavators (130-150 class)
• Volvo 300-class excavators
• Volvo wheel loaders
• John Deere backhoes
• Hitachi mini excavator
• Skid steer loaders
• Rex compactors for large-scale compaction projects
• Hundreds of Attachments
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Mozingo Construction has a long history with Hitachi equipment and today they purchase these machines from Garton Tractor, Inc. with headquarters located in Turlock and 11 other locations throughout the Central Valley. "We feel that Hitachi offers the best all-around excavator. Their hydraulic systems are superior, and they have a faster swing and cycle time compared to other brands," says Franz.
In addition to Hitachi, the company relies on Volvo for additional excavators and their wheel loaders, citing their durability and efficiency in backfilling operations. “The Volvos are by far the best wheel loaders for the work we do and make up our entire fleet of wheel loaders,” says Franz. “Volvo Construction Equipment & Services have done an excellent job taking care of our equipment
needs. We also have a long history with Pape Machinery and continue to purchase our backhoes and other compact machines from them.”
Beyond their project expertise, Mozingo Construction stands out for its workforce development efforts. The company actively recruits skilled laborers and operators from rural areas like Tuolumne and Calaveras counties, where young workers are instilled with a strong work ethic from an early age. "We tap into a group of younger kids from the hills who grew up cutting firewood, working on family projects on family ranches and learning the value of hard work," says Creger. "These folks come in with the right mindset, and we invest in their long-term growth."
With ongoing projects across California’s Central Valley and new ventures into the Sacramento region, Mozingo continues to
expand its reach while maintaining a reputation for excellence. Their ability to complete complex underground projects efficiently and safely has positioned them as a trusted name in the industry. “We are a large construction firm and experts in underground construction, but we also still have that down-home deep-rooted mom and pop feel. We treat our customers like friends, and they trust us because we always do the right thing. They get to deal directly with the owners with a lot of horsepower and resources behind them,” concludes Creger. “This year we will be slightly heavier in public works, but our intent is to remain diversified and balanced equally between private and public works projects. It seems like we are just getting started and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Mozingo Construction.”
For more information on Mozingo Construction and their latest projects, please visit www.mozingoconstruction.com or call their Oakdale headquarters at (209) 848-0160. Cc
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Norty Turner Incoming President & CEO
On February 10, 2025 Sunstate Equipment’s Board of Directors announced the appointment of Norty Turner as President & CEO. Turner succeeds Chris Watts, who retired as President & CEO on March 28, 2025.
“Chris is an inspiring, values-driven leader with an extraordinary passion for our people and commitment to our company,” said Marcel Langlois, senior Board Member. “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Chris for his invaluable contributions and the strong foundation for growth he helped to create during his time as CEO. We are now well-positioned to raise the bar on our aspirations for Sunstate’s next chapter, and I’m delighted that Norty will lead that next phase in the company’s growth given his deep
understanding of our industry and visionary leadership.”
Turner brings extensive expertise to Sunstate Equipment, with three decades of experience in the equipment rental industry. In 1995, he began his career as a sales coordinator at Hertz Equipment Rental and advanced through the ranks to hold senior positions, including Vice President & General Manager of HERC EMEA, and concurrently as President of Hertz Equipment France.
In 2012, Turner became CEO of RIWAL, a Netherlands-based equipment rental company, where he successfully led the organization for more than six years. Upon returning to the U.S., he joined United Rentals as Senior Vice President of Services and Advanced Solutions, a role he held until 2022. Turner’s deep industry knowledge and proven leadership across diverse markets position him to guide Sunstate Equipment into its next phase of strategic growth.
"I am honored to join Sunstate Equipment, grateful to the Board of Directors, and excited for the opportunity to contribute to its continued success," said Turner. "Sunstate’s dedication to exceptional customer service, innovative solutions, and a people-first culture truly sets it apart in the industry. My focus will be on building upon the strong foundation that Chris and the leadership team have established. Working alongside our talented
teams to drive growth, innovation, and customer-focused business excellence, together we will not only uphold Sunstate’s legacy, but also shape a future defined by bold ideas, lasting partnerships, and a shared commitment to exceptional achievements."
Chris Watts will officially step down at the end of March after nearly 30 years of dedicated service. As the son of founder Mike Watts, Chris has been instrumental in transforming Sunstate from a regional rental company into a nationally recognized leader.
"Leading this dedicated and principled team has been the honor of a lifetime,” said Chris Watts. “The success we’ve achieved is a testament to the hard work, ambition, and unwavering commitment of the 2,500 individuals who make up the Sunstate family. I am confident that under Norty Turner’s leadership, Sunstate will continue to thrive." Cc
Caterpillar Inc. is announcing the new Cat ® D8 dozer with advanced technology designed to provide faster more accurate results. The next generation design makes it easier for operators to transition to different machine sizes. The bulldozer’s elevated sprocket offers better ride and balance than low-drive undercarriages, and its long undercarriage delivers the D8’s renowned performance of high penetration forces and superior dozing performance. The Cat C15 engine offers an increase in horsepower over the previous build to take on a wide range of dozing, ripping and grading tasks.
The D8 dozer’s next generation cab offers more space than the previous design complete with a wide air suspension seat with multiple adjustment options. Featuring an integrated rollover protective structure (ROPS), the next generation cab provides 17% improved visibility than the previous design1. It can be removed in approximately 30
minutes to facilitate machine servicing.
Assist technology features minimize operator input, boosting productivity for less experienced operators and decreasing effort and fatigue for everyone, while delivering quicker and more precise outcomes. Cat Assist with Attachment Reader Option (ARO) standard features include: Stable Blade, Traction Control, Steer Assist, AutoRip, Attachment Ready Option, AutoCarry™, Cat Grade with Slope Assist, and Slope Indicate.
Cat Command for Dozing removes the operator from the
cab by enabling remote dozer operation when working in hazardous environments. With no on-site network requirements, the portable and lightweight Command console provides quick and efficient line-of-sight remote control from up to 400 m (1,312 ft) for optimum operator visibility. The Command station delivers comfortable, non-lineof-sight operation either on-site or from miles away. The station features a comfortable seat, familiar controls and allows the use of Grade, Payload, Assist and other technologies using the included touchscreen. Cc
No matter how high the traf fic volume, there’s an asphalt design that can handle it. Through pavement design and material selection , asphalt pavements can be built to carr y any load Plus specialty mixes can be engineered to meet specific needs and climate conditions, all while remaining cost- ef fective to build and easy to maintain .
Aquajet, a global leader in Hydrodemolition technology, is set to revolutionize the industry once again with the launch of not one, but two groundbreaking robots. Introducing the Aqua Cutter 450A and Aqua Cutter 450V — compact, powerful and highly versatile additions to Aquajet’s renowned lineup.
The new electric 450 series brings the power and innovation of Aquajet to a more compact, maneuverable design. As smaller siblings to the Aqua Cutter 750V, these models incorporate the advanced Evolution 3.0 control system, the patented Infinity oscillation system, and an array of other cutting-edge features. Despite their reduced size, they can handle reaction forces up to 1400N, making them highly effective in confined spaces without compromising performance. Like all Aqua Cutter robots, the 450A and 450V efficiently clean and descale rebar without causing microfractures, ensuring structural integrity. They also deliver exceptional reach in horizontal, vertical and overhead applications, making them ideal for a wide range of Hydrodemolition projects.
Both robots in the 450 series are electric powered, making them ideal for urban Hydrodemolition projects and other environments where zero emissions are required. They also feature a detachable Power Control Module (PCM), allowing the PCM and the robot’s tracked crawler to operate separately. This enables the PCM to remain in a
The Aqua Cutter 450A is designed for efficiency in narrow and confined spaces like tunnels, culverts and parking garages. Its hydraulic, articulated arm rotates to follow curved surfaces and extends up to 3 meters (9.8 feet) from the robot, enabling precise work on horizontal, vertical and overhead surfaces. With zero emissions and low noise levels, it’s an ideal choice for urban Hydrodemolition projects, delivering powerful performance in enclosed environments.
safe location while the crawler — remotely controlled via radio — navigates confined or hazardous spaces such as narrow tunnels or flooded sewer pipes.
The 450 series is fully compatible with Aquajet’s new Aqua Rail system, as well as a range of attachments and high-pressure pumps, including the Ecosilence. The robots also integrate seamlessly with Aquajet’s EcoClear wastewater treatment system, a fully automated solution that allows on-site water treatment and recirculation, ensuring environmentally responsible operations.
With the launch of the Aqua Cutter 450A and 450V, Aquajet continues to set new standards in Hydrodemolition technology — delivering the power, precision and versatility needed to tackle
The Aqua Cutter 450V, equipped with an extendable tower system, is the perfect choice for vertical applications in tight spaces such as shafts, high walls and overhead work, but it is just as efficient in horizontal work. It offers a reach of up to 4 meters (13.1 feet) without support and up to 10 meters (32.8 feet) with support. Its adjustable hoist and tilt function ensure precise positioning of the power head, making it easy to retract, inspect the results, and resume work seamlessly.
With a disconnectable Power Control Module (PCM), both Aqua Cutter 450 models can reach areas inaccessible to electric-powered equipment. Separating the PCM from the tracked crawler allows them to operate independently via radio control. This keeps the PCM in a safe location while the fully submersible crawler navigates confined or hazardous spaces, such as narrow tunnels or flooded sewer pipes.
the toughest concrete removal challenges.
For more information, visit www.aquajet.se. Cc
