Hot Mix Asphalt Technology - January/February 2008 - (Page 52)

Plants Emphasize Quality continued emphasis in the plants on complying with programs like lockout/tagout and monitoring for site atmospheres. “We’ve always kept a high priority on housekeeping,” he said. Many employees take such great pride in their plants that they tackle landscaping and beautification projects themselves. Community relations is another important emphasis for the company. The plant hosts tours and sponsors youth sports teams. “We like to think of ourselves as good neighbors in the communities that we’re working in,” Lawrence continued. “One thing that I emphasize to people is that we live and work around these plants. We don’t want to do things that are detrimental to the environment since we have our own health to consider. We take our community and our environmental responsibilities seriously. “We find that asphalt plants often get a bad rap,” said Lawrence. The Diamond Achievement Commendation helps overcome that misperception. “We felt it was important to show the public that our plants meet an industry standard.” strive to be the best in quality and production,” said Knick. The company makes yearly improvements to its plants – repainting as needed and adding new landscaping. It also maintains a schedule of weekly and monthly maintenance to keep plants in good shape. “I feel that our image in the communities we operate in is very high,” he said. “We’re looked upon as a great organization.” The Diamond Achievement Commendation helps enhance that reputation. “I think of it like a resume. The more you achieve in awards like the Diamond Achievement, the more that people look and say, ‘This is a great company.’ “It’s important for our employees and the company itself to obtain the Diamond Achievement Commendation,” he added. “It makes the company stand out.” HMAT Mary Lou Jay is a freelance writer from Timonium, Md. Employee pride works for company good name For employees at Superior Paving Corp. in Virginia, earning the Diamond Achievement Commendation is a matter of pride – and perhaps involved a little friendly rivalry among the company’s 10 plants. “All of the guys work hard and take pride in obtaining the commendation,” said Sean Knick, the company’s safety officer. Plant employees are aware when the company has applied for the commendation. “They want to know if we’ve obtained it or not, and when I come in with the plaque to put on the wall, they want to see it,” he said. Superior Paving earned its first Diamond Achievement Commendations in 1999. “We YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE HMA PARTS INDUSTRY The Astec Parts department has 233 years of combined employee experience. Anytime, anywhere in the world, any brand… when you need HMA facility parts we make it happen. an Astec Industries Company 4101 JEROME AVENUE • CHATTANOOGA, TN 37407 USA • 423.867.4210 • FAX 423.867.4636 • astecinc.com MORE 52 313747_Astec.indd 1 Technology – JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2008 • Hot Mix Asphalt 12/23/06 4:25:18 AM http://www.astecinc.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Hot Mix Asphalt Technology - January/February 2008

Hot Mix Asphalt Technology - January/February 2008 Contents Chairman's Commentary President's Perspective A Conversation with the New NCAT Director NCAT Test Track: Real-Time Testing for Real-World Results Warm Mix: The Lights are Green Illinois Tollway Tests RAP in Fast Forwarded Research Big Creek Teams with TxDOT to Pave Using Innovative Asphalt Mix Diamond Achievement Commendation Issues a Call for Quality Calendar of Events CONEXPO-CON/AGG Product Review Index of Advertisers Advertisers.com

Hot Mix Asphalt Technology - January/February 2008

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