Asphalt and freedom merge on Lyle Bowes’ Patriot Hill

The Bowes Construction Inc. story reads like a USA balanced mix design. A decorated war hero, Lyle Bowes, and a future woman of asphalt, Marcia Mannerud, met in the 1970s and when a tragedy could have derailed a family business, they instead built a legacy of heavy highway construction that continues next door to a veterans memorial today: Patriot Hill Memorial.

Asphalt Company History

Marcia’s father and uncle started Mannerud Construction in the 1940s as an aggregate production and trucking company serving eastern South Dakota. After Lyle received his honorable discharge from the Army, he returned to DeSmet and went to work as a truck driver for the company in 1971. That’s when he met Marcia and the two married.

An Honorably Discharged Army Veteran of Vietnam, Lyle Bowes was decorated with, among other awards, the Bronze Star Medal with the V device for Valor.

Lyle shared that his father-in-law passed away in 1973, and Marcia’s uncle and cousin weren’t going to travel for roadwork in the same capacity that Erv Mannerud had done; the company was dissolving, so by 1975 he and Marcia were able to purchase some assets and, with a partner, start Oesby-Bowes Construction. By 1981, they were able to buy out the partner and establish Bowes Construction Inc. (BCI).

The Patriot Hill Memorial has been the site of many ceremonies since its inception in 2024. The site includes stone benches where visitors can pause and reflect on the sacrifices and service of our nation’s veterans.

With this new venture growing, Marcia needed to sign on as a full-time employee. According to the company’s website, “This decision would lead to a career spanning 27 years and the opportunity to become one of the first women in South Dakota to own a road construction company, JaMir Reclamation.”

By 1991, the Billings area market needed an asphalt plant to support infrastructure development, and BCI responded with a stationary 250-TPH Barber Greene plant. The team coaxed plenty of production from the plant over the years, replacing the drum more than once and replacing the original wet dust collector with a baghouse for improved air quality.

In 2012, Lyle turned the reins over to the next generation. “I retired at 62 years old. It became evident my children were ready to have their chance,” Lyle said.

Bowes Construction Buys Uptime, Security, Production

His son, Jason Bowes, had returned from the USMC in October 2004 to take over the laydown operations in the field, and daughter Miranda Bowes had joined Marcia in the office earlier that spring.

Joe Mendel, former asphalt production manager for Bowes, explained for a 2024 article that the company saw a need to go for a full upgrade at the plant to increase daily and hourly production. They had been working with Travis Mick, then the vice president of CWMF, for incremental upgrades over the years and went with a stationary 400-TPH plant with a parallel flow drum from CWMF (now a division of Astec). They went with a Hauck MegaStar burner, an 80,000-cubic-foot DustEater baghouse, an 86-foot drag slat conveyor and Minds controls. Over the winter of 2023, they battled harsh weather to get everything installed before construction season startup.

In the winter of 2023, Bowes Construction worked with CWMF (now a division of Astec) to install a stationary 400-TPH plant with a parallel flow drum with a DustEater baghouse.

Patriotism, Family, Asphalt

While the asphalt and aggregates industry has presented a solid career for Lyle, he has a foundation in his love of country that has kept him grounded as well.

Among the many community outreach activities Bowes Construction participates in, the company prioritizes annually sponsoring events that honor Veterans Day. The information shared on the company’s website echoes the sentiments Lyle shared in an interview.

From the website: “Bowes Construction’s involvement goes beyond financial support; it reflects a genuine appreciation for the dedication and service of veterans. The sponsorship underscores the company’s recognition of the importance of community events that bring people together to honor and express gratitude to those who have selflessly served the nation. Also, supporting their many employees who have served in the military. Through their sponsorship of the Veterans Day celebration, Bowes Construction exemplifies corporate citizenship, emphasizing the profound impact businesses can have when they actively engage in commemorating and supporting the veterans who have safeguarded the values and freedoms we hold dear.”

Those freedoms are something Lyle spoke of with pride. “Patriotism is the lifeblood of freedom,” he said. “We don’t have to do ‘more’ than what we’re already doing; we just have to keep doing what we do. That’s the way freedom works.”

Bowes Construction Regrades, Rubblizes for a Smoother, Safer Ride

But when Lyle wanted to include a symbol of his patriotism on his company’s property, he couldn’t help feeling he needed to keep doing more. He installed a flagpole for the American flag on a rise just north of the Bowes administrative offices and wasn’t satisfied with the height of it. He felt he needed to do more. So, he bought a taller flagpole.

“I got a 40-footer and added the Army flag and the Marine flag,” Lyle said.

It still didn’t seem like enough. “There was always a reason I wanted something else there.”

From left, Lyle Bowes, his grandson Jaxon Bowes, and fellow Veteran Gene Murphy gather at the monument for Jaxon’s OCS ceremony.

That’s how the Patriot Hill Memorial was born. He and his grandson added two statues alongside the taller flagpole—one of a Vietnam combat soldier and one of a Marine sentry. Then he reached out to a friend in the granite mining business, who offered him a 5.5-foot-tall granite end. Lyle’s daughter-in-law helped him realize he was looking for The Pledge of Allegiance as the inscription for the stone.

The Brookings Chamber of Commerce website states, “This monument was created by Lyle Bowes as a tribute to honor the brave veterans who protect our freedoms, as well as support the Disabled American Veterans Organization,” but Lyle chuckles when he shares the creative credit as a Bowes family effort.

Patriot Hill Memorial may have begun with Lyle seeking “more” from his symbol of patriotism near the plant site; Bowes Construction may have begun with Lyle and Marcia seeking “more” from a dissolving company in the early 1970s. But both continue to offer “more” in terms of benefits to the people seeking them out.

Lyle shared that veterans learn of Patriot Hill and visit without knowing anything about him, yet seek him out afterward. It’s helping to build community for veterans who have felt alone, which is a blessing for them. And like the family effort that now benefits an expanding community, Bowes Construction Inc. also continues as a family endeavor benefitting an expanding industry and economy. Both offer a legacy for our industry to recognize alongside a grateful nation of builders and patriots.

Geneva Construction Company celebrates centennial with quality asphalt paving for Illinois

Geneva Construction Company traces its roots to 1926, when it was founded in Geneva, Illinois, by the McCarthy Improvement Company of Davenport, Iowa. At the time, team members were working on gas pipelines for Northern Illinois Gas.

In the early decades of the 20th century, as motor vehicles became more common and urban landscapes expanded, the Fox Valley region in Illinois faced an urgent need for better roads and modern transportation infrastructure. It was in the era of growth and innovation that Geneva Construction company was established.

In a video released by the City of Aurora, officials explained, “The city of Aurora is proud to share the story of a company whose work has shaped the community we call home. It began in 1926 when Geneva Construction was incorporated in Geneva, Illinois, by McCarthy Improvement Company of Davenport, Iowa. Gilbert N. Bryan was elected president, laying the foundation for a legacy that would span generations. Just over a decade later, in 1937, the company moved its corporate offices to the old second building in Aurora, Illinois. A move that would anchor its future in our city for decades to come.”

The company’s earliest projects coincided with a transformative period for American infrastructure. Automobiles were reshaping how people lived and worked, and municipalities relied on skilled contractors to lay durable roads that could handle increasing traffic. Geneva Construction entered this ecosystem with the expertise and ambition needed to thrive.

In the 1920s, companies like Geneva Construction advanced to using manually adjusted paving equipment like the Barber-Greene paver and Austin-Western rollers, increasing the efficiency of roadway paving.

Skills and Equipment

Under the leadership of its first president, Gilbert N. Bryan, the company set out to build reliable, resilient pavement that would stand the test of time. Yet, machinery and materials in the early 1930s were rudimentary compared to later standards, so much of the work remained labor-intensive, relying on skilled crews working long hours to place and finish pavement surfacing.

In the 1930s, Geneva Construction became one of the early adopters of mechanized asphalt paving, owning one of the first paving machines produced by the Barber-Greene Company of Aurora, Illinois (later purchased by Astec). Designed by Harry Barber, this innovative asphalt paver combined mixing and placement into a single, continuous process, allowing Geneva Construction to pave roads more efficiently, and with greater consistency than past methods.

Building on this advancement, Harry Barber later expanded Barber-Greene’s offerings to include a full line of asphalt pavers and asphalt plants. Geneva Construction’s first asphalt plant was also supplied by Barber-Greene, further solidifying a partnership that helped shape the company’s early growth and its reputation for innovation in road construction.

By 1956, Geneva Construction Company purchased seven acres along Indian Trail in Aurora, a site which became the home of the company’s asphalt plant. This served as a critical hub for paving the roads that carry the residents and economy of Aurora. Here we see trucks lining up to get mix from the company’s Barber-Greene BatchPac.

Growing Mid-Century

In 1956, Geneva Construction purchased 7 acres of land along the Fox River and relocated the asphalt plant from the North Avenue site. By 1967, the company moved all operations and main offices to its long-term site on the Fox River at Indian Trail, marking a modern era for its facilities.

A city official described those mid-century moves this way: “Geneva Construction purchased 7 acres along Indian Trail in Aurora. This site became the home of the company’s asphalt plant, serving as a critical hub for paving the roads that carry our residents, our workers, and our everyday life. Leadership evolved in the early 1960s, and in 1964, John G. Bryan became president. By 1967, the company strengthened its independence by purchasing 40% of its common stock and building a new office on Route 25 in Aurora, further establishing their footprint in our community.”

In 1969, Geneva Construction was named Asphalt Paving Contractor of the year by the State of Illinois.

Geneva’s asphalt plant was relocated in 1970 to Butterfield Road in North Aurora; it’s now Superior Asphalt Materials, a pivotal move that placed Geneva Construction at the heart of its production capacity.

Throughout these decades, Geneva Construction was part of a larger transformation in how roads, highways and urban streets were built. Higher traffic volumes and heavier loads from commercial vehicles demanded better materials, testing procedures and construction techniques. The company responded by investing in equipment, workforce training and quality oversight that positioned it as a respected contractor among local governments and private developers alike.

In the 1920s, companies like Geneva Construction advanced to using manually adjusted paving equipment like the Barber-Greene paver and Austin-Western rollers, increasing the efficiency of roadway paving.

Transitions

The year 1978 brought a significant milestone: ownership of Geneva Construction passed to John G. Bryan, solidifying a tradition of family-led stewardship. This transition marked the beginning of a new era defined by continuity, modernization and strategic growth.

Under the Bryan family’s leadership, Geneva Construction:

• Expanded its service offerings to include full-service asphalt paving, curb and gutter installation, and concrete flatwork, meeting the broader needs of municipal, commercial and state clients.
  • Upgraded its materials production facilities, increasing throughput and enhancing quality control at its North Aurora asphalt plant.
  • Reinforced its reputation for reliability and craftsmanship in a market that increasingly valued performance and durability.

By 1997, when longtime president John G. Bryan retired, the company was well positioned for continued success. Leadership passed to his sons, John P. Bryan and Mike Bryan, who brought fresh energy and modern business practices to an organization that had already thrived for more than seven decades. Under their leadership, the company earned dozens of awards and evolved into the respected organization it is today.

Mike Bryan, vice president, stated: “We run about 15 crews, about 130 total employees, with 20 of those being office people and the remainder being field personnel. I enjoy probably the people the most…We are a third-generation company. We have a lot of second-generation people working here so their fathers and sons are working here.”

John P. Bryan, then serving as president, said, “The United States was built on the back of Detroit. Automobiles, suburbia, and that’s what we do. We build the roads for these houses. We’ve worked with the city on a wide variety of projects, and I can remember going out and doing things special to make sure schools get open, the road gets done. Hill Avenue, Fifth Avenue, Indian Trail, they’re numerous. And we work with the city in order to make sure these projects are completed in a timely manner at the littlest disruption as possible because nobody likes ‘Road Construction Ahead’ signs. These mayors have always looked at the quality of life in Aurora and that’s really the best thing that Aurora has going for it; great things thinking about what the future of Aurora is.”

The city official remarked: “Under their leadership, from 1997 to 2024, Geneva Construction earned numerous awards from NAPA, AAPA, APWA, APAI, and local agencies, including the city of Aurora, celebrating excellence in engineering, quality of work, safety and innovation. These honors reflect not just great roads, but the hardworking people behind them. People who have contributed to Aurora’s growth, safety and connectivity.”

In the 2000s, Geneva Construction operates as a third-generation legacy reborn under new family leadership, continuing its historic commitment to quality across municipal, commercial and private-sector paving projects.

By 1956, Geneva Construction Company purchased seven acres along Indian Trail in Aurora, a site which became the home of the company’s asphalt plant. This served as a critical hub for paving the roads that carry the residents and economy of Aurora. Here we see trucks lining up to get mix from the company’s Barber-Greene BatchPac.

A New Chapter: The Krug Family Takes the Torch

As Geneva Construction approached its 100th year, the Bryan brothers saw that no fourth generation showed interest in assuming future ownership of the company. They recognized the importance of securing the company’s future through strong, values-aligned leadership. In 2025, the Bryans sold Geneva Construction to the Krug family, a well-established name in construction with deep roots in the Illinois infrastructure community.

The Krug’s leadership marked the beginning of a new era—one that honors the craftsmanship and integrity built over 100 years while preparing for the future of asphalt and concrete construction.

The transition was smooth and deeply respectful, ensuring Geneva Construction’s legacy remained intact while positioning the company for long-term success.

What began as McCarthy Improvement Company of Davenport, Iowa, became incorporated as Geneva Construction in 1926. For 100 years, Geneva Construction Company has helped build the streets, the neighborhoods and the progress of Aurora, Illinois.

Paving Evolution: Early 1900s to 2026

The evolution of Geneva Construction tells a story of longevity and adaptability. In the early 1900s, Gil Bryan built roads using horse-drawn equipment. By 1920, Bryan transitioned to Ford trucks marking early mechanization. What road crews did in 1926 looks entirely different from the highly technical, data-driven projects the company executes in 2026.

In 1926, roads were placed using manually adjusted screeds from Barber-Greene and compacted with Austin-Western rollers. Asphalt testing in the early 1900s relied on built test streets in the field, where performance was observed over time.

Over a century in business, every part of the process has transformed from asphalt plant operations and laydown equipment to compaction methods and material testing. Today, Geneva’s quality control labs are state-of-the-art, utilizing real-time density testing, fully digital data collection and national standards designed to analyze performance and prevent material failures before they occur.

What hasn’t changed over the decades are the fundamentals. Using good aggregate still matters; getting proper compaction is critical; weather affects performance; and quality materials remain the foundation of every durable roadway.

What began as McCarthy Improvement Company of Davenport, Iowa, became incorporated as Geneva Construction in 1926. For 100 years, Geneva Construction Company has helped build the streets, the neighborhoods and the progress of Aurora, Illinois.

Stats of a Century

As of 2026, the company’s 100th anniversary:

• Geneva Construction has produced and placed over 10 million tons of asphalt.
• Crews have paved over 9,000 miles of roadway—enough to circle the entire Fox Valley region many times over, connecting neighborhoods, schools, businesses and communities across northern Illinois.
• The company remains a trusted partner to cities, towns, school districts, developers and transportation agencies throughout the region.
• With upgraded equipment, advanced testing capabilities and expanded community engagement, Geneva Construction enters its next century stronger, safer and more innovative than ever.

Celebrate our nation’s birthday with Staker Parson, patriotic producers

In honor of our nation’s 250^th celebration, AsphaltPro Magazine is highlighting asphalt professionals who proudly display Old Glory. When Staker Parson, a CRH company, commissioned its Point West Hot Plant in Lehi, Utah, management not only affixed a flagpole atop the transfer conveyors for all to see, but they also painted their silos with the American flag, their company logo and the Utah state flag.

This 500-TPH Gencor plant was built on a new location to replace the aging Point East facility in Draper. It began service in October 2024, is RAP-capable and produces a variety of mix designs daily for both internal crews and external customer needs and specs. One of the noteworthy projects for which it provided asphalt is the Mountain View Corridor project in 2025, which a spokesperson for the company stated required 83,200 tons of high-specification UDOT mix.

Solterra Materials, Phoenix, announced in March company growth, expanded operations across Arizona, and a new website. Recent statistics from P&S Intelligence have shown that the overall market size of the asphalt industry will expand to roughly $52.9 million by 2032. Solterra Materials, a leading Arizona-based asphalt materials provider and a division of Sunland Asphalt, is already seeing the effects of this expected growth.

Since its founding in 2018, Solterra Materials has expanded from 29 to 42 employees. This represents a nearly 45% increase for the company that operates across the state of Arizona, serving private, commercial, highway and infrastructure projects, and supports a wide range of asphalt needs, from private developments and commercial projects to large-scale highway and infrastructure work, as well as specialized asphalt solutions.

Along with promoting its team internally in 2026 and launching its new website (www.solterramaterials.com), a key component of Solterra Materials’ 2026 growth strategy is its enhanced quality control (QC) division, which features a fully accredited lab where the team can provide mix designs and QC services internally and for customers, giving additional confidence, project reliability and support.

“Across Arizona and nationwide, we’re seeing continued momentum in infrastructure investment, private development and roadway improvements,” said General Manager Scott Bollinger. “That growth is translating into increased demand for reliable, high-quality asphalt production and technical support. By expanding our team, strengthening our QA/QC capabilities and fully staffing our plant maintenance operations, we’re positioning Solterra Materials to meet that demand.”

Solterra Materials provided the mix for Sunland Asphalt to complete the high-profile APEX Motor Club expansion.

In addition to team growth, Solterra Materials has also strengthened their fully staffed, in-house maintenance team responsible for plant repairs, equipment optimization and infrastructure improvements. This investment has enhanced production efficiency, minimized downtime and allowed the company to maintain consistent, high-performance output.

The company has also expanded its industry footprint through participation in Building Women in Construction (BWIC), through the Arizona Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AZAGC), demonstrating its commitment to workforce development and industry leadership.

Take a look over the next few pages at the products and services that will assist the entire industry this season as our industry grows. AsphaltPro Magazine is using the next few product gallery departments to highlight new technology launched at the recent CONEXPO-CON/AGG in case you missed anything you need to enhance your bottom line.

New EX 300 Plant Boosts Efficiency and RAP Capacity

New ALLU Bucket Reduces Hauling and Crushing Costs

Astec Digital Platform Connects Plant and Paving Data

CASE Adds AutoDig and Comfort Features to Loaders

New Cedarapids HSI Plant Targets High-Capacity Crushing

New TalonTrax Plant Targets Recycling Efficiency

EDGE Launches SCREENPRO S16 Screening Plant

EvoQuip Showcases Cobra 290R Impact Crusher

John Deere Introduces SmartDetect Assist for Safety

ProStack Names Sync Aggregate Utah Distributor

Vortex Burner Delivers Multi-Fuel, Low NOx Performance

Webster HDRA Burner Reduces NOx in Asphalt Dryers

Duininck celebrates 100 years with newly commissioned portable counterflow plant in Texas

In 2024, Duininck commissioned a new 350-ton-per-hour (TPH) portable counterflow asphalt plant in Texas—their first of its kind. For most contractors, a new plant build is about efficiency, mobility, or production capacity. For Duininck, it was all of that—and a return to a partnership grounded in trust, flexibility, and shared values built over more than 30 years.

Editor’s Note: Duininck was founded in 1926 when three entrepreneurial brothers started a road construction business in Prinsburg, Minnesota. In keeping with AsphaltPro’s anniversary celebrations this year, we wish the Duininck team a Happy Centennial!

History of an Industry Relationship

The relationship between Duininck and CWMF traces back to the early 1990s, when a problematic baghouse order from another vendor brought together Harris Duininck, second generation owner, and Loren Mick, founder of CWMF. Loren stepped in to help resolve the issue, and sparked a working relationship built on service, accountability, and mutual respect.

Harris Duininck (at left) and Loren Mick (with his canine companion) forged a partnership in trust and mutual respect, which has lasted over 30 years.

Travis Mick, vice president at CWMF, remembers those early days clearly. “Harris and my dad were like oil and water at first—very different personalities—but somehow it worked. They ended up building a real friendship grounded in respect, even if they didn’t always agree.”

Even after Loren’s passing, the personal connection remained. “Harris stayed in touch and shared stories about the two of them working together,” Travis added. “That kind of legacy says a lot, not just about companies, but about people.”

Duininck’s Texas roots go back to 1985, when challenging business conditions in Minnesota prompted expansion south.

Chris Duininck, president of Duininck Minnesota, has watched that trust carry forward. “What started between Harris and Loren evolved naturally as both companies grew,” Chris said. “As we matured, the partnership carried through to our teams at every level.”

In 1999, Duininck commissioned CWMF to build a complete asphalt plant from the ground up, which was an experience that set the tone for future collaboration.

In 1999, Duininck commissioned CWMF to build a complete asphalt plant from the ground up. “What stood out was that they were fair on pricing, and the product quality was exceptional,” Chris said. “Word spread internally, and our Texas operation eventually began using CWMF for components and parts.” That confidence spanned decades. By 2024, when Duininck evaluated how to support growing demand in Texas, CWMF was a natural choice.

Growing Across State Lines

Duininck’s Texas roots go back to 1985, when challenging business conditions in Minnesota prompted expansion south. Fifty families relocated from Prinsburg, Minnesota, helping launch the Texas division, while Harris Duininck remained in Minnesota guiding diversification and growth at home.

Timeline Snapshot

1985: Duininck launched its Texas division and 50 families relocated from Prinsburg, Minnesota

2024: The new portable counterflow plant was commissioned in Texas

Today, Duininck operates asphalt plants in both regions, shifting crews as seasons change and investing in equipment that supports large-scale, geographically dispersed projects. For Texas, flexibility was critical, and Duininck selected a 350-TPH portable counterflow plant to support its Texas operations in the early 2020s. It was commissioned in 2024. (See sidebar for details.)

“With a market defined by long haul distances and decentralized projects, mobility matters,” Chris explained. “A portable plant allows us to bring production closer to major highway and municipal work, reducing transport time, fuel use, and cost—without compromising quality.”

Harris Duininck (at left) and Loren Mick (with his canine companion) forged a partnership in trust and mutual respect, which has lasted over 30 years.

The 350-TPH counterflow system delivers the output required for major infrastructure projects while maintaining tight temperature control and efficient fuel use, which are key factors in Texas’ high-heat paving environment.

“Our experience led us to partner with CWMF to build a plant suited to our needs,” Chris added. “The last complete plant we purchased was more than 20 years ago, and the timing was right to deploy additional resources in the market.”

After three decades, the partnership operates without complexity.

Chris Duininck is the president of Duininck Minnesota.

“A lot of our deals have been done on a handshake,” Chris said. “It all comes down to trust—trusting each other to get the job done and meet commitments.”

From CWMF’s perspective, that familiarity leads to better solutions. “When you know a customer this well, you understand what matters most to them,” Travis said. “That allows us to recommend equipment and configurations that truly support how they work.”

Both companies point to people as the foundation of quality work.

“Our employees take pride in their workmanship and in representing the company well,” Chris said. “There’s real satisfaction in supporting a family business and recommending them across the industry with confidence.”

“That connection matters,” Travis added. “People work harder for people they trust, and that’s been true at every level of this partnership.”

CWMF, now a legacy brand within Astec, reinforces the long-term strength of customer relationships like Duininck’s, providing scale and stability behind the products and values that have earned trust over decades.

More than 30 years in, the Duininck–CWMF relationship isn’t just about equipment. It’s about consistency, accountability, and building for the long haul, one plant at a time.

The older plant, seen here in 1999, exemplifies Duininck’s approach to prioritizing innovation, recycling, and responsible growth—positioning the company to meet expanding infrastructure demand while delivering durable pavement solutions that serve communities for decades.

Why Duininck Chose a Portable Counterflow Plant for Texas Operations

Plant Type: 350 TPH Portable Counterflow Asphalt Plant

Location: Texas

Built By: CWMF

Commissioned: 2024

Duininck selected a 350-TPH portable asphalt plant to support Texas operations defined by long haul distances and decentralized job sites. Mobility allows production to move closer to large highway and municipal projects, reducing transport time, fuel consumption, and overall cost while maintaining consistent mix quality.

Counterflow technology was the preferred choice due to its ability to meet both performance and environmental expectations. By moving aggregates opposite the exhaust stream, the system is designed to maximize heat transfer, improve fuel efficiency, deliver tight temperature control, and reduce emissions, which management saw as critical advantages in high-temperature paving environments.

The system supports Duininck’s production target of 350 TPH, aligning with the scale of heavy civil and municipal work common across Texas. Its ability to integrate high volumes of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) also supports sustainability goals while lowering material costs.

Mix Design: Minnesota vs. Texas

Minnesota

• Focus on freeze-thaw durability
• Softer binders (PG58-34)
• Higher recycled content
• Rounded glacial aggregates
• Emphasis on crack resistance and long-life pavement

Texas

• Built for extreme heat and heavy truck traffic
• Stiffer binders (PG70-28/PG76-28)
• Angular limestone and granite aggregates
• Dense-graded structures for rut resistance

Shared Direction, Sustainability

Both regions are expanding balanced mix design (BMD) programs, blending volumetric targets with performance-based testing to meet durability expectations across climates.

Duininck’s operational and sustainability strategy centers on smart material management—locating plants near job sites, sourcing aggregates locally, and reclaiming and recycling asphalt whenever possible. Recent projects, such as reprocessing materials at Willmar High School, have demonstrated both environmental benefits and meaningful cost savings.

HMA plant start-up tips for the 2026 season

To keep the hot-mix asphalt (HMA) plant in top operating condition, it’s important not to rush or skip start-up steps. Here’s a quick guide to supplement the longer pre-check article found in the January issue and to walk your team through getting your asphalt plant running properly for a profitable summer.

First and foremost, think safety. It’s easy to get complacent after a long hiatus. Refresh yourself and your team on safety procedures before getting back to work.

If you didn’t change oil in all of the gearboxes when shutting down at the end of 2025’s season, do that now. Pay attention to any signs of water or metal shavings, which indicate damage.

Take the time for a thorough inspection. Visually inspect the components, looking for worn cables, broken water lines, damaged refractory tubes, and loose or missing shields. Work your way through the plant, checking for anything that’s worn, damaged, loose or missing after it’s been sitting idle during the winter:

• Start with the drive belts, looking for frayed spots and cracks, as well as checking the tension and alignment. Ensure it matches the owner’s manual.
• Then move to the sheaves, checking for cracks, chips or broken edges.
• Also look over the conveyor belts to ensure there’s no stretching, cuts or excessive wear. Also check that the drive pulley’s lagging is intact.

Run through all of the gates, such as the cold feed gates pictured here, ensuring correct operation for silo gates, gob hopper gates and drag conveyor bypass gates, etc.

Change the oils. If you didn’t change oil in all of the gearboxes when shutting down at the end of 2025’s season, do that now. Pay attention to any signs of water or metal shavings, which indicate damage. Also replace the air compressor crankcase oil and any airline oils.

Keep all the parts moving with some testing. When moving parts don’t do what they should, the whole operation will suffer:

• Test the venturi gates, watching that they close completely.
• Check the spray nozzles and, if they’re clogged or broken, clean or replace them.
• Run through all of the gates, as well, ensuring correct operation for the silo gates, cold feed bin gates, gob hopper gates and drag conveyor bypass gates.
• Test the limit switch paddles and then move on to the controls, making sure the indicators and switches all operate properly.

While many start-up maintenance items can be handled by ground personnel and in-house technicians, know when to call a professional for assistance. Have a qualified service tech come in to tune the burner. This is something you want to do at least once, if not twice a year, as routine maintenance. This is the new ADM EX 300 burner.

Also check the alignment of the plant frame. If necessary, level it to ensure the least amount of trunnion wear.

Finally, know when to call a professional for assistance. Have a qualified service tech come in to tune the burner. This is something you want to do at least once, if not twice a year, as routine maintenance.

Mike Devine is the president of ADM FAYAT Group. For more information, please visit https://www.admasphaltplants.com/ex-series/