JANUARY 2016
Kevin L. Curtis
Greetings!,

The year is off to an excellent start at Besser and we sincerely hope the same is true for you.  We wrapped up our first trade show of the season in Texas with our pipe and precast team and are looking forward to meeting with many of you at the World of Concrete show in Las Vegas next month.

As the industry gets busier, we're seeing many new faces at our shows and even some familiar faces who have taken on new roles.  It seems that it's the perfect time to remind our customers of all the excellent training opportunities we have available through Besser. 

We offer a wide variety of free online training sessions taught by Ron Scherer, our Technical Service Representative. Ron provides flexibility with the scheduling by offering both morning and afternoon sessions to attend.  I assure you this will be an hour well spent. You'll gain practical knowledge that can be put into action right away to positively impact your business. 

The 2016 Blockmakers Workshops�, held at the World Center for Concrete Technology (WCCT) in Alpena, Michigan kick off with a week-long Concrete Masonry Technology class at the end of February.  This course is ideal for concrete producers looking for broad education and training on all aspects of production. For more information on future courses, visit www.wcct.net. 

Lastly, we offer specialized in-plant training to producers who may find it more beneficial to have a Besser representative conduct training in your own facility on your own machines. This is also a great option for those who have a large group of employees to train.  

Please mail [email protected] with any questions about the training listed above.  We're prepared to do all we can to help you succeed! 

Regards,
Kevin L. Curtis
Kevin L. Curtis
President and CEO
WOULD YOU LIKE TO IMPROVE YOUR BESSER CAM MACHINE?
Upgrade your Besser Cam Machine to reduce wear on parts, smooth the machine cycle, improve productivity and much more with Advanced Servo Vibration (ASV) and Servo Main Drive (SMD). Contact us today at +1.989.354.4111.
 
CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED AND RECONDITIONED BLOCK MACHINES AND MIXERS
As fellow manufacturers, we know there's nothing quite like having a brand new machine in your facility. Shiny exterior.
Pristine conditionModern features. We also understand that often times budgets do not allow for such purchases. Thankfully, by choosing Besser, you can have the best of both worlds - new and cost effective! Through comprehensive inspection, maintenance, rebuild, and testing processes, we offer two excellent options for those looking to update their plant or replace equipment with minimal downtime and cost.

Certfied Pre-Owned Machines
We have certified pre-owned machines in stock and ready to be customized to your specifications. The immediate availability of this equipment makes the decision to replace your existing block machine or mixer easier. Your downtime is minimized since the certified pre-owned machine is a direct replacement of your current model. Equipment can be customized to your liking and block machines can also be upgraded with our widely popular Advanced Servo Vibration and Servo Main Drive.
  
Certified Rebuild Program
Besser also offers a Certified Rebuild Program that offers like-new machinery complete with warranty and a new serial number for much less than the cost of a comparable new machine.   The program starts with a complete machine inspection before a complete dis-assembly and rebuild takes place. The rebuilt machine is then inspected and thoroughly tested to ensure the same high level quality as you'd expect from a brand new Besser machine.   The rebuild could occur either in your facility or at one of our manufacturing facilities. Either way, experienced professionals will use their skills to bring your machine back to life - everything from new electrical controls and wire bundles to full clean-up and a fresh paint job.
 
Both of these options provide minimal downtime and customized specifications that will improve your product quality and production efficiency. Block machines will fit into your existing facility space and will use the existing machine pad and electrical service. Installation assistance, a 12-month warranty, and on-site staff training are all also included. A full brochure is available here or contact your Besser Sales Representative to find out more about which option is your best fit!  
PIPE AND PRECAST TEAM BEGINS TRADE SHOW SEASON IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS

Over 500 people attended the American Concrete Pipe Association's (ACPA) week-long Pipe School, Trade Show, and first ever Business to Business (B2B) Exchange event which concluded 8 January.  The classes and trade show were held on the campus of the University of Texas in Arlington. Producers from around the United States and Canada, along with industry suppliers, enjoyed the education sessions, networking, and local plant tours at Thompson Pipe Group - Dallas and Forterra Building Materials.

BESSER SUPPORTS BELGARD'S ANNUAL AWARDS EVENT
Annually, BELGARD  (Northfield/Oldcastle) sponsors a World Class Awards Banquet that honors landscape contractors, architects, and engineers for being, "simply the best."  Awards are given based on creativity, craftsmanship, quality and aesthetics, as determined by an independent panel of hardscape industry experts.  Additionally, deserving individuals and companies are recognized for their outstanding contributions to BELGARD, and for "raising the bar" in the industry as a whole. 
CELEBRATING 44 YEARS OF BLOCKMAKING

Congratulations to George Spickelmier of ORCO Block and Hardscape on his 44 years of blockmaking!
"George Spickelmier was a production manager for most of his 44 years with ORCO Block & Hardscape. During those years, if you were to put together all the block that was produced under his watch, you could build a 6' high wall all the way to Miami and back again, again and again, equaling over 52,000 miles," commented  Rick Muth, company President.
FREE ONLINE TRAINING

Our first FREE online training session was held Friday, 8 January. Technical Service Representative, Ron Scherer,  provided knowledgeable tips on how to Get the Most out of your Besser Cam Machine.  The next class is scheduled for Friday, 12 February.  To provide the most flexibility to interested participants, the class is available at both 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM (EST).  The February session will focus on Training our Workforce:  Where to start and what you can do.  What's your strategy for employee training?  Do you have a plan that needs work or do you not have a plan at all?  Ron will provide attendees with useful training ideas to put into action this year.

CUSTOMER PROMOTIONAL ITEMS
Decades ago, Besser began offering customized sales tools to help our customers promote their business. Many items have gone by the wayside due to declining popularity, however, we continue to offer three items that have stood the test of time with our customers around the world: 
  
Miniature Concrete Block
Miniature block clocks are 1-7/8" x 1-7/8" x 3-7/8" (48 mm x 48 mm x 98 mm). They are $20/block clock + tax and shipping. Standard two core gray mini block are approximately 2-1/4" x 2-1/4" x 4-1/2" (57 mm x 57 mm x 114 mm) are available for $75/ box of 27 units + tax and shipping. Each box weighs 35 pounds (16 kg).
  
Block-shaped Business Cards
Many producers employ these distinctive cards. When presented to customer and prospects, these business cards make a lasting impact while providing essential contact information. Cards can be customized with your logo, corporate colors, and contact information. Pricing below includes layout of your custom card for approval prior to printing.

Black ink only:  Quantity of 250 = $90; 500 = $110; 1,000 = $130
Two colors:  Quantity of 250  = $160; 500 = $180; 1,000 = $210
Shipping is additional. Please allow 10 working days when placing an order.
  
Personalized Calendars
Concrete products calendars are an industry tradition that dates back over 50 years. Sales of the 2017 Concrete Products Calendars will begin in May. The 2017 calendar is exactly the same as the 2016 Besser calendar but with all the references to Besser removed and your company logo and contact information added. Calendars are adored by those who receive them and are proven promotional performers.  Watch our newsletters this spring for ordering information.
WORLD CENTER FOR CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY TRAINING FOR 2016
Classes at the World Center for Concrete Technology (WCCT) begin in February.  The first class is Concrete Masonry Technology, with classes beginning 29 February and ending 4 March.  Concrete Masonry Technology covers all aspects of manufacturing concrete products. It's important to REGISTER EARLY by clicking the link below.  If you have any questions about upcoming training, contact Chandra Nagarajan at [email protected] or +989.354.1073.  You can also visit wcct.net for more details!
2016 BESSER TRADE SHOW SCHEDULE

We hope you're able to join us at one or more trade shows this year! Visit besser.com for links to these exciting upcoming events.

WORLD OF CONCRETE
2-5 February, Las Vegas, Nevada
Be sure to visit us in The Producer Center, located in the North Hall, booth 1325. Register online today using Source Code BUY to take advantage of $30 trade show admission. Visit worldofconcrete.com to register. Our Director of Sales - Americas, John Reedy, made his movie debut and tells why WOC is a great trade show for industry members. Watch at www.worldofconcrete.com/Exhibitor/Home

THE UK CONCRETE SHOW
17 - 18 February, Birmingham, United Kingdom
We're pleased to be exhibiting in Stand B20. Stop by our stand to learn about what's new with Besser. This annual show is the show for producers throughout the UK.
 
ICON-XCHANGE
24-25 February, Orlando, Florida
The Rosen Shingle Creeks is the venue for the ICON-Xchange. Industry professionals will gather for B2B meetings, an integrated Marketplace, educational sessions, and networking at social events. This is a must-attend event for concrete masonry and hardscape professionals.
 
THE PRECAST SHOW
3 - 5 March,  Nashville, Tennessee
We're looking forward to meeting you in booth 306 at the Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Contact your Besser Representative at [email protected] to receive a coupon for free admittance to The Precast Show trade show floor.
 
BAUMA
11 - 17 April, Munich, Germany
Every three years we are privileged to greet the industry in Munich. We'll be showcasing what's new in Hall B1, Stand 149. Contact us to receive your personalized invitation that will provide you with complimentary registration. 

Besser Company | +1.989.354.4111 | [email protected]  | www.besser.com

Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  View our profile on LinkedIn  Find us on Pinterest  View our videos on YouTube   Visit our blog  View on Instagram  Find us on Google+