MAY 2016

SERVOPAC� TAKES PRODUCTION TO NEW LEVEL AT EASTON BLOCK & SUPPLY

"Mr. Servopac," as they've affectionately named their 2015 four at-a-time model, has put smiles on everybody's faces at Easton Block & Supply. "We're totally impressed; Besser covered every base to produce the best machine on the market," commented Roy Kester, General Manager.

The Servopac has operated for nine months, run more than � million cycles, and has yet to break a single mold part. When asked about mold wear, Gary Dunn, Plant Manager, answers tongue-in-cheek, "What mold wear?" The smoothness of vibration is one of the reasons molds last longer. The other reason is the machine is "smart." "I watched the Servopac shut down to avoid damage from a large piece of aggregate that made its way into the machine," commented Gary, "had I not seen this with my own eyes I wouldn't believe it."

The cycle rate of the Servopac has been as high as 8.2 cycles per minute. When producing at this rate, the older handling equipment was struggling to keep up. Today, they're running at 6.8 cycles per minute to accommodate the handling equipment's limited speed capability and are still producing 50% more block - of higher quality - than they were able to with their previous competitive machine. The impressive productivity of the Servopac allowed Easton to build their inventory level up during the winter months so that this spring they could reach their goals of increasing sales in their current market area, attracting new customers, and adding more dealers.

Beyond productivity there were numerous other reasons that the Servopac was selected for this plant. One was the ability to use existing molds in the machine. According to Roy, "The availability of mold adapters meant we could use existing molds and didn't need to invest in all new ones. This was a huge cost savings." Currently their Servopac equipped plant produces standard units. Easton is preparing to move production of architectural and retaining wall units from their Stearns machine to the Servopac once the rest of the plant is upgraded to handle it.

The ability to complete full mold and height changes quickly and easily were additional reasons that the Servopac appealed to them, along with its product quality. Easton's block are testing at 3500 psi, which is well beyond the 2000 psi that the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) cites in their specification and their own goal of 2500 psi. This psi gives them plenty of room to modify the mix design and use less cement and material to save on cost and achieve the same product quality.

PAVEDRAIN CONTINUES TO BE EXCELLENT PARTNER

Besser is proud of our relationships with inventive thinkers. These entrepreneurs develop product ideas and share them with us; we then apply our industry knowledge along with our engineering and manufacturing expertise to refine and enhance their ideas. Once their value added products are complete, we assist with marketing so they can begin impacting the marketplace. By introducing them to you online, at trade shows, or in person, we're providing you with the opportunity to add new, value added units and systems to your product line.

In 2011 Besser began working with Doug Buch, president of PaveDrain. Doug developed the PaveDrain System, a Permeable Articulating Concrete Block (P-ACB) that creates a performance pavement that integrates the patented arched reservoir to maximize onsite stormwater capacity during extreme storm events. PaveDrain and its aggregate bedding stone is engineered to create a natural, vertical infiltration path that recharges local groundwater all while using nature's inherent ability to filter first flush pollutants. This allows for a reduction or elimination in stormwater infrastructure while minimizing the environmental impact. The PaveDrain system provides infiltration, storage, detention, conveyance, and a paving surface all in one product. The system can be installed in a number of ways: hand-placed, machine lay, or pre-assembled as mats in a variety of configurations - all completed very quickly with conventional construction equipment. Existing applications include parking lots, alleyways, intersections, driveways, emergency access lanes, city streets, shoulders of county highways, and low speed roadways.
Scott Kennedy (left) at Oldcastle Stockton plant explaining Vision 3 production reporting
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE: Scott Kennedy

Before Scott Kennedy became a Besser Production Specialist, he was a producer and Besser customer. His relationship with the concrete industry began in 1975 when he joined his parents and mother-in-law in the family's precast operation using Quinn (now Besser) forms. In 1985, Scott began looking for a better pipemaking process and in 1991 the company installed a used Pederschaab machine, moved the company to a new location, and stopped precasting altogether, making pipe the company's sole product line.

Concrete Pipe Inc, Oakboro, NC bought its first packerhead machine, a PH-24 BiDi, in 1997; the machine happened to be the last of its kind that McCracken (now Besser) manufactured. In 1999, the company expanded its product line with flared end precast elements produced using forms from Besser (formerly Quinn).

Five years later, with the business booming and the market demanding more pipe, the company invested in a new PH-60 BiDi. Coincidentally, it also was the last machine of that model manufactured by McCracken (now Besser). Scott attributes his company's success of competing against larger companies to a simple sage piece of advice shared with him many years before, "... always remember, there's a guy (company) just up the road from you doing exactly what you're doing. It's a combination of quality product and service that keeps the customer."


MEET OUR NEWEST INTERNATIONAL SALES TEAM MEMBER: Antonia Gorbenko

Antonia Gorbenko is the newest of three Besser sales team members, providing in-country support to producers in the former Soviet Union. Tonya brings valuable industry and customer experience, gained during the two years she worked with longtime Besser Sales Representative, Natasha Arkhipenko, to her new role. Tonya is directly responsible for sales and customer service for masonry, hardscape, and pipe producers throughout Russia.
 
Tonya was born in Sochi, known as the Olympic City of Russia, which is located on the Black Sea. She spent her childhood with her family in Norilsk, which is located in the northern part of the county, because her father, an engineer-builder, was building a metallurgical plant. Her first exposure to construction came when her dad took her on visits to ready-mix and construction sites. It was during these visits that she first witnessed the versatility of concrete.
 
She holds degrees in Philosophy, Personnel Management, and Business Coaching from several universities. Her degree as a Curator of Contemporary Art allows her to pursue her passion which is organizing exhibitions for young, aspiring artists in Moscow. Still thirsty for knowledge, Tonya continues to take courses at the Psychotherapy Institute of Moscow.
 
Tonya and her husband Sergei have been married for six years. They enjoy spending time with their Chihuahua named Belyash. The dog's name in Russian means, "a small bun stuffed with meat."
 
Tonya can be reached at +7 916 9999 018 and via email [email protected].

ADVANCED SERVO VIBRATION AND SERVO MAIN DRIVE

Watch this new video to see why NOW is the time to bring new life to your Besser Cam Machine with Advanced Servo Vibration and Servo Main Drive. These new enhancements smooth out machine cycle resulting in the production of higher quality concrete products. Equally important, it extends the life of machine and mold parts. 

Get more information here, by emailing [email protected], or by contacting your Besser sales representative directly!
THE 2016 HUMANITARIAN AWARD 

As an employee-owned company, beyond focusing on satisfying our customers, we embrace our ability to create positive change in the communities where we work, live, and play. We thrive on volunteering and contributing resources that, when combined with others, make an enormous impact on the health and well-being of communities worldwide.

We'd like to recognize Glenwood Mason Supply Company, Inc. and company president Constance Cincotta, for their dedication to The Interfaith Nutrition Network (The INN) of Long Island, New York. Connie recently established the "Marion & Joseph Cincotta Kitchen" at The INN to honor the memory of her parents. She and Glenwood Mason Supply Company, Inc. were honored with the 2016 Humanitarian of the Year award at The INNkeepers' Ball earlier this month.
World Center for Concrete Technology
WORLD CENTER FOR CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY TRAINING FOR 2016

Blockmakers Workshops� at the World Center for Concrete Technology (WCCT) resume in August with an Executive Session beginning on the 23rd!  Register early to ensure your seat by clicking here.  

If you have any questions about upcoming training, contact Chandra Nagarajan at [email protected] or +1.989.354.1073.  You can also visit wcct.net for more details!

HOLIDAY HOURS

Our US locations will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, 30 May 2016.  

We are available 24/7 to assist our customers, including holidays, for parts or technical support by calling +1.989.354.1000.

DID YOU KNOW THAT BESSER OFFERS PROMOTIONAL ITEMS?

These unique, industry-specific items are used by producers around the world to build their brand recognition. They've discovered that the calendars, mini block, and block-shaped business cards are excellent conversation starters during sales presentations and trade shows. 

Calendars promote your company 365 days a year!
Customized with your logo and contact information on every page, these calendars highlight an outstanding project every month. Each project is a terrific visual demonstration of the versatility of concrete products and was selected to inspire imaginations and drive creativity. An order form is available here.

Miniature Block
These miniature concrete block are great promotional items! They attract a ton of attention and are appreciated by all. Once your receive them, they can be customized by adding a decal or a metal plate. Their approximate size is 2-1/4" x 2-1/4" x 4-1/2" (57 mm x 57 mm x 114 mm). A box, containing 27 units, is $75 plus tax and shipping.
 
Business Cards
When presented to customers and prospects, these distinctive cards make a lasting impact and provide essential contact information. Cards are customized with your logo, corporate colors, and contact information. The pricing below includes layout of your custom card for approval prior to printing. Tax and shipping are additional.
 
Black ink only:  Quantity of 250: $90; 500: $110; 1,000: $130
Two colors:  Quantity of 250: $160; 500: $180; 1,000: $210
 
You can contact Terri Rondeau at +1.989.354.1040 or [email protected] to order any of these items or to have your questions answered.
Besser Company | +1.989.354.4111 | [email protected] | www.besser.com
 
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