This new plant has proven much different from others Valle has experienced in the past.
“It’s equipped with technologies that were not around a decade or so ago,” he says, referring in large part to the plant’s automation programs.
Superior’s Vantage automation controls the crushers, as well as the entire plant. As the automation is designed in-house, Superior engineers can add or modify features of the program based on the functionality the contractor wants and needs.
Because Fred Weber would be on this project for up to three years, Valle says the company wanted to run the plant as one big spread. By pressing a single button, the automation starts all selected pieces of equipment in the proper sequence. Shutdown is done through the same, safe process. The operator can also opt to do certain functions manually.
“Down the road, we can easily alter the programming if we decide to split out circuits,” Valle says.
He adds that the touchscreen control panels are easy to use.
“I am not a ‘computer guy’ by any means, but I can navigate my way through any of this automation,” Valle says, adding that Superior remained on-site for several days to walk them through the program, while making any changes they needed or modifying parts of the program to make it more user-friendly.
Reaching goals
Along with enjoying the adventurous life of a contract crusher, Valle says he’s a very goal-oriented individual.
“I love to get on these projects and see them through from start to finish,” he says, stressing that the No. 1 goal is keeping the contractor supplied with material – while doing it safely and within a positive work environment. “It’s a challenge every day. I work with a team here who will do anything in the world to continually reach that goal.”
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Carol Wasson is a veteran freelance writer for the aggregates and construction equipment industries.