Billy Stump II, national sales director at Screen Machine Industries, sat down with Portable Plants to talk about his expectations for 2024, the upcoming AGG1 and what the year might hold for infrastructure funding.
You’ve been with Screen Machine for a little over four years now. Tell us about your path in the industry to this point, from getting started in it to finding yourself at Screen Machine.
Prior to Screen Machine I worked in the steel industry for 10 years. During that time, I provided many OEMs with the steel required to manufacture their equipment. In addition to steel, I provided them with fully assembled engineered cabins for the construction, agriculture, material handling, industrial and specialty truck markets. Having this experience helped me significantly when I transitioned into the aggregate industry.
We’ve been hearing from producers and manufacturers that 2023 was an incredibly strong year and 2024 is trending to be another successful one. How would you describe Screen Machine’s 2023 performance? What are your anticipations for 2024? Are there any factors you’re keeping your eye on this year?
We had a great 2023 thanks to our valued dealer network and loyal customers. Internally, our sales, product support, supply chain and manufacturing teams did an incredible job managing the demand.
Usually, election years are slower, but we feel this will likely not be the case for 2024. Distribution of infrastructure money and road projects throughout the states will help drive the market.
AGG1 and World of Asphalt are on tap for March this year. What are your thoughts on how the show has evolved in recent years? What does Screen Machine have in store for AGG1 2024?
I think it is incredible to see how much these shows have grown. It’s exciting for our industry to see the number of new exhibitors and companies attending each year.
At AGG1, we will have our 4043T impact crusher and 50TJ compact jaw crusher on display. We also will continue to share the benefits of our new SMARTWatch telematics program.
At ConExpo-Con/Agg 2023 and in the time since then, we’ve seen a lot of emphasis on equipment and technology advances – automation, digitalization and electrification, to name a few. Which, if any, technology trends are Screen Machine focused on this year? Are there any the company has already incorporated into its equipment?
We are currently focusing on updating our control systems and touchscreen displays to further simplify the user experience. We have also added a SMARTWatch telematics monitoring program to our mainline machines. This provides our customers with real-time diagnostics and the ability to take the guesswork out of maintenance. As we continue to develop this feature, our goal is to ensure that we have the latest technology available to our customers.
It’s been almost two and a half years since the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) was signed into law and, depending on who you ask, funding from the bill hasn’t lived up to what was expected.
What are you hearing from customers about how IIJA funding is being disbursed? Are you hearing anything about people buying equipment for IIJA-related jobs?
We have had many customers purchase equipment for [IIJA]-related jobs. In 2023, it seems some tates received more funding than others.
California, Texas, New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, New Jersey and Georgia led the pack. With funds finally starting to be disbursed more evenly to the other states, we feel that it will naturally create more opportunity, especially for roads, bridges and major projects.