I recently celebrated my third anniversary with Pit & Quarry and Portable Plants.
So much has happened in such a short three years – both positive and negative – that recognizing this career milestone prompted me to reflect on some of what has gone on since August 2021.
On the positive side, the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act was passed, adding $550 billion in new, much-needed funding to the nation’s infrastructure. The industry also weathered the ups and downs of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and emerged stronger than ever.
However, inflationary pressure, recession concerns, supply chain struggles and workforce shortages counteracted some of those positives.
Despite all those headwinds, the industry held its head high, looked them in the face and said: “Bring it on.” In my time around construction materials producers and equipment manufacturers, that’s par for the course.
They didn’t miss a beat as they faced challenges unlike any they’d ever seen before. Resiliency is the lifeblood of this industry and should be celebrated.
Up close and personal
Another great example of resiliency was on display for Pit & Quarry editor-in-chief Kevin Yanik and me in July when we visited Gregory Trucking in Elyria, Ohio. This time, though, it took the form of a 40-year-old crushing plant, still pumping out material as though it was fresh off the assembly line.
This crusher – as well as the owner of the company, John Gregory – felt like a microcosm of the industry as a whole. Here you have a machine going to work everyday no matter the circumstances, getting the job done and is ready to go the next day. Sure, after 40 years of work it may not be as glamorous as it once was, but it’s still as efficient as ever.
A large part of why this plant is still running is because Gregory and all the owners of the plant before him took pride in their work. They’re willing to take the time to do the maintenance needed to keep it operational, they take care of the plant the best they can and they maintain a strong working relationship with the manufacturer.
This same kind of pride is noticeable throughout the industry. Producers, contractors and manufacturers alike know how important what they do is to this country, and they don’t take that for granted.
Just as this 40-year-old crusher was built to withstand the test of time, so, too, is this industry and those in it.
Featured Photo: Portable Plants Staff