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Grit & gears: Equipment crew innovations
Our equipment team of employee-owners ensures our fleet — of 1,100+ pieces of yellow iron and 450 support assets — keeps moving. Nearly 2,000 machines require maintenance, upgrades and care. How do they keep their massive operations running smoothly? Collaboration, technology and innovative ideas.
As we transition from the busy summer months into the colder fall and winter seasons, this team gears up for a different kind of hustle. Harsh winters are difficult for project teams. Machines can’t operate in the field, but the equipment pros find the silver lining. During those harsh winters, they have more time to bring machines into the shop for repairs. When milder winters occur, as they have in recent years, the strategy adapts. The focus shifts to preparing asphalt machines for the next paving season and making the most of the time when equipment can be serviced. It’s all about staying ahead of the curve.
Teamwork makes the dream work
With about 215 dedicated employee-owners, our equipment team is a powerhouse of collaboration and expertise. Mechanics, technicians, welders, foremen and more work together across various jobsites, making sure that every piece of equipment is ready to roll when needed.
What’s their secret to success? A blend of preventive maintenance tracked through Telematics and communication with field operations. Getting ahead of issues through regular preventive maintenance minimizes the amount of surprises. When problems arise, the equipment team coordinates repairs, working with field operations leaders to gauge the severity and timeline so their project can stay on schedule.
Challenge accepted
Equipment maintenance isn’t without its challenges. Maintaining an impressive fleet across the Midwest means working with equipment in remote locations. Our projects can be many miles away from our nearest shop, so getting equipment in for service can be a logistical challenge. With the company’s ongoing growth, there’s no slowing down. Our equipment team continuously works towards stronger, more methodical processes, and embraces that challenge.
Our family brands are there to help! Equipment leaders across ESS and Rummel Construction constantly collaborate and share best practices. Communication across our entire organization has helped our equipment team refine its approach; learning from each other ensures we’re always improving.
Fueling innovation
Improved processes don’t stop at predictive maintenance. Our equipment leaders are excited about new bulk fuel storage initiatives. “By being able to store off-road and on-road diesel fuel right at our shops, we’re making our operations smoother,” said Shaun Brown, vice president of equipment.
Thanks to a single-source oil supplier, Exxon Mobil, we’re standardizing our process. Using the same oil and filters across the board not only simplifies maintenance but also helps catch potential problems before they escalate. Think of it as the ultimate preemptive strike against equipment failure.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, we’re gearing up for some exciting developments. Plans for our shops, big-time fuel innovations and major AI equipment advances are all on the horizon. Stay tuned, the equipment team is changing the game.
Next time you see a piece of our yellow iron out on the job, take a moment to appreciate the hard work that goes into keeping it there. Our equipment employee-owners are hustling day in and day out, ensuring that our projects run smoothly and efficiently.
Ready to join the well-oiled equipment team? Check out our open equipment positions and apply today!
