This article looks at the inherent deficiencies of the valuation process, in which circular logic frequently allows minor errors to be compounded, cemented as fact, and amplified, often without the benefit of context. It also provides an example of how one erroneously high comp resulted in the bankruptcy or foreclosure of a number of producers, as well as how one of our clients got ensnared in this web of suspect appraisals.

Not long ago, plant automation was a novelty, a technology of the future with a price tag to match. Today plant automation and Intelligent Dredging moves the excavation process in the same direction as the plant process—reducing cost, raising efficiency, increasing reserve recovery, improving operator conditions, and optimizing the entire system from excavation to plant feed.

The construction materials industry might have proved its mettle in 2020, but it proved its might in 2021, notching success after success in a year unlike any other. Building on the momentum established in Q4-2020, the industry began the year with widespread optimism and a belief that organic growth would continue. That certainly proved to be the case, and all signs point toward continued growth and a strong sellers market in 2022.

Yet another transaction involving Martin Marietta has been completed, with the company’s $2.3B acquisition of Lehigh-Hanson’s west division closing this month. The transaction continues an acquisition-forward trend for Martin Marietta, who began 2021 with a positive outlook and a stated intent to use acquisitions to expand into new markets and strengthen its positions in existing markets. This article looks at has Marin Marietta has executed its strategy, to price of this transitional growth, and impact of its bolt-on program as it focuses on reducing leverage.

When most people think of green, they think of energy…renewable resources replacing fossil fuels. The common points of the green energy discussion include renewable energy like wind, water, solar, and (gasp) even nuclear. However, these alternatives aren't always available, and many mines are forced to rely on good old-fashioned diesel fuel. So how can a producer be green while burning diesel? This article looks at how efficiency can dramatically reduce operating costs while also achieving green results.

The dramatic rise in the development of greenfield quarries nationwide can adversely affect not only aggregates in their target markets but, as producers and consumers respond, also inflict collateral damage on ready-mix, asphalt, and other markets. With stakes this high, one would expect incumbents would be proactive in aggressively mitigating greenfield threats. Yet the industry has historically taken a different approach. This article explores three reasons why, and introduces one potential solution, albeit imperfect, that has been employed in other industries with success—catch and kill.

Green producers and great producers have much in common, including their optimization of the invaluable resource that is time. Downtime, maintenance time, service interval time, operating time, tons per man-hour….few resources are as measured and managed as time. This article looks at why creating the proper balance between scheduled maintenance time and scheduled operating time is important to reducing unplanned overtime, minimizing workforce stress, and providing a healthier and more efficient work environment that drives increased profits.

The construction aggregates industry has seen wave after wave of consolidation, with fewer and fewer operators controlling ever increasing shares of local and regional markets across the U.S. As the positions of the industry leaders have grown in these markets, so too have their profits. The question is this: is this sustainable, or will the excess profits in the aggregates industry succumb to economic theory?

Building a top-notch team is critical to the success of any company, and the best producers in the industry are adept at attracting high-caliber sales and operating personnel to manage day-to-day aspects of the business. These companies deliberately ensure that the people performing and supervising these functions are talented, committed, and well-trained. But the construction materials industry is complex, requiring attention to disparate factors that influence not only the day-to-day results but also the long-term performance of the business. So how can companies optimally manage critical long-term functions like environmental, geology, mine planning, and engineering? The right approach can determine if your business will thrive in both good times and bad.