Case Study: Castor Materials

The Company:
Castor Materials, Philadelphia, Pa.

The Challenge:
• Replace aging volumetric batch plant
• Ensure a steady supply for paving business
• Increase production for ready mix business
• Improve mix consistency across seasons
• Enhance product variety
• Certify plant to bid on city and state jobs

The Solution:
• CON-E-CO Lo-Pro 12 transit mix plant

Bill Hagstotz runs a thriving paving business in Philadelphia called Highway Paving, Inc. In 2004, he reached a crossroads when concrete deliveries were sometimes delayed because of the building boom. Hagstotz acquired a Zimmerman "shake & bake" unit and converted it from truck-mounted to stationary.

While it sufficed to get its new owner into the ready mix business, the converted plant could not provide the quantity, consistency, and certifiability Hagstotz needed.

After some research, Hagstotz discovered that Joe DeFrank, who had sold him his McNeilus mixer trucks, was now with Mid Atlantic Concrete Equipment selling concrete batch plants.

Once the order was placed, says Hagstotz, "Joe fast-tracked it so we could put up the plant at a time of year when it's slow."

By early 2008 the first batches had been run and the plant was being fine-tuned and readied for spring. Hagstotz believes the new plant will provide for future growth, and plans to apply for certification to pursue city and state contracts.