Chris Manatt

Spring is here with warmer weather, which means the construction season is underway. Ready mix has several jobs on the books already with numerous more being let soon. We have had a busy winter training our people.

A few members of the management team went to the World of Concrete. The World of Concrete was in Las Vegas in February. We went to classes and learned of new technology in the industry. We attended classes on mix designs, low strength cylinders, decorative concrete and leadership.

In early March several managers attended the IRMCA convention in Ames. We attended classes about safety, credit policies, and local promotion. We learned a lot of useful information.

On March 7, we had the Manatt’s ready mix managers meeting in Brooklyn. We had office personnel explain what they expect out of the managers. We also had speakers from outside the Company this year. David Dickinson of Dickinson Company, Inc. talked about what it means to be a manager; Kelly Emerson of Marquart Block, talked about chemical products that we use and Jim Jensen of the Lafarge Corporation talked about concrete influences.

On April 2, we sent our first and second year managers to a supervisor training class in Waukee. Kyle Lint, Eric Brashaw and Randy Cooper attended that training class.

On February 25, we had a retirement party for Wally Rohrer, Victor Plant Manager (see pictures on left). Wally retired after 38 years of service. Honoring him with a party were the following: John Manatt, Mike Manatt, Denny Gallagher, Chris Manatt, Ken Cline, Dan Boyer, Tom Shaull, and Burt Ostert. We have formed a strategic planning committee to analyze our strengths, weaknesses and form a marketing plan. Those on the committee are Mike Watson, Larry Ford, Curt Manatt, Denny Gallagher, Ken Cline and Chris Manatt. As you know, the Company Mission statement has changed to: “TO SAFELY DO EVERY JOB WE DO BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE”. Throughout the Company, safety is the number one priority and Ready Mix is no exception. We have posted signs at our plants that list our priorities in order, 1. Safety; 2. Quality; 3. Production Tama has been busy all winter hauling concrete to a sewer plant behind the Meskwaki Casino as well as to the Tama Pack plant. Tama supplied concrete to a bridge deck in Tama County in March (see picture below). There are several project lettings coming up in Tama. Russ and his crew have just completed the task of moving the sand plant from Tama to Independence. There have been numerous reports that Russ and his guys were very safety oriented during the move. Keep up the good work, guys. Again, safety is our number one priority. Tipton will start the year off with a few state jobs. Rory also has some jobs being let soon. Grundy Center has a few large projects on the books already; a new Bacon Veneer building

Vinton has numerous projects on the books including a large McDonalds/Gas Station and several culverts. Chuck also has some state work being let soon, which we hope to get. Newhall and Belle Plaine will also be hauling to culverts.

Kyle Lint has taken over as manager of the Victor plant following Wally Rohrer’s retirement. Victor started the year off with a large shop floor as well as numerous residential jobs.

Grinnell has been busy with residential jobs and has several large projects on the books. There are several more jobs that have lettings coming up. The chicken farm and Grinnell College have ongoing jobs in progress.

Montezuma has its new plant up and running (see picture on left). Rod is adjusting to the computer, but still reaches for the levers occasionally. New Sharon has just opened its doors this week and is ready to have a good year.  Colfax started out with a bang supplying to a bridge deck plus there are state jobs being let soon. Newton spent the winter hauling to a new motel at Colfax. There are some large projects on the books including a church parking lot and street projects. Please continue to make safety the number one priority and please continue to wear your hardhats.