There are a few other things going well for WQI.  The sand crews pushed to new bigger limits.  Thanks guys!  The drilling department is doing over 100% more outside drilling than last year.  That’s a big “wow”.  Again, it helps us all!  The stripping crew is doing a great job.  The whole Wendling group is doing its job “better than anyone else.”  A lot better!

We have some new faces in our safety department.  I think John and Luann will fit in very well.  John is from Anamosa and Luann lives in Clinton.  Stop by if you get a chance and welcome them to the team.  I’m sure everyone will make them feel at home.

We have some new equipment showing up around Wendling Quarries.  I hope each of you is affected by at least some of it.  It is worth mentioning that we have new stacking conveyors.  One is with the sand plant and the other is at the wash plant at Bowser.  What an improvement; stacks higher, faster, more productivity.  One of the best parts is the safety aspect.  It’s much safer than the old way, not that the old way was unsafe, but this way the employee involvement around resetting is next to none.  The less people are around moving parts, the better.  Safety is high on the list when it comes to buying new equipment.

Another moving tractor is on the list and is just coming on line about now.  Do you have to wonder if Roger T. is happy?  Some loaders, gen sets, and a new bridge at Bowser are also in the picture, just to name a few.  One of the pieces I am personally looking forward to seeing (should be soon), is the new production drill.  It will be orange and this makes me wonder if it performs as well as its sister.  If so, we won’t have a problem!  Did you know we are doing the drilling not only for Wendling, but also Bard, Coots and Martin Marietta.  Our group of four men and three drills is very productive and good at what they do.  Thanks, guys!

I can’t forget to mention our terrific office staff!  They have been working with the Basic Materials staff and helping out at Illowa and Bard.  They have a great team of their own.  Thanks for the extra time and effort you have put forth.

I’d like to comment on the year Wendling Quarries is having.  Our sales are on track with our forecast, slightly ahead of last year.  This is surprising with the spring we had.  Rain, rain, rain!  It seems like a lot of contractors are behind schedule.  If this is the case, I look for a strong second half of the season.  Our company is strong and up to any, and all, challenges.  Every year our organization becomes better positioned and able to weather any storm.  That’s a great thing!

Finally, in closing let’s all go home safely each and every day!  School has begun, so pay attention and watch for children, school buses, and other school traffic!