Proper Maintenance An Important Factor
In The Vecellio Group’s Success Formula
(1st/2nd Quarter 2004)
Welder Jose Suarez thickens the metal surface of an impact crusher at White Rock Quarries.
White Rock Quarries employee Barbero H. Palomino carefuly inspects a screen used to sort crushed limestone by size.
Godofredo Hernandez, a member of White Rocks belt crew, inspects conveyors for signs of damage.
Theres a basic formula in heavy/highway construction that goes something like this: Quality + Production + Safety = Success.
As long as cost-estimates are fairly accurate and no major factors affect the outcome, following this formula will usually produce good results.
But theres another formula that is just as important for success, one that stands behind and supports the first: Proper Maintenance = Better Quality + Higher Production + Increased Safety.
It doesnt take Einstein in a hard hat to calculate the many benefits of regular maintenance. Keeping equipment and facilities in tip-top shape contributes to overall company performance. It raises quality levels, maximizes productivity and provides employees with a safer working environment.
Thats why the companies of the Vecellio Group make proper maintenance a regular part of the routine.
A good example is White Rock Quarries, the groups limestone quarry in Miami, Florida. White Rock averages an hour of maintenance for every two hours of production. Daily inspections occur on every phase of the operation, with needed repairs handled immediately to keep the quarry running at top capacity.
Its a lot of work, but you cant have good production without good maintenance, says Joe Hernandez, Maintenance Foreman. Its as simple as that.
White Rock is one of the largest single-site crushed stone quarries in the country, and high-volume production is imperative to keep up with sales demand. Every maintenance or repair item that is taken care of during scheduled down time is one less potential problem during the busy production phase. It also ensures that aggregates are properly sized and routed during production, so customers receive the highest quality products.
Proper maintenance keeps equipment in safe operating condition, as well. Normal wear and tear on equipment which can be quite extreme — is carefully monitored. Any items needing attention are addressed during scheduled maintenance maximizing equipment uptime and worker safety.
Were very proud of our excellent production and safety records, and we recognize how much of that goes back to regular maintenance, says White Rock Quarries President Jim Hurley. We appreciate the great work performed by our maintenance crews, day in and day out.
At the Groups other operating units, Vecellio & Grogan, Ranger Construction Industries, and Ranger Construction — South, maintenance is valued just as highly. Crews at each facility and in the field are dedicated to keeping equipment running properly.
Service trucks continuously monitor fuel and fluid levels, while mechanics and welders are on-the-spot to perform needed maintenance and repairs. And while it may operate behind the scenes at times, a regular maintenance program is a vital part of the organization.
Our maintenance crews deserve a great, big thank you from all of us, says Andy Jones, President of Rangers North Division. Maintenance isnt something that gets in the way of production. Without maintenance, we wouldnt have production.
Bill Medcalf, President of Vecellio & Grogans Construction Division, agrees. Heavy equipment is subjected to extremely tough working conditions. But our maintenance crews do a great job keeping us up and running. We appreciate all their hard work under conditions that can be quite difficult.
Its true that maintenance is not the most visible aspect of the Vecellio Groups operations. But theres no mistaking the value it adds. Not only does it increase worker safety, it raises quality and production levels as high as possible.
Together, this adds up to better overall company performance. And thats a great formula for success by anybodys standard.
Behind-The-Scenes Work A Critical Part
(1st/2nd Quarter 2004)
A word from Leo A. Vecellio, Jr., President, Chairman and CEO, Vecellio Group, Inc.
It takes a lot of work to keep the equipment up and running for a group of our size. We give our maintenance crews a hearty thank you for their excellent efforts in this regard.
Maintenance isnt on the front lines of our business, but we couldnt succeed without it. Heavy equipment takes a heavy beating, day in and day out and during the night shifts, too.
We sincerely appreciate the efforts of those charged with keeping our equipment and facilities running well. You not only help us achieve peak production and quality, you provide a safer work environment for us all.