PRODUCER PROFILE

“At our company, we recognized the need for improved production capabilities and energy efficiency to remain competitive and move forward in our industry,” Flowers said. “To that end, we identified specific goals such as raising production levels, increasing utilization of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), updating the design of our burners, enhancing combustion efficiency, and integrating all plant components via plant controls. Several of these strategies lead to broader impacts including reducing our environmental footprint. We are making great strides toward each objective by implementing cutting-edge strategies and technologies to create value for our stakeholders and ensure long-term success.”

James Moller, the plant manager who has been with CWR for 14 years, shared some of the technologies that are keeping their environmental footprint low: “The ASTEC Whisper Jet burner provides a clean-burning solution to the plant, relying on natural gas for an efficient and low emission output. WMA is an option, and it is something we are looking into for future production.” He explained that educating other contractors in the past has been one challenge to implementing WMA previously.

You can see a video of the day from the Asphalt Contractors Association of Florida (ACAF) at this link: https://youtu.be/ MgXpLol2mgU

“CWR is committed to understanding the environmental footprint of its products and practices. Through technology and training, we’re always looking for ways to make our work more sustainable, whether it’s building roads that are more resilient to weather events or using recycled materials that help us create a more sustainable future. As a proud sponsor of NAPA’s Road Forward initiative and a committed EPA Energy Star Partner, CWR is proud to be the leader in this initiative, committed to setting the standard for other businesses to follow.”

Moller explained they make mix for both customers and their own crews at a pretty even ratio. “Realistically, the last three to four years, we were typically about 50/50; intercompany and outside sales.”

Moller also spoke of the technologies keeping production optimum. “By leveraging mod- ern technology, our plant professionals can tailor our new plant’s specifications to meet the unique demands of production.

“We have remote monitoring. We have Fleet Watcher for the loadout system and Team Viewer for the plant’s blending system. We can remotely keep track of how the plant is running its production and help with any necessary troubleshooting. Our facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art lab, providing our team and clients access to the latest in modern equipment.”

Cwr Cares

The 2023 Construction Hike for Hope takes place April 15 in five cities (and counting) in Florida. CWR Contracting is one of the first companies that joined the roster to participate in the fundraising event to raise awareness of the epidemic of suicide in the construction industry and to help save lives.

“To raise awareness about the concerning levels of suicide in the construction industry, CWR Contracting is proud to join Vince Hafeli's Construction Hike for Hope event with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention,” CWR President Bob Flowers said. “Together, we endeavor on a mission not only to be informed and prevent these tragedies but also to support those who have been affected by mental health issues that may lead up to this point. As an organization dedicated to protecting our over 1,000 employees’ wellbeing, CWR stands firm against any risk at hand; together let us make it count! Join us on Saturday, April 15, at 10 a.m. CST as we demonstrate solidarity at St. Andrew State Park in Panama City Florida.” weilerproducts.com

For more information on participating or becoming a sponsor, visit https:// supporting.afsp.org/index. cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive. event&eventID=8868.

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At the opening of the new 400 TPH Astec plant, Flowers shared with the attendees that the new facility has “a lot of” features that match up to CWR’s sustainability initiatives, including high capacity for recycle, electric heat, a long drum for running recycle mix with virgin material, the Astec Whisper Jet burner, and so on. “We’ve got more rail infrastructure coming in here,” Flowers told the crowd. “We’ll be bringing all our aggregate in by rail here in the next 12 months or so. That right there is a money saver as well as more energy efficient.”

Flowers shared that the gentlemen offering invocations and blessings at the ceremony were Gerald Hickman, with Marion County, and Billy Joiner, a project manager for CWR.

“As we gathered at the new asphalt plant, our hearts were filled with anticipation and excitement,” Flowers said. “Billy Joiner, our project manager, stepped forward to lead us in prayer. It was a moment of great unity that infused everyone with positive energy and sense of purpose. Together, we formed a strong bond and laid the foundation for a successful endeavor as we began on this new journey.”

As CWR dives into the 2023 season with a new plant up and running in Central Florida, they’re poised to serve customers trend- ing southward in Florida. The new journey is off to an environmentally friendly start with the technologies Flowers highlighted for the audience enjoying the grand opening in November and with the infrastructure to come.