Aggregate (also known as stone) production is an essential component of our daily lives. Since 1906, Boxley has proudly helped meet the regional demand for aggregate supply at our seven southwest and central Virginia locations. Aggregate is the foundation to build every facet needed for daily living. Homes, businesses, places of worship, roadways and bridges, wastewater management, and renewable energy development all require aggregate.
Ever wonder how a modern aggregate operation works?
There are many jobs to fill in an aggregate operation drawing on the skills and expertise of each person. It starts with a responsible and effective site and plant design by an engineer that meets all regulatory and environmental requirements. Then, under the supervision of foremen, supervisors, managers, and our safety department, we develop the site. Quarry benches (ledges that serve as roadways to access and transport the stone) are created by strategically drilling and blasting rock away per state and industry laws and regulations with the required state-certified blaster-in-charge present.
Once the rock has been blasted, we are on our way. Heavy equipment operators utilize a variation of heavy equipment machines to load and haul the rock to crushers where a primary operator, or plant operator, controls the machines to crush and screen the stone according to the size and specification needed for the customer.
Our asphalt division uses aggregate in all mix designs (Base, Intermediate, or surface mix. Base mix, the first layer laid, is the foundation for the load-bearing portion of a pavement structure. Included in all asphalt projects, it is an important part of our daily lives, from the roadways we drive to the tracks at the local high school.
Project managers assist the customer in determining which of the three base mixes will work best for their project. Then, plant technicians sample the base mix before it is applied to ensure it meets the required standards.
Dispatchers then ensure dump truck and distributor drivers (CDL) have the product out to the foreman, skilled laborers, laborers, roller operator, and paver operator— allowing them to begin work with the asphalt distributor, tractor broom, skid steer and paving machine.
If you have interest or questions about pursuing a career within the Summit Materials family, please reach out to Manisha Hall at (540) 777-7613. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to follow our A-Z tour for the remainder of the year.