New warning signal turns heads
Left to right: Joe Nickels; Lyle Tuttle, Mining District representative; Stacey Tuttle, Coyote Lakes resident; Richard Wehbe, Mining District representative and president of Coyote Lakes Homeowners; and Robert Lopez.
Controls can be programmed to "auto pilot" allowing just one person to operate the big machine. Using an onboard Global Positioning System, the dredge's position can be tracked within five feet with both time and position updated and recorded. It also boasts a 360 degree sonar that continuously scans the underwater mining surface to provide a three dimensional view on its monitor.
"The expected results of using this grab dredge technology will be dramatic," says operations manager Mark Hirzy. "We can now retrieve 17 million tons of reserves that were considered economically unviable due to the cost of dredging via the old method. Operating costs will be reduced significantly. Since the dredge also operates on electricity, there is a reduction in air pollutants and it's no secret that cleaner air is something we all enjoy."
Florida driver wins national competition
Driven to succeed, Mike Hennekam from Florida Materials’ Cocoa plant recently won the title of National Champion at the inaugural National Mixer Driver Championship.
Held during the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s Fall Conference in Orlando, Mike accepted his trophy and $2,500 prize money to a standing ovation of more than 500 attendees. Rinker Materials also gave him a trip for two to Las Vegas.
Competing against 28 other drivers from around the country, Mike tackled a seven-station challenge course, a walk-around visual safety inspection of a mixer truck and a two-hour written exam.
After securing State Champion honors at the 2005 Florida Concrete & Products Association’s competition Mike earned the right to compete in the national event. Mike’s secret to success? He guards these close but did mention that mirrors and the approach are key. He also credited his fellow competitors in Cocoa who helped him prepare.
“I was definitely nervous, but I had a good time. It was quite an experience being with the top drivers in America. I’m not any better—we’re all good at what we do. I just had a really good day,” says Mike.
Congratulations, Mike, on this outstanding accomplishment.
